Hot Luck's Music and Food Lineup for 2023

Barbecue impresario Aaron Franklin continues his Hot Luck hot streak with a popping lineup of faces, both familiar and fresh, for his annual celebration of food and music. Here’s the agenda for a weekend of good eatin’:

Thursday, May 25
Hi, How Are You? at Franklin Barbecue
Tickets

Thursday evening bring us the the backyard-vibes industry get together featuring local Franklin pals Tracy Malechek-Ezekiel and Arjav Ezekiel of Birdie’s, Evan LeRoy of LeRoy and Lewis, Todd Duplechan of Lenoir, Mashama Bailey and Kristine Kittrell of the Diner Bar, and Damien Brockway of Distant Relatives.

Friday, May 26
Big Top: Fair Market
Tickets

This year brings a new event, one that embraces carnivals and fairs. Here you’ll get to enjoy bites from lauded pizzaiolo Chris Bianco of Pizzeria Bianco in Phoenix, along with a heaping helping of other chefs from across the country; participating local chefs include Tavel Bristol-Joseph of Emmer & Rye Hospitality Group/Canje, Sarah McIntosh of Épicerie, Yoshi Okai of Otoko, Edgar Rico and Sara Mardanbigi of Nixta, Fiore Tedesco of L’Oco d’Oro, and Luis “Beto” Robledo of Cuantos Tacos.

Saturday, May 27
Al Fuego: Wild Onion Ranch
Tickets

Here’s el mero mero of the weekend’s food events, a live-fire extravaganza with live-action cooking and cold bevs. This year’s impressive lineup includes Crystal Wahpepah of Wahpepah’s Kitchen in Oakland, who was just in town for the Luck Reunion Potluck; Joe Beddia of Philly’s Pizzeria Beddia (he just popped up at Favorite Pizza during SXSW); Chuy Villarreal of Orinoco in Monterey, Mexico; Chava Orozco, of Mi Compa Orozco in Mexico City; plus a whole raft of local chefs including Kevin Fink, who’s spearheading Emmer & Rye Hospitality’s forthcoming concept Ezov; Michael Fojtasek of the Albert Hotel; and Amanda Turner of Olamaie.

You can buy tickets to individual events, or purchase The Whole Enchilada package, but move your booty because these sell out fast. The fest also features nighttime performances by Shinyribs, the King Khan & BBQ Show, the Gories, Frankie & the Witch Fingers, and Robert Ellis.

Proceeds benefit the Southern Smoke Foundation, which became the exclusive beneficiary at last year’s fest.