EXPERIENCES

That’s right, The Big Chill is an all-ages event. Little Chillers is a zone for the little ones that’s big on fun, keeping hands busy and hearts full with:

• Face painting
• Arts and crafts
• Interactive experiences
• Giant games
• Silent disco

Little Chillers Stage

• 11.30am – Bluey
• 12.05pm – The Gagliardies Family Circus
• 12.50pm – Whistle & Trick
• 1.35pm – Bluey
• 2.10pm – The Gagliardies Family Circus
• 2.55pm – Bluey
• 3.30pm – Whistle & Trick

This year the beloved Live and Local stage will be sitting pretty inside the Main Pavillion at the Armidale Showground. We are talking cozy vibes, comfy seats and damn good tunes. We know, we know, you’re on the edge of your seats, waiting with bated breath to know the names of this year’s Live & Local heroes. We are thrilled to announce the below line up:

• Electric Postman
• Liquid Zoo
• The Karma Cowboys
• Sarah Adeney
• Fovdlings
• Jess Minda
• Rocky Bottom Girls
• Blakksol
• Side by Side Choir and the Good Notes

If BBQ feasts are up your alley, head directly to BBQ Alley, do not pass go, do not collect $200. Instead, do enjoy the live cooking demonstrations, the taste tests and the one and only BBQ @ The Big Chill Competition. 

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

12:30PM – Steak Cooking Demo

1:30PM – Lamb Carcass Breakdown

2:30PM – Sausage Making Demo

3:30PM – Low ‘n’ Slow Pork Ribs

4:30PM – Burger Demo with Smoking Dog BBQ

1. Steak Cooking Demo – Chat rubs, webers, charcoal, and how to select, and cook, the perfect steak over live fire with Glenn – Smoking Dog BBQ, Emma – Alpha Furnishers (Armidale’s local Weber specialist dealer), Stu the Butcher, and Mark – The Meat Game Podcast.
2. Lamb Carcass Breakdown – Watch as a lamb carcass is broken down into individual cuts and prepared for spit roasting over charcoal by Stu the Butcher – Head Judge of World Butcher Wars, while UNE Meat Scientist – Professor Peter McGilchrist, chats meat quality and cooking methods! And who knows, Meat Game Mark might just join in the fun!
3. Sausage making Demo – Get ready to take notes, because the self-proclaimed Sausage Professor is in session. Mark from The Meat Game Podcast is bringing his expertise, and probably a few strong opinions, to The Big Chill with a live Lamb and Beer Sausage Making Demo that’s equal parts education and entertainment. Adult supervision will likely be provided by Stu the Butcher, because some classrooms need a professional on standby. Whether you’re a seasoned sausage maker or you’ve never touched a casing in your life, this is one class you won’t want to skip.
4. Low ‘n’ Slow Pork Ribs – Catch the boys  – Stu the Butcher, Mark from The Meat Game podcast, and Glenn from Smoking Dog BBQ as they pull back the curtain on competition-worthy pork ribs. This isn’t just about lighting a fire; it’s a masterclass in the holy trinity of BBQ:

• Time: Finding that perfect window for “bite-through” tenderness
• Temperature: Mastering heat management for consistent results.
• Rubs: Layering flavors that make the meat sing.

Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just starting out, come grab a front-row seat and learn how to master.

5. Burger Demo with Smoking Dog BBQ – Catch Glenn from @smoking_dog_bbq as he fires up one of his killer signature burgers live at The Big Chill. Flavour‑packed, char‑grilled and seriously good. Check out his Insta page.