Taste The Cue
Because Eating Barbecue Is Why You're Here!
Check out OUR up-close and personal ways to experience the World ChAmpionship Barbecue Cooking Contest!
VIPit
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.
Your VIPit experience includes:
- $595 per Person (includes fees)
- A mouthwatering daily itinerary led by a seasoned barbecue enthusiast.
- Private VIP-only area
- Up-close meet & greets with BBQ legends like Myron Mixon, Tuffy Stone, Moe Cason, Heath Riles, and more.
- Cooking demos & tastings with pitmasters at the top of their game.
- A behind-the-scenes judging class with a certified Memphis in May judge.
- VIP escort into Blind Judging inside the Judges Tent.
- Exclusive MIM merchandise to commemorate your experience.
- Air-conditioned private restrooms
- Daily food & beverage
- In-and-out privileges to enjoy the festival your way.
- Plus—surprise perks added every year, just for VIPit guests!
The VIPit Experience is more than a ticket—it’s your backstage pass to the sights, sounds, stories, and smoky flavors that make Memphis in May the world’s most legendary barbecue event.
Advance ticket purchase required. Use the button above!
Barbecue 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 experience. It’s A Vibe!
- $20 BBQ Alley Combo – (Wed Night Only)
- $39 BBQ Alley Combo – (Thurs, Fri, or Sat)
- Wednesday: 5-7pm
- Thursday: Noon-7pm
- Friday: Noon-7pm
- Saturday: Noon-7pm
Barbecue Alley brings together four to six renowned barbecue restaurants/pitmasters along with Big Green Egg, serving up everything fans love—pork ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket, poultry, and classic sides while enjoying the tunes of DJ MadEFX. It’s a true barbecue party!
Don’t miss your chance to savor the ‘cue everyone comes to WCBCC to experience!
General Admission + Barbecue Alley COMBO tickets can be purchased in advance or at the gate.
Kingsford Tour of Champions
Step inside the smoke and get a taste of true competition barbecue!
- $44 Tour of Champion Combo – (Thurs or Fri)
- Thursday: 2pm, 3pm, 4pm
- Friday: 2pm, 3pm, 4pm
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.
Advance General Admission + Kingsford Tour of Champions COMBO ticket purchase required.
Open Fire World Championship
Memphis in May looks toward the future and continues to evolve with the introduction of the Open Fire World Championship!
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! Open Fire Expands the festival footprint, celebrating the ancient art and modern innovation of open-flame cooking.
Internationally acclaimed Argentine-born chef and live-fire specialist Al Frugoni will headline this groundbreaking event.
- $44 Open Fire Combo – (Thurs, Fri, or Sat)
- Thursday: 5-7pm
- Friday: Noon-7pm
- Saturday: Noon-7pm
Cooker Caravan
Step behind the smoke at the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest with the Cooker Caravan—a free guided tour that takes you inside the most prestigious barbecue cooking contest on earth. Find all the popular spots to taste the cue’, tour BBQ team spaces to meet pitmasters, see world-class smokers up close, and experience championship barbecue like never before.
Whether you’re a lifelong barbecue enthusiast or a first-time festival guest, the Cooker Caravan gives you a unique, insider’s look at the people, flavors, and traditions that make Memphis the barbecue capital of the world.
Cooker Caravan tours run Thursday – Saturday during the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest.
Tours are free with event admission, but space is limited.
Sign up early at the Cooker Caravan Tent located on-site.
The Home Depot Outdoor Kitchen
Learn from the pros at The Home Depot! Check out the food demos, taste samples during the events, and get up to speed on the latest equipment, sauces, and grilling techniques used in Outdoor Kitchen Cooking.
Included with any General Admission, Combos Ticket or the VIPit Experience Ticket.
Check Your Schedule for Times