5 Must-Attend NYC BBQ Events in 2026
From a legendary charity feast to the city’s greatest pork blowout, here’s how to eat your way through a spectacular year of barbecue in New York.
New York City is a true gathering point for barbecue. Every year, some of the best pitmasters in the country converge on the five boroughs to cook at events that have quietly become must-attend occasions on the national BBQ calendar. The scene has grown steadily for years, and 2026 may be its strongest showing yet.
From April through September, five major events give you the full range of what New York barbecue looks like right now. These are festivals with all-star lineups and all help raise funds for charitable causes.
Whether you’re a die-hard who tracks competition results or, more likely, someone who just wants to eat extraordinary food in good company, this is your year. Here are five events you should have on your calendar.
Jeff Michner BBQ Benefit | April 25 | Pig Beach BBQ, Astoria
No event on the NYC BBQ calendar brings more national firepower to Queens than the Jeff Michner BBQ Benefit. Now in its 6th year, the all-day feast runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Pig Beach BBQ in Astoria, featuring 25 indoor and outdoor food stations led by BBQ Hall of Famers, TV culinary personalities, and decorated pitmasters from across the country, including Tuffy Stone and Chris Lilly. People’s Choice and Judge’s Choice prizes will be handed out in the afternoon, with Daniel Vaughn of Texas Monthly on hosting duties. There’s also a rib-eating contest, live music, and a silent auction
The event honors the memory of Pig Beach Executive Chef Jeff Michner, who passed away suddenly in 2018 at age 36. Proceeds benefit the Jeff Michner Foundation, which supports families managing loss and grief and provides scholarships to high school graduates with a passion for cooking and golf. Tickets are all-inclusive for food and drink, with VIP early entry and free admission for kids under 12. Get tickets here.
Brisket King NYC | April 29 | Pig Beach BBQ, Astoria
There has never been a Brisket King NYC quite like this one. When the 14th annual edition of the beloved all-inclusive brisket festival takes over Pig Beach BBQ in Astoria on April 29, it will do so with an unprecedented four former champions competing simultaneously: Richie Holmes of Juicy Lucy BBQ (2019, 2021), David Gill of Wildwoods BBQ (2023), Leland Avellino of Avellino Family Barbecue (2024), and reigning champ Anthony Scerri of Smoke Sweats BBQ (2025). That has never happened in the event’s 14-year history, and more than 20 other chefs and restaurants, including Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, Virgil’s Real BBQ, Kimchi Smoke, and Kam Rai Thai, will be there trying to take them all down.
The timing matters, too. Brisket has risen nearly 190% in price since 2020, making it one of the more economically crazy cuts in American food culture right now. An all-inclusive ticket to Brisket King gives you unlimited brisket from some of the best pitmasters in the region, at a moment when that’s no small thing. VIP tickets ($85 + fee) include 5 p.m. early entry; General Admission ($65 + fee) opens at 6 p.m. It’s a 21+ event, rain or shine. Get tickets here.
Texas Chili Cook-Off | May 17 | Pig Beach BBQ, Astoria
The Texas Exes New York Chapter’s annual Chili Cook-Off, one of the longest-running food events in the city, is back for another year at Pig Beach in Astoria on May 17. While not a purely barbecue event, this is a true crowd-pleaser: a five-hour, all-you-can-eat chili celebration, with restaurant teams and amateur cooks going head-to-head. An open bar stocked with Texas favorites, including Shiner, Tito’s Vodka, and more, keeps the energy up all afternoon, while DJ sets, tailgate games, and a People’s Choice vote will keep everyone involved.
All proceeds support the Texas Exes New York fundraising initiatives. VIP tickets include early access and a private shaded area with exclusive chili samples delivered tableside. General Admission gets you in the door for the full five hours. Beans (or no beans!), this one is a can’t-miss tradition. Get tickets here.
Rib King NYC | May 23 | Industry City, Brooklyn
Just in time to kick off the summer, Rib King NYC returns to Industry City in Brooklyn on May 23 with what organizers are calling their biggest edition yet. The all-inclusive festival presented by Food Karma Projects puts 20+ chefs, restaurants, and BBQ experts on the floor, each competing for the 2026 Rib King crown. Defending champion Vincent Mangual of Empire BBQ returns to defend his title, with a roster of serious contender, including Brothers BBQ (last year’s Friends of Firefighters People’s Choice winners). Beyond the ribs, you’ll find standout bites, award-winning hot sauces from the Sauce King NYC Showcase, and a bar of craft beer, wine, hard cider, and spirits.
VIP tickets ($75 + fee) include early entry at noon for a VIP Hour with first bites and access to the chefs. General Admission ($50 + fee) opens at 1 p.m. Group tables for 10 are also available at $750. Friends of Firefighters is once again the community partner, supporting free mental health services for active and retired FDNY members and their families. It’s a 21+ event, rain or shine. Get tickets here.
Pig Island NYC | September 12 | Snug Harbor Cultural Center, Staten Island
After a packed spring and summer of BBQ action, the season closes on a high note. Pig Island NYC celebrates its 17th year on Saturday, September 12 at Snug Harbor Cultural Center on Staten Island. Many don’t realize this is one of the most beautiful outdoor venues in all of NYC. More than 20 chefs and restaurants, each partnered with heritage farms and local producers, serve everything from whole hog roasts and pork belly to aged country ham and creative nose-to-tail preparations. A panel of expert judges awards top honors throughout the afternoon, while Hot Sauce Alley, craft beer, hard cider, and local spirits round out the experience.
The 2026 roster is still to be announced, but past participants give you a sense of the talent level: Tank Jackson of Holy City Hogs, Rodrigo Duarte of Don Rodrigo, Kam Rai Thai, Brothers BBQ, and more. VIP tickets ($85 + fee) include 11 a.m. early entry and an exclusive Pig Island NYC T-shirt. General Admission ($65 + fee) opens at noon. Group tables for 10 are available at $750. It’s a 21+ outdoor event, rain or shine — and the best way to send off another great year of NYC barbecue. Get tickets here.
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Five events, six months, one great city for barbecue. Taken together, this calendar is a reminder that you don’t have to travel to Texas or the Carolinas to find world-class smoked meats. You just have to know where to show up. Get your tickets now, come hungry, and as always, show up early!
Sean Ludwig
Founder, NYC BBQ