Hudson River Park
Blues BBQ Festival

Pier 76 Aug 15, 2026

BDNY and the dance floor will be at the back right of Pier 76, between the main stage and the river

Blues BBQ Festival 2026

For one day every summer, Pier 76 in the Hudson River transforms into a music and barbecue lover’s paradise, with music, flavor and plenty of soul. Outstanding performances from world-renowned and local artists on 2 stages, award winning barbecue for sale by NYC’s top pit-masters, a marketplace, and of course, a dance floor right on the Hudson River with free lessons by Blues Dance New York.

The Sound of Summer

The Main Stage will be rocking all day with a world-class lineup spanning generations and styles of blues including: Bobby Rush of ‘Sinners’, Sugaray Rayford, Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. & The Legendary Ils Sont Partis Band, Bywater Call, and Howlin’ Hurd. On the Second Stage, presented by the Jazz Foundation of America, you’ll find a more intimate vibe with incredible local talent: Radam Schwartz, Melvin Davis, Kathryn Farmer, & Gregory Lewis’ Organ Monk Sings. Come see why Hudson River Blues BBQ has been one of NYC’s favorite festivals for 26 years and counting.

Come Hungry

Returning smokehouse favorites like Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, Bark BBQ, Dickson’s, Kimchi Smoke, Jase’s BBQ, Tikkun BBQ, Dickson’s Farmstand, and Monk’s Meats (Vegan), will be selling signature plates. Don’t miss desserts by Fan Fan Doughnuts & La Newyorkina. Seven hot sauce companies will also be duking it out for your attention. This is a very popular event, so come early for the best selection. Please no outside alcohol. Drinks will be sold, but bring a water bottle and remember to stay hydrated throughout the day.

Bring your friends and family

Dance to the breeze off the Hudson River. BDNY will be offering free blues dance lessons between main stage sets. Everyone is welcome on the Pier, however pets must be leashed to attend. Children are welcome on the dance floor. Elsewhere on the pier there will be an interactive marketplace, hot sauce contests, and a blues kids zone.

You can help sustain the Park’s outstanding lineup of free, fun and diverse programming by supporting Hudson River Park Friends. For more information see the Hudson River Park Website and follow here for updates.

Here’s a view from the ‘25 dance floor. We’ll see you at Pier 76!