Are you sick of salad? Maybe you’d like to kill kale? Perhaps you hunger for something with a little more meat on its bones? Well, hunger no more! Meatstock 2024 lands in Bendigo on March 16 and 17 to satisfy all your carnivorous cravings, and it's bringing along an unmissable program of rocking music, wild attractions and nail-biting competitions this year.
"If an offset smoker and an electric guitar had a baby, it would be Meatstock," is how the festival describes itself. Sounds legit. Last year, a staggering 60,000 attendees stormed through the gates, and we reckon this year's event is gearing up to be just as riotous.
Some of the best pitmasters in the barbecue biz will be serving up food throughout the weekend including Two Smokin' Arabs, Bluebonnet, Hoy Pinoy, Smokestack BBQ, Fancy Hanks, Red Gum BBQ, Black Iron Smokers, Heat Beads Meat Wagon and more, with plenty of drinks stalls to wash it all down.
Entertainment will come by way of many local artists and bands playing on the main stage, including Aussie Idol darling James Johnston, Chayce Beckham, Zac and George, The Wolfe Brothers, Amy Sheppard, Casey Barnes, This Way North, Fanny Lumsden, Lane Pittman, Southbound XO and the Buckleys.
You can head over to the expo portion of the event to pick up everything from barbecue rubs, cooking appliances, barbecues, hot sauces and heaps more, but don't stop there. Whether to spectate or take part, you're also encouraged to hit up the competitive eating zones where pale-faced attendees will be showing off their bottomless bellies when it comes to throwing down sozzie sizzles, burgs or red-hot hot wings.
The Professional Bull Riding will also be back this year, where cowboys (and cowgirls, of course) will be challenged to brave the toughest 8 seconds in sports, as well as the legendary Butcher and Barbecue Wars and Strongman and Woman strength tests. Rather a good laugh than a high-stakes thrill? There'll be plenty of sillier events on the program, such as the Beard and Moe Wars, Mullet Comps and Dad Bod Contests.
Though you can choose to attend for just one of the days (and let's face it, ten hours will still pack a high amount of crazy), camping enthusiasts may as well settle in for the whole weekend. The Bendigo site has a range of camping options for RV, tent and caravan junkies, from 'big rig' sites for the pros to spacious powered camping sites right by the gates.
Head here to suss out your options and get your tickets now.
