Blues, BBQ, and Bold Flavours: How Stubb’s & Grill Mates Are Bringing the Heat and Smoke to Bluesfest 2025

In Partnership with Grill Mates and Stubb’s

As the autumn leaves begin to fall, music enthusiasts and food lovers alike are gearing up for one of Australia’s most iconic events: the Byron Bay Bluesfest. Scheduled from April 17 to April 20, 2025, at the Byron Events Farm in Tyagarah, New South Wales, this year’s festival promises not only a stellar musical lineup but also an unforgettable culinary experience. Blues music will be served with a side of authentic Texan BBQ flavour, courtesy of Stubb’s legendary sauces and Grill Mates’ bold seasoning blends, ensuring every bite hits the right note.

Supplied by McCormick

A Star-Studded Musical Lineup

Bluesfest has always been a beacon for both local and international artists, and 2025 is no exception. Attendees can look forward to performances from:

• Thursday, April 17: Ocean Alley, Tones & I, Maoli (US), Christone “Kingfish” Ingram (US), Budjerah, and more.
• Friday, April 18: Toto (US), George Thorogood & the Destroyers (US), Gary Clark Jr. (US), Christopher Cross (US), and others.
• Saturday, April 19: Crowded House, Vance Joy, Xavier Rudd, The Cat Empire, and additional acts.
• Sunday, April 20: Chaka Khan (US), Hilltop Hoods, Missy Higgins, Rodrigo y Gabriela (MEX), John Butler, and more.

For a comprehensive list of performers and the latest updates, visit the official Bluesfest website.

Supplied by McCormick

A Culinary Collaboration: Stubb’s and Grill Mates at Bluesfest

This year, Bluesfest is elevating its gastronomic offerings through an exciting partnership with Stubb’s and Grill Mates. Recognizing the deep connection between soulful music and flavourful barbecue, this collaboration aims to inspire festival-goers to explore new tastes and cooking techniques.

Experience the Flavours Of Blues

At the festival, attendees can immerse themselves in live grilling demonstrations, where experts will showcase how to marinate proteins using Grill Mates’ diverse range of seasonings and finish them with Stubb’s authentic sauces. This method enhances the depth and richness of barbecue dishes, offering a symphony of flavours that resonate with the festival’s musical ambience.

To encourage your own barbecue adventures, there will be interactive stations where they can sample various dishes and learn about different grilling techniques. This hands-on approach not only introduces attendees to the versatility of Stubb’s and Grill Mates products but also fosters a community of food enthusiasts eager to share their grilling stories.

Supplied by McCormick

Music and Barbecue: A Perfect Harmony

The essence of Bluesfest lies in its celebration of culture, community, and creativity. This year, the festival’s soulful roots run even deeper with the integration of Stubb’s and Grill Mates, paying homage to the legendary link between blues music and authentic Texas BBQ. Born in Lubbock, Texas, Stubb’s Bar-B-Q was founded by C.B. Stubblefield, who famously filled his restaurant with live blues performances, drawing in icons like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Willie Nelson. Now, that same spirit will be alive at Bluesfest 2025, where the smoky flavours of Stubb’s and the bold seasonings of Grill Mates will perfectly complement the festival’s world-class musical lineup. Whether you’re swaying to the rhythms of your favourite band or savouring a perfectly grilled bite, this year’s Bluesfest promises to be a true feast for the senses.