Meatstock

Meatstock - BBQ, Bands and Bedlam

Fire up your taste buds and get ready to rock at Meatstock Hamilton 2026! Following last year’s record-breaking weekend, this festival of barbecue, bands and bedlam is set to sizzle at Mystery Creek on 13-14 February 2026.

Headlining will be the incredible Full Metal Orchestra, described as a breathtaking collision of symphonic orchestra meets hard rock and heavy metal, exploding the stage with the ultimate clash of genres and classics reimagined.

Meatstock will also feature rock legends, JET, who just celebrated the 21st anniversary of their heralded debut album, Get Born, along with New Zealand's multitalented Drax Project, renowned rock bands, I Am Giant and Tadpole, Troy Kingi & the Cactus Handshake, Cornerstone Roots, Riiki Reid, Lost Tribe Aotearoa, Volts, Steffany Beck and Rumpus Machine. 

In the Heat Beads BBQ Wars, top pitmasters from New Zealand and around the globe will compete for bragging rights across every protein category. Meanwhile, the Butcher Wars will once again showcase razor-sharp skill and lightning-fast carving.

The action doesn’t stop there. Festival favourites return in 2026, including the infamous  Beard & Mo Wars, the Medieval Wars featuring axe throwing, archery tag and the thunder of live Buhurt battles, arm-wrestling showdowns and the high-stakes Sausage Sizzle Throwdown.

Need a breather? Stroll the Rod & Custom Rumble to see New Zealand’s most jaw-dropping custom cars, trucks, big rigs and bikes and browse the BBQ Expo for cutting-edge gear and exclusive rubs.

Whether you’re setting up a tent, rolling in with a caravan or checking into a nearby hotel or Airbnb, camping and accommodation are easy at Meatstock. Rally the whole crew and make a weekend of it.

Proudly presented with support from The Rock, Behemoth Brewing, Heat Beads, and Traeger.

Music Line-up
Friday - JET, Tadpole, Troy Kingi & The Cactus Handshake, Riiki Reid, Steffany Beck
Saturday - Full Metal Orchestra, Drax Project, I Am Giant, Cornerstone Roots, Lost Tribe Aoteaora, Volts, Rumpus Machine

Gates
Friday 12pm-10pm
Saturday 10am-10pm

- +64 7-853 7689
- General Enquiries: +64 7-853 7000

- Located at main entrance ticket booth
- Valid photo ID required for ticket pickup
- Advance online booking recommended
- Open 1 hour before event start time

- Large on-site parking area
- Free parking for most events
- Designated disability parking near main entrance
- Overflow parking available during large events
- Shuttle services for major exhibitions

- Wheelchair accessible venues
- Designated spaces in all event halls
- Companion seating available
- Ramps and elevators throughout complex
- Assistance available upon request

- No outside food or drinks
- Professional conduct expected
- No smoking within venue premises
- Bag check may be required
- Photography restrictions during some events

- Children under 12 must be accompanied by adult
- Age restrictions vary by specific event
- Some events may have minimum age requirements
- Child-friendly areas in select exhibition spaces