“Now more than ever, it feels like going home as we’re finally planning to get back in Tom Lee Park in May. If it’s spring in Memphis, then it’s time for Memphis in May …”
As the month of April comes to a close, Memphians around the city are preparing for one of the largest events the city has to offer — The Memphis In May International Festival!
After taking a break in 2020, out of precaution for the COVID-19 pandemic, the beloved festival is returning to Tom Lee Park. Now, it won’t look exactly like it has in the past, what with the cancellation of Beale Street Music Fest 2021, but visitors are still able to partake in fundamental festivities like the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest during the weekend of May 12-15, along with the Great American River Run on May 29.
“2022 will be a critical rebuilding year for Memphis In May after a devastating financial loss because of COVID,” said Randy Blevins, Vice President of Marketing and Programming for Memphis in May International Festival. “It’s important for the festival to be in a position to mount a big comeback after being away for two years for Beale Street Music Festival, and one year for the River Run and WCBCC. Memphis in May is not only part of the fabric of life in Memphis, but also injects over $132 million into the Memphis economy every year, all without taxpayer funding.”
Let’s help Memphis in May make up for lost time!
Grab your favorite spandex pants and prepare to have the feast of a lifetime at the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest.
Photos by: @adarrylljacksonsr (L) & @bbqdadjody(R)
There’ll be over 100 teams going head to head to claim that they’re the “Best at BBQ”—and while those eats are reserved for judging, other BBQ joints will be on site slinging ribs and wings, and more! If you really want to do it up, purchase a VIPit Pass that’ll get you access to cooking demos, tastings, a blind judging, etc.
Tickets will only be sold in advance, and will not be available for purchase at the gate. Grab your tickets early, because MIM expects to sell out.
After you’ve stuffed yourself silly, you might need to walk it off—or better yet, hit the ground running during the Great American River Run.
Participants get to choose between running a 5K, 10K, or half marathon that courses past historical landmarks and overlooks the Mighty Mississippi! Did I mention that there’ll be fireworks and post-race food and beer available too?
All Runners will receive a medal and custom designed t-shirt, but the big shabang is the $4,500 in prize money that’s up for grabs for the Top 3 male and female finishers of the Half Marathon! There’s no age limit for the 5K, but runners must be 10 years of age or older to participate in the 10K and 13 years old to participate in the half.
Decide your distance, and register for your race here.