Join Achilles Heat at one of New York City’s longest-running and most beloved summer festivals! The Hudson River Park Blues BBQ Festival 2026 brings together incredible live blues performances, outstanding barbecue, artisan vendors, family activities, and Hot Sauce Alley, where you’ll find us sampling and selling our products throughout the day.
Visit the Achilles Heat booth in Hot Sauce Alley to sample our award-winning Smoked Chili Crisp, winner of Best New Sauce at Sauce King NYC 2025, along with our line-up of handcrafted smoked hot sauces, all proudly made in NYC.
Whether you’re looking for your next favorite finishing condiment, a versatile cooking ingredient, or simply love discovering exceptional small-batch foods, we’d love to meet you. Stop by to taste our products, chat with founder, and learn how Achilles Heat is helping people cook, experiment, and enjoy food in unexpected ways.
🎶 Live Music Lineup
Enjoy an incredible day of live music featuring:
Bobby Rush – Legendary Grammy Award-winning blues icon.
Website: bobbyrush.squarespace.com
Instagram: @bobbyrushbluesmanSugaray Rayford – Grammy-nominated soul-blues powerhouse with one of the biggest voices in blues today.
Website: sugarayrayford.com
Instagram: @sugarayrayfordBuckwheat Zydeco Jr. – Carrying on the celebrated Louisiana zydeco tradition with high-energy accordion-driven performances.
Website: buckwheatzydecojr.com
Instagram: @buckwheatzydecojrilssontpartisBywater Call – Award-winning Southern soul, blues, and roots rock band from Toronto.
Website: bywatercall.com/
Instagram: @bywatercallHowlin’ Hurd – Dynamic blues guitarist and vocalist known for electrifying live performances.
Website: howlinhurd.com
Instagram: @howlinhurd
In addition to amazing music, you’ll find some of the region’s best BBQ, artisan vendors, games, family-friendly activities, and a marketplace—all with free admission.
Be sure to stop by Hot Sauce Alley and say hello—we’d love to introduce you to the flavors that have made Achilles Heat an award-winning NYC brand. Whether you’re a longtime fan or discovering us for the first time, we look forward to sharing a taste with you!
The Blues BBQ Main Stage features world renowned talent, while the Blues Second Stage delivers popular locals and accomplished artists alike, curated by the Jazz Foundation of America.
