Bobby Rush is decades into a career running from the chitlin' circuit to three Grammys, and he is playing a free pier on the Hudson. Around him the bill stacks Sugaray Rayford's roadhouse howl, Buckwheat Zydeco Jr.'s accordion-driven Louisiana set and a second stage curated by the Jazz Foundation of America. Add barbecue smoke, a hot sauce alley and the sun dropping over New Jersey and it is the weekend's best free food-and-music pairing.
What to expect
Two live stages run in rotation across the afternoon and into the evening, with barbecue vendors and a festival marketplace along the pier. There are free dance lessons, family games and Hot Sauce Alley for anyone who wants to test their tolerance. The crowd builds steadily and the waterfront sunset slot is the busiest stretch.
Good to know
- The A/C/E to 34th Street-Penn Station is the easiest approach, then walk west to the water
- Food is sold by vendors even though entry is free — bring a card and some cash
- Arrive earlier if you want a seat near a stage; the pier fills up as the evening sets in
- The pier is fully exposed to sun and wind, so a hat and a layer both earn their keep
- Kid-friendly throughout, with games and activities alongside the music
- It is an outdoor waterfront event, so check conditions before you head over
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Common questions
Is the Blues BBQ Festival free?
Yes, admission is free. Food and drink are sold separately by vendors on the pier.
Who headlines this year?
Bobby Rush, the three-time Grammy winner and Blues Hall of Famer, headlines alongside Sugaray Rayford, Buckwheat Zydeco Jr., Bywater Call and Howlin' Hurd.
What else is there besides music and food?
There are dance lessons, a festival marketplace, family games and Hot Sauce Alley, plus a second stage curated by the Jazz Foundation of America.
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