The Memphis in May barbecue contest is back: What to know before you go + some pro tips
It’s almost time for the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest.
This will be the 46th contest for this world-renowned barbecue cooking competition that has put Memphis at the center of all things barbecue.
Set for May 15-18, the contest may look different and be in a new location, but expect the competition to be as fierce as ever with 129 teams from 22 states and four foreign countries vying for the title of Grand Champion.
Teams compete in three different championship categories during the contest: Whole Hog, Shoulder and Rib. Back this year will be the Patio Porkers Division, an amateur division for those who want to test their skills before competing with the professionals.
Here are five things to know if you are planning to attend the 2024 contest.
Memphis in May has new home at Liberty Park
The Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest will be located at Liberty Park in Midtown Memphis this year. It’s the new home for the event that traditionally was held in Tom Lee Park in Downtown Memphis.
Pros to the new location include easier (and closer) parking. As far as cons, there are no hotels within walking distance.
Bit of history: This is the third time the barbecue cooking contest has been held at Liberty Park. In 2011, the event moved to the fairgrounds when the Mississippi River flooded to record levels. The event was also held in this location in 2022 when Tom Lee Park was under construction.
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Where to park for the Memphis in May barbecue contest
There are several first-come, first-served parking lots on the grounds at Liberty Park. Spaces are limited.
Additional parking can be found in areas near the fairgrounds.
There will be three entrances into the contest. In addition to the North and South Gates on Early Maxwell Boulevard, Memphis in May has added a third gate on East Parkway.
Pro tip: Have cash on hand for a paid lot in case you are unable to find free street parking. Most lots charge $20 to $30 per day.
A designated share-ride drop-off and pick-up spot will be located at the Parkway Entrance Gate (just to the south of the gate).
How to get a taste of championship barbecue at Memphis in May
Unfortunately, teams cannot sell food to festival attendees, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a taste of championship barbecue.
The Kingsford Tour of Champions gives you the chance to judge and sample barbecue from several teams and listen to teams explain their craft. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and they do sell out.
Tours are set for 2, 3 and 4 p.m. May 16 and May 17. For tickets, visit the Memphis in May website.
BBQ Alley is another opportunity to enjoy world-class barbecue. This special area features four well-known barbecue restaurants, plus Big Green Egg, serving up a variety of barbecue including pork ribs, pulled pork, beef and poultry, plus side dishes. Limited quantities of $25 tickets are sold online and in person. There are multiple sessions of BBQ Alley each day; the full schedule is online at memphisinmay.org.
Pro tip: For the best barbecue experience, plan to attend the Kingsford Tour of Champions on one day and then BBQ Alley another day. That way you will get to experience award-winning barbecue from several different pitmasters.
Sauce Wrestling, Ms. Piggy Idol and barbecue lessons
The cooking contest is open to the public May 15-18. Gates open at 5 p.m. May 15, 11 a.m. May 16-17 and 10 a.m. May 18.
Wednesday and Thursday nights tend to be a little less crowded than Friday nights.
Among the things you won't want to miss: Sauce Wrestling will be at 6:30 p.m. May 15, with Ms. Piggy Idol at 6 p.m. May 16.
Other entertainment includes performances by bands Marcy Playground on May 16 and Ingram Hill on May 17, with DJ Mic Tee set to keep the party going on May 18 after awards are announced.
It’s always fun to be there for the party at night, but also consider going during the afternoon. It’s a great way to check out the elaborate booth decorations and possibly get to meet (and get some cooking tips from) some of the best pitmasters in the world. The Home Depot Outdoor Kitchen will feature live demos and meet-and-greets with world-famous pitmasters like Tuffy Stone and Moe Cason. (A full schedule of demonstrations is available online at memphisinmay.org.)
If you're into the competition side of the cooking contest, go on the morning on Saturday, May 18. The teams are all business that morning as blind judging and then on-site judging take place. It’s fun to get a glimpse into the passion these pitmasters have for their craft.
Pro tip: If planning on bringing a purse, fanny pack or a small backpack, make sure it's clear. Only clear bags are allowed inside the festival grounds.
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Tickets to Memphis in May's barbecue contest
It’s best to purchase tickets in advance at memphisinmay.org. Single-day general admission tickets are $15, and four-day passes are $54. The VIP four-day tickets, which include team and judging experiences, are $549.
Pro tip: Tickets will be available at the gate, but only attendees with advance purchase tickets are guaranteed admission if the park reaches capacity. Also, know that entry into the park is free before 1 p.m. May 16-17.
Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest
When: May 15-18
Hours: 5-10 p.m. May 15, 11 a.m.-midnight May 16-17, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. May 18
Where: Liberty Park
Online: memphisinmay.org
Tickets: Single-day general admission tickets are $15, and four-day passes are $54. Tickets can be purchased in advance at memphisinmay.org.
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This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis in May barbecue contest: Parking, tickets, schedule and more
