2021 MEMPHIS IN MAY WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BARBECUE COOKING CONTEST TICKETS ON SALE MARCH 29 GREAT AMERICAN RIVER RUN REGISTRATIONS ARE OPEN

March 25, 2021 - MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Changes to the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest (WCBCC) and Great American River Run (GARR) are planned to accommodate the expected COVID19 restrictions that will be in place at the time of each event.

Memphis in May received approval for the events to move forward from the Shelby County Health Department for the events after presenting comprehensive health and safety guidelines to address COVID19 concerns. The modifications will result in a smaller and different World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest and Great American River Run.

Memphis in May will meet or exceed all guidelines and health mandates outlined by the Shelby County Health Department. The safety of our ticket holders, teams, runners, volunteers, staff and sponsors is our top priority. Updates will be shared as they are available.

“We’re excited to be back in Tom Lee Park even though the World Championship will be somewhat muted,” said James Holt, President & CEO, Memphis in May International Festival. "We've made significant changes and downsizing so we can safely produce our two events for all involved. We’re back and we couldn’t be happier."

World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest – May 12 -15, 2021

Shelby County Health Department-approved modifications for WCBCC include significantly reducing overall capacity, reducing the number of competition teams, drastically reducing General Admission tickets, expanding the team spaces, reducing operating hours, temperature screening, face mask requirements, social distancing and other safety protocols.

WCBCC Tickets on sale March 29

A limited quantity of General Admission Tickets to the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest will go on sale March 29, 2021 at 10 AM via Eventbrite and via link available at www.memphisinmay.org.

WCBCC General Admission tickets are expected to sell out quickly due to capacity restrictions. Tickets will not be available at the gate. All tickets must be purchased in advance.

Great American River Run – Saturday, May 29, 2021 Memorial Day Weekend

Shelby County Health Department-approved modifications for GARR include limiting capacity, staggering start times, no gathering before/after race, temperature screening, requiring face masks when not running, social distancing, discouraging spectators and other safety protocols.

Registrations for the half-marathon, 10K and 5K are open now https://www.memphisinmay.org/events/great-american-river-run/

The Beale Street Music Festival and the international Salute to Ghana will be held in May 2022.                                                                                   

About Memphis in May 
Memphis in May is a 501(c)3 nonprofit community-based organization whose mission is to promote and celebrate Memphis’ culture, foster economic growth, and enhance international awareness through education. Founded by racially diverse Memphians in 1977, racial equity and parity are embedded in the fiber and culture of Memphis in May, the official festival of the City of Memphis.

Recipient of 223 prestigious Pinnacle Awards from the International Festival and Events Association, it has been named to Travel+Leisure’s international list of Festivals Worth Traveling For, and in 2018, Memphis topped CNN Travel’s list of international destinations to visit in May because of Memphis in May events. Beale Street Music Festival was named by Oprah Magazine as one of “14 Festivals You Won’t Want to Miss in 2020.

For additional information, please visit www.memphisinmay.org.