Memphis Gears Up for Second Annual SmokeSlam BBQ Showdown!
Hey there, Memphis! If youโre a fan of smoky flavors and mouthwatering BBQ, then youโre in for a treat! Team registrations for the 2025 SmokeSlam kicked off this Tuesday afternoon, and let me tell you, itโs shaping up to be a sizzling event.
Whatโs the Buzz About SmokeSlam?
Dubbed “The World’s Ultimate BBQ Showdown,” this event will take place at Tom Lee Park from May 15โ17. Mark your calendars, folks, because itโs happening on the same weekend as the renowned World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest in Liberty Park. How exciting is that?
Last year, nearly 60 teams brought their A-game to the competition, and this yearโs event promises to attract even more! Whether youโre an aspiring pitmaster or just want to soak in the amazing atmosphere, there’s something for everyone.
$250,000 in Prizes!
Hold onto your hats, BBQ lovers, because over $250,000 in prize money will be up for grabs over the three-day festival. That’s right, you read that correctly! The competition will focus on major categories including Whole Hog, Ribs, and Pulled Pork, with prizes awarded across 10 places in each category. Talk about some serious bragging rights!
New Categories to Tantalize Your Taste Buds
This year, SmokeSlam is adding even more spice! In addition to the main categories, participants will have the chance to compete in secondary categories like Dessert, Bacon, Duck, Poultry, Beef, Seafood, and Wings. And thatโs not all! Exciting new categories include Best Cocktail, Best Team Booth, Best Team T-shirt, and Best Dry Rub. Isnโt that a fun twist?
Winners from each category will also walk away with a โGolden Ticketโ granting them the opportunity to compete in the prestigious World Food Championship. Just imagine the glory!
For the Foodies!
If you’re not the competitive type and just prefer being a casual taster, come join the delicious festivities! The Live Fire Extravaganza will feature talented pitmasters cooking over open flames, and you can watch while they whip up some magical meals. Plus, there will be cooking demonstrations and a chance to sample some of the best meats, seafood, and even vegetables straight off the grill. Yum!
Endless Fun for the Family
But wait, thereโs more! The festival will also have live music, a Ferris wheel, games, and a bustling market. Who doesnโt love a little bit of excitement? To top it all off, there will be fireworks lighting up the night sky! What a fantastic way to spend the weekend!
Deadline Alert!
Donโt forget, team registrations for SmokeSlam will close on February 19. So, if youโve got a passion for BBQ and want to be part of this incredible event, nowโs the time to sign up!
Gather your friends and family, because SmokeSlam is not just about food; itโs about fun, community, and celebrating our love for BBQ. Prepare to eat, laugh, and make some unforgettable memories!
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
