News Summary

Memphis will welcome the SmokeSlam BBQ Competition, a premier event featuring over 76 teams from various states competing for a $250,000 prize. Scheduled for May at Tom Lee Park, the event promises excitement with live entertainment, celebrity pitmasters, and family-friendly activities. A new BBQ bootcamp for teens will also take place, fostering the next generation of barbecue enthusiasts.

Memphis Set to Host SmokeSlam 2025 BBQ Competition

Memphis, TN — SmokeSlam, dubbed “The World’s Ultimate BBQ Showdown,” will return to Downtown Memphis from May 15-17, 2025, at Tom Lee Park, situated along the banks of the Mississippi River. The annual event promises thrilling barbecue competition and entertainment, drawing a larger crowd than previous years.

This year, over 76 teams from at least 11 states will participate, a significant increase from the 57 teams that competed in 2024. The event offers a prize purse totaling $250,000, distributed among three main BBQ categories: Whole Hog, Ribs, and Pulled Pork. Each of these categories will award 10 prizes. Additionally, seven ancillary categories return, including Dessert, Bacon, Duck, Poultry, Beef, Seafood, and Wings, all sanctioned by the World Food Championships.

New to this year’s competition are four additional categories: Best Cocktail, Best Team Booth, Best Team T-shirt, and Best Dry Rub. The ribs category remains the standout, attracting 72 competing teams, while 32 teams will be vying for top honors across all three major BBQ categories.

Live Entertainment and Celebrity Pitmasters

The festival will feature a Live Fire Stage showcasing renowned pitmasters such as Al Frugoni and Thyron Matthews, who will offer barbecue samples to attendees. A total of 10 pitmasters will participate throughout the event, with at least six celebrity pitmasters available for tastings.

Ticket holders can opt for VIP passes that provide exclusive experiences, including personal interactions with celebrity pitmasters, access to a premium bar, and private lounge areas. Trivia contests and giveaways will occur regularly during the festival, enhancing the overall experience for guests.

Family-Friendly Atmosphere

General admission tickets, as well as VIP passes, can be purchased online, with prices varying for each option. Daily gates will open at 2 p.m. each day, featuring live music and cooking demonstrations as part of the entertainment lineup. A spectacular fireworks display will illuminate the night sky at 10 p.m. each evening, adding to the festive ambience.

In addition to the culinary excitement, guests can partake in carnival games and enjoy a Ferris wheel, creating a family-friendly atmosphere throughout the event. Premium parking will be available for VIP pass holders, alongside various parking options around Downtown Memphis to accommodate attendees.

Special BBQ Bootcamp for Teens

In conjunction with the competition, a one-day barbecue bootcamp tailored for teenagers will be conducted by BBQ champion Melissa Cookston ahead of the event. This bootcamp aims to teach essential barbecue skills, engaging the next generation in the culinary art form.

Celebrating Barbecue Culture

The SmokeSlam festival accentuates the rich barbecue culture and culinary spirit of Memphis, drawing local residents and visitors alike. With an extensive lineup of competitions, entertainment, and family activities, the event is set to be a highlight for both food enthusiasts and families in the region as it returns for its second year.

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Additional Resources

• Commercial Appeal: Memphis in May BBQ 2025 SmokeSlam
• Fox 13 Memphis: SmokeSlam All Fired Up
• Choose901: SmokeSlam BBQ Festival
• Memphis Flyer: SmokeSlam – It’s More Than Just BBQ
• PR Newswire: SmokeSlam BBQ Festival Announcement
• Wikipedia: Barbecue
• Google Search: BBQ Competitions
• Google Scholar: Barbecue Culture
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Barbecue
• Google News: BBQ Festivals