Big Apple Barbecue Block Party 2017

The fifteenth annual Big Apple Barbecue Block Party, which took place on the weekend of June 10th to the 11th, was an unforgettable event that benefited the Madison Square Park Conservancy. The party which is held in Madison Square Park each year has become a Manhattan tradition since its initial debut in 2002. The event offered an excellent opportunity for New Yorkers to get a taste of delicious barbecue from pitmasters all over the country. This year, the Big Apple Barbecue featured summer fare from over 12 cities, including returning favorites like a whole roasted hog from Skylight Inn of North Carolina.

The event was entirely free to attend, and food and drinks were available for people to purchase. However, VIP passes were sold, which offered guests access to the VIP section with seating and tables where they could escape the summer heat. The affair began Saturday morning where a Bloody Mary Brunch presented by Kingsford kicked off the weekend. There were dozens of barbecue “pitmaster” stations, with each tent offering unique and individualized barbecues.

Barbecue lovers feasted on tasty ribs, sandwiches, brisket, sausage, chicken wings, beans, cole slaw, potato salad, pimento cheese, pretzels, corn on the cob, watermelon, milkshakes, pies, and refreshments. The culinary and drink lineup of businesses featured chefs and breweries from all over the United States. The lineup included 17th St. BBQ, Baker’s Ribs, Blue Smoke, Hill Country, Memphis Barbecue Co., The Salt Lick BBQ, Root & Bone, Kingsford Charcoal, Sony Square NYC, Tequila Don Julio, Guinness brewers project, Original Fried Pie Shop, and Sugaree’s Bakery.  

Additionally, the Big Apple Barbecue party provided live concerts throughout the weekend. On Saturday, The National Reserve, Dead Horses, The Adam Ezra Group, and Antibalas performed, and on Sunday, Walker Lukens, Emily Wolfe, Chris Jacobs, and Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes performed. Furthermore, music lessons were offered for children at the fountain of Madison Square Park. People also enjoyed playing games of corn hole as they at their barbecue. Needless to say, the party was an ideal weekend outing for both children and adults alike.

Overall, this year’s Big Apple Barbecue party was an absolute success, and the amount of planning and organization that went into the execution of such a popular event did not go unnoticed.

Photos courtesy of Max Dworkin and BigAppleBBQ