The HOME DEPOT Outdoor Kitchen Returns!

Memphis, Tenn. (May 11, 2026) – Barbecue fans, grill masters, and backyard cooks alike are invited to step into the ultimate “outdoor cooking” playground as the Home Depot Outdoor Kitchen brings the heat to the 2026 Memphis In May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest May 13-16 at Liberty Park.

From sizzling grills and massive smokers to patio inspiration worthy of your next neighborhood cookout, the Home Depot Outdoor Kitchen allows festivalgoers to explore live food demonstrations using the latest outdoor cooking gear, discover grilling tips, and get inspired for their summer backyard entertainment plans. There will be plenty of food demonstrations and food samples for festivalgoers to try, so COME HUNGRY!

Whether you’re dreaming of upgrading your patio, perfecting your ribs, or just looking for the best selfie spot at the contest, the Home Depot Outdoor Kitchen will deliver a hands-on experience built for barbecue lovers. Located inside the world’s most prestigious barbecue competition, the interactive experience will give attendees a firsthand look at innovative outdoor cooking products while celebrating the spirit of grilling, and the summer tradition of entertaining family and friends in your own backyard.

“This is more than grills and smokers, it’s about bringing people together,” said Mack Weaver, Memphis In May President and CEO. “Memphis loves to cook outdoors, entertain friends, and celebrate barbecue culture, and the Home Depot Outdoor Kitchen captures all of that energy in one exciting space.”

The Home Depot Outdoor Kitchen is Complimentary with ANY ticket inside the 2026 World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. Whether you purchase a general admission ticket or a “Combo Ticket” to one of our “Food Experiences”, EVERYONE can enjoy the Home Depot Outdoor Kitchen.

“The Home Depot Outdoor Kitchen is where barbecue passion and backyard inspiration come together,” said Tiffani Perry, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Memphis In May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. “It allows all barbecue fans to engage with the lifestyle and creativity behind outdoor cooking while enjoying the unmatched energy of the competition itself”

The 2026 World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest will feature over 200 barbecue teams from around the globe, live entertainment on the Cattlemen’s Main Stage, specialty experiences, activations, and fan-favorite attractions throughout Liberty Park.

The Home Depot Outdoor Kitchen lineup can be found on our website at www.memphisinmay.org/experience.

Taste the Cue! Explore “VIP” and “Combo Ticket” options to our “FOOD EXPERIENCES” that allow festivalgoers to TASTE THE CUE!

VIPit Experience – Step behind the smoke and into the heart of championship barbecue with the VIPit Experience—a one-of-a-kind adventure for true BBQ lovers. This exclusive package is designed to give you unmatched access, unforgettable flavors, and insider moments you can’t find anywhere else
Kingsford Tour of Champions – The Kingsford Tour of Champions gives fans an exclusive chance to sample mouthwatering entries from top teams at the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. Guests not only savor award-worthy bites but also help crown a People’s Choice Champion by casting their vote. It’s your chance to experience championship-level BBQ like the judges do—up close, delicious, and unforgettable.
BBQ Alley – Get ready for a tasting experience like no other at the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest! Barbecue Alley is the ultimate backyard style barbecue party experience. It’s A Vibe! Featuring DJ Mad EFX.
NEW! Open Fire Experience – Attendees will have the exciting opportunity to “taste the ‘cue” and take in the sizzling spectacle of the Open Fire World Championship! Multiple blazing open fire stations will heat up to prepare beef, pork, chicken, lamb, alligator, octopus, and more! In partnership with Al Frugoni, acclaimed Argentine-born chef and live-fire specialist, this groundbreaking event expands the festival footprint, celebrating the ancient art and modern innovation of open-flame cooking.

HOME DEPOT OUTDOOR KITCHEN VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/roVJxzdzU0s