Memphis In May Tickets

We will miss this event! It's the best family friendly event in May!

This event is strictly for BBQ contenders and their exclusive invited guests. It made no sense to walk around and watch private bbq party booths whooping it up and nothing there to entertain passersby. Sure there are food vendors but why purchase and eat there when you can do that at a nice restaurant for bbq. Plus pay $20 to park at surrounding lots is ridiculous to be a public ticket holder. So you're out $30 now and still have to purchase food and drink. Forget about tasting contenders food, not allowed. It is an unorganized event and a waste of time.

First time a the event. Wanted to eat barbecue but was imposible. If you don't have an invitation or are friend with any tent you don't eat barbecue. I asked all over and they send me to the festival area, yes, Gyros, Fries, Sausage, Ice Cream, Corn Dogs, etc but not barbecue. What kind of event is this where you paid $10 to get in and you can't eat. I don't recommend this event unless you a have a friend on a tent!

This is nothing but a private party for business on the river. When going as the open public there is nothing for you to do but walk around without anything to experience. No booths to teach you anything, no booths for demonstrations, no booths to compare commercial products etc. This is nothing but a private party for companies who paid to put on a BBQ for their business associates and maybe family. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with that. However, that is not how this event was advertised. Again, Absolutely a wated weekend and money. From a Kansas City visitor, it sucked.

Nice event …. very specialized … but not much good food to buy …...

Everything was great. Nice outing for family and friends.

The symphony itself was ok, I am not really into the type of music being played. The air show was great. We left immediately after that. The tickets said the shows was from 2:00-7:00 but really we should have arrived at 5pm and then we would have stayed for the fireworks so that was super disappointing. Free popsicles were given out and free wine samples. No activities for kids were there. The typical fair food was offered. It was very, very hot and there was just about no shade anywhere so bring your umbrellas. You can bring in beer/soda in coolers but they would not let us bring in tennis balls, frisbees, baseballs, mitts.. so we had nothing to do besides just sit there.

We arrived at 1030,and were informed we couldn't enteruntil 1100. We presented our tickets and were told between 1100-1300,entry was free. Money wasted! Then we saw all the contestants,who told us they couldn't serve us due to "health code" regulations. Of all tje regular vendors,one had bbq beef brisket on a bun with a side. Barbeque at a barbeque festival? We didn't see it! The savibg grace to the day was Beale Street that night.

Always proud to see our city displayed in such a positive way! We always recommend out of towners to come and visit our city this week of the year.

Was a TON of fun...just too bad we couldn't go into booths.

Drove from ATL...good now that I-22 is open between B'ham & Tupelo. Weather in Memphis could not been any better...overcast w/ temps in upper 60's to lower 70/s. Parked 1 block from park entrance...hosts were very friendly and informative. Observed judging of several BBQ teams...serious, I mean VERY serious. Wish I could have sampled some of the BBQ the teams had prepared. Went to a very good local BBQ joint recommended by a hotel worker...seedy neighborhood but the food was "off the planet", the proprietor was the bom...bought the first beer, along with a sample of BBQ. Ordered a big dinner and ordered some take-out before leaving!! The city: As with any large metro area, the condition of city streets were terrible...potholes that could hide a car. I'm sure my Caddy needs a front end alignment. Dined in several local restaurants...service as well as the food was outstanding. Hotel staff was friendly and helpful. Looking forward to a 2-3 day visit during a non-event. The Civil Rights Museum was also awesome...will schedule more time to spend there on next visit.

We went to the bbqfest on Friday after noon about four. The weather was amazing. The aroma in the air was mouthwatering. And the fun fun fun that we encountered during the next SIX hours was epic. I have never had such a good time. My son and his wife and I traversed through most of the park to see many friends and people we hadn't seen in years. We did the Kingsford tour and learned quite a bit about different teams processes and the history of the events themselves. Would recommend to most anyone. The key is to have people that you know so you can hang out in someones tent.

I really had a good time at the cookoff. They only thing I would improve is that the general public should be able to taste test the meat if there is left overs. Also there need to be more vendors selling. But all in all it is a great experience. I will do it again!!!!!

One of the greatest events in the USA. BBQ, music and great people. Definitely recommend Memphis in May!

My wife and I were excited to visit our first MIM BBQ challenge weekend. After reading up on the website and other blogs it appeared to be a great event with lots of bbq and music. We arrived early and were impressed with the number of tents. Our intention was to walk around and visit, go home for a nap, and then return at night for more food and music. While walking around we heard that you could not re-enter once you left. We were shocked. We also discovered that there was very little bbq available as everyone was putting theirs into contest. We bought a small sample from a vendor and walked the length of the tents. As we left in the early afternoon I asked at the gate how we get back in...the reply was that we have to buy another ticket. So, I went to the ticket booth and asked if they sold all-day passes. Nope. Hugely disappointed that a "single day entry" actually means "single entry, no reentry" Poorly communicated on a very important point! There could also be a lot more information on the website about the contest for visitors, food available, etc. We won't be back.

Great event. Extremely well run. Weather is the only facotr to your fun.

Great food and fun! I would recommend to anyone!!!!

Great location (except muddy when it rains) down on the river in Memphis. Loved how the air was filled by the smell of barbeque! We understand that this is a competition but with so many BBQ lovers out there who want to participate here's a few items: have more BBQ vendors selling at the event- there were only 2; and have the ability to see more of the prep and smoking activities by the competitors. Loved all the vendors like Home Depot (great to see & hear Chris Liliy), green egg, Weber, Ford, Cattleman's BBQ, etc. Everyone was very friendly and happy. Thanks for a great weekend! Memphis was a great city to visit.

The show was amazing! To have an opportunity to see authentic Panamanian dancers in their beautiful attire was great! And the jazz artists were so in tune with one another, one would have thought they all were from Panama instead of several cities in the USA. The cuisine sample from the chef was also very tasty. Overall, the evening was quite enjoyable!

I thoroughly enjoyed the folkloric dancing and Danilo Perez. I was moved throughout the entire evening by the experience and amazing talent that makes Panama a beautiful place. The Berklee Jazz Institute students were incredible and seemed to enjoy their time playing alongside Danilo. I could not have asked for a better experience!