Hot Luck is adding one of folk music’s fastest rising artists to its 2026 weekend.

Mon Rovîa will perform at Mohawk on Friday, October 16, bringing his blend of West African influences and Appalachian folk to Austin as part of Hot Luck’s two day celebration of food and live music. Doors open at 8 p.m., with the show beginning at 9 p.m.

Born in Monrovia, Liberia and now based in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Rovîa has built a sound shaped by a life that stretches from Liberia’s civil war to the American South. His songs balance intimate folk arrangements with themes of identity, displacement, resilience and belonging without losing the warmth that has helped introduce him to a much wider audience.

That audience has grown quickly. Rovîa has appeared at Bonnaroo, Newport Folk Festival, Austin City Limits and the Grand Ole Opry. His song “Heavy Foot,” from his debut album Bloodline, is also nominated at the 2026 Americana Honors & Awards.

For Hot Luck, the booking fits a festival that has always treated the music after dinner as more than something playing in the background.

“We want to put people in a room with artists they already love or might be very happy they discovered six months from now,” Hot Luck co founder and Mohawk owner James Moody said. “Mon Rovîa feels like one of those artists.”

It also gives Friday night a natural second act. Hot Luck begins October 16 with Giddy Up, its live fire cooking event at Franklin Barbecue, before the party shifts to Mohawk later that evening. The festival continues Saturday, October 17, with House Party at Assembly Hall, bringing together chefs from Austin and around the country.

Individual tickets for Mon Rovîa at Mohawk are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. Admission is included for Whole Enchilada pass holders.

The Whole Enchilada Pass is $349 and includes Giddy Up, the Mon Rovîa showcase, early entry to House Party and access to additional participating music venues throughout the weekend. Family and Youngster passes are also available.

Additional chefs, musicians and festival programming are expected to be announced ahead of the October weekend.

Hot Luck 2026 Details

Dates: October 16 and 17, 2026
Mon Rovîa at Mohawk: Friday, October 16
Doors: 8 p.m.
Show: 9 p.m.
Individual tickets: $35 advance, $40 at the door
Whole Enchilada Pass: $349
Tickets: hotluckfest.com