# Event Details

- **Event Name**: Fired Up Barbecue Festival 2026
- **Event Start and End Date**: Sat, 28 Mar, 2026 at 03:00 am – Sat, 28 Mar, 2026 at 11:00 am
- **Event Description**: Northland’s smokin’ hot celebration of barbecue, music and community returns to the Bay of Islands this March, bringing global barbecue styles, non-stop entertainment and iconic Kiwi music to Kerikeri.

The Fired Up Barbecue Festival will take place at The Old Packhouse, Kerikeri, from 1pm – 9pm, Saturday 28 March 2026.

Fired Up celebrates everything we love about cooking over flame — from low and slow smoking to charcoal grilling, earth cooking, wood-fired and open flame traditions. Festival-goers can feast on incredible food from some of New Zealand’s top barbecue vendors, showcasing flavours and techniques from around the world including traditional American low and slow, Greek, South African, Brazilian and hāngī.

Global Sounds and Iconic Kiwi Anthems:

Music is at the heart of Fired Up, with a global soundtrack designed to match the festival atmosphere. Laid back reggae, cultural performances, infectious Latin rhythms from Ke lo Ke and iconic kiwi anthems from The Jordan Luck Band.

Championship Barbecue Competition Returns:

Fired Up will again host the annual Tai Tokerau Low & Slow Barbecue Competition, hosted by local pitmaster Ken Van Mackelbergh of Barbecue BOI, Jamie Urwin and Greg Hart. The competition is part of the NZ Barbecue Alliance official roster and attracts around 25 teams from across New Zealand.

Visitors can head to the Competition Zone to watch the action and pick up tips from some of the country’s best pitmasters.

The festival also features an extensive EXPO Zone, packed with rubs, seasonings, sauces and the latest barbecue gear, alongside a full programme of live music, entertainment, backyard games, competitions and eating challenges.


Ticket Pricing
Early Bird First Release: $25 + booking fee SOLD OUT
Second Release: $35 + booking fee
General Admission: $45 + booking fee
Gate Sales: $55
Kids under 15 free with paying adult
________________________________________
Ticket Purchase
Online: Eventfinda
Local Outlets:
Barbecue BOI, 5 Fairway Drive – Kerikeri
The Old Packhouse Market Café – Kerikeri
.

Tai Tokerau Low & Slow Barbecue Competition:
Please note, there is Free Entry to this Zone if you just want to check out the Pitmasters. There are no food and alcohol sales in this area.

Registration for Competition:
NZBA Registration is open now at Eventfinda
Kids BBQ Comp - get the kids involved and win BIG!!!
The coveted Judges Tickets are SOLD OUT
- **Event URL**: https://allevents.in/russell/fired-up-barbecue-festival-2026/200029388306445
- **Event Categories**: festivals, contests, kids, music, business, exhibitions, entertainment, sports, live-music, reggae
- **Interested Audience**: 
  - total_interested_count: 698

## Ticket Details


## Event venue details

- **city**: Russell
- **state**: NO
- **country**: New Zealand
- **location**: The Old Packhouse Kerikeri
- **lat**: -35.246276430126
- **long**: 173.93667983802
- **full address**: The Old Packhouse Kerikeri, 505 Kerikeri Rd, Kerikeri 0293, New Zealand, Russell

## Event gallery

- **Alt text**: Fired Up Barbecue Festival 2026
  - **Image URL**: https://cdn-az.allevents.in/events2/banners/b697ba883191ba344f456658da3e759ebc2f223fa20367168e867e38ec0ddd18-rimg-w1200-h628-dc010101-gmir?v=1774388785

## FAQs

- **Q**: When and where is Fired Up Barbecue Festival 2026 being held?
  - **A:** Fired Up Barbecue Festival 2026 takes place on Sat, 28 Mar, 2026 at 03:00 am to Sat, 28 Mar, 2026 at 11:00 am at The Old Packhouse Kerikeri, 505 Kerikeri Rd, Kerikeri 0293, New Zealand, Russell.
- **Q**: Who is organizing Fired Up Barbecue Festival 2026?
  - **A:** Fired Up Barbecue Festival 2026 is organized by Fired Up Barbecue Festival.
- **Q**: Who is this event for? Is it right for me?
  - **A:** Fired Up Barbecue Festival 2026 is ideal for festival lovers, culture enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a vibrant, immersive community experience. Whether you're a first-time attendee or a longtime enthusiast in Russell, this event is thoughtfully curated to deliver a standout experience worth every moment. With 690+ people already showing interest, this is clearly an event worth adding to your calendar - don't miss out.

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