Spring festival season in Memphis kicks off in a big way along the Mississippi River, where two of the city’s most beloved food traditions take place back-to-back in the same riverfront location.
Spring festival season in Memphis kicks off in a big way along the Mississippi River, where two of the city’s most beloved food traditions take place back-to-back in the same riverfront location.
On Saturday, April 18, the World Championship Hot Wing Contest & Festival brings more than 60 cooking teams from across the country to compete for the title of Hot Wing World Champion. On Sunday, April 19, the Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival serves up thousands of pounds of seasoned crawfish at the city’s largest mudbug celebration.
It’s a full weekend of live music, river views, Southern flavor, and high-energy competition.
Saturday: World Championship Hot Wing Contest & Festival
April 18 | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. | River Garden Park on Riverside Drive in Downtown Memphis
Saturday: World Championship Hot Wing Contest & Festival
April 18 | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. | River Garden Park on Riverside Drive in Downtown Memphis
Part cooking competition, part citywide celebration, this 24th annual festival showcases Memphis as the Hot Wing Capital of the South.
More than 60 teams fire up grills and smokers, crafting bold sauces and signature flavors in pursuit of the championship title. Attendees can sample wings from competing teams, enjoy multiple live music stages, and take part in fan-favorite moments like the Wing Eating Contest. Then be sure to participate in The Soul Train Review and Dance Competition, presented by DJ Alpha Whiskey!
The festival supports Ronald McDonald House Charities of Memphis, which provides housing for families with children receiving treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Tickets:
General Admission and VIP experiences available. VIP includes tent access, expanded tastings, and open bar. Purchase your tickets.
Sunday: Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival
April 19 | 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Riverside Drive in Downtown Memphis
Sunday: Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival
April 19 | 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Riverside Drive in Downtown Memphis
Now in its 32nd year, this free-admission festival draws thousands to the Memphis riverfront for a day of Cajun flavor and live music.
Festival-goers can purchase freshly boiled crawfish by the bucket, enjoy two stages of live entertainment, and participate in crawfish-themed games and contests throughout the day.
Proceeds benefit Porter-Leath, supporting programs that serve thousands of local children and families.
Tickets: Admission is free but VIP Swamp Tent experiences are available for guests looking for all-you-can-eat and drink access. Purchase your VIP tickets.
The Ultimate Foodie Fest Weekend
Join us for the best weekend of unique southern eats from crawfish to wings–Memphis is the hot wing capital of the world after all!
The Ultimate Foodie Fest Weekend
Join us for the best weekend of unique southern eats from crawfish to wings–Memphis is the hot wing capital of the world after all!
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Make It a Memphis Weekend
Make It a Memphis Weekend
With both events happening along the Downtown riverfront, it’s easy to turn this into a full spring getaway.
Stay nearby and spend your weekend exploring:
- The Mississippi Riverfront and Big River Crossing
- Historic Beale Street nightlife
- Memphis barbecue and award-winning local restaurants
- Live music venues across Downtown
April brings warm weather, open patios, and one of the most energetic times of year to visit Memphis.
If you’re within a few hours’ drive, this is the perfect excuse to plan a flavorful weekend on the river.