How is the Memphis in May barbecue contest different for 2024? Here's all the details
Memphis in May has made some changes to the 2024 events, but there's still plenty to do for those who have been attending for years.
The festivities for Memphis in May, which typically begin the first weekend in May, were pushed back to the middle of the month for 2024. With no Beale Street Music Festival happening, the first event for Memphis in May this year is the annual World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest that starts on May 15 and ends May 18.
After the Barbecue Cooking Contest, the next big event is the annual Great American River Run which takes place Memorial Day weekend.
If you've never been to the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest or wonder what's different about the festivities this year, here's what to expect.
What is different about the Memphis in May Barbecue Cooking Contest for 2024?
The biggest difference with the cooking contest this year is the location. Rather than being right along the Mississippi River, the festival will take place at Liberty Park next to Liberty Stadium at 335 South Hollywood Street.
A new barbecue contest, SMOKESLAM − the World’s Ultimate BBQ Showdown, will be at Tom Lee Park this year instead of Memphis in May's barbecue contest.
Where should I park for the Memphis Barbecue Cooking Contest?
Memphis in May partners with Premium Parking for the festival every year.
This year, there will still be Premium Parking available for those that prefer to pay ahead of time. Otherwise, parking will be available at and around Liberty Park for the entire festival.
Does anything happen besides cooking at the Barbecue Cooking Contest in Memphis?
While people from around the world come to the contest to enjoy barbecue and cook out, there are plenty of other sites to see while at the contest. Each night there is a range of festivities that include live music, a Ms. Piggy costume contest and a barbecue sauce wrestling contest.
Thursday through Saturday at 7 p.m. will have a series of award ceremonies. Award can range from booth decoration to t-shirt design to the actual awards for the cooking contest. Here's the schedule:
Wednesday
Lighting of the Grill: 6:30 p.m.
Sauce Wrestling: 7:00 p.m.
Thursday
Ms. Piggy Idol Ceremony: 6 p.m.
Live Music from Marcy Playground: 8:30 p.m.
Friday
Live Music from Ingram Hill: 8:30 p.m.
Saturday
Live music from DJ Mic Tee: 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. after the awards ceremony
Can I buy barbecue at the Memphis in May Barbecue Cooking Contest?
No. Since it is a cooking competition, the teams are cooking to prepare for the competition and judging. Local health department regulations prohibit teams from serving barbecue to the general public.
Even though you can't buy barbecue from the teams, there will be food vendors at the park that will have barbecue and a number of other foods.
Do I have to know a team to get into the Memphis in May event?
While it is not required to know a team to get into the festival, it is recommended to know one. Not only are you less likely to have to pay for food and drinks if you know a team, but you will also have a place to hang out rather than having to walk around the entire time. Many teams will not let you into the booth unless you know a team member.
Can I go in and out of the Barbecue Cooking Contest in Memphis?
No. Only people who have team wristbands and VIPit pass holders will be able to enter and reenter the park. All general admission tickets are allowed a single entry with no reentry.
Single day general admission tickets are $15 a person, and a four-day general admission pass is $54 per person.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: 2024 Memphis in May Barbecue Contest: Where it is, tickets, more