Go Forth, Meat Maniacs: Meatopia 2012 Announces Lineup

Carnivores, rejoice. Meatopia, the annual New York City festival that calls itself the "Woodstock of Edible Animals," announced its food lineup yesterday, giving meat-lovers the green light to start sharpening their knives in anticipation of this all-out meat party.

An army of nearly 40 all-star chefs is booked to offer dishes based around every type of meat imaginable, from the standard pork and beef to the more eyebrow-raising dove, quail, or elk. Guests can even chow down on some "scrambled brains" or "beef heart in Shio marinade," if their palettes are so inclined.

The annual festival, with menu and chef lineups put on by Josh Ozersky, is now in its ninth year. In this year's theme, "City of Meat," meat-enthusiasts will enjoy ambling through eight meat-themed "neighborhoods" with names like "Carcass Hill," "Beaktown," and "Deckle District," each featuring a different type of meat to suit any carnivorous craving.

Beer dens, whiskey pavilions, and cigar lounges abound for those whose canine teeth grow weary, and world-famous muralist Laurel True will be there to create an "interactive meat mural" with the crowds.

Participating chefs include April Bloomfield, Adam Perry Lang, Chris Hastings, Michael White, and many others. The US Navy SEALs will even be cooking, thanks to the festival's partnership with The Armed Forces Foundation, which will receive a portion of Meatopia proceeds to assist service members and their families in need.

As if you needed any more of an excuse to indulge your carnivorous cravings, the festival also features an impressive indie-rock music line-up, making this the ultimate Bonnaroo-meets-beef event. Confirmed for the music set so far are The Living Kills, a Brooklyn-based self-described "psychotronic" band, along with folk rock band Woods, who received Pitchfork's "Best New Music" designation. Grab your tickets soon here.