A live fire feast where chefs cook over open flames as guests wander and sample unique bites and sips, serving as the kickoff to the Hot Luck festival.
Giddy Up kicks off Hot Luck at Franklin Barbecue on Friday, October 16, from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM. It's the signature stroll-and-sample feast of the festival, created by Aaron Franklin, James Moody, and Mike Thelin. The format is simple: chefs cook live over fire while guests wander through and sample unique bites and sips. It's the festival's Friday-night kickoff, and it's a DIY mashup of the culinary and music worlds.
Hot Luck is a chef-driven food and music festival cofounded by James Beard Award winner Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue, Mohawk owner James Moody, and Feast Portland co-founder Mike Thelin. It's been running in Austin since 2017, drawing on the city's culinary and music scenes. Past lineups have included Calexico, Lightning Bolt, and Big Business, with venues like Mohawk, Antone's, and Hotel Vegas. This edition marks the festival's first year in the fall and its first under People Inc.'s live events portfolio.
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Throughout the weekend, the festival continues its partnership with The Southern Smoke Foundation, which supports food and beverage workers in crisis. Giddy Up is accessible only via the Whole Enchilada full weekend pass, with no individual tickets available. That pass costs $349 and includes Giddy Up, early entry to House Party, and a complimentary night at the Mohawk music showcase. If you're only interested in the House Party, there's a separate admission for $199. Giddy Up runs from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM at Franklin Barbecue, 900 E 11th St, Austin, TX 78702.
