News Summary
Memphis is set to host a variety of events, including the 2025 Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, attracting teams from across the globe. The event promises delicious food, live music, and creative ancillary contests. Other highlights include the Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival and notable art exhibitions. With a thriving cultural scene, Memphis aims to engage both locals and visitors, showcasing culinary excellence and community involvement.
Memphis is gearing up for a vibrant array of events that promise to attract both locals and visitors alike in the coming months. Highlighting the calendar is the 2025 Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest set to unfold from May 14-17 at Liberty Park. This annual culinary showdown will feature over 150 competing teams hailing from 23 states and four countries, all vying for the esteemed title of Grand Champion in categories such as ribs, shoulder, and whole hog.
The competition is not just about barbecuing; it also provides teams with the chance to earn the coveted โGolden Ticket,โ which secures their qualification for the prestigious World Food Championships scheduled for October. Beyond the meat-focused categories, participants will showcase their creativity through ancillary contests including Best Booth, Best T-Shirt, and the amusing Ms. Piggie Idol, which highlights the fun spirit of the event.
Accompanying the barbecue festivities will be live music, and attendees can participate in exciting events such as sauce wrestling on May 14 and the Ms. Piggie Idol competition on May 15. Ticket prices for the World Championship range from $22 for single-day general admission to $65 for a four-day pass, making it accessible for a broad audience. Additionally, a barbecue marketplace will allow teams to sell their sauces, dry rubs, and other products, further engaging visitors in the fun.
In addition to the barbecue contest, Memphis will host the 32nd Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival and a variety of art exhibitions throughout the spring season. One notable exhibition, โThe Golden Age of Paper Dolls,โ will showcase an extensive private collection from April 1 to May 30, 2025, and invite visitors to engage in interactive paper doll activities. Another exhibit, โOpposites Abstract: A Mo Willems Exhibit,โ aims to encourage children to explore art in a playful manner, running concurrently from April 1 to May 30, 2025.
Cultural highlights also include a performance by the Buckman Dance Conservatory, which will feature both ballet and contemporary dance. For those seeking employment, a Drive-Thru Job Fair will be conducted at The Salvation Army Kroc Center, providing opportunities for career seekers in the area. Furthermore, the popular Trolley Night street festival is set for April 25, offering live music and open houses in the vibrant South Main Arts District.
Sports enthusiasts can look forward to the Memphis Grizzlies facing the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 26 at the FedExForum, further adding to the city’s lineup of engaging events. Local artists will also be highlighted in an exhibition titled โFusion,โ featuring works by Jin Powell and John Powell at ANF Architects.
Culinary options abound, with local food trucks presenting a sample of Memphis’s dynamic food scene. To stay informed about whatโs happening in Memphis, individuals can sign up for newsletters focused on local happenings, including details on arts and food events.
As the city prepares for this lineup, Memphis stands out as a destination rich in culture, culinary excellence, and community engagement, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy.
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Additional Resources
- Commercial Appeal: Memphis in May BBQ 2025 Festival
- Google Search: Memphis in May 2025
- Fox 13 Memphis: Spring Break Events
- Google Scholar: Memphis events
- Local Memphis: Weekend Events April 2025
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Memphis
- WREG: Fun Events Happening in Memphis
- Google News: Memphis weekend events
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.
