Sydney Showground

First there was Woodstock in 1969; now, there’s Meatstock – with a different kind of smoke in the air, if you know what we mean.  Meatstock, the festival dedicated to all things meat and music, is celebrating its 10th birthday in 2026 and you’re invited. Returning to the Sydney Showground on May 1-2, the ‘steaks’ are high at this two-day meat fest. Get set to feast on succulent smoked meats from Carolina Smoke, Blackmore Fullblood Wagyu MBS9+ and other prime cuts from Enmore restaurant Firepop, Filipino BBQ skewers cooked over charcoal by Hoy Pinoy, Colombian Street Food by Berbeo Bros, and burgers, tacos and meat boxes from Smoky Sue’s to name a few.  This year, the festival is doubling down on its music cred; the Friday line-up includes bangin'  performances by L.A.B, Thundamentals, Tiki Taane and Kylie Auldist while Saturday features The Dreggs, Drax Project, The Bamboos, Karen Lee Andrews, The Slims and Bud Rokesky. Expect high energy, big crowds and awesome live performances on stage.  The action heats up in a Barbecue Championship featuring teams of chefs and pitmasters vying to be the best at their chosen protein, while the World Butcher Wars will see contestants from Australia and around the world displaying their butchery skills in a fast-paced, meat-filled showdown. If you’re a keen backyard chef, pick up everything from cooking equipment to condiments at the expo stalls and catch those cooking demos – while you grab a cold beer, of course. Whether you’re a...