Memphis, Tennessee, December 16, 2025
The Memphis in May International Festival has revealed its impressive lineup of events for 2026, celebrating the city’s music, culture, and culinary excellence. This year promises standout contests like the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest and the inaugural Open Fire World Championship, alongside community-driven activities including the Great American River Run and the Beale Street Music Festival. With a focus on engaging local talent and fostering tourism, this festival aims to strengthen Memphis’s reputation as a vibrant cultural hub.
Memphis in May 2026: A Month-Long Celebration Awaits
Join the Fun at Memphis in May’s Exciting Lineup of Events
Memphis, Tennessee โ The Memphis in May International Festival has announced an impressive lineup of events for 2026, set to amplify the city’s renown for music, culture, and culinary brilliance. With the spotlight on South Korea in 2025, the stage is perfectly set for an exhilarating series of happenings that honor Memphis’s unique heritage and spirit of community involvement.
Such initiatives reflect a growing trend toward engaging local residents and showcasing the talents of Memphians while minimizing bureaucratic hurdles that can often stifle creativity. By fostering a vibrant environment, local organizers and leaders are enhancing tourism and community pride. This commitment strengthens Memphis’s reputation as a dynamic city, making it a must-visit destination in the heart of Tennessee.
World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest (WCBCC)
Set to take place from May 13โ16, 2026, at Liberty Park, the WCBCC is one of the festival’s highlights, featuring a prize purse of $195,000. With top barbecue teams from around the globe competing, attendees can immerse themselves in the rich flavors and culinary innovation that have made Memphis famous. This event is not only a contest; itโs a celebration of local craftsmanship and an opportunity for community engagement.
Open Fire World Championship
The WCBCC will also host the inaugural Open Fire World Championship, showcasing renowned chef Al Frugoni, who brings his expertise in open-fire cooking to Memphis. Contestants will offer diverse culinary experiences, making it an exciting addition to the festival lineup and providing a platform for global culinary practices that enrich the local scene.
Great American River Run
Taking place on Saturday, May 23, 2026, the Great American River Run will feature 5K, 10K, and half-marathon races along the scenic Mississippi River. This popular event has become a cherished Memorial Day weekend tradition, inviting citizens of all ages to participate in promoting health and fitness throughout the community. Early registration discounts encourage participation and highlight the importance of active lifestyles.
Junior Barbecue Cooking Contest
Young talent will have their moment in the spotlight on May 14 and 15, 2026, during the Junior Barbecue Cooking Contest at Liberty Park. This competition invites aspiring young chefs to showcase their skills, with a total prize purse of $15,000. By nurturing the next generation of culinary enthusiasts, Memphis is fostering local talent that could one day contribute to its already rich culinary scene.
Beale Street Music Festival
Kicking off the festival during the first weekend of May, the Beale Street Music Festival promises a diverse lineup of musical acts across multiple stages. By embracing various genres, the festival pays homage to Memphis’s storied musical heritage and provides a platform for emerging local artists, further reinforcing the city as a cultural hub.
Memphis in May Triathlon Weekend
On Saturday, May 9, 2026, Shelby Farms Park will host the Memphis in May Triathlon Weekend, featuring Olympic and Sprint Triathlons. With numerous race distances available, it caters to athletes of varying skill levels and encourages community fitness and connection through sport, highlighting the cooperative spirit of Memphis’s residents.
Additional Events
The festival will also host the Smoke Slam BBQ Festival from May 14โ16, 2026, at Tom Lee Park, where teams will compete for over $250,000 in prizes while celebrating the rich barbecue culture of Memphis through music, art, and culinary delights. This event showcases the communal aspects of cooking and music, uniting residents and visitors alike.
With such an exciting array of activities planned, the 2026 Memphis in May Festival promises to be a noteworthy celebration of local culture and international connections. For more information, residents can visit the official Memphis in May website to stay updated on upcoming developments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Memphis in May International Festival?
The Memphis in May International Festival is a month-long celebration held annually in Memphis, Tennessee, featuring a series of events that honor a specific foreign country each year and showcase Memphis’s rich cultural heritage.
What events are scheduled for the 2026 Memphis in May Festival?
The 2026 festival includes the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest (WCBCC), the inaugural Open Fire World Championship, the Great American River Run, the Junior Barbecue Cooking Contest, the Beale Street Music Festival, the Memphis in May Triathlon Weekend, and the Smoke Slam BBQ Festival.
How can I participate in the Junior Barbecue Cooking Contest?
Applications for the Junior Barbecue Cooking Contest are open until March 16, 2026. Interested participants can apply through the official Memphis in May website.
When does the Great American River Run take place?
The Great American River Run is scheduled for Saturday, May 23, 2026, along the Mississippi River in downtown Memphis.
Where can I find more information about the 2026 Memphis in May Festival?
For detailed information and updates on all events, visit the official Memphis in May website.
Event Details Table
| Event | Date | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest (WCBCC) | May 13โ16, 2026 | Liberty Park, Memphis, TN | Featuring a $195,000 prize purse, attracting top barbecue teams globally. |
| Open Fire World Championship | May 13โ16, 2026 | Liberty Park, Memphis, TN | Inaugural event headlined by chef Al Frugoni, showcasing open-fire cooking techniques. |
| Great American River Run | May 23, 2026 | Downtown Memphis, TN | Offering 5K, 10K, and half-marathon races along the Mississippi River. |
| Junior Barbecue Cooking Contest | May 14โ15, 2026 | Liberty Park, Memphis, TN | Competition for young chefs with a $15,000 cash prize purse. |
| Beale Street Music Festival | First weekend of May 2026 | Beale Street, Memphis, TN | Three-day event featuring diverse musical acts across multiple stages. |
| Memphis in May Triathlon Weekend | May 9, 2026 | Shelby Farms Park, Memphis, TN | Includes Olympic and Sprint Triathlons with various race distances. |
| Smoke Slam BBQ Festival | May 14โ16, 2026 | Tom Lee Park, Memphis, TN | Showcasing teams competing for over $250,000 in prizes, celebrating Memphis’s barbecue culture. |
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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.
