Big Apple BBQ 2018

More than 15 pitmasters will gather in Madison Square Park

On June 9 and 10, NYC's Big Apple BBQ is coming back to Madison Square Park. The renowned festival, now going on its 16th year, promises to bring all the ribs, briskets and whole hogs you can handle.

Expect a lineup of culinary greats like recent James Beard Award winner Rodney Scott of South Carolina's Rodney Scott's BBQ, who will be serving St. Louis ribs with coleslaw. Acclaimed North Carolina pitmasters Ed and Ryan Mitchell will also be there smoking a whole hog for pulled pork sandwiches, while New York's own Jean-Paul Bourgeois of Blue Smoke will be making fried smoked chicken with Tabasco-spiked honey. Newcomers include butchers Erika Nakamura and Jocelyn Guest (previously of White Gold Butchers), who will be grilling hot dogs with kimchi and a variety of other sausages. 

In addition to barbecue pitmasters, there will also be vendors like Pies and Thighs, offering Southern sides and desserts. For $125, visitors can take advantage of express lanes via a Fast Pass.

Proceeds from the festival will benefit Madison Square Park Conservancy to support its gardens, arts and civics program. Tickets can be found here.