- Barbecue style food from around the world
- Tai Tokerau Low and Slow Barbecue Competition
- The Fired Up Barbecue EXPO Zone
- NZ Chilli Eating Champs 2025
- Music and entertainment all day including White Chapel Jak, Ngati Soul + more
- Kids Burger Competition and the SCA Steak Competition
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 new festival of food will take place at The Old Packhouse, Kerikeri, 12noon – 8.30pm on 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, competitions and eating challenges.
“We are not talking a sausage sizzle and some beersies” says festival organiser, Jackie Sanders, “This epic BBQ showcases styles from around the world, up north in the Bay of Islands! Head along with the whole family for a whole heap of fun with Dad Bod “Beauty’ Contests, Beard of the Bay, plus the SCA Steak Cookoff with a $1000 top prize. Our young budding grillers can compete too in the Kids Burger Competition.”
FIRED UP combines forces with the annual Tai Tokerau Low & Slow Barbecue Competition, hosted by local pitmaster, Ken Van Mackelbergh, Barbecue BOI. This is part of the NZ Barbecue Alliance roster of official competition events and attracts around 25 teams from all across New Zealand. 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 and White Chapel Jak plus great DJs and your host TOAST from Northland’s More FM Breakfast Club.
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!
Limited Early Bird tickets are on sale Monday 24 February at 8am for only $20 + Booking Fee from Eventfinda.co.nz. All competition registration links can also be found on our Eventfinda listing and social media channels. Capacities are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.
All ticket sales prior to midnight, Friday 8 March will go in the draw to win a Pit Barrel Cooker Co. Junior valued at $500 thanks to Barbecue BOI.
This event has been made possible thanks to funding from Northland Inc and MBIE.
For further information on FIRED UP BARBECUE FESTIVAL, interviews or images please contact Jackie Sanders // Jacman Entertainment
M: 021 373739
For more details on the TAI TOKERAU LOW AND SLOW BARBECUE COMPETITION, please contact Ken Van Mackelbergh // Barbecue BOI
M: 021 027 91442
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