World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest in Memphis —Â Anyone been?

[bkwildcats]

Hey everyone,
I'm relatively new to the Pitmaster Club but it's been essential in my new adventures with my PBC! Thank you all for that!

I'm reaching out because I am planning a bachelor party in Memphis for one of my close friends who also loves barbecue. We happened to have picked the same weekend as the WCBCC and were debating whether to go. It could be a great opportunity, but we weren't sure if you're restricted too much if you aren't a member of a team to make it worth it. If anyone has any tips or thoughts, would definitely appreciate it.

Thank you all, hope you're having a safe and nice holiday season.

[RichieB]

I recall seeing a few years ago on TV it's open to the public. Not sure about sampling but walking around watching and the aroma got to be worth it.
The person to ask I would suggest is Meathead. I'm sure he's been there and got the tee shirt.

[SteinerBBQ]

I'm judging this year and previously judged there in 2019. It's a great time.

If you aren't friends with a team then you'll want to get Kingsford Tour of Champions tickets so you can actually try some BBQ.

https://www.memphisinmay.org/events/world-championship-barbecue-cooking-contest/event-details/

[jfmorris]

Yeah - SteinerBBQ hit the nail on the head.

Any BBQ contest is a contest - not a food festival. Without those $20 Kingsford tickets on top of the general admission price, you don't get to sample any of the competitors BBQ. At most you can walk around and see what is going on, talk to folks if they aren't busy, and BUY food and drinks from onsite food trucks.

To be honest, while I would like to compete some day in one of these in the shade tree category (we have the Whistle Stop here in Huntsville), I don't see the attraction for non-competitors other than seeing a LOT of bbq going on, and being able to smell it. Around here, there are plenty of other times all the food trucks are gathered downtown without having to pay an admission price to be able to buy food and drink. Well, I think the Whistle Stop here in Huntsville has musical entertainment both nights, but I don't see anything like that listed for this one in Memphis.

If I were going to Memphis I would plan a trip to several of the top BBQ restaurants for sure.

[CandySueQ]

This link was in my email this morning!

Memphis in May International Festival | Official Website - Memphis in May International Festival

[bkwildcats]

Thank you all for the help, this is great. Exactly the info I couldn't find for sure. We'll probably skip it based on these recs — appreciate you all!

[mrteddyprincess]

Cozy Corner BBQ. Local, family owned, delicious food! My favorite BBQ t-shirt came from Memphis! The ribs are consummate Memphis style ribs, but don't pass up the BBQ bologna sandwich...

[FireMan]

Appreciate you bk! Congrats on yer party & upcomin hitchin! 🕶