Memphis in May is a month-long festival with a major barbecue competition at its center

Memphis in May is an annual festival held in Memphis, Tennessee, during the month of May. The festival runs for the entire month and includes multiple events, but the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is the largest and most visible part. The competition draws teams from across the United States and internationally, and it takes place in Tom Lee Park along the Mississippi River.

The barbecue contest itself typically runs for three days in mid-May. Teams compete in multiple categories — usually pork ribs, pork shoulder (pulled pork), whole hog, and brisket — and winners are crowned in each category as well as for overall grand champion. The event is open to the public, and spectators can watch teams cook, purchase food from vendors, and enjoy live music and entertainment throughout the festival grounds.

Key Takeaways

  • Memphis in May takes place during the entire month of May, with the barbecue competition running for three days in the middle of the month.
  • The barbecue contest is held in Tom Lee Park on the banks of the Mississippi River and is free to attend as a spectator.
  • Teams compete in four main categories: pork ribs, pork shoulder, whole hog, and brisket, with winners announced in each category plus an overall grand champion.
  • The festival includes live music, food vendors, and entertainment beyond the competition itself, making it a full month of events in Memphis.

When the barbecue competition takes place

The Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest runs for three consecutive days, typically Thursday through Saturday in the middle of May. The exact dates change each year, so checking the official Memphis in May website or calling ahead is the best way to confirm the schedule for the year you plan to attend.

Teams begin setting up and cooking on Thursday morning and continue through Saturday. The judging and awards ceremony typically happen on Saturday afternoon or evening. If you want to watch the cooking process and see teams at work, arriving early in the day gives you the best view of the preparation and cooking stages.

How to watch as a spectator

Attending the barbecue competition as a spectator is free. Tom Lee Park is open to the public during the event, and you can walk through the cooking area to watch teams prepare their entries. The park has designated spectator areas, and you can move around to see different teams and their setups.

Food is available for purchase from vendors throughout the park — both barbecue from competing teams and other food options. Bring cash or a card, as most vendors accept both. There is no reserved seating, so bring a chair or blanket if you want to sit while you watch. The event runs during the day and into the evening, so sunscreen and water are practical items to have with you.

The competition categories and judging

Teams compete in four main barbecue categories: pork ribs, pork shoulder (pulled pork), whole hog, and brisket. Each category has its own set of judges and scoring system. Judges evaluate the meat on taste, tenderness, and appearance, though the exact scoring criteria can vary slightly from year to year.

In addition to category winners, a Grand Champion is named based on overall performance across the competition. Some teams enter all four categories, while others focus on one or two. The competition is sanctioned and follows specific rules about cooking methods, timing, and meat preparation that all teams must follow.

How to enter as a competing team

If you want to compete rather than watch, teams must register in advance. Registration typically opens several months before the event and closes a set number of weeks before the competition date. The registration fee varies but is usually several hundred dollars per team.

Teams need to provide their own cooking equipment, tent, and supplies. There are specific rules about the types of grills and smokers allowed, the size of the cooking area, and the timing of when you can begin cooking. The official Memphis in May website lists all the rules and requirements for competing teams. First-time competitors should read these rules carefully, as violations can result in disqualification or point deductions.

Other events during Memphis in May

The barbecue competition is the centerpiece, but Memphis in May includes other events throughout the month. These have included concerts, a parade, a blues festival, and various cultural and sporting events. The specific lineup changes each year, so checking the festival schedule ahead of time will show you what else is happening during your visit.

Many of these events are also free or low-cost to attend. The festival is designed to celebrate Memphis culture and draw visitors to the city, so there is typically something happening almost every day in May if you want to explore beyond the barbecue competition.

Getting to Tom Lee Park and parking

Tom Lee Park is located on Riverside Drive along the Mississippi River in downtown Memphis. It is accessible by car, and there is parking available in nearby lots and garages, though parking can fill up during peak times on Saturday. Public transportation options include the MATA bus system, which serves downtown Memphis.

If you are driving, arriving early in the day — especially on Friday and Saturday — gives you a better chance of finding parking close to the park. Some parking is free, while some lots charge a fee. Walking from a farther parking area is common during the busiest parts of the event.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a ticket to watch the barbecue competition?

No, spectator admission to the barbecue competition is free. Tom Lee Park is open to the public during the event. You can walk through and watch teams cook without paying an entry fee, though you will pay if you purchase food from vendors.

Can I bring my own food and drinks to the park?

Policies on outside food and beverages can vary, so check the Memphis in May website or call ahead to confirm what is allowed. Many festivals permit outside non-alcoholic beverages but restrict outside food so vendors can sell meals. Alcohol policies are typically strict at public events.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear comfortable clothing and sunscreen, as you will be outdoors for several hours. Bring water, a hat, and sunglasses. A chair or blanket is useful if you want to sit while watching. Cash is helpful for vendors, though most accept cards as well.

Is Memphis in May only about barbecue?

No, the barbecue competition is the main event, but Memphis in May includes concerts, parades, and other cultural events throughout the month. Check the festival schedule to see what else is happening during your visit.

How far in advance do I need to plan to attend?

You can show up as a spectator with no advance planning — just arrive at Tom Lee Park during the event. If you want to compete, registration opens months in advance and closes several weeks before the competition, so plan ahead if you want to enter a team.