The smell of smoke, sound of live blues and pull of a slow-cooked barbecue will take over Halls Gap this Father’s Day weekend, as the inaugural Grampians Barbecue Festival makes its debut from Friday to Sunday.

Designed as a new regional tradition for dads, families and friends, the three-day event will bring together leading pitmasters, live fire cooking, regional food and drink, live blues and roots music, family entertainment and immersive barbecue experiences, set against the backdrop of the Grampians National Park.

The three creators of the event, Adrian Manikas of Absolute Outdoors, Damon Henricksen of Flame Brothers Smokehouse and Kate Kirkpatrick from Grampians Events, are aiming to celebrate the region while encouraging visitors to explore more of the area.

The festival will also host the Black Opal Wagyu Pitmaster Challenge, with an Australian Barbecue Alliance-sanctioned competition featuring more than 10 teams battling it out across brisket, pork, lamb and ribs for a $10,000 prize pool. 

The Steak Cookoff Association will host its own competition, with teams competing across same day double steak and dessert categories for $3000 in prizemoney. Grampians resident Tom Ballinger, of Coal Catering, will also feature throughout the weekend, hosting live-fire cooking demonstrations and hands-on sessions.

There will also be food vendors, artisan stalls and barbecue-inspired dishes, along with craft beer, regional wine and small-batch spirits from some of the Grampians’ and western Victoria’s best producers.

Live blues and roots music will feature throughout the weekend including Smoke Stack Rhino, Mitch King, Bill Barber and The Holding Cell, Mike Elrington, Matt Katsis, Grim Fawkner, Anna Scionti, Sunday Lemonade, The Mojo Corner and more.

Family-friendly entertainment including barbecues and Father’s Day-themed craft activities, mini golf, a golf simulator, make-your-own s’mores, plus a dad joke competition and beard and moustache competition.

Organisers encourage the region’s residents to make the most of the festival and use it as a Father’s Day celebration. 

For tickets and program information people can visit www.grampiansbbqfestival.com.au.

The entire September 2, 2026 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!