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 lands in Bendigo on March 14 and 15 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.
Some of the best pitmasters in the barbecue biz will be serving up food throughout the weekend including Get Smoked, Hoy Pinoy, Carolina Smoke, Phat Boyz BBQ, Black Iron Smokers, Hangry Wolf BBQ 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 Lane Pittman, Chase Rice, Oliver Anthony, Redferrine, Bella Mackenzie, Piper Rodrigues, Dakota East and Taylor Moss.
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 eight seconds in sports, as well as the legendary 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 mo 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.