After missing in action for over ten years, the National BBQ Festival New York returns this weekend. The comeback falls just in time for the Father’s Day celebration. New York’s local community can head to the event for smoky BBQ delights. Concert performances and other family-friendly activities will also unfold for attendees.
Highlights
- The National BBQ Festival New York is returning after 14 years to Nassau County.
- The three-day festival will offer BBQ competitions, live performances, a kids’ zone, etc.
- Visitors can head to Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, NY, to sample smoky BBQ, craft brews, and live entertainment.
National BBQ Festival New York Returns After 14 Years
Pitmasters preparing BBQ dishes at the three-day BBQ event (Source: @nationalbbqfestinstagram)
The National BBQ Festival is set to kick off this weekend, turning up the heat for BBQ meat lovers. The festival makes its comeback in Long Island after it was last hosted in Georgia 14 years ago.
NY residents and visitors can visit Nassau County this Father’s Day to sample BBQ. They can also drink local brews and enjoy live performances. National BBQ Festival New York will present other family-centric activities for three days.
Venue, Timings, Tickets
Nassau County will host the National BBQ Festival New York at Eisenhower Park (1899 Hempstead Tpke, East Meadow, NY 11554). The three-day event will be open to attendees at the following times starting on June 13.
- Friday, June 13: 4 pm to 10 pm
- Saturday, June 14: 11 am to 11 pm
- Sunday, June 15: 11 am to 4 pm
The tickets for this year’s BBQ festival are available on its official website.
Major Attractions at the Three-Day BBQ Festival
BBQ contests, kids’ activities, and live performances at the event (Source: @nationalbbqfestinstagram)
As the ultimate summer event of 2025, the National BBQ Festival New York offers an array of fun activities. From food and drinks to live music and shopping, the comprehensive event promises to entertain guests on Long Island.
BBQ Showdown
Pitmasters from different BBQ capitals will gather at the National BBQ Festival in New York. This year’s competition, which will last two days and award a $100,000 prize, will feature names like Thyron Mathews and Misty Banchero.
SCA Double Steak & Ancillaries will be the first competition on June 13. The competing categories will be double steak, meatballs, wings, and Long Island iced tea.
The second competition on June 14 will be the National BBQ Festival Competition. Its competing titles will be pork, chicken, ribs, whole hog, and brisket.
Live Music
At the three-day BBQ festival, artists will perform at Eisenhower Park’s Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre. Performers will include JD Leonard, DJ Belal, and Saturday-night headliner Warren G, who will also compete in the BBQ contest.
Warren G will start the Saturday night performance while visitors sip local brews.
Pitmaster Demos
The Pitmaster Demo Series by National BBQ Festival New York will offer attendees exclusive learning opportunities from BBQ experts. The Long Island visitors will get insider tips while they savor mouthwatering, smoky bites.
Phil “The Grill” Johnson, Rylee Wright, and Tuffy Stone are some names that will offer the demos.
Kids Zone & Arcade
The National BBQ Festival New York promises to be a family-friendly celebration with offerings for everyone. Its kids’ zone section will present visitors with carnival-style games, face painting, and interactive activities.
Kids can enjoy face painting, carnival games, and even BBQ tips from pros in the Kids Zone.
BBQ Marketplace
The National BBQ Festival New York is not just limited to eating smoky dishes or sipping local brews. The BBQ Marketplace will feature artisanal rubs, sauces, grilling tools, and festival merch.
The Long Island attendees can purchase items from vendors and take them to their homes.
The sizzling return of the National BBQ Festival New York is marked with BBQ competitions, live concerts, and family-focused fun. Perfect for Father’s Day weekend, the festival runs June 13–15 at Eisenhower Park and promises smoky competition, live music, family fun, and more.
