MEMPHIS, Tenn. — On April 23, Memphis in May officials announced an action-packed lineup of activities for the 2024 World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, which will take place May 15-18.
The contest will be held at Liberty Park in Midtown Memphis.
“Memphis in May is authentically the heart and soul of Memphis, and our World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest has an unparalleled global reputation for over four and a half decades,” said Mack Weaver, Memphis in May's new President & CEO.
Officials said the competition is expected to have 129 competition teams from 22 states and four foreign countries.
Entertainment and activities in the 2024 World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest:
- Nightly entertainment, featuring Barbecue Sauce Wrestling on Wednesday, alternative pop hits from Marcy Playground on Thursday, Ingram Hill on Friday and DJ MicTee on Saturday,
- Demonstrations followed by meet and greets with free samples from Moe Cason, Joe Davidson, Megan & Jason Day, Chris Lilly, “Grill Girl” Robyn Lindars, Rasheed Phillips, Mike Starr, Tuffy Stone, “Bama Grill Master” Tim Van Doren, “BBQ Ninja” Craig Verhage & Leslie Scott, Tim Van Doren and more.
- Take-home culinary tips on the McCormick Demo Stage; free samples of Triple Pickle Gold Chicken Thighs, Smoked Pork Cowboy Sushi, and more. Special meet & greet with Rocky Stubblefield of Stubb’s Bar-B-Q Sauce with free samples.
- The Cooker Caravan with Heath Riles BBQ, an escorted tour to visit and learn directly from competition teams. Thursday and Friday between 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., no charge.
- Judge competition barbecue on the Kingsford Tour of Champions. Guests on the tour will visit teams, sample their barbecue and cast their ballot. The winner is revealed at the Grand Awards on Saturday. Teams include Blues Hog, Willingham’s, Big Bob Gibson Bar-B-Q, and The Shed and more. By reservation only with a separate add-on ticket.
- BBQ Alley with Big Green Egg and Friends; four well-known barbecue restaurants and pitmasters will serve a variety of barbecue including pork ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket, poultry with sides. Music from DJ MadEFX.
- Food vendors like barbecue from Big G’s, Yancey’s and Matai’z Polynesian Grill with additional options from Al Forno Pizza, Pronto Pups and Mempops.
- Junior pitmasters showcasing their skills and creativity on Thursday and Friday, 12 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.
- Young cooks-in-training from the culinary school at the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Memphis will shadow experienced pitmasters at the Home Depot Outdoor Kitchen at 3 p.m. on Friday.
Ticket information:
- Single Day, advance, General Admission tickets are $15 each / $18 at the gate plus a service charge
- VIPit tickets are $549 each plus a service charge (limited quantity available)
- All Four-days, advance, and General Admission tickets are $54 each plus a service charge
For more information on the event and to buy tickets, click here.
