Memphis in May: The Best of Memphis BBQ

Every year in May, Tom Lee Park in Memphis, Tennessee becomes a huge outdoor cooking competition complete with live entertainment, vendor booths and barbeque. While the Memphis BBQ will be out in full force, teams from all over the globe come to compete in the World Championship Barbeque Cook Off. Visitors can taste creations from local vendor booths or be a judge in the People's Choice awards. The World Champion Cooking Competition also has live music, fashion shows and other events throughout the park. The event lasts for three days.

Barbeque Cook Off

Teams from Memphis and across the world will compete in one of several categories, such as the beef, pork and exotic competition. There will also be competitions for the best side items served by the teams. Professional judges will pick the winners for the main prizes. Visitors can attend the People's Choice tent where they will get to try a sampling of some of the BBQ in the main competition and select their favorites.

Other Competitions

Teams will compete for more than just their food. Judges will hold competitions for the best booth decorations, the best t-shirt and more. Winners will receive prizes on the main state. Visitors can attend the winning ceremonies held on the first day of the barbeque cook off.

Other Entertainment

Visitors can attend a free guided tour of the cooking events happening at the park. On the Cooker Caravan, visitors will get to meet the teams and learn some of the secrets behind their world famous barbeque and side dish creations. The Cooker Caravan runs every day during the event. At the College of Pig Knowledge, visitors can watch live cooking demonstrations held by some of the best Memphis BBQ chefs. On the first day of the cook off, several teams will dress there men in Miss Piggie costumes and head them to the main stage for the Miss Piggie Idol competition, where the men will sing original songs about pork and other bbq. After the competition, live bands will take to the main stage and perform jazz, blues and other Memphis music classics throughout the remainder of the cook off.

Tickets

Guests can purchase tickets ahead of time online through the Memphis in May Festival website. Tickets are also available at any of the four entrances to Tom Lee Park throughout the event.

World Championship Barbeque Cooking Contest, Memphis in May Inc.