There’s no bigger barbecue weekend anywhere in the world than in Memphis each May. Here's everything you need to know about the 2026 World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest.
There’s no bigger barbecue weekend anywhere in the world than in Memphis each May. Here's everything you need to know about the 2026 World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest.
The biggest barbecue weekend in the world will be in Memphis from May 13–16, 2026.
The World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, dubbed the "Most Prestigious Barbecue Contest" by USAToday, returns for its 48th year.
The best barbecuers on earth are competing for $190,000 across a variety of categories, including ribs, shoulder, whole hog, wings, sauce and more.
Find out everything you need to know about the experience, from sampling to judging the 'cue.
About the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest
Part of the bigger month-long Memphis In May Festival, the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, set for May 13–16, 2026, is often called the “super bowl of swine.” In local lingo, we just call it "barbecue fest." Every year, it brings together thousands of smoke masters, amateur and professional, looking to be crowned kings and queens of barbecue. Located in Midtown Memphis, Liberty Park will be transformed into a small continent of tents of all shapes, sizes and decorated to the extreme.
While pork is the star of the show in Memphis, cooking teams compete in a wide variety of categories, including whole hog, ribs, shoulder, hot wings, sauce, and an "anything but pork" category. They can cook with either charcoal or wood, but absolutely no propane, liquid, gas or electricity. The World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is strictly about the subtle science (and art) of smoke. That smell will also permeate the Cooper-Young Entertainment District and throughout the Midtown area. While teams are gunning for over $190,000 in prizes, everyone knows it’s really about bragging rights and name recognition. Today, more than 125 teams from dozens of states and countries fire up their smokers in front of approximately 100,000 people.
How to Experience the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest
The most critical piece of info you need before heading down to the fest is that the World Championship of Barbecue is not a food festival. It's a competitive cooking event so alternately quirky and interesting to watch, it's worth paying general admission to soak up the smoky aroma and the sights. This year's contest takes place at Liberty Park, home to Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium and the heart of the city in Midtown near the Cooper-Young neighborhood. Liberty Park will transform into a small "city" of tents of all shapes and sizes, decorated to the extreme. Yes, the focus is on the pig, but over the years, the contest has spread informally to include the tent systems, from the intricate to the outlandish, teams construct as their headquarters for the event. (Some will even go so far as to hire professionals to design and build their set-ups.)
For the general public, that means that just walking through the event is an experience. Almost all of the tents include fun-loving (sometimes irreverent) themes. (Think: "Tunisian Nights," a Muppets-inspired "Pigs In Space," the perennial-favorite "Redneck Barbecue Express.")
With all the downtime of watching meat slowly smoke, it’s no surprise that additional entertaining competitions have become fixtures on the schedule, including the Miss Piggy Idol Contest: a variety competition featuring teams wearing elaborate, if not completely ridiculous, costumes and belting out reimagined pop songs. Think American Idol, but in drag, and at least one team member dressed like Miss Piggy herself.
Each year, additional entertainment can be found with musical guests (past performers have included The Bar-Kays, Lil Wyte, local DJs and more) and sauce wrestling. Pull back the curtains on the competition during a free escorted tour, Cooker Caravan, included with event admission.
WHERE TO EAT BBQ AT THE FESTival
To answer your burning question, if you aren't a competitor or invited by a team, health department regulations prohibit you from sampling barbecue from participating teams. But we got you. When you can't go another minute without sampling the goods, keep these tips in mind:
A number of official vendors will have food for sale onsite, and add-on experiences including BBQ Alley, the Kingsford Tour of Champions and VIPit Passes buy you tasting rights. With advanced planning, you can even earn a judge's certification and become a contest judge.
Sample Memphis BBQ citywide: Keep in mind that you’re in the barbecue capital of the world. You'll find over 100+ barbecue restaurants, shacks and joints in the Memphis area, with plenty in the vicinity of the WCBCC at Liberty Park. In this neighborhood guide to Memphis barbecue, WCBCC attendees will find options in the Midtown and South Memphis sections.
Get hotel and attraction deals, special packages and freebies when you're visiting Memphis for an upcoming fest.
World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest FAQS
Is this a food festival? Remember, The World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is just that, a contest. This is NOT a food festival. While tickets admit you into the event, you have to be invited to individual team tents, and per health regulations, teams are not allowed to serve the public.
Can I try any of the barbecue? Or will food be available on contest grounds? Add-on experiences, like the Kingsford Tour of Champions, BBQ Alley or VIPit Passes, give guests tasting opportunities. On-site vendors will also be cooking up barbecue and other Memphis favorites within Liberty Park. Plus, you’ll find even more variety among the restaurants around Downtown Memphis, Midtown, South Memphis and East Memphis.
What are all of my ticket options? 4-day passes, single-day tickets and VIP passes are available for purchase online for the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. ATMs will be available on-site, but credit is acceptable for most purchases.
Can I bring my kid? My dog? All ages are allowed at the fest, but not pets.
What’s the contest schedule? This weekend is jam-packed with contests and competitions, so keep the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest schedule handy and you won’t miss a minute of the fun. Check back soon for schedule breakdowns.
What should I wear? Be prepared for rain. The contest will go on rain or shine, so prep before you go. Wear comfortable shoes that can get wet, bring a poncho and don’t forget your sunscreen.
Where should I book a hotel or other lodging? Check out all of Memphis' hotel and lodging options. Midtown and East Memphis accommodations are your best bet if you want to stay near the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest grounds, but iconic Downtown Memphis hotels are less than 15 minutes away from Liberty Park.
How do I get to the competitions? Limited paid-parking lots will be available at and around Liberty Park. Ride-sharing is highly recommended!
Don't miss the biggest weekend in barbecue! See the world's best compete for the crown at the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest in Memphis.
Inaugural Open Fire World Championship
New to the fest in 2026 is the Open Fire World Championship. WCBCC is inviting 15 international cooking teams to compete in various open-fire competitions. Guests will have the chance to watch some of the world's best open-fire competitors face off as they prepare pork, beef, lamb, chicken, octopus, alligator and more. Renowned open-fire specialist Al Frugoni is set to headline the event.
Find more information on the 2026 World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest.
