Culley's Smoke & Spice Festival 2023

Overview

Calling all meat-lovers: flavour experts Culley's are holding an epic waterfront BBQ, just in time for Father's Day. The Culley's Smoke & Spice Festival 2023 is set to land on Saturday, September 2 and Sunday, September 3, bringing smoky barbecue, hot sauce and ice-cool bevvies to Shed 10 on Auckland's picturesque Queen's Wharf.

In the three sessions held over two days, ticket holders will get to sample low 'n' slow barbecue from local vendors and learn insider tips and tricks at masterclass demonstrations held by the best of the best BBQ brands — including Weber, Kamado Joe, Masterbuilt, Charmate, Traeger, Espetosul, Ooni and Oklahoma Joe.

Attendees won't just be getting a meat education, but will also get the opportunity to learn a thing or two about its sidekick, whiskey. In the Jack Daniels masterclass, you'll learn what goes into perfecting the Jack Daniels blend, followed by a BBQ-inspired Jack Daniels Bloody Mary to wash all your new knowledge down.

There'll be food trucks too, including already announced meat lovers Morepork BBQ, The Big Smoke BBQ, Smoking Shake BBQ, Double Dutch Fries (to soak up all that meat) and The Dog Father hotdogs.

And if you've been scratching your head on what to get your old man for Father's Day, may we suggest New Zealand's best brisket sandwich? Whipped up by TVNZ's Cooks on Fire champions Shaun and Alia Branson, the wagyu brisket, gold leaf, saffron and truffle oil sambo is something dreams are made of.

If that's still not the right fit, perhaps a steak marketed as "the best steak you've ever had in your life" might do. Nothing says "I love you Dad" than a $99 Black Origin rib eye.

General admission tickets start at $22.00, with family passes beginning at $43. For those wanting their meat with a touch of luxury, VIP tickets are a cool $78.