Opening Ceremony and Parade of Champions
5:15pm: Wednesday, May 13, 2026
WCBCC in Liberty Park
(4:15pm: Parade check-in and line-up begins)
Kick off the excitement of the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest with one of its newest, most iconic traditions. The Parade of Champions and Opening Ceremony! This high-energy kickoff transforms Liberty Park into a celebration of culture, competition, and world-class barbecue.
Feel the energy. Hear the music. See the spectacle. This is the official start of the competition, and the place where anticipation builds and the spirit of barbecue takes center stage.
Doors open to the WCBCC at 5:00 p.m., and the parade kicks off at 5:15 p.m. Arrive early to secure your spot along Early Maxwell Blvd., and soak in every moment of the action. Whether you’re cheering on your favorite team or discovering new ones, this is where your barbecue weekend begins!
Join us for the parade and lighting of the grill as we kick off Memphis In May 2026!