Yak Ales Melbourne Barbecue Festival 2017

Overview

Prepare to drool all over yourself Homer Simpson-style, because the Yaks Ale Melbourne Barbecue Festival is back. Now in its third year, this weekend-long celebration of all things smoked and slow-cooked will bring together some of the biggest names in local barbecue, along with celebrity pitmasters from Memphis to LA.

Held on February 4 and 5 at Flemington Racecourse, the festival will feature live music acts, cooking demos and a four-way "butcher battle" between Troy Wheeler of Meatsmith, Gary McBean of Gary's Quality Meats, Tom Bouchier of Peter Bouchier Butchers, and Glenn Dumbrell of Char Char Char.

But let's not beat around the bush here: you want to know about the food. Chances are, you won't be disappointed. Bluebonnet, Burn City Smokers, Fancy Hank's, Southside Smokers and Henrietta's Chicken Shop are but a few of the meat masters who'll be in attendance. Our advice? Start fasting now.

Image: Southside Smokers.