TICKETS GO ON SALE FOR THE 2025 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BARBECUE COOKING CONTEST IN LIBERTY PARK ON TUESDAY MARCH 4TH AT 9:00 AM CST
MEMPHIS, TN, MARCH 4, 2025 – Memphis in May officials have announced that on Tuesday March 4, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. CST, tickets go on sale for the most prestigious barbecue cooking contest on the planet, the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. The 47th edition of the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest will be held May 14-17, 2025, at Liberty Park in Memphis.
The World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest (WCBCC) is the largest pork barbecue contest in the world and was featured in the nationally broadcast finale of BBQ USA on the Food Network. This competition is expected to be spectacular as over 125+ of the most championship-winning teams return to the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest to vie for the coveted title of Memphis in May World Champion.
“The Memphis in May International Festival was established in 1977 to authentically celebrate the best of Memphis, and our World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest has an unparalleled global reputation for over four and a half decades of being the most prestigious barbecue cooking contest around” said Mack Weaver, the non-profit’s President & CEO. “Join us for this year’s festival, as more than just a barbecue cooking contest will be on the menu. Memphis In May will offer food, fun, fellowship, and a unique and diverse set of experiences during the city’s biggest backyard barbecue! We are more than just a barbecue cooking competition, and everyone is welcome to the party!”
| Single Day Tickets | $22.00* |
| 4-Day Admission | $65.00* |
| Tour of Champions | $33.00* |
| Barbecue Alley | $28.00* |
| Single Day Parking | $18.00* |
| 4-Day Parking Pass | $50.00* |
| (Combo) Single Day ticket w/parking | $30.00* |
| (Combo) 4-Day Admission w/parking | $95.00* |
| (Combo) Kingsford Tour of Champions + Admission | $42.00* |
| (Combo) BBQ Alley Experience + Admission | $37.00* |
| VIP Tickets | $595.00* |
| VIP Parking | $100.00* |
*Plus service charge
Attendees can make the most out of the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest by purchasing “WCBCC EXPERIENCES,” in addition to taking advantage of the numerous free public activities throughout the park:
➢ With the Kingsford Tour of Champions, WCBCC attendees can purchase a “judging experience” which allows them to experience championship-style barbecue from multiple teams while learning the basics of judging. You too can be a barbecue judge by tasting and voting for your favorite barbecue! The KTOC awards are presented during the Championship Awards ceremony.
➢ Memphis In May teamed up with Big Green Egg to create a “WCBCC Experience” called BBQ Alley. WCBCC attendees will stop by multiple food stations to sample a protein and side dish from some of the world’s most well-known pitmasters and barbecue restaurants.
➢ Cooker Caravan is a free 30-minute guided tour of the WCBCC at Liberty Park with industry leading expert in both competition BBQ and grilling, pitmaster Heath Riles. Along this escorted tour, attendees will get a behind the scenes look at how a team prepares for the World Championship and, of course, valuable grilling tips.
➢ Stop by the Home Depot Outdoor Kitchen for fun and engaging hourly food demonstrations by celebrity grill masters. Be entertained, while learning about the latest trends in outdoor cooking!
➢ New: MIM Barbecue Marketplace is where consumers can purchase rubs and sauces created by WCBCC teams and pitmasters to take home and try.
TICKETS & INFORMATION: www.memphisinmay.org/tickets
2025 PRESS KIT: World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest
PRESENTING SPONSORS: Cattlemen’s Barbecue Sauce, Kingsford, and Home Depot.
About Memphis in May
Memphis in May is a 501(c)3 nonprofit community-based organization whose mission is to promote and celebrate Memphis’ culture, foster economic growth, and enhance international awareness through education. Founded by racially diverse Memphians in 1977, racial equity and parity are embedded in the fiber and culture of Memphis in May, the official festival of the City of Memphis. Recipient of 240 prestigious Pinnacle Awards from the International Festival and Events Association, Memphis in May International Festival was named to Travel+Leisure’s international list of Festivals Worth Traveling For, and in 2018, Memphis topped CNN Travel’s list of international destinations to visit in May because of Memphis in May events.
For additional information, please visit www.memphisinmay.org.
