Memphis in May is a month-long festival with major events each weekend such as the Beale Street Music Festival, the BBQ Festival and the Sunset Symphony on the banks of the Mississippi River.
For over 30 years, Memphis in May has meant great music, great BBQ, great fun! It kicks off with the Beale Street Music Festival featuring over 65 performers in rock & roll, blues, and soul. Every year, an international country and culture is celebrated with cuisine and wines, exhibits and commerce.
In the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, hundreds of teams compete for prizes and supreme bragging rights with elaborate decoration and clever team names. Don’t miss the best booth contest.
The Sunset Symphony features the Memphis Symphony Orchestra with a fireworks finale.
Beale Street Music Festival (May 2 – May 4, 2014)
Beale Street Music Festival (May 2 – May 4, 2014)
The 2014 Beale Street Music Festival marks the 38th anniversary of the festival which each year attracts music enthusiasts from all 50 US states and a dozen foreign countries to the storied city where rock-n-roll and blues music all began. Over the past decade the festival has attracted over 1.1 million music fans to the multistage three-day event, best known for its eclectic mix of contemporary rock, blues, soul and modern talent and its musically inspired setting. The festival is held in a beautiful 25 acre riverfront park at the foot of historic Beale Street overlooking the mighty Mississippi River.
The music festival has played host to a broad array of diverse and notable contemporary musical talents such as; The Black Keys, the Dave Matthews Band, John Mellencamp, Van Morrison, Flaming Lips, Foo Fighters, Phoenix, Stone Temple Pilots, Bob Dylan, Kid Rock, John Mayer, MGMT, Santana, Cee Lo Green, Jack Johnson, Aretha Franklin, Beck, James Taylor, Fergie, Jason Mraz, Lou Reed, Katy Perry, Ben Harper, The Killers, Steely Dan, Fall Out Boy, Stevie Ray Vaughan, John Legend, Sheryl Crow, B.B. King, Shinedown, Fleetwood Mac, Big Boi, John Lee Hooker, Sarah McLachlan, The Roots, the Allman Brothers Band, Cat Power, Public Enemy, Elvis Costello, James Brown, Widespread Panic, Nelly, Godsmack, Willie Nelson, Iggy Pop, My Chemical Romance, ZZ Top, Big Star, Korn, Al Green, 30 Seconds to Mars, Steve Miller Band, Three Doors Down, Jerry Lee Lewis and so many more!
The World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest (May 15-17, 2014)
Hundreds of teams compete for over $110,000 in prizes and supreme bragging rights. Teams adorn their areas with elaborate decoration, trophies attesting to their boasting rights, and as one can imagine clever and creative team names. While grilling is the main theme, the contest wouldn’t be complete without the Ms. Piggie Idol competition where the finest swine tests their vocal skills, and grown men dress in tutus and snouts and women kick their heels (hooves) up. There is also a t-shirt competition and even a best booth contest.
Hundreds of teams compete for over $110,000 in prizes and supreme bragging rights. Teams adorn their areas with elaborate decoration, trophies attesting to their boasting rights, and as one can imagine clever and creative team names. While grilling is the main theme, the contest wouldn’t be complete without the Ms. Piggie Idol competition where the finest swine tests their vocal skills, and grown men dress in tutus and snouts and women kick their heels (hooves) up. There is also a t-shirt competition and even a best booth contest.
