A Barbecue Revival: National BBQ Festival Finds New Life in Nassau County
From June 13 to 15, Eisenhower Park in East Meadow will host the long-awaited return of one of the country's boldest BBQ events. With dozens of competitive teams, a $100,000 purse, and enough smoked meat to satisfy an army, the revived National BBQ Festival is aiming to become Long Island's newest summertime tradition.
If you've never heard of it, you're not alone. But in barbecue circles, this festival is legendary. From 2002 to 2011, it ran in Douglas and Waycross, Georgia, where it drew tens of thousands and quickly outgrew its space. Fourteen years later, it's back—new location, new format, same commitment to smoke, fire, and fierce competition.
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From Small-Town Georgia to Suburban New York
The move from Georgia to Nassau County is a big shift—but a strategic one. Long Island's food scene has grown more ambitious over the past decade. There's space, proximity to the city, and a crowd that loves great food.
Eisenhower Park, with over 900 acres of public space, offers a rare combo: open land, built-in infrastructure, and easy access for millions.
At the heart of the festival is the competition, where top BBQ teams from across the country will go head-to-head in categories like brisket, ribs, pork, chicken, and whole hog. Adding a local twist, the event will also feature a meatball cook-off and a Long Island Iced Tea competition—two uniquely Long Island favorites. And it's not just about flavor. Judges will be scoring entries based on timing, texture, technique, and presentation.
A Full-On Weekend Experience
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While the competition fires up the pitmasters, the real draw for attendees is the unlimited BBQ samples included with admission. Guests can feast their way through the Live Fire Experience, sampling signature dishes from top pitmasters across the country. Beyond the bites, the weekend also features craft beer and wine tastings, live fire cooking demos, chef appearances, and family-friendly programming. And the flavor doesn't stop at the grill—live music runs all weekend, including a Saturday night performance by West Coast rap legend Warren G, who'll also be competing with his own BBQ team.
Thryon Mathews
Beth Petsche
The Live Fire Experience will showcase bites from top pitmasters, including 'Captain' Ron Dimpflmaier and 16-time Grand Champion Thyron Mathews. Expect everything from oxtail and tomahawk steak to Texas-style brisket and 'mop sauce' ribs.
What to Expect
Yes, there will be smoke. Yes, there will be rows of custom smokers. And yes, you'll leave smelling like brisket. But that's the point. Between demos, tastings, and live music, this is one of the most satisfying weekends of the year.
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There's also a Kids Zone with carnival games, giveaways, and family-friendly demos. Oyster Bay Brewing Company will debut a custom 'Smoke & Tide' beer on-site. General Admission and VIP ticket options are available, with perks like reserved seating and exclusive tastings.
Final Thoughts
In a crowded calendar of food events, the National BBQ Festival stands out for its heritage, and its heart. This is real-deal barbecue, built on craft, culture, and community.
Just don't wear white.
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