Hot Luck Live Food & Music Festival is so close, we can taste it. The annual celebration will return to Austin from Thursday, May 22 through Sunday, May 25.

Lucky for you, we've cooked up a guide to Hot Luck Fest. Let's dig in.

Hot Luck 101

Hot Luck Fest was founded by a trio of industry powerhouses: James Beard Award winner Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue, Mohawk owner James Moody, and Feast Portland founder Mike Thelin.

The founders drew inspiration from gatherings where food is central, such as tailgates, family reunions, backyard cookouts, picnics, and potlucks. The result is dubbed a "DIY casserole of the culinary and music world," aka four days of chef-driven bites + live music performances at iconic venues across the Capital City.

Get ready for the ultimate cookout at Hot Luck Fest 2025. | Photo by Dusana Risovic

Tickets

The Whole Enchilada Pass grants you access to every show + early access to each food event, but you can also pick and choose your adventure by purchasing single event tickets. Psst — you can also try your luck via this ticket giveaway.

But wait, there's more. Your ticket to the fest benefits the Southern Smoke Foundation, a nonprofit organization that supports food and beverage workers in need.

Order of events

Now, it's time for the main course: your day-by-day itinerary for the citywide celebration, along with a few chefs who stood out to us on the event lineups.

Thursday, May 22
Giddy Up | 5:30-9 p.m.
Franklin Barbecue will host a private event for Whole Enchilada ticket holders and VIP guests featuring snacks and beverages crafted by top chefs from across the US.

Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue
Ana Castro of Acamaya
Geoff Davis of Burdell

Friday, May 23
Nite Moves | 7-10 p.m.
Chefs will set up stalls and tents in east Austin's Assembly Hall to serve up their spins on street food staples from around the globe.

Ariana Quant of Uchi
Tavel Bristol-Joseph of Canje
Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel of Birdie's

The Spits + Mujeres Podridas | 9 p.m.
The punk band, known for hits like "All I Want," will be joined by the quintet from Rio Grande Valley on the Mohawk stage.

The party continues on Friday and Saturday nights at Mohawk. | Photo by Chad Wadsworth

Saturday, May 24
Al Fuego | 6-9 p.m.
Hot Luck's signature main event will take place at Jester King Brewery this year. Expect plenty of meats, cold beer, and live-cooking demonstrations.

Edgar Rico of Nixta Taqueria
Evan LeRoy of LeRoy and Lewis
Ben Savage of Kalimotxo

White Denim + Nolan Potter's Nightmare Egg | 9 p.m.
Head back to Mohawk to jam out with these two Austin-based bands.

Sunday, May 25
Camp Sunnyside | 12-3 p.m.
Wake up and smell the bacon. Go back to summer camp for brunch by the campfire at Fair Market, complete with carbs, coffee, and of course, salty cooked meats.

Fermín Núñez of Suerte and Este
Kevin Fink of Emmer & Rye
Ian Thurwatcher of Poeta

Hungry for more? Explore our full list of upcoming festivals in Austin, or discover the best things to do in May.