Visitor FAQs

Before you visit the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, there are some things you will need to know. We've tried to sum them up for you in the following:

1. This is a competition. Local health regulations prohibit teams from serving barbecue to the general public. There are barbecue vendors, as well as other food vendors that can sell to the public.
2. There is an opportunity for festival patrons to experience the World Championship as a team would: The Cooker's Caravan takes you on a guided tour of the teams and lets you hear first-hand about the team's passion for pork. The team's will tell you about their secrets for grilling championship barbecue, show you their rigs and explain the process of cooking at Memphis in May. There is no charge for the tours and you may tour as often as you like. The tours are available Thursday and Friday every thirty minutes from 11:30am - 3:30pm.
3. The park is about a mile from end to end. Wear comfortable shoes!
4. WHAT NOT TO BRING: No beverages, bicycles, cans, containers, coolers, food, glass bottles, laser pointers, lawn chairs, oversized umbrellas, pets, roller blades, roller skates, water guns, no thrown objects such as baseballs, footballs, frisbees-etc., or weapons. Food and beverages, including beer, are available from the concessionaires.
5. All packages and purses are subject to inspection.
6. Picture I.D.'s will be required from everyone purchasing alcohol.
7. All food must be purchased with cash. ATM's are available within the Festival site for your convenience.
8. We welcome many out-of-town visitors. Please let our guest services volunteers know you are our visitor and they will explain all of the rib-tickling entertainment offered.

Visitor Information

We Love Visitors! Each year the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest entertains visitors from around the world. In 2011, visitors came from all 50 states and 8 foreign countries.

For 2012, we expect the same and more. If you're planning on visiting the event, please take advantage of the following programs and events for visitors.

While local codes prohibit teams from selling barbecue to the general public, you can still taste plenty of real championship barbecue. Visit the People's Choice tent on Thursday or Friday and YOU can be a judge. For more information, see below.

2012 Sharp Stage Entertainment

Enjoy nightly performances of country, R&B and blue grass music on the Sharp Main Stage.

Cooker Caravan

Want to know how barbecue is perfectly done? Sign up for the Cooker Caravan, a free guided tour of the teams, and “rub shoulders” with the best of the best in barbecue. Your guided tour will include cooking information, a chance to see a variety of specialty grills and smokers, and tips on how to improve your backyard barbecue.

Ms Piggie Idol

If the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is so cool it's indescribable, then the Ms. Piggie Competition is off the charts! Imagine, if it's not too painful, grown men dressed in tutus and snouts parading around the stage and 'singing' (which is a generous term) familiar songs, with very unfamiliar lyrics...lyrics having to do with pork, grilling, and the whole sport of barbecue. Learn more...