Meatstock back on the menu

Punters and foodies alike will be donning their cowboy hats next March, with Meatstock confirmed to return to Gippsland.

Held at Lardner Park, the combination speciality meats and country music festival first came to the region in April, running between the Sydney and Toowoomba legs of the event.

Featuring professional bull riding, arm wrestling, barbeque competitions, and a stacked lineup of acclaimed Australian artists, headlined by 15-time ARIA winner Kasey Chambers.

Attracting more than 54,000 in its first year, Meatstock is returning for 2027, this time scheduled for March 5-6.

"Honestly, Lardner Park is one of the most stunning venues anywhere in the country for a music festival", said Meatstock organiser Jay Beaumont, who attributed some of the event's previous success to how spread out and accesible the venue was for travellers from Melbourne, with great scenic
hills for camping.

"Add to that a region that already understands good food and music, and it was a pretty easy decision to come back".

Mr Beaumont said the first Meastock attracted more than 10,000 punters on the first day, selling out all camping options immediately, as well as the bull riding program.

This year, Meatstock is hoping warmer March weather and a stronger value proposition, bolstered by an impressive music lineup, will help surpass inaugural attendance figures.

Beyond the food and entertainment, the event also carries added significance for competitive barbecue teams, with 2027 serving as a qualifying year for the BBQ World Cup in Las Vegas. The return of Professional Bull Riding is expected to further bolster the program, adding another crowd-pulling attraction to the festival's lineup.

Organisers have planned for substantial attendance, though they acknowledge the event's ultimate growth will depend on support from the wider region.

For tickets and more information, head to the Meatstock Website