Big Apple BBQ
Photograph: Courtesy Big Apple BBQ/Eric Schwortz
Photograph: Courtesy Big Apple BBQ/Eric Schwortz

The best food festivals in NYC this summer

This summer, treat your taste buds to the best lip-smacking summer food festivals and drink events in New York

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Ah, summer, the ideal time for outdoor dining. Whether you're deciding on the perfect picnic spot, or want to enjoy some grub at a street fair, food festival or block party, summer is all about those delicious eats. Kick off your smorgasbord season the right way with one of these delectable food happenings in NYC.

RECOMMENDED: Full guide to things to do in the summer

Booze and food festivals this summer

  • Things to do
  • Festivals
At this vernal drinking extravaganza, fill up a souvenir wine glass with limitless samples of more than 200 wines from locales both near (Brooklyn Winery) and far (Australia, South Africa). Your ticket is good for three hours of nonstop sipping set to the sounds of a live jazz performance from local outfit the Blue Vipers. To complement the vino, snack on gratis hors d’oeuvres (cheese, crudités), with more grub for purchase at the new Supper Section stocked with borough eats like subs, sandwiches and pastries.
LuckyRice organizes an epicurean delight featuring foods and cocktails from culinary traditions across Asia. This summer’s tasting menu includes a Korean BBQ goat bun from Bashi Channel, Hawaiian ahi tuna from Pokéworks, and Talde’s bacon and shrimp dumplings. Chase it all down with drinks like the gin-based, pomegranate-spiked Silk Journey.
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  • Things to do
  • Festivals
Go hard—cider, that is— and sample crisp and sweet pours from local powerhouses Big Apple Hard Cider, Original Sin and other cideries from across the world. Make sure to line your stomach with offerings from the food trucks also participating, like savory and sweet pies from Dub.
Looking for the best BBQ in NYC? Look no further—the Big Apple Barbecue Block Party brings together New York ’cue superstars with pitmasters from the best barbecue restaurants in America at Madison Square Park. Sink your teeth into both regional and global barbecue styles, from Texas (Bakers Ribs) to Tennessee (Martin’s Bar-B-Que) and beyond. In between plates of meat, you can even take in outdoor summer concerts on the park’s main stage for free.

June 11–12, 2016 from 11am to 6pm
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  • Things to do
  • Festivals
If you had no idea that June 18 was National Bourbon Day, you’re unlikely to forget—or, depending on your tolerance, maybe you’ll certainly forget—after this full day dedicated to the Kentucky-style whiskey. Pick up a tasting pass, then head to eight different venues in the East Village and the Lower East Side to sample the likes of Knob Creek, Charred Oak and Four Roses Single Barrel.
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  • Things to do
  • Festivals
It’s named for Spain’s famed Running of the Bulls, but the beasts at this large-scale outdoor grilling extravaganza take the form of Spanish-style steak dishes by NYC chefs, like Robbie Richter, who use grass-fed beef. Dig into seared grilled steaks, brisket, sausages and tapas, and enjoy Solar One’s scenic views of the East River while sipping on wine or Spanish brews from Iberian Beer United.
  • Things to do
The city’s biggest Caribbean eat-athon returns for its sixth year to Queens’ Roy Wilkins Park, attracting an estimated 20,000 famished folks. The fest boasts offerings from more than 20 vendors in the food village, a jerk cook-off and plenty of reggae and soca bands to keep you grooving.

Head to a rooftop bar

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