Things are about to get seriously smoky, in the capital. The Open Fire Food Festival (OFFF) is making its flaming-hot return to Etihad Park, Yas Island, on November 8 and 9, and none other than Steve Harvey will be leading the charge once again. After setting the capital alight last year with bold flavours and backyard vibes, this year’s edition is shaping up to be even bigger, hotter, and tastier. I have all the mouthwatering details you want to know, so keep reading to find out more
Also read: Taste Of Abu Dhabi 2025: The Capital’s Tastiest Festival Is Back! Here’s What You Need To Know
What’s Cooking?
Think juicy cuts sizzling over open flames, smoky aromas drifting through the air, and the kind of live-fire cooking that makes your mouth water before you’ve even taken a bite. This is a full-on celebration of BBQ culture with masterclasses, live demos, toe-tapping music, and family-friendly fun. Whether you’re a die-hard pitmaster, a foodie chasing your next flavour adventure, or just someone who loves a great vibe with delicious eats, this festival is built for you.
A Star-Studded Chef Line-Up
Of course, a festival of this scale needs some serious firepower in the kitchen, and this year’s roster is stacked. Leading the charge is Myron Mixon, the “winningest man in barbecue,” alongside Tuffy Stone, a pitmaster and TV judge known for his precision cooking. You’ll also see David Olson, the globetrotting chef-storyteller, and Lee Ann Whippen, an award-winning BBQ expert with decades of experience.
Joining them are legends like Moe Cason, who has competed in over 260 cooking competitions, and Steven Raichlen, the man behind global BBQ hits like Planet Barbecue® and Project Smoke. And let’s not forget Melissa Cookston, a seven-time World Barbecue Champion and the first woman inducted into the Barbecue Hall of Fame. Together, they’ll be serving up world-class BBQ and sharing the secrets behind their smoky masterpieces.
More Than Just Food
While the BBQ battles and chef demos are the main event, the festival is designed to be a full-day (or weekend!) hangout. There will be interactive masterclasses, roving food stalls serving regional and international BBQ, live entertainment to keep the vibes going, and even shaded family zones if you’re bringing the kids. Speaking of which – kids go free, making this one of the easiest family outings to plan. For those who like a little extra comfort with their brisket, there are also upgraded lounges and VIP areas.
Steve Harvey’s Flame-Fueled Vision
For Steve Harvey, the festival is about more than just great food. “Food brings people together, and when it’s cooked over fire, it brings unforgettable flavor too,” he says. His aim is to create a space where people from all walks of life can connect, share food, and make memories. Don’t tell me Abu Dhabi isn’t the perfect backdrop for that?
Plan Your Visit
With a line-up this hot, the smart move is to grab your tickets early. And plan your day around the big demos, which always draw a crowd. Bring a hat, come hungry, and leave plenty of time to soak up the Yas Island energy. With theme parks, waterfront dining, and entertainment just minutes away, the festival is the perfect centerpiece for a full weekend adventure.
The Details:
- Where: Etihad Park, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
- When: Saturday & Sunday, November 8–9
- Tickets: Starts from AED 75, kids go free.
Get yours at Open Fire Food Festival’s website or Platinumlist.
So fire up that group chat, and get ready for the ultimate ultimate BBQ party Abu Dhabi has ever seen!
