Blues, barbecue and summer on the river — Hudson River Park’s Blues BBQ Festival turns 25 this year, and we’re marking the milestone with music, flavor and plenty of soul.
On Saturday, August 16 from 1:00 to 9:00 PM, Pier 76 transforms into a music-and-barbecue lover’s paradise, with two live stages of outstanding performances from world-renowned and local artists, delicious barbecue from NYC’s top pit-masters, refreshing drinks, plus a blues dance floor with free lessons, a riverfront marketplace, games and more!
First launched in 1999, Blues BBQ is the longest-running free blues festival in the New York region. This year’s milestone anniversary honors a quarter-century of free, unforgettable music on the waterfront with, and we’re celebrating with everything that makes this event one of NYC’s favorite summer traditions.
The Soulful Soundtrack of Summer
The Main Stage will be rocking all day with a world-class lineup spanning generations and styles of blues. Chicago’s Ivy Ford kicks things off with her signature guitar work and onstage spark, followed by the fierce vocals and high energy of Nikki Hill. Don’t miss C.J. Chenier and The Red Hot Louisiana Band bringing their signature Zydeco heat, or Dawn Tyler Watson delivering powerhouse vocals that earned her a JUNO Award and international acclaim. The evening closes with The Blackburn Brothers, a family band known for their soulful, feel-good energy.
On the Second Stage, presented by the Jazz Foundation of America, you’ll find a more intimate vibe with incredible local talent, including Minneapolis R&B legend Jimmy Hill, Blues Hall of Famer Jonathan Kalb and the soulful Seydurah Avecmoi.
Come Hungry
Of course, it wouldn’t be Blues BBQ without the barbecue. Returning favorites like Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, Bark BBQ, Dickson’s, Kimchi Smoke and Jase’s BBQ will be serving up their signature plates. And we’re excited to welcome Tikkun BBQ, an Astoria-based pop-up with a big following and unforgettable flavors. Cool off with a cold drink from Lagunitas or Tito’s Vodka, and you’ve found the perfect summer day.
Plus: Dancing, Games + Family Fun
Between main stage sets, stop by the Blues Dance Floor for free lessons with Blues Dance NY, then show off your moves right on the pier. Little music lovers can enjoy hands-on activities in the Blues Kids Zone, and don’t miss the hot sauce duels and interactive marketplace for even more summer fun.
The 25th Blues BBQ Festival is sponsored by Hudson River Park Friends, Jazz Foundation of America, Rivian, Lagunitas and Tito’s Vodka. Media partners include WBGO, WFUV and WNYC. You can help sustain the Park’s outstanding lineup of free, fun and diverse programming by supporting Hudson River Park Friends.
We can’t wait to savor summer with soulful music, bold flavors and thousands of music lovers on Saturday, August 16. We’ll see you at Pier 76!