Yes! Several hotels are located near Eisenhower Park. A list of recommended hotels and exclusive festival rates are shared on the Getting There page.

Yes! We will have designated parking areas and shuttle services. If you need handicap parking, please email support@nationalbbqfest.com.

Yes! Official NBF merchandise will be available for purchase on-site and online. Select merchandise can be pre-ordered through the NBF ticketing site and picked up at the festival.

No outside food or beverages are allowed, but we promise plenty of delicious free and paid options on-site.

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed, with the exception of service animals.

Absolutely! VIP ticket holders get exclusive access to meet and interact with competitive BBQ teams. Select teams and pitmasters will also be offering samples at the Live Fire Experience.

Personal chairs are not allowed inside the fenced off festival area. However, personal chairs and blankets are allowed in the Lakeside Theater areas. Be advised that space near the main stage is limited, so arrive early to secure a good spot.

The National BBQ Festival is cashless. All major credit and debit cards are accepted for food, beverages, and merchandise purchases.

Tickets can be purchased online through our official website here. General Admission tickets are $40 ($20 for kids), and VIP tickets are $150. Kids under 2 are free.

For any questions regarding tickets that have already been purchased, please email support@nationalbbqfestival.com. We're happy to assist!

For any questions regarding tickets that have already been purchased, please email support@nationalbbqfestival.com. We're happy to assist!

Absolutely! NBF is a family-friendly event with activities for all ages. In addition to kid-friendly BBQ options, we’ve created an interactive Arcade & Kids Zone, packed with fun games, hands-on activities, and entertainment to keep little ones engaged. Families can also enjoy live music, cooking demos, and carnival-style giveaways.

Yes! The festival grounds will have ADA-accessible restrooms, designated seating areas, and wheelchair-friendly pathways to ensure all guests can fully enjoy the event. If you need assistance, please visit the Guest Services tent on-site. Handicap parking will also be available. If you have additional questions or need assistance, please contact support@nationalbbqfest.com.

The event is rain or shine! The festival will go on no matter what. Attendees should come dressed for the weather and ready to enjoy incredible BBQ, live music, and festival fun.

All bags are subject to search upon entry. Small bags, purses, and clear stadium-style bags are allowed, but large backpacks and coolers are prohibited.

The closest train station is Westbury Station on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). The nearest airports are John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA), both approximately 30 minutes from the festival.

The National BBQ Festival (NBF) is a premier BBQ event bringing together top pitmasters, chefs, and food lovers for a weekend of incredible eats, live fire demos, live music, and more. Originally held in Douglas, Georgia from 2004-2011 and run by BBQ legends Kell and Janet Phelps, NBF was one of the most sought-after events in competitive BBQ. After years of teams and pitmasters asking for its return, we’re bringing it back—bigger and better—at Eisenhower Park in Nassau County.

General Admission includes unlimited BBQ samples from the Live Fire Experience, access to the BBQ Marketplace with vendor giveaways, and entry to the Beer & Wine Garden (beer, wine, and specialty drinks available for purchase). GA ticket holders also get access to the Pairings Pavilion for wine and food sampling, the Wine Sampling & Lawn Games area, and cooking demos with complimentary tastings. Additional food and beverages are available for purchase from top food trucks and BBQ restaurants on-site. Live music, entertainment, and family-friendly activities are included all weekend long.

VIP tickets offer the ultimate all-access experience, including early festival entry (one hour before the public), unlimited BBQ samples, and exclusive behind-the-scenes access to meet competitive BBQ teams. VIPs also get a Judge’s Tent Tour at a tbd select time, priority entry to the BBQ Marketplace with vendor giveaways, and reserved seating for cooking demos and the Pairings Pavilion. Additional perks include access to the Beer & Wine Garden, an exclusive wine tasting & lawn games area, a VIP gift bag, official festival hat, VIP seating for live music, and dedicated VIP parking.

The festival will be held at Eisenhower Park in Nassau County, NY, on June 13-15, 2025—just in time for Father’s Day weekend!

• Friday, June 13: 4:00pm-10:00pm

• Saturday, June 14: 11:00am-11:00pm

• Sunday, June 15: 11:00am-4:00pm

Designated parking lots will be available at Eisenhower Park. Parking passes can be purchased in advance online or on-site, but availability is limited.

Rideshare services will have a designated drop-off and pick-up zone near the festival entrance. Exact details will be provided closer to the event.

Yes! Shuttle service details, including routes and pickup locations, will be announced closer to the event.

Yes! While BBQ is the focus, we will have a variety of food vendors offering vegan, vegetarian, Kosher, and Halal options, in addition to twists on classic BBQ flavors. Expect a mix of local favorites and nationally recognized vendors serving up incredible eats all weekend long.

Yes! Free water refill stations will be available throughout the festival. Bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.