What’s that? You wished Franko’s was on all weekend? Well… dreams really do come true. Introducing FLAMIN’ FRANKO! Tassie’s only dedicated barbecue weekend hit Franklin Square from Saturday 8th – 9th March. This BBQ bonanza is a full weekend of smoky, sizzling action—grilling, smoking, and top-notch local drops to match. Live tunes from local and interstate bands and a ‘Ranchero Relaxo’ area to kick back on a bean bag and soak in the atmosphere!
We sat down for an overdue chat with Madi creator of Farm Gate Market and Street Eats @ Franko to discuss her new beaut event Flamin’ Franko, and learn more about the inspiration behind it.
Madi, you’ve created the ever-successful Street Eats @ Franko, a much-loved Friday night staple in Hobart during summer. Blending live music, local eats and the magic of our bright summer nights.
Tell us how it all started. What inspired Street Eats @ Franko?
“Farmy (aka Farm Gate Market) took out a National silver medal for Excellence in Tourism at the Australian Tourism Awards in 2016 and I was in Melbourne at the Awards.
“While I was there, I visited the Queen Vic Night Markets and was blown away by how awesome it was. The food, the showmanship, the energy.
“I thought to myself, “why is no one doing this in Hobart?” And as a true entrepreneur I rose to the challenge.
“Franklin Square was the perfect location – at the time I had 2 toddlers and there were very few places I could go with my husband to listen to excellent live music, have a beer, some quality street food and the kids were safe to run around. It’s the perfect formula!”
Local produce and music are such a cornerstone of your events. How do you go about curating lineups, and what role does Tasmania play in the vibe?
“I travelled the world in my 20s and loved the pride that underpinned local markets and events. Provenance was the key stone.
“Being a very proud Tasmanian – yes I was the traveller who always said “Tassie” rather than “Aussie” when asked where I was from (and it was daggy back then!!) – there was no way that my events would ever do anything other than showcase the amazing food we have here in Tassie, and the heroes who grow it, prep and plate it.
Image credit: Nick Deveraux
“So when we look at working with food vendors and Producers the hero ingredient must always be Tasmanian. It must be ethically produced, as free from chemicals as possible. We’re lucky that those foodies that produce their food this way naturally gravitate towards us.
“The menus must also be diverse, exciting and unique.”
Now, you’ve dreamt up another event—Flamin’ Franko. You don’t rest! What inspired this fiery new venture, and how does it differ from Street Eats?
“Again this was born from the natural evolution of an entrepreneur! This style of cooking is HUGE globally and when you couple it with the world class beef, lamb, chicken etc. that we produce in Tasmania, a dedicated Barbeque festival was a no brainer for us.
“It’s similar to Street Eats @ Franko in that it’s underpinned by the same ethos and quality when it comes to local food and booze and of course our exceptional line up.
“It’s in the same location as Franko – Franklin Square – but everything is BIGGER!
“The footprint is bigger as we’re taking over the Treasury Car Park at the back of the site for the Car Park Cookout – the dedicated area where the Barbeques will be located.
“It’s also 2 WHOLE days of barbequed meats, tasty beats and local brews.”
Say less.
What sizzling experiences await attendees at Flamin’ Franko when it comes to food, vibes, and entertainment?
“We have a fantastic lineup of 9 Barbeque Masters and Smoke Sisters! A really diverse mix of cuisines ranging from American low and slow, to Jimbaran Balinese Barbeque. From Tex Mex to traditional Thai Barbeque – there’s really something for everyone.
“We will also have smoke back shots, double smoked Manhattans, Barbeque beers and sours being brewed especially for the event too.
“And when it comes to the live music program we have not held back – 18 hours of rolling live music from the best in Tassie. 19Twenty – the powerhouse festival band from NSW headline Saturday night and for Sunday – headlining we have Wesley Dean (AUS/USA) Golden Guitar winner, platinum record holder!
“Get ready to eat, drink and dance!!”
Image credit: Nick Deveraux
What do you hope people take from their experiences at Street Eats @ Franko and Flamin’ Franko?
“For me it’s really important that our local community walks away just a little bit prouder about being a Tasmanian after coming to Franko. Or, for those that have moved here, proud that they did so.
“I hope that those that come to Flamin’ Franko get inspired to get on the Barbeque and try new styles of cooking and recipes! Maybe they’ll be behind a Barbeque at next year’s festival!!”
With two iconic events under your belt, you’ve clearly tapped into what makes Hobart tick. What makes Hobart such a special place for hosting events like these?
“I think Hobart’s aesthetic is just beautiful, the mountain as a back drop, the water never far away and a beautiful corridor of green space that we get to play with for events.
“I think the size of Hobart means that those people we need to partner/work with from Government or local Government are not too far removed from what we do – it makes if more personal.”
Image credit: Nick Deveraux
What role does community play in the success of your events?
Are there any partnerships or collaborations that have been key to your journey?
“Community is a huge part of what we do. The success of our events is underpinned by the collaboration between us as organisers, the community who supports us and the producers/vendors that attend.
“I know from talking with visitors at either Farmy or Franko that they don’t have these types of events in their city centres, and they are blown away by the experience.
“They can feel the love that Hobartians have for these events, and it makes it part of the experience. We kind of come together as one city community rather than pockets of communities in a big city.
“I will make special mention to the Council officers we have been very fortunate to work with – City of Hobart has been our landlord for 15 years across our event platforms.”
Image credit: Nick Deveraux
OK, you’ve got a free day all to yourself in Hobart. Where are you going for a coffee, some lunch/dinner with friends?
“Very rare for me to have a free day. But here we go! I do really love the hood that we work in – Bathurst Street onto Criterion Street. We are surrounded by awesome small, Tasmanian businesses.
“So I’m going to start with coffee at Villino, then I’m working my way to Criterion Street Cafe for lunch and a cheeky glass of wine. Then I’m heading across Bathurst Street to the New Sydney for some fine Tassie brews on tap and some good old pub atmosphere.”
Sounds like a perfect day to us!
Thank you, Madi, for championing and helping us value and appreciate our local produce, and for creating opportunities to enjoy some good old-fashioned fun! You’re a beacon for our community, showcasing our resources and bringing us all together!
Flamin’ Franko is set to be a weekend to remember— secure your ticket today!
WHEN: Saturday 8th to Sunday 9th March 2025.
WHERE: Franklin Square, Hobart CBD
TICKETS: $20 for Adults (FREE for kids, 16yrs+ under)
More details here!
And if you’d like to learn more about how the City of Hobart can help bring your ideas to life, including funding and grant opportunities for community events, head here!