Fired Up Barbecue Festival

Attention all lovers of the flame-grilled, low and slow, earth cooked, charcoaled, smoked and wood-fired. Those who like their meat marinated, seasoned and smothered in sauce….Fired Up Barbecue Festival is here! Northland's smokin' hot festival of food will take place at The Old Packhouse, Kerikeri, Saturday 29 March 2025.

Tasty food from renowned Pitmasters washed down with our finest wine and beer matches, an EXPO Zone to stock up on the essentials and a massive programme of music, entertainment, backyard games on steroids and eating challenges.

We are not talking a sausage sizzle and some beersies. This epic BBQ showcases styles from around the world, up north in the Bay of Islands!

The event combines forces with the annual Tai Tokerau Low & Slow Barbecue Competition, hosted by local pitmaster, Ken Van Mackelbergh (Barbecue BOI), which is part of the NZ Barbeque Alliance roster of official competition events. Head to the Competition Zone to pick up tips from the best!

Fire Dragon Chillies will be holding Heat 5 of the NZ Chilli Eating Champs 2025 at the fest. This competition is not for the faint-hearted, but if you are up for the challenge you can win great prizes and the overall winner will progress to the final held in Auckland. Register for the NZ Chilli Eating Champs at www.firedragonchillies.co.nz/chilli-eating-champs/

It ain't a good barbie without the sounds. A bit of reggae, mix in some rock and a good dose of your favourite classics....our music line up will deliver with Ngati Soul, KOHIA, Dogfather and White Chapel Jak plus great DJ and your host TOAST from More FM Breakfast.

Stock up on all your BBQ essentials in the Festival EXPO Zone, participate in the games and comps or chill out in the multiple covered bar areas. This will be one EPIC BBQ!

Capacity is limited so don't delay and lock it in.

Early Bird tickets are only $20 + Booking Fee and are strictly limited.
General Admission: $30 + Booking Fee
Kids Under 15 are free with a paying adult.

Tai Tokerau Low & Slow Barbecue Competition:
Please note, there is Free Entry to this Zone if you just want to check out the Pitmasters. There are no food and alcohol sales in this area.

Registration for Competition:
NZBA competition entry will be $250 + Booking Fee
Registration and information package plus accommodation options will be sent out following registration

Kids Burger Competition: Registration Fee: $25 + Booking Fee
Kids can cook too! Win great prizes, Beef Mince is supplied. Age range 4 - 13yrs.

SCA (Steak Cookoff Association) Steak competition: Registration Fee: $125 + Booking Fee
Winner gets $1000 and a golden ticket to compete at the World Championships in Texas. Steak is supplied and can be cooked on anything.

Judges Entry $30 (Taste and score each entry!)
- Includes FIRED UP event ticket and is limited to 25 seats.
- Must be on site for judges training at 10am
- This is a full day commitment with 30 min breaks between each hand in