Event Details Pig Island NYC returns to Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden's South Meadow on Saturday, September 12, 2026, for its 17th year. The all-day festival features whole-hog roasts, Caribbean barbecue, Puerto Rican flavors, Portuguese traditions, North and South Carolina wood smoke, New York smokehouse cooking, and vegetables from Snug Harbor's Heritage Farm.

Championship BBQ Lineup Brothers Barbecue headlines the event after winning championships at both Brisket King NYC and Rib King NYC this year. The Farella brothers—Gavin, Jamie, and Chris—are pursuing the Food Karma Projects BBQ Triple Crown at Pig Island. Other participating chefs and restaurants include Rodrigo Duarte of Don Rodrigo, Lewis Donald of Sweet Lew's BBQ, Tank Jackson of Holy City Hogs, Petra Bartosiewicz of Babysmoker BBQ, Luis Negron of Jibaro Barbecue, Cenobio Canalizo of Morgan's Brooklyn BBQ, Phil Wingo of Pork Mafia, and Kyle Smith of Smith Poultry, among others. Food Karma Projects founder Jimmy Carbone said: "Pig Island has always been where chefs can go for it with no holds barred. They have carte blanche to do whatever they dream up. It's really amazing to see—and taste—their creativity in action! The lineup is amazing; we have chefs coming in from North Carolina, South Carolina, Puerto Rico, New Jersey, and, of course, from every corner of New York."

Food and Drink Beyond the BBQ pits, vendors include Achilles Heat, Coney Island Saucery, East Meets Young, Jersey Barnfire, Jimmy's No. 43, MuMsKitchens NYC, and Tipsy Scoop. Beverages will come from Bubba's Secret Stills, Flagship Brewing Co., Fort Hamilton Distillery, Momentum Brew, Piñaq, Polar Beverages, Round Table Brewery, and Upstate Vodka. All food and drink tastings are included with admission.

Ticketing and Access General Admission tickets start at $55 (plus processing fee) for noon entry. VIP Admission is $85 (plus fee) and includes 11:00 AM early access, all-inclusive tastings, chef mingling, and a Pig Island NYC T-shirt. A VIP Table for 10 is priced at $750 with no processing fee. Tickets are available at pigisland.com. The event runs from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM and is 21+ rain-or-shine.

Why It Matters

Pig Island NYC demonstrates the staying power of chef-driven food festivals in New York's event calendar.

The multi-regional lineup and competitive BBQ angle—with winners from other Food Karma Projects events—position the festival as a significant draw for both consumers and industry professionals exploring regional barbecue trends.

For more insights and trends in the food and beverage sector, check out more articles in The Food & Beverage Magazine family of publications.

Written by FBM Publications Editors