Confused About Memphis in May? Here’s Your Guide!
While Beale Street Music Festival is on pause this year, other popular elements of the Memphis in May International Festival will still take place β along with a couple of newcomers!
Youβve likely heard that Memphis in Mayβs Beale Street Music Festival is βon pauseβ for 2024 due to a variety of factors, including decreased attendance and the cost of repairs to Tom Lee Park. However, other elements of Memphis in May will still take place this year, along with a couple of fabulous new options.
Music lovers can take in the first annual RiverBeat Music Festival, and Memphis in Mayβs popular barbecue competition will still go on β but with a little more competition than usual, as the new SmokeSlam barbecue competition will take place the very same weekend. Read on for all of the details!
SB Tip: Also new this year is the long-awaited Downtown Memphis Mobility Center, which boasts 1,400 parking spaces and is now open at 60 Beale Street. Located across from The Orpheum Theatre, itβs a great parking option for many of this seasonβs events.
RiverBeat Music Festival | May 3-5
To kick off the month, the recently renovated Tom Lee Park will host the inaugural RiverBeat Music Festival, organized by Mempho Presents. The three-day festival lineup includes world-renowned artists like The Fugees, Jelly Roll, Yung Gravy, and many, many more. RiverBeat is an all-ages event, but festival tickets are required for all attendees.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit riverbeat.com.
Memphis in May: World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest | May 15-18
The prestigious World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest will be back for the 46th time this year, taking place at Liberty Park in Midtown. The largest pork barbecue contest in the world, the event invites award-winning teams from far and wide to compete over four days in six categories β Rib, Shoulder, Whole Hog, Hot Wings, Sauce, and even an βAnything But Porkβ category.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit memphisinmay.org.
SmokeSlam: The Worldβs Ultimate BBQ Showdown | May 16-18
Like RiverBeat, the new SmokeSlam festival is organized by Mempho Presents. The new kid on the block, SmokeSlam will take place at Tom Lee Park on the same weekend as the World Championship Barbecue Contest, but the focus will not be solely on barbecue. SmokeSlam will also feature live musical performances throughout the weekend, along with a vendor market and a full-blown carnival complete with rides and games.
For more information and showdown tickets, visit smokeslam.com.
Memphis in May: Great American River Run | May 25, 2024
Round out the month and celebrate Memorial Day weekend with the Great American River Run, which includes race routes downtown and along the Mississippi River β 5k, 10k, and half marathon. All race participants will receive a race t-shirt and medal for crossing the finish line, and the first few finishers will earn cash prizes! The race culminates with an after-party complete with food, beer, and music.
For more information and race registration, visit memphisinmay.org.
Memphis in May: International Salute to France
And because it isnβt called the Memphis in May International Festival for nothinβ, weβd be remiss not to mention this yearβs honored countryβFrance. Organized by the Greater Memphis Chamber, the programming for this portion of the festival has not yet been announced, so keep an eye on the Memphis in May Facebook page for exhibits, lectures, and other fun salutes to France!
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Alissa Harb
Alissa Harb is StyleBlueprint's Managing Editor, based in Nashville. A lifelong Tennessee native, Alissa has over 14 years of experience in digital media and loves writing about food, travel, and entertaining. She is a lover of dogs, true crime, and ordering for the table.