Hot Luck Fest Returns To Austin For 4th Year

AUSTIN, TX — The lineup for the Hot Luck Fest taking place over Memorial Day weekend — described by organizers as a "one-of-a-kind finger-licking and finger-picking good time" — was revealed on Tuesday.

Founded by James Beard Award-winner Aaron Franklin, Guerilla Suit principal and Mohawk owner James Moody, and Mike Thelin, co-founder of Feast Portland, Hot Luck Fest returns for its fourth year from May 21 – 24. Not just another big music and food festival, Hot Luck is suffused with a vibe that makes it feel more like a family get-together at a backyard cookout.

To be sure, food is the focal point as the festival brings together some of Hot Luck’s favorite chefs, cooks, and musicians from all over North America and beyond. "Attendees will be treated like family, will eat and drink like royalty, and this year, for the first time, can bring their kids," organizers wrote in a press advisory.

Individual tickets and weekend passes for the four-day family gathering went on sale today, Feb. 25 at 10 a.m. CST at HotLuckFest.com.

The Hot Luck weekend features fun food events by day with a spotlight on some of the most talented chefs in the world — from Austin to New York and the Carolinas to California, making food and serving good times at beloved Austin-area venues, such as Franklin Barbecue and The Wild Onion Ranch. At night, the focus shifts to music as guests can experience Austin nightlife with music shows at some of Austin's most iconic clubs, including Mohawk and Barracuda. In 2020, we are excited to welcome Dinosaur Jr., Hayes Carll, DJ Jazzy Jeff, and many more coming soon.

For out-of=town guests, Hot Luck yields a taste of Austin "...served on a paper plate with a hug, a high five, and a big warm smile," organizers said. For locals, it’s a reminder of what makes Austin such a special place, organizers noted.

"To everyone and for everyone, Hot Luck is a celebration of the people, places, and things we all hold dear and a reminder in today’s divisive times that great food and good music are things we can agree upon," organizers wrote. "So whether you want to attend every event for four days straight with the Whole Enchilada Pass or come check out one food or music event, Hot Luck has got you covered."

Ticket prices for music shows start at only $20. The 2020 events and chef lineup include:

THURSDAY, MAY 21

The Giddy Up: Mohawk

Presented by our friends at YETI and Whole Foods Market, The Giddy Up is the welcome party for the Hot Luck family of chefs and friends plus weekend pass holders at The Mohawk. Think of it as the rehearsal-dinner-meets-kickoff party for the Hot Luck Weekend. The Giddy Up is where our food heroes get together to swap whopping lies and insider truths about life in the kitchen. This year, New Orleans’ own Mason Hereford of Turkey and the Wolf will bring the good times alongside local luminaries Yoshi Okai, Jason Stude, and Mike Diaz for this industry shindig. Whole Foods Market will have delicious snacks for guests to enjoy, as well. The Giddy Up is open to Whole Enchilada Pass holders only.

Full Chef Lineup: Jason Stude, East Austin Hotel (Austin, TX); Mason Hereford, Turkey and the Wolf (New Orleans, LA ); Yoshi Okai, Otoko (Austin, TX); and Mike Diaz, Oseyo (Austin, TX).

FRIDAY, MAY 22

Hi, How Are You?: Franklin Barbecue

Welcome to Hot Luck ‘20 and, for a lot of you, welcome to Austin. Join us for this East Side backyard get-together hosted by Aaron Franklin at Franklin Barbecue — famous for the longest lines in the history of lunch. He’ll be joined by master of the one-two fish sauce punch Andy Ricker and charcuterie king Elias Cairo, North Carolina champion Ashley Christensen, along with Texans Chris Shepherd, Rebecca Masson, Andrew Wiseheart, and Fiore Tedesco for a one-of-a-kind block party. Hi, How Are You is open to Whole Enchilada pass and individual ticket holders.

Full Chef Lineup: Aaron Franklin, Franklin Barbecue (Austin, TX); Andrew Wiseheart, Contigo (Austin, TX); Andy Ricker, Pok Pok (Portland, OR); Ashley Christensen, Poole’s Diner (Raleigh, NC); Chad Dolezal, Troublemaker (Austin, TX); Chris Shepherd, UB Preserv (Houston, TX); David Norman, Easy Tiger (Austin, TX); Elias Cairo, Olympia Provisions (Portland, OR); Fiore Tedesco, L’Oca D’Oro (Austin, TX); siblings Howard & Anita Hsu in partnership with Tillamook, Sweet Auburn BBQ (Atlanta, GA); Rebecca Masson, Fluff Bake Bar (Houston, TX) + more.

SATURDAY, MAY 23

Al Fuego: Wild Onion Ranch

Al Fuego is Hot Luck’s main event: a live-action, flame-fueled celebration of open-air cooking styles — from Texas to Thailand. We coax the chefs to kick it casual (not that hard) and cook what they might for friends in their own backyards. We set them up with the best meats, the coldest beer, and Aaron Franklin might even build them a special cooker. Chefs, including Chris Cosentino, Sarah Grueneberg, Joe Beddia, Reem Assil, Maneet Chauhan, and more, can choose their own fiery adventure at Al Fuego. It’s the entire reason Hot Luck exists: To celebrate the fare rarely seen at large events—the obsessively prepared, passionately executed, inspiring food that chefs love to eat. Al Fuego is open to Whole Enchilada pass and individual ticket holders.

Full Chef Lineup: Alon Shaya, Saba (New Orleans, LA); Arlin Smith & Andrew Taylor, Eventide Oyster Co. (Portland, ME); Ben Runkle & Bryan Butler, Salt & Time (Austin, TX); Bonnie Morales, Kachka (Portland, OR); Bradley Nicholson, Lutie’s (Austin, TX); Chris Cosentino, Rosalie (Houston, TX); Chris Kronner, KronnerBurger (Oakland, CA); Chris Schaefer, Geraldine’s (Austin, TX); Donny Sirisavath, Khao Noodle Shop (Dallas, TX); Earl Ninsom, EEM (Portland, OR); Gabe Erales, Comedor (Austin, TX); Gregory Gourdet, Departure (Portland, OR); siblings Howard & Anita Hsu in partnership with Tillamook, Sweet Auburn BBQ (Atlanta, GA); Joe Beddia, Pizzeria Beddia (Philadelphia, PA); Jordan Sanchez, Garrison (Austin, TX); Jorge Hernandez, Veramendi House (San Antonio, TX); Kevin Fink, Hestia (Austin, TX); Maneet Chauhan, Chauhan Ale & Masala House (Nashville, TN); Pat Martin, Martin’s BBQ (Nashville, TN); Reem Assil, Reem’s California (Oakland, CA); Rick Lopez, La Condesa (Austin, TX); Sarah Grueneberg, Monteverde (Chicago, IL); Sarah McIntosh, Epicerie (Austin, TX); Steve McHugh, Cured (San Antonio, TX); Taylor Hall, Apis (Austin, TX); and Todd Duplechan & Jessica Maher, Vixen’s Wedding (Austin, TX).

SUNDAY, MAY 24

Camp Sunnyside: Wild Onion Ranch

You're gonna make it to Camp Sunnyside where the 'counselors' will roll out the grandest campfire brunch ever known 'round these parts. Yesterday? It just doesn't matter. Sunday, out at the ranch, Camp Sunnyside is all about BRUNCH, everybody’s favorite, slow-and-low cooked weekend meal that was created in equal parts by carbs, coffee, late last nights, and salty cooked meats. Matty Matheson will bring “Just a Dash” of Canadian brunch realness alongside interpretations of the best breakfast/lunch mash-up dishes ever from Mei Lin, Blaine Wetzel, Jose Enrique, and more. A big thanks to Vital Farms, our ingredient partner for Camp Sunnyside, along with Whole Foods Market and Creekstone Farms. Camp Sunnyside is open to Whole Enchilada pass and individual ticket holders.

Full Chef Lineup: Blaine Wetzel, The Willows Inn (Lummi Island, WA); Callie Speer, Holly Roller (Austin, TX); Chris Bianco, Pizzeria Bianco (Phoenix, AZ); Chris Pentzlin, The Standard(Maldives); Edgar Rico, Nixta Taqueria (Austin, TX); Gabe Erales, Comedor (Austin, TX); Jesse Griffiths, Dai Due (Austin, TX); Jose Enrique, Jose Enrique Restaurante (San Juan, Puerto Rico); Laura Sawicki, Launderette (Austin, TX); Matty Matheson (Toronto, Canada); Mei Lin, Nightshade (Los Angeles, CA); Melissa Carroll, Le Politique (Austin, TX); Michael Fojtasek, Olamaie (Austin, TX); Sarah Heard & Nathan Lemley, Foreign & Domestic (Austin, TX); Tatsu Aikawa, Tatsu-Ya (Austin, TX); and Tavel Bristol-Joseph, Kalimotxo (Austin, TX).

INDUSTRY EVENTS

With special industry-only events featuring Philip Speer, Comedor (Austin, TX); Gabriel Rucker, Le Pigeon (Portland, OR); Chris Bianco, Pizzeria Bianco (Phoenix, AZ); and Fermín Núñez, Suerte (Austin, TX).

TICKETS

New this year, the signature food events will be for all ages and there are three new ticket types, including a family pack, student passes, and kid passes. More information on ticket prices can be found in the link here.

The Whole Enchilada Ticket Package: $550

Hot Luck is offering a limited opportunity to experience the full weekend of the third annual Hot Luck food and music festival. Enjoy main events, music shows, and more! Come hang with chefs, mingle with the bartenders, and enjoy the most intimate festival experience available. For a behind-the-scenes look into Hot Luck, look no further. Limited to a handful of (really) lucky folks.

The Whole Enchilada Ticket Package Includes:

• The Giddy Up — Thursday night industry welcome party (only available with Whole Enchilada pass)
• Hi, How Are You? at Franklin Barbecue — Main event Friday evening with early entry
• Al Fuego at Wild Onion Ranch — Main event Saturday evening with early entry
• Sunnyside Brunch at Wild Onion Ranch — Main event Sunday with early entry
• The Whole Enchilada pass is the only way into the industry kick-off at Mohawk and offers access to every music show.

Hot Luck is proud to continue to partner with The SAFE Alliance to donate a portion of the festival’s proceeds for the fourth year. The SAFE Alliance is a merger of Austin Children’s Shelter and SafePlace, both long-standing and respected human service agencies in Austin serving the survivors of child abuse, sexual assault, exploitation, and domestic violence. Visit safeaustin.org to learn more about the organization.

Hot Luck sponsors include YETI, Whole Foods Market, Karbach Brewing Co., VANS, Tabasco, Creekstone Farms, Tillamook, TX Whiskey, Performance Food Group, Knob Creek Whiskey, White Claw, Fernet-Branca, Rambler Sparkling Water, Alamo Drafthouse, Vital Farms, Oatly, Desert Door Sotol, Big Green Egg, Slow & Low, Resy, Minamoto Foods, Genji Sake Bell's Brewery, New Belgium Brewing, Niceland Seafood, Riunite, Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, Montinore Estate Wine, RNDC, Austin Eastciders, Island Creek Oysters, Music Water and Thaan Charcoal.

Preferred hotel partners include Fairmont Austin, along with South Congress Hotel, Hotel Ella, East Austin Hotel, Hotel Van Zandt, Arrive Hotel, Carpenter Hotel, Hotel San Jose, Hotel Saint Cecilia, Austin Motel, and Hotel Magdalena.

For more information, visit us at hotluckfest.com and follow Hot Luck on Facebook and Instagram at @hotluckfest.

Courtesy image.

ABOUT HOT LUCK

Hot Luck is a food and live music gathering in Austin, Texas, brought together by James Beard Award-winner Aaron Franklin, Guerilla Suit principal James Moody, and Mike Thelin, co-founder of Feast Portland. Hot Luck is inspired by friendly tailgates, family reunions, get-togethers, and potlucks of our past and present. It is a fun, chef-driven, celebration of fire, food, music, and camaraderie. An a la carte, eat-with-your-fingers picnic and party experience that highlights open-pit feats of culinary know-how and music in your ears that is as thoughtfully curated as the food on your plate. Come hungry, thirsty, and bring your dancin’ boots. For tickets and more information, please visit www.HotLuckFest.com and follow along @hotluckfest on social media.