If you love Austin food, May has one event that belongs at the top of your calendar: Hot Luck Festival.

This isn’t your typical food festival where you walk around a giant parking lot eating the same five things from restaurant booths. Hot Luck is much more Austin than that. It’s a combination of incredible food, live-fire cooking, chefs from around the country, drinks, live music and late-night parties, all wrapped into one long Memorial Day Weekend celebration.

Founded in part by Aaron Franklin and built around Austin’s obsession with food, barbecue and live music, Hot Luck has become one of the city’s most interesting food events. The 2025 festival ran May 22-25 and featured several different food events, music events and chef-driven experiences around town.

And here’s the thing about Hot Luck:

You don’t go just to eat.

You go to hang out.

You go to drink.

You go to listen to music.

You go to discover chefs you haven’t heard of.

You go to eat food that you probably aren’t going to find on a normal Austin restaurant menu.

And you go because this is one of the few festivals where the food actually feels like the main attraction.

HOT LUCK IS NOT JUST ANOTHER FOOD FESTIVAL

Austin already has plenty of food festivals.

Hot Luck stands apart because it doesn’t try to feel like a giant corporate food expo.

The festival is built around chefs, restaurants, pitmasters and musicians, with events that feel more like giant backyard parties than formal culinary events.

The official festival describes Hot Luck as a celebration of live food and music, and that’s exactly what it feels like.

Food is being cooked over fire.

Drinks are flowing.

Music is playing.

People are hanging out.

And the chefs are right there.

THE 2025 FESTIVAL RAN MAY 22-25

Hot Luck 2025 took place over four days from Thursday, May 22 through Sunday, May 25.

That timing is perfect because it falls on Memorial Day Weekend, giving people an opportunity to turn the festival into an entire Austin getaway.

The 2025 schedule included Giddy Up, Nite Moves, Al Fuego and Camp Sunnyside, along with music events throughout the weekend.

Instead of one giant event on one day, Hot Luck gives you multiple reasons to come back.

GIDDY UP AT FRANKLIN BARBECUE

The weekend kicked off Thursday with Giddy Up at Franklin Barbecue.

And yes, there are few more Austin locations you could choose for a food festival than Franklin Barbecue.

Giddy Up served as the opening event for Whole Enchilada pass holders, with chefs including Aaron Franklin, Ana Castro, Amanda Shulman, Alex Kemp, Geoff Davis, Lawrence “LT” Smith and Nate Barfield.

This is one of those events where you immediately realize Hot Luck isn’t messing around.

You’re getting chefs from different parts of the country together in one place and letting them cook.

NITE MOVES IS WHERE THINGS GET REALLY FUN

One of the highlights of the 2025 festival was Nite Moves, the Friday night street-food-focused event at Assembly Hall.

This was a new addition for the 2025 festival and was designed around chefs putting their own spin on street food from around the world.

That’s exactly the type of Hot Luck event you want.

You aren’t necessarily getting a traditional restaurant dish.

You’re getting chefs experimenting.

And street food is the perfect format for it because you can walk around, grab something, try another dish and keep moving.

THIS IS THE BEST WAY TO EAT AT HOT LUCK

Don’t approach Hot Luck like a normal dinner.

Approach it like a food adventure.

Take small portions.

Try things you’ve never heard of.

Don’t spend all your time waiting for one dish.

Walk around.

Talk to people.

Look at what other people are eating.

If something looks incredible, go find it.

Then move on.

THE CHEFS ARE THE REAL CELEBRITIES

At Hot Luck, you don’t need to chase movie stars.

The celebrities are the chefs.

And the lineup is stacked.

The 2025 events brought together chefs from Austin and around the country, including people associated with restaurants such as My Loup, Burdell, Chilte, Eventide Oyster Co., Lao’d Bar, Ajja, Row 34, Mr. Tuna, OMG Squee, Mister Mao, Canje and Birdie’s.

That’s a ridiculous amount of culinary talent in one weekend.

THE BEST PART IS DISCOVERING SOMETHING NEW

If you’re already an Austin foodie, you’ve probably eaten at many of the city’s famous restaurants.

Hot Luck gives you an excuse to discover chefs from outside Austin.

You might taste something from a chef from New York.

Then something from New Orleans.

Then something from another Texas city.

Then you walk around the corner and find an Austin chef doing something completely different.

That’s what makes the event exciting.

AL FUEGO IS THE ONE FOR FIRE-COOKING FANS

Saturday’s Al Fuego is one of the signature Hot Luck events.

The entire concept revolves around cooking with live fire.

And if you love barbecue, this is the event you don’t want to miss.

We’re talking fire.

Smoke.

Grills.

Open pits.

Wood.

And chefs who know how to use all of it.

Hot Luck’s 2025 Al Fuego event took place at Jester King Brewery on Saturday, May 24.

JESTER KING MAKES AL FUEGO EVEN BETTER

Taking a live-fire food event out to Jester King is a perfect Austin combination.

You’ve got food.

Beer.

The Texas Hill Country atmosphere.

And chefs cooking over fire.

It feels much more like a giant backyard gathering than a formal food festival.

Wear comfortable clothes.

Bring your appetite.

And don’t expect to sit down for three hours.

THIS IS WHERE THE BOOTS COME IN

If there is ever an Austin food event where you can wear boots and not feel overdressed, this is it.

Hot Luck doesn’t require fancy clothes.

You want to be comfortable.

You want to walk.

You want to eat.

You want to drink.

You want to hang outside.

Think Texas casual.

CAMP SUNNYSIDE

Sunday brings Camp Sunnyside, another major Hot Luck experience.

The 2025 event was held at Fair Market and featured a large collection of chefs serving food in a lively indoor-outdoor party environment. The official Hot Luck material describes it as one of the largest culinary events of the weekend.

If you only have time for one major food event, this is one of the strongest choices.

THIS IS WHERE YOU WANT TO BRING YOUR FRIENDS

Camp Sunnyside is perfect for groups.

Everybody can walk around.

Everyone can try different food.

Nobody has to agree on one restaurant.

And you can compare what everybody finds.

It’s basically a giant group food crawl without having to drive all over Austin.

HOT LUCK IS ALSO A MUSIC FESTIVAL

Don’t make the mistake of thinking you’re going to eat and go home.

Music is a major part of Hot Luck.

The 2025 lineup included live performances at venues throughout Austin, with shows involving artists including White Denim and a variety of local and touring acts.

This is what separates Hot Luck from many other food festivals.

You can eat all day and then spend the evening listening to live music.

WHITE DENIM

White Denim was one of the bigger names on the 2025 Hot Luck music lineup, performing at High Noon on Saturday night.

That makes for a perfect Hot Luck night.

Eat.

Drink.

Listen to music.

Then keep the night going.

HIGH NOON IS A GREAT PLACE TO END THE NIGHT

High Noon is one of those Austin venues that fits perfectly into the Hot Luck atmosphere.

It’s intimate enough to feel like you’re actually seeing a band rather than watching a giant production.

And after spending the day eating, it’s a good place to burn off some calories by standing around listening to music.

HOTEL VEGAS AFTER DARK

If you’re not ready to go home after the main event, East Sixth Street is the obvious direction.

Hotel Vegas and the surrounding venues hosted Hot Luck-related music events during the 2025 festival.

This is where the food festival turns into a normal Austin night out.

Music.

Bars.

DJs.

People everywhere.

And plenty of options for continuing the evening.

HOT LUCK IS PERFECT FOR THE AUSTIN BAR SCENE

This is another reason I like Hot Luck.

You can spend the afternoon at a food event, then head into East Austin for drinks.

You don’t need to find a fancy cocktail lounge.

Grab a beer.

Find a patio.

Listen to a band.

Walk to another bar.

Hot Luck fits naturally into Austin’s nightlife.

THE BEST HOT LUCK NIGHT

Here’s the perfect plan:

5:00 p.m.

Start with a food event.

6:30 p.m.

Eat your way through the festival.

8:00 p.m.

Grab a drink.

9:00 p.m.

Head to a live music show.

11:00 p.m.

Go to East Sixth.

Midnight

Late-night food.

1:00 a.m.

One last drink.

That’s a proper Austin night.

DON’T FILL UP AT THE FIRST STOP

This is the most important food advice.

You will see something delicious.

You will want to eat all of it.

Don’t.

Take a bite.

Enjoy it.

Move on.

You have an entire festival ahead of you.

THE “ONE MORE BITE” PROBLEM

Hot Luck is dangerous for people who love food.

Because every time you’re full, you see something else.

“Oh, I’ll just try one.”

Then another.

Then another.

And suddenly you’re lying on a couch wondering why you ate six meals.

Pace yourself.

DRINK WATER

Hot Luck happens in May.

Austin can already be hot.

Combine that with outdoor events, food, beer and walking around and you can get dehydrated quickly.

Drink water between drinks.

You’ll enjoy the festival much more.

DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE HEAT

May in Austin can feel like summer.

Wear lightweight clothes.

Bring sunscreen.

Wear comfortable shoes.

And don’t assume an outdoor event will have plenty of shade.

Plan accordingly.

HOT LUCK IS A GREAT DATE

If you want an Austin date that’s more interesting than dinner and a movie, Hot Luck is perfect.

You can walk around.

Try food.

Share bites.

Drink.

Listen to music.

And there’s always something to talk about.

The food provides an endless supply of conversation.

IT’S ALSO GREAT FOR FOOD NERDS

If you are the person who watches cooking shows, follows chefs on Instagram and knows the names of restaurants in cities you’ve never visited, you’re going to love this.

Because Hot Luck is basically your Super Bowl.

BUT YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A FOODIE

That’s important.

You don’t need to know who any of the chefs are.

You don’t need to understand culinary techniques.

You don’t need to know the difference between every style of barbecue.

You just need to like eating.

And drinking.

And music.

That’s enough.

THE BEST HOT LUCK STRATEGY FOR FIRST-TIMERS

Don’t try to do everything.

Pick two major food events.

Pick one music event.

Leave the rest of the weekend open.

That way you’re not running from one location to another.

You’re actually enjoying yourself.

THE WHOLE ENCHILADA

For people who want the full experience, Hot Luck offers the Whole Enchilada pass.

The 2025 Whole Enchilada pass provided access to the full collection of Hot Luck events, including the opening Giddy Up party and the food and music programming throughout the weekend.

It’s the all-in option.

If you’re the person who wants to experience everything, this is the way to go.

BUT YOU DON’T HAVE TO GO ALL-IN

If spending hundreds of dollars on a food festival isn’t your thing, don’t worry.

You can choose individual events.

Pick the event that sounds the most interesting.

Maybe you’re a barbecue person.

Go to Al Fuego.

Maybe you’re a street-food person.

Go to Nite Moves.

Maybe you want the biggest party.

Go to Camp Sunnyside.

Maybe you’re mostly there for music.

Pick a music event.

THE BEST EVENT FOR BARBECUE PEOPLE

Al Fuego.

It’s basically a celebration of cooking over live fire.

If you love smoked meat, grilled food and anything cooked over wood, start there.

THE BEST EVENT FOR STREET FOOD

Nite Moves.

The whole concept is centered around chefs putting their own spin on street food.

It’s ideal for people who like variety.

THE BEST EVENT FOR GROUPS

Camp Sunnyside.

Big.

Social.

Lots of food.

Lots of people.

Lots of options.

THE BEST EVENT FOR A DATE

Giddy Up.

Franklin Barbecue.

Chef-driven food.

Drinks.

And the whole thing feels special.

THE BEST EVENT FOR MUSIC

Look at the music schedule.

Hot Luck isn’t about one giant stage.

It’s about music integrated into the weekend.

That’s more Austin.

HOT LUCK IS VERY DIFFERENT FROM AUSTIN FOOD & WINE

Austin Food & Wine is a major culinary festival.

Hot Luck feels more relaxed.

More casual.

More Austin.

The food is still excellent, but the atmosphere is less about culinary demonstrations and more about eating, drinking and hanging out.

One is a traditional food festival.

The other feels like the biggest backyard party in Texas.

THE SECRET IS THE MIX

Food.

Music.

Beer.

Cocktails.

Chefs.

Barbecue.

Friends.

That combination is what makes Hot Luck work.

Take away any one of those things and it wouldn’t be the same.

WHY MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND WORKS

The timing is perfect.

People already have a long weekend.

Austin is warm.

The city is busy.

Restaurants are active.

Music is everywhere.

And there’s enough time to make the festival part of a larger weekend.

You can spend Friday eating.

Saturday listening to music.

Sunday at Camp Sunnyside.

Monday recovering.

HOT LUCK IS ONE OF THE MOST AUSTIN EVENTS OF THE YEAR

SXSW is Austin’s giant international festival.

ACL is Austin’s giant music festival.

But Hot Luck feels more like the city itself.

Food.

Music.

Barbecue.

Drinks.

Local chefs.

National chefs.

East Austin bars.

Texas Hill Country.

And people who just want to have a good time.

THE BALLER ATX HOT LUCK GAME PLAN

Don’t try to eat everything.

Sample small portions.

Drink water.

Wear comfortable shoes.

Bring sunscreen.

Pick at least one event centered around live fire.

Try something from a chef you’ve never heard of.

Check out the music schedule.

Plan a night around East Sixth.

Don’t rush between events.

And save room for one more bite.

THE PERFECT HOT LUCK WEEKEND

Thursday: Giddy Up.

Friday: Nite Moves and live music.

Saturday: Al Fuego at Jester King, followed by music.

Sunday: Camp Sunnyside.

Monday: Sleep.

That’s the Hot Luck weekend.

THE BIGGEST TIP

Don’t treat Hot Luck like a food line.

Treat it like a party.

Walk around.

Talk to people.

Listen to music.

Try something strange.

Drink something cold.

Find a chef you like.

Go back for another bite.

And don’t worry about seeing everything.

The event is designed for you to wander.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Hot Luck is one of the best food events Austin has created because it doesn’t take itself too seriously.

The food is serious.

The chefs are serious.

The cooking is serious.

But the experience is about having fun.

You can eat incredible food cooked over live fire.

You can try dishes from chefs from around the country.

You can drink.

You can listen to live music.

You can hang out with friends.

You can explore East Austin afterward.

And you can spend an entire Memorial Day Weekend doing what Austin does best:

Eating, drinking, listening to music and having a damn good time.

If you’re only going to put one food festival on your May calendar, make it Hot Luck.

**Come hungry.

Come thirsty.

Bring your friends.

And don’t forget your dancing boots.