Memphis BBQ Festival Records Unprecedented Attendance

Crowd enjoying the Memphis BBQ Festival with food stalls

News Summary

The Memphis in May BBQ Festival has achieved record-breaking attendance this year, exceeding 40,000 visitors and showing an 18% increase from last year. Key highlights include the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, which attracted a remarkable number of participants, and significant growth in VIP ticket sales. The event has become the ultimate food experience for families and BBQ enthusiasts alike, showcasing a competitive spirit among teams and diverse categories for younger participants.

Memphis Sees Record Attendance at BBQ Festival

The annual Memphis in May BBQ Festival has recorded an impressive attendance of over 40,000 this year, marking an 18% increase compared to 2022. The festival’s centerpiece, the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest (WCBCC), alone attracted around 41,000 attendees, contributing to a projected total that could reach up to 50,000 for the entire event.

VIP Experience and Ticket Sales Surge

This year’s festival saw a surge in interest, with VIP tickets selling out despite a 25% increase in capacity. Additionally, the Kingsford Tour of Champions reported a remarkable 55% increase in ticket sales, a testament to the growing popularity of the event. BBQ Alley also experienced significant growth, with a 67% increase in attendance, further highlighting the festival’s success.

Ultimate Food Experience Unveiled

Memphis in May has been described as the ultimate food experience, especially during the WCBCC, which combines competition for barbecue teams with a festive atmosphere for the public. The public-facing components of the contest have seen widespread participation, contributing to the overall rise in attendance figures.

SmokeSlam Launch and Competitive Spirit

The festivities kicked off with the SmokeSlam event on May 15, featuring 76 teams competing for a total prize pool of $150,000. The final awards ceremony, held on May 16, concluded with various payouts for winners across multiple categories.

Rescue Smokers Takes Top Honors

During the competition, the team Rescue Smokers was named the 2025 Grand Champion on May 17. This team also clinched first place in the Pulled Pork category and secured fourth place in Ribs. The competitiveness and enthusiasm surrounding this event showcase the passion for barbecue that unites participants and spectators alike.

Young Competitors Shine

Another highlight was the World Junior BBQ League, where Totally Bodacious BBQ was crowned Grand Champion, earning a prize of $5,000. The junior competition, along with other unique categories such as Duck, Bacon, and Cocktails, adds diversity to the festival and encourages participation across age groups.

Conclusion

The Memphis in May BBQ Festival continues to grow in popularity, boasting record-breaking attendance this year. With a mix of competition, entertainment, and community spirit, it stands out as a premier celebration of barbecue culture in the region, appealing to both seasoned barbecue enthusiasts and families looking for an enjoyable experience.