On Festival Sunday, some of the best in the business are turning Pier 86, Home of the Intrepid, into the best spot for barbecue around. Join your hosts for the afternoon, Andrew Zimmern and acclaimed Italian butcher Dario Cecchini, as the tri-state area’s top barbecue joints come together for the ultimate weekend cookout at Backyard BBQ presented by Pat LaFrieda Meats. These pitmasters will be smoking brisket, slow-cooking hogs and grilling up Pat LaFrieda premium steaks alongside classic barbecue sides next to the Hudson River. Beer, wine and cocktails will help you cleanse your palate, and there will of course be sweets. Follow the smoke to the backyard of your dreams and bring the whole family to help us close out the 15th anniversary Festival with our annual, fan favorite BBQ.

The schedule for our incredibly popular Culinary Demonstrations presented by Liebherr Appliances as part of our Grand Tasting has been announced! Join the live audience and watch your most-loved chefs and Food Network stars share recipes and techniques all day long. Some of the chefs that will be joining us include Anne Burrell, Scott Conant, Robert Irvine, Katie Lee, Jeff Mauro, Jet Tila, Michael Symon, Geoffrey Zakarian, Duff Goldman, Alex Guarnaschelli, Carla Hall and plenty of others. The Culinary Demonstration stage is accessible with a ticket to Grand Tasting or, for guests under 21, with a Culinary Demonstrations Only ticket.

At NYCWFF, we take brunch seriously. Join us to start the day off right by sampling, schmoozing, sipping and indulging at one of our dazzling, walk-around tasting events or luxurious, seated brunches. If you like your eggs with a side of sass, join hosts David Burtka and Neil Patrick Harris at Drag Brunch with performances by queens Manila Luzon and Latrice Royale. For a more rustic experience, head to our classic Farmer’s Market Brunch presented by White Claw hosted by Geoffrey Zakarian part of the LIVEHAPPilly series presented by illy caffè with produce direct from Heermance Farm in Tivoli, NY. And for an intimate dining experience, join Daniel Boulud and George Mendes at La Pavillon or Molly Yeh at Hutong for Champagne & Dim Sum Brunch. Whatever food (and drink!) you enjoy in the morning, we’ve got a brunch for you.

At NYCWFF, we never want the night to end. That’s why we have events that will keep you going until it’s technically the next day. Join us after dark for Asian favorites, classic cocktails, a mixology showdown or a champagne and dessert filled birthday party presented by Remy Martin that will make the fun last way past your bedtime. There’s no curfew at the Festival, so bring your appetite and get ready to go all night long – did we mention Rev Run will be on hand? Don’t set an alarm – you’re sleeping in after these late-night parties!