Big Apple Barbecue Block Party

The "Big Apple Barbecue Block Party" began in 2003 and looks to be an annual event. Barbecue and New York City don't have a long relationship, but in the past few years several highly visible BBQ joints have opened.

Proceeds from the Big Apple Barbecue Block Party go to charity.

The 2006 "Big Apple BBQ" was June 10-11.

http://www.thelmagazine.com/4/10/feature/feature.cfm?ctype=1
Big Apple BBQ
June 10 and 11, 11am
"Smile for me daddy, I wanna see ya grill!" BBQ experts from across the country converge in New York for a big old cookout — and to get sauce on their ties. Live blues and jazz, a BBQ seminar, and a movie about grilling.
Madison Square Park

5 May 2003, Nation's Restaurant News, pg. 134:
May 31-June 1, 2003
Union Square Hospitality Group will host its first Big Apple Barbecue Block Party in New York. Events will include barbecue workshops and jazz and blues music. For more information call (212) 576-2232.

21 May 2003, New York Times, pg. F2:
On May 31 and June 1 from noon to 6 p.m. there will be a barbecue block party with live jazz on East 27th Street between Park Avenue South and Lexington Avenue. Called the Big Apple Barbecue Block Party, the event is sponsored by Danny Meyer's Union Square Hospitality Group, which owns the Blue Smoke restaurant on 27th Street. Pitmasters from Texas, North Carolina and Alabama will sell food for $6 a plate and $1 a side.

15 May 2005, Restaurant Business:
Along with USHG's (Union Square Hospitality Group - ed.) own BBQ concept, Blue Smoke, other joints represented include Salt Lick BBQ in Lockhart, TX, Mitchell's Ribs from Wilson, NC, and Smoki O's Barbecue of St. Louis. Admission is free to experience the music, aromas, and ambience of the block party, but tasting tickets go for $6 each.

The event has helped New Yorkers learn about and appreciate different regional BBQ styles. In 2003, only 5000 people came by, but last year, 50,000 attendees consumed 1500 racks of baby back ribs, 2100 lb. of pork shoulder, and 4700 lb. of brisket.