Meatopia
Brooklyn Bridge Park ; 7/23 at 5 p.m., Old Fulton St., at Fulton Ferry Landing, Dumbo, Brooklyn; 718-802-0603
There’s a cookout, then there’s Meatopia. Started from humble beginnings, it’s now grown into a veritable foodstravaganza, this year at Brooklyn Bridge Park with over 45 chefs from all over the U.S., live music (which will likely include the event’s own catchy theme song), and the live finals of the Whole Foods national butcher contest, which may or may not be the best idea to watch while eating. Tickets run from $85 to $195 and you can get them here.
The Great Hot Dog Cookoff
Kelso Brewing Company ; 7/23 at 2 p.m.; 539 Waverly Ave., nr. Atlantic Ave., Fort Greene, Brooklyn; 203-520-3229
Make like Kobayashi and try to break a record in this fun annual event pitting 23 teams of chefs against each other, with proceeds to benefit the Food Bank for NYC. The goal is to be creative, so you never know what type of ‘dogs you’ll get (a topping mix of spicy slaw, deep fried pickle chips, and remoulade sauce won last year). Also, beer is included in the $45 ticket, which you can cop here.
Wine Regions of the World Tasting Series Cruise
Chelsea Piers; 7/23 at 2:15 p.m.; exact location given upon purchase
What’s better than being on a boat? Being on a boat with wine—five different varieties, to be exact—plus artisanal cheeses and an instructor to teach you how to get the most flavor out of them. The Saturday afternoon trip will do a full circumnavigation of the island, for extra scenic views.
4th Annual Pig Out!
3rd Ward; 7/23 at 2 p.m.; 195 Morgan Ave., nr. Stagg St., Williamsburg, Brooklyn; 718-715-4961
Admission is free, but RSVP is required to this yearly summer pigathon, which, in addition to BBQ by the Brindle Room and refreshing drinks, features farm-fresh produce for purchasing, live music, and 3rd Ward demos on diverse subjects like bike repair, chocolate sculpting, and casting algae.
King’s County Cookout
Lady Jay’s; 7/24 at 3 p.m.; 633 Grand St., nr. Leonard St., Williamsburg, Brooklyn; 718-387-1029
It’s the second edition of the bluegrass-centric BBQ and music series at Lady Jay’s, with Spirit Family Reunion headlining the stage and grill master Lex Taylor whipping up barbecue chicken, brisket sandwiches, chimichurri hot dogs, and more. Plates cost a mere five bucks and include one entrée and two sides.
Psychobilly Luau Weekender
The Bell House; 7/23 at 3:30 p.m.; 149 7th St., nr. Second Ave., Gowanus, Brooklyn; 718-643-6510
The biggest psychobilly festival on the East Coast spans three days, three venues, and offers more tiki culture than you can handle, with bands that have awesome names like the Klingonz, Sasquatch and the Sick-a-billys, and the Memphis Morticians. The food portion happens at the Bell House on the 23rd, and $6 plate options will include BBQ pulled-pork sandwiches, veggie burgers, and the delicious-sounding bacon-and-brown-sugar baked beans. Mac ‘n’ cheese is $4.
Serious Eats All-Star Sandwich Festival
Governors Island; 7/23 at noon
The folks at Serious Eats love sammies, so they’ve rounded up their favorites and put them on an island. Among vendors represented will be Torrisi (turkey hero), Locanda Verde (lamb meatball sliders), Taim Mobile (falafel), and more. Tickets run from $65 to $100, and you can get them while they’re hot here.
Greenport Harbor Anniversary Brewery Tour Excursion
Rattle & Hum; 7/24 at 9 a.m.; 14 E. 33rd St., nr. Fifth Ave.; 212-481-1586
If you’re serious about your beer, you’ll travel for it, and beer aficionados Rattle & Hum facilitates your obsession by bussing the thirsty out to Greenport Harbor Brewing Company in Long Island and providing them with beer and food both on the trip and when you get there, all for $50. Summer fun!
Scores Whiskey Pairing
Robert’s Restaurant, Scores; 7/27 at 7 p.m.; 536 W. 28th St., nr. Eleventh Ave.
Whatever associations you have with the “high-end gentleman’s club” Scores, did you know that they have an award-winning restaurant on the premises? And in that restaurant they’ll be doing a one-off whiskey-and-food-pairing event with executive chef Will Savarse and Master of Whiskey (whose job we want), Spike McClure.
Summer BBQ Blowout
City Winery; 8/6 at 1 p.m.; 155 Varick St., at Vandam St.; 212-608-0555
A block party for food and music lovers alike with three hours of D.J.’s and tunes by Midnight Magic, DJ Autobot (Flosstradamus), NewVillager, and more, plus grillside performances from chefs including Sam Mason (Lady Jay’s), Phillip Kirschen-Clark (Vandaag), Christina Tosi (Momofuku Milk Bar), Sam Talbot (Imperial No 9), and Daniel Holzman (the Meatball Shop). Regular tickets will get you ten food servings and two free drinks, and you can snag them here.