Memphis In May Announces Cattlemen’s Mainstage Entertainment

Memphis, Tenn. (April 3, 2026) – Memphis In May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is turning up the heat in 2026 with an exciting lineup of live entertainment, interactive experiences, and fan-favorite activations designed to deliver more flavor, fun, and unforgettable moments than ever before.

Hosted by Memphis in May International Festival, the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest (WCBCC) returns to Liberty Park, bringing together championship pitmasters from 27 states and 7 countries, music lovers, families, and barbecue enthusiasts from around the globe for a four-day celebration of food, music, culture, and community.

Live Entertainment for Every Taste
The 2026 WCBCC will feature a dynamic mix of musical entertainment on the Cattlemen’s Main Stage in Liberty Park. Attendees can expect a soundtrack that reflects the spirit of Memphis while keeping the crowd moving day and night. Headlining performances and daily lineups are as follows:

Wednesday, May 13, 2026
• 5:00 p.m. – Gates Open
• 5:15 p.m. – Opening Ceremony Parade of Champions led by the Budweiser Clydesdales
• 5:30 p.m. – Lighting Of The Grill
• 6:30 p.m. – Sauce Wresting

Thursday, May 14, 2026
• 12:00 p.m. – DJ Tree
• 4:00 p.m. – Flava Faceoff presented by Sam’s Club
• 5:00 p.m. – Flava Faceoff presented by Sam’s Club
• 6:00 p.m. – Ms. Piggee Idol “The funniest talent competition in town”
• 7:00 p.m. – Awards Ceremony
• 8:30 p.m. – The biggest backyard style line dancing party of summer with “Line Dancing King”, CUPID

Friday, May 15, 2026
• 12:00 p.m. – DJ Sketchz
• 4:00 p.m. – Flava Faceoff presented by Sam’s Club
• 5:00 p.m. – Flava Faceoff presented by Sam’s Club
• 6:00 p.m. – Rib Rumble presented by Dude Wipes
• 7:00 p.m. – Awards Ceremony
• 8:30 p.m. – Blues, Brews and Barbecue with Grammy award-winning artist Cedric Burnside

Saturday May 16, 2026 – “National Barbecue Day”
• 12:00 p.m. – DJ Tree
• 4:00 p.m. – Flava Faceoff presented by Sam’s Club
• 5:00 p.m. – Flava Faceoff presented by Sam’s Club
• 6:00 p.m. – Rib Rumble presented by Dude Wipes
• 7:00 p.m. – Awards Ceremony
• 8:30 p.m. – The World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest “After-Party” with DJ Mic Tee

Taste the Cue! Explore “VIP” and “Combo Ticket” options that allow you 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.

New and Returning Activations
This year’s event will introduce fresh experiences while bringing back beloved traditions:
• Home Depot Outdoor Kitchen: Cooking Demonstrations & Pitmaster Panels – Learn from the best in the business as celebrity pitmasters share techniques, tips, and stories of the best outdoor cooking techniques and trends.
• NEW! “A Taste of Ireland” with Smokin Soul – Check out Smokin’ Soul (Ireland Barbecue Team) in the Open Fire Experience area to “Taste the Cue” from Ireland, check out some cooking demonstrations, and classes on live fire cooking techniques.
• The BBQ Marketplace – A vibrant hub where pitmasters and vendors showcase sauces, rubs, merchandise, and unique culinary creations. Consumers can purchase the sauces and rubs from their favorite pitmasters.
• NEW! Family Fun Zone presented by TVA – A dedicated space for families featuring inflatable games, picnic areas, and interactive activities for all ages.
• NEW! National Barbecue Day Social Media Scavenger Hunt – An all-day interactive adventure led by Rasheed Philips of Philips Barbecue Company, with hourly clues, prizes, and surprises across the festival grounds.
• Sauce Wrestling – WCBCC teams and wrestlers compete head-to-head in a boxing ring for 3 minutes of sauce sloshing chaos. One lucky winner will prove they have what it takes to stand in the winner’s circle and take home the WCBCC Championship Belt.

A Celebration Beyond the Competition
“This year, we’re creating more ways for fans to engage, explore, and celebrate the culture of barbecue,” said Mack Weaver, President and CEO of Memphis in May. “Whether you come for the food, the music, or the memories, the 2026 World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest will deliver an experience like no other.”

“While over 200 world-class teams compete for the coveted title, the WCBCC continues to evolve as a full-scale festival experience. From immersive brand activations and sponsor experiences to community-driven programming, every corner of Liberty Park will offer something new to discover,” said Tiffani Perry, Director of Marketing and Communications for Memphis In May.