National BBQ Festival Heads to Long Island
Cue the burgers, hot dogs, and other BBQ festival favorites.
With Memorial Day behind us, the summer season has officially begun. As we prepare for poolside weather, Father’s Day, and longer days, a local festival is coming to Long Island to kick off the season.
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Coming In Hot
Returning for the first time in 14 years, the National BBQ Festival is a family-friendly event that turns up the heat for meat lovers. Previously hosted in Georgia, the festival went on a 14-year hiatus before its comeback this year on the beautiful fields of Eisenhower Park from June 13th through the 15th.
The festival returns with a hot and delicious bang! This year’s events will feature live music, interactive culinary demos, a Kids Zone, a BBQ marketplace, local brews and wines. Meat-lovers can put their skills (or should we say grills) to the test with a SCA Double Steak & Ancillaries contest on Friday, June 13, where competitors compete for the title of best steak, wings, meatballs, and Long Island iced tea, or turn up the heat on Saturday with the National BBQ Festival Competition (chicken, pork, brisket, ribs, whole hog). This year’s prize purse is the largest in the Northeast and among the biggest in the country, at a whopping 100 thousand dollars.
“Bringing the National BBQ Festival to Nassau County is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of great food, great music, and this incredible community,” said Jaime Hollander, Managing Director of RRDA. “As locals, we take immense pride in showcasing the best of Nassau County alongside the country’s top pitmasters, competitive BBQ teams, and brands. This will be an unforgettable weekend, and we can’t wait to welcome BBQ lovers, competitors, and festival-goers.”
The National BBQ Festival in Nassau County is set to host over 20,000+ attendees, pitmasters, celebrity judges, and more from across the county, its surrounding areas, and nationwide.
“The National BBQ Festival is more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of the rich traditions and flavors that make BBQ a true American pastime,” said Kell Phelps, NBF Founder and National BBQ & Grilling Association President. “Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just love great food, this is an event you won’t want to miss.”
A Yummy History
Long Island is known for many things, including its various parks, quaint towns, vineyards, and farmland. While it is not known for its smoky delectables like the southern states, Long Island was part of the pinnacle revolution that was barbequing in America.
Following World War II, the American barbecue experience shifted with the suburban boom, and Long Island was at the heart of that transformation. As families moved into new suburban developments like Levittown, the backyard grill became a household staple. Charcoal and gas grills became symbols of the American dream, and the classic Long Island backyard barbecue—complete with burgers, hot dogs, and steaks—took root.
In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, the influence of Southern-style BBQ began to spread to the Northeast, thanks in part to media exposure, food tourism, and passionate pitmasters who brought their techniques to new regions. Long Island saw a growing interest in authentic BBQ, with chefs and enthusiasts embracing wood-smoking, dry rubs, and regional sauces. Some iconic BBQ rubs from Long Islanders include Sydney’s Sweets BBQ Sauce, Greenport Fire BBQ Sauce, and Hog Heaven Sauces.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the National BBQ Festival to Eisenhower Park, bringing this iconic event to Nassau County for the first time. This festival not only celebrates the best in BBQ but also shines a spotlight on everything that makes Nassau County a premier destination, ” said Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. “From our scenic parks and beaches to our world-class restaurants, hotels, and vibrant history. We look forward to welcoming visitors from across the country to experience all that our community has to offer.”
Tickets are available here, and families can use the code family for 20% off!
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