Raw States

Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest

Memphis, TN · Food & Drink

When

May 12–15, 2027

Where

Liberty Park · Memphis · TN

Cost

Not confirmed

Status

Approximate: based on past editions, not announced yet

A four day barbecue competition drawing hundreds of teams to Liberty Park, part of the month long Memphis in May civic festival. It has run since 1978 and calls itself the world championship of barbecue. The 2027 dates above are approximate, based on the contest's usual mid-May slot.

The history within reach

• Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contestsame spot

  A four day barbecue competition drawing hundreds of teams to Liberty Park, part of the month long Memphis in May civic festival.

• Overton Park expressway stopped2.2 mi

  Interstate 40 was to be driven through this old-growth park until residents fought it to the Supreme Court and won in 1971.

• Aretha Franklin4.0 mi

  Born in Memphis and raised in Detroit in the house of her father, a preacher whose church drew Sam Cooke and Mahalia Jackson to the living room.

• Stax Records and its integrated house band4.2 mi

  A converted cinema where an integrated house band cut Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, and Isaac Hayes at a time when the neighbourhood outside was segregated.

• Elvis Presley's first recordings4.5 mi

  Presley recorded 'That's All Right' at Sun Studio on July 5, 1954, a session often cited as a founding moment of rock and roll..