Blues BBQ Festival: What To Know Before You Go

HELL’S KITCHEN, MANHATTAN — For 18 years, the Blues BBQ Festival has established itself as Pier 97’s celebration of blues and roots musicians in a joint venture with what organizers say are some of New York City’s favorite barbecue restaurants.

On Aug. 19 at 2 p.m., the festival returns for a day of food, friends and music. Admission is free.

Artists will include The Campbell Brothers, Sugar Ray and the Bluetones and Terrie Odabi, with such featured restaurants as Brooklyn’s Pig Beach and Monk’s Meats — the latter a self-described producer of American comfort food with Brooklyn sensibility.

(For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

Here’s everything you’ll need to know:

What time does the festival open?

The Blue BBQ Festival begins at 2 p.m. and is scheduled to run until around 10 p.m. Set times have not been announced, but questions can be directed to the Hudson River Park Trust via (212) 627-2020 or info@hrpt.ny.gov.

Where is the concert?

The festival will be held at Pier 97 in Clinton Cove, right on the Hudson River waterfront. The location is accessible via the B, D, E and C lines as well as the M31 and M57 bus routes. A port-o-let will be available on the premises.

What is the bag policy?

Bags are allowed, but there is an exception; framed or large backpacks are prohibited.

What can’t I bring?

• Smoking
• Pets of any kind
• Bikes, skateboards scooters and motorized vehicles
• Outside food and beverage, including alcohol (factory-sealed plastic water bottles are permitted)
• Illegal substances
• Glass of any kind
• Weapons of any kind
• Framed or large backpacks
• Fireworks and explosives
• Laser pointers
• Instruments
• Video or audio-recording (including equipment for this purpose), including flash photography
• Professional still-camera equipment (detachable lenses, tripods, big zooms or commercial-use rigs)
• Blankets
• Coolers
• Chairs or lawn furniture
• Beach or golf umbrellas
• Unauthorized or unlicensed vendors