Culley's Smoke & Spice Festival 2022

Overview

Meat lovers have another event to circle on the calendar. The Culley's Smoke & Spice Festival 2022 is set to land on Saturday, September 3 and Sunday, September 4, bringing smoky barbecue, hot sauce and ice-cool bevvies to Auckland's waterfront.

This year, ticket holders will get to sample low 'n' slow barbecue from local vendors and learn insider tips and tricks at masterclass demonstrations. NZ BBQ Champion Robert Berkowski, owner and master chef of Berkie's BBQ will be sharing his expertise with a three-hour masterclass on 'everyday barbecuing', where attendees will, of course, get to eat what is cooked.

There'll be food trucks operating, including already announced meat lovers Morepork BBQ, The Big Smoke BBQ Co and The Dog Father Hotdogs. For a bit of a twist, The Vegan Society will be there slinging fire-cooked meat alternatives and plant-based options — because you can't live on steak alone. There will also be a Jack Daniel Bloody Mary caravan whipping up BBQ-themed cocktails.

And for the first time, New Zealand's best barbeque-rs will be put to the test with an official NZBA competition outside Shed 10 on Saturday, September 3 — they'll be judged on chicken, ribs and a bonus Bloody Mary category. General admission tickets start at $22.50, with family passes beginning at $44. There are also masterclass tickets, VIP passes and whiskey add-ons — head to Eventfinda to find out more.