Long Island

The National BBQ Festival Returns to Long Island: A Summer Celebration You Won’t Want to Miss

April 29, 2025 | What To Do

By: Leah Hatch

National BBQ Festival

After a 14-year hiatus, one of the country’s most iconic BBQ festivals is making its grand return—and it’s coming to Nassau County, Long Island. From June 13-15, 2025, Eisenhower Park will host the National BBQ Festival, bringing together top pitmasters, BBQ enthusiasts, and families for three days of fierce competition, mouth watering food, live music, and family-friendly fun.

A BBQ Competition Like No Other

Originally held in Douglas, Georgia, from 2002 to 2011, the National BBQ Festival is famous for its exciting competition featuring some of the world’s best BBQ teams. This year, Nassau County is proud to be the festival’s new home. Over the course of two full days, competitors will battle it out for a share of the $100,000 prize pool, one of the largest purses in the country and the biggest in the Northeast. Categories for the competition include everything from classic BBQ favorites like chicken, ribs, and brisket, to challenges with a local spin such as meatballs and even Long Island Iced Tea. With legendary names like Tuffy Stone, Thyron Mathews, Al Frugoni, Phil the Grill, and Rasheed Philips in the mix, the competition promises to be nothing short of intense.

Fun for the Whole Family

Whether you're a BBQ aficionado or just love a good family outing, the National BBQ Festival offers something for everyone. In addition to the thrilling competition, festival-goers can indulge in delicious food from top BBQ restaurants and Nassau County food trucks. Expect to find live-fire tasting events, craft beers from Oyster Bay Brewing Company, and an exciting BBQ marketplace where you can shop for rubs, sauces, spices, and other artisan goods. Families will enjoy a dedicated kids' zone and interactive arcade, while music lovers can groove to live performances by top headliners each night. For those looking to elevate their BBQ experience, culinary demos and wine pairings from Delicato Family Wines are sure to be a hit.

Why Nassau County?

Nassau County is the perfect backdrop for the National BBQ Festival, blending small-town charm with easy access to New York City. The county is home to over 100 beaches, award-winning restaurants, and scenic parks, making it an ideal summer destination for both locals and visitors. With top-notch accommodations, rich history, and proximity to major airports, Nassau County offers an unforgettable experience for everyone in the family. “We’re thrilled to welcome the National BBQ Festival to Eisenhower Park, bringing this iconic event to Nassau County for the first time,” said Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman. “This festival not only celebrates the best in BBQ but also highlights the beauty and vibrancy of our community. We look forward to welcoming visitors from across the country to experience everything Nassau County has to offer.”

Get Your Tickets Now

The National BBQ Festival is expected to draw over 20,000 attendees, including BBQ fans, celebrity judges, and top pitmasters from across the country. So, mark your calendars, grab your family and friends, and get ready for an unforgettable weekend at the National BBQ Festival in Nassau County. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit their website here.

Follow @nationalbbqfest on social media for updates.

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Special Event