Staten Island’s Snug Harbor Hosts Pig Island Food Tasting Event
New York Pork Producers will join Pig Island NYC with farm-sourced tastings and an on-site, butcher-led whole-hog breakdown, offering a closer look at the journey from farm to table. Friends of Firefighters also returns as Pig Island NYC’s community partner, carrying the proverbial firehouse table to the field and fostering connection, belonging, and care.
The chef lineup includes Brothers Barbecue, coming off wins at both Brisket King NYC and Rib King NYC, along with Sweet Lew’s BBQ, Holy City Hogs, Rodrigo Duarte of Don Rodrigo, the Mike’s Hot Honey Team, Jibaro Barbecue, Morgan’s Brooklyn BBQ, Babysmoker BBQ, Jase BBQ, Pork Mafia, Smith Poultry, and more.
PIG ISLAND NYC PUTS FARMERS, FIREFIGHTERS, AND CHEFS AT THE CENTER OF ITS 17TH YEAR
New York Pork Producers Adds Farm-Sourced Tastings and a Butcher-Led Whole-Hog Breakdown as Friends of Firefighters Returns for an All-Inclusive Snug Harbor Afternoon with Top BBQ Names, Local Drinks
NEW YORK CITY, NY – Pig Island NYC returns to Snug Harbor on Saturday, September 12, 2026, for its 17th year, bringing together farmers and producers, renowned chefs and restaurants, local drink makers, and longtime community partner Friends of Firefighters for an all-inclusive afternoon of whole-hog BBQ, farm-sourced tastings, local drinks, Hot Sauce Alley, and picnic-style eating across the South Meadow.
This year, New York Pork Producers and Friends of Firefighters bring Pig Island NYC’s agricultural and community roots to the forefront. New York Pork Producers, which connects New York’s farmers and partners across the state, will present farm-sourced tastings and a butcher-led whole-hog breakdown. Friends of Firefighters, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit providing independent, confidential, and free mental health counseling and wellness services to active and retired FDNY firefighters and their family members, returns as Pig Island NYC’s community partner, carrying the proverbial firehouse table to the field.
“This event is about so much more than incredible food,” says Chrissy Neafsey, Associate Director of Friends of Firefighters. “It’s about neighbors spending time together, chefs sharing their art, and the understanding that food has the power to create connection, belonging, and care, similar to the culture around the firehouse kitchen table.”
Emma Kron, Executive Director of New York Pork Producers, echoes that focus on connection at Pig Island NYC. “It’s a unique opportunity to connect people with the animal, the farmer, and the food on their plate,” she says. “We look forward to sharing the story of New York pork, answering questions, and helping people gain a greater appreciation for the care and dedication that goes into raising high-quality pork.”
“Pig Island NYC has always been built around connecting local farms and great chefs, then giving those chefs carte blanche to make something you can’t get anywhere else,” says Pig Island NYC founder Jimmy Carbone. “That’s what draws chefs to Pig Island NYC. They get the rare chance to cook big, cook freely, and serve directly to the crowd.”
Brothers Barbecue leads this year’s lineup after winning both Brisket King NYC and Rib King NYC, giving the team a shot at completing the Triple Crown of NYC BBQ Fests at Pig Island NYC. They’ll be joined by out-of-state standouts Lewis Donald of Charlotte’s Sweet Lew’s BBQ, Tank Jackson of South Carolina’s Holy City Hogs, Rodrigo Duarte of Don Rodrigo in Newark, and Kyle Smith of South Jersey’s Smith Poultry, alongside rising and returning New York-area names including Luis Negron of Jibaro Barbecue, Petra Bartosiewicz of Babysmoker BBQ, Jase Franklyn of Jase BBQ, Cenobio Canalizo of Morgan’s Brooklyn BBQ, and Vincent DeGennaro of Friends of Firefighters. Beyond the smokers, guests can expect even more food, sauces, sweets, and snacks from Achilles Heat, Coney Island Saucery, East Meets Young, Jersey Barnfire, Jimmy’s No. 43, MuMsKitchens NYC, and Tipsy Scoop.
The drink lineup is not to be missed. Flagship Brewing Co. will feature its Wolf Hound Nitro line with additional offerings from Bubba’s Secret Stills, Fort Hamilton Distillery, Momentum Brew, Piñaq, Polar Beverages, Round Table Brewery, Upstate Vodka, and more.
All food and drink tastings are included with admission, and tickets are on sale now at pigisland.com. General Admission Tickets are available starting at $55 plus processing fee. VIP Tickets and Packages start at $85 plus fee, and grant attendees early access at 11:00 AM for first tastes and drinks, opportunities to mix and mingle with chefs, and Pig Island NYC swag. A VIP Table for 10 saves attendees over $100 on VIP tickets and is available here.
An image gallery for press use is available here. Interviews with the event founder, chefs, and spirits producers can be arranged upon request. For media inquiries, please contact Jimmy Carbone at [email protected]. Read more about Pig Island NYC at pigisland.com. For all the latest updates, follow Pig Island NYC on Instagram @pigislandnyc. Pig Island NYC is a 21+ rain-or-shine event, and the lineup and offerings are subject to change without notice. All sales are final.
Saturday, September 12, 2026, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, NY 10301
Pig Island at Snug Harbor. Image Credit – Gerald Cain
Pig Island at Snug Harbor. Image Credit – Gerald Cain
Pig Island at Snug Harbor. Image Credit – Gerald Cain
About Food Karma Projects: Food Karma Projects events are grassroots-style celebrations that bring together award-winning and rising star chefs, restaurants, artisan producers, and distributors. Founded by Jimmy Carbone, Jimmy made his mark with Jimmy’s No. 43, an iconic bar in New York City’s East Village known for its approach to craft beer and local food. He expanded his dedication to regional food communities with the founding of Food Karma Projects, and under his direction, Food Karma Projects gatherings are recognized for their collaborative success stories. Food Karma Projects’ diverse portfolio ranges from long-standing events to fresh new soirees, including Brisket King® NYC, Rib King NYC™, Pig Island NYC™, Bowl of ‘Zole™, and CiderFeast™. Each festival offers immersive experiences that attract food enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.
Banner Image: Pig Island at Snug Harbor. Image Credit – Gerald Cain
Snug Harbor Cultural Center
Snug Harbor was founded with the execution of the will of Robert Richard Randall, heir to a shipping fortune, who died in 1801. The will required the family fortune and estate be used to build and operate a haven for “aged, decrepit, and worn-out sailors.” Today, Snug Harbor is a place where history, architecture, visual and performing arts, gardens, agriculture, and education come together and provide dynamic experiences for all ages. It is one of the largest ongoing adaptive reuse projects in America and is one of New York City’s unique architectural complexes and historic landscapes. Majestic buildings of classic architectural styles are home to exhibitions on historical subjects and contemporary art. Snug Harbor’s Music Hall is the one of the oldest concert halls in New York City. Fourteen distinctive botanical gardens are spread across the site and include the celebrated New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden and the Richmond County Savings Foundation Tuscan Garden, based on a 18th century garden in Florence, Italy. Snug Harbor is also is home to the Newhouse Center for Contemporary Art, Snug Harbor Artist Residency Program (SHARP), Staten Island Museum, Staten Island Children’s Museum, Noble Maritime Collection, Art Lab, Children’s Harbor Montessori School, and Staten Island Conservatory of Music. Snug Harbor is also a proud Smithsonian affiliate.
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