For nearly fifty years, the mission of the Memphis in May International Festival has been to promote and celebrate Memphis culture, foster economic growth, and enhance international awareness. Fulfillment of this bold mission each year has contributed to the Festival winning 244 Pinnacle Awards for excellence from the International Festival and Events Association, along with numerous other awards and media recognition from across the country and around the world.
The festival is a 501c(3) non-profit that receives no ongoing direct governmental funding and has earned the respect of its sponsors, ticket buyers, and Memphians alike. Note the organization is grateful to have received recovery funding related to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as public safety support from the City of Memphis and Shelby County. Memphis in May is governed by a volunteer board of directors of civic leaders who work tirelessly behind the scenes shaping the direction of the festival. The organization enjoys the support of hundreds of dedicated community volunteers who pull together a diverse menu of events each May.
Memphis in May International Festival celebrates the culture of the Bluff City with the internationally recognized World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest and the Great American River Run. Our events are exclusively Memphis: soul-satisfying food that brings together people from different cultures to find common ground around a meal and enjoying a competitive run along the breathtaking vista of the mighty Mississippi River.
One of the most important aspects of our mission is that of fostering economic growth. Our festival draws thousands of visitors and tourists from around the world, positively affecting the city’s tourism industry. Prior to the pandemic, in 2019, the festival delivered an economic impact of $149 million to the city.
The Beale Street Music Festival will be on pause for 2024 following uncertainty surrounding the use of Tom Lee Park, and the disposition of a lawsuit filed by the Memphis River Parks Partnership from the 2023 festival event. 2024 will allow time to explore options for an event in the future that our fans expect.
In the summer of 2023 Memphis in May announced a partnership with the Greater Memphis Chamber to manage the festival’s International Salute program. The Memphis Chamber selected France as the 2024 honored country with programming focused on economic development.
We’re excited to present the 46th edition of the prestigious World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest at Liberty Park in 2024 as well the one of the fastest growing runs in the mid-south, the Great American River Run. We look forward to growing the menu of events and activities in the future for the benefit and enjoyment of the citizens and City of Memphis.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, and community volunteers, thank you for your support of Memphis in May. We look forward to seeing you in 2024!
