16th Annual Big Apple Barbecue is Bringing America’s Top Pitmasters to New York City

Baby back ribs from Memphis Barbecue Co. Benjamin Chasteen/The Epoch Times

America’s top pitmasters are headed to New York City for the 16th Annual Big Apple Barbecue, one of the country’s biggest barbecue festivals. The two-day event, held in and around Madison Square Park, is free and open to all. More than 100,000 people are expected to attend.

Courtesy of Big Apple Barbecue

Join the party for specialties from 15 pitmasters—11 from out-of-state—including brisket from Hometown Bar-B-Que of New York; St. Louis ribs from Rodney Scott’s BBQ of Charleston; and whole hog sandwiches from Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint of Nashville ($12 per plate).

Pitmaster Rodney Scott preparing a rack of ribs at the 15th annual Big Apple Barbecue Block Party in New York City. Benjamin Chasteen/The Epoch Times

St. Louis ribs by Rodney Scott's Bar-B-Que, at the 15th annual Big Apple Barbecue Block Party in New York City. Benjamin Chasteen/The Epoch Times

Pair your meats with Southern sides from Pies ‘N’ Thighs ($6); sweets from Doughnut Plant, Ample Hills Creamery, and Dallas’s Original Fried Pie Shop ($4–$8); and craft beer and wine from one of two Beer & Wine Garden pop-ups.

A free, live concert series and family-friendly Kid Zone will provide entertainment. Proceeds benefit the Madison Square Park Conservancy. FastPasses available for purchase for $125 and $275.

Saturday, June 9 & Sunday, June 10 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Madison Square Park BigAppleBBQ.org

Chopping pulled pork at the Big Bob Gibson BBQ stand. Benjamin Chasteen/The Epoch Times

Pulled pork sandwich with coleslaw from Big Bob Gibson BBQ. Benjamin Chasteen/The Epoch Times

The crowd enjoying barbecue at the 15th annual Big Apple Barbecue Block Party. Benjamin Chasteen/The Epoch Times