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Every year we eagerly await the 2nd weekend of June for the Big Apple BBQ in Madison Square Park.  For those who don’t know about this weekend it’s 2 days of delicious BBQ and relaxing in one of the best parks in NYC and I’ve got 7 tips for attending Big Apple BBQ!

Pulling together 17 pit-masters from all over the US we love trying the different styles and types of meats.

This year I felt we were totally prepared for the festivities and wanted to share some of our tips for how to make the most of the day:

Big Apple BBQ Tips

1.  Get the fast pass
This pass allows you to wait in a “shorter” line.  We usually purchase ours around Christmas (it makes a great stocking stuffer).  The downside is this year it seemed there were a lot of fast pass holders so I’m hoping they limit them a little more next year.

2.  Bring a blanket and some chairs
We come prepared.  The wagon is loaded with our foldable chairs and blankets so we can lounge in the park and sit with friends.  It also doesn’t hurt that is can easily transport the kids.

3.  Pack your drinks
Bringing our own water and soda saves us more money for brisket, pulled pork and ribs!

4.  Cooler/lunchbag
I loved that my friend Elizabeth brought her lunch bag cooler, wish a strap.  She went directly to the pies and stored them in the cooler so she didn’t have to wait in a long line later and she was hands free to enjoy the good stuff!

5.  Bring a tray
If you’re waiting in line you usually get a few plates, especially if you’re with friends.  By bringing a tray it’s so much easier to carry it back and less chance of spills.  Especially if you’re pushing a stroller.  Thankfully our BOB is something we can push 1 handed and the tray stored nicely on top.

6.  Tupperware or aluminum foil
It may sound silly, but we always bring Tupperware and take home leftovers.  You can only eat so much in one day so we get extras for lunches and dinners later in the week.

7.  Bring Napkins or Wipes
They have some for you, but it’s always safer to just bring some yourself.

So mark you’re calendars for next years and fingers crossed that we get beautiful weather and hopefully Checkered Pig will return next year with their ribs, they were missed this year!

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