A World-Class BBQ Battle Like No Other
Buckle up for an epic three-day throwdown on the river! Introducing SMOKESLAM — the World’s Ultimate BBQ Showdown. Bring your empty belly and your whole family to historic Tom Lee Park as we fire up an all-new tradition: a fully inclusive and interactive experience celebrating the craft and culture of our legendary BBQ, as well as music and all things Memphis.
What
Three smoke-filled days of BBQ with live music and fun for the whole family
Where
Tom Lee Park, Downtown Memphis, Tenn.
When
Thursday, May 16 - Saturday, May 18, 2024
All the Smoke, All On the Water
SMOKESLAM is putting the “festival” back in “BBQ festival” with a fan-first experience like no other. Pig out on world-class Q and other foods from competing teams and vendors, shop curated goods in our central marketplace, and groove to some of music’s most legendary musical acts, as 59 teams vie for BBQ’s most coveted crown and the biggest prize check on the whole pork-lovin’ planet. There’s even a full carnival with a ferris wheel, carousel, games and more — all in one spectacular riverside setting.
Live Music
Thurs, May 16
Mixtape: Featuring Tone Loc, Rob Base, Young MC, DJ M. Walk
Also Perfoming:
Mustache The Band
Noisy Cats Are We
Fri, May 17
WAR • The Bar-Kays
Also Perfoming:
Hope Clayburn & Soul Scrimmage
Sat, May 18
St. Paul & The Broken Bones
Also Perfoming:
SMOKESLAM Players
Memphis Harvest Band
Team
Team applications have closed, but you can still check out the Competition Details, Rules and Prizes.
Judge
Know your Q? Interested in judging one of the events? Check out the Application.
About Mempho Presents
Mempho Presents is proud to be organizing SMOKESLAM. Mempho has deep roots in Memphis, music, and barbecue. We’re dedicated to creating world-class experiences that stay true to what makes Memphis Memphis. With the help of our incredible partners, we’re committed to creating iconic events that will be talked about for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Thursday May 16th: 2:00pm -11:00pm
- Friday May 17th: 2:00pm – 11:00pm
- Saturday May 18th: 2:00pm – 11:00pm
- Thursday May 16th: 12:00pm -10:00pm
- Friday May 17th: 12:00pm – 10:00pm
- Saturday May 18th: 12:00pm – 8:00pm
- Single- Day: $40
- 3-Day: $99
- Govt issued ID
- Clutch purses no larger than 6”x9”- do not have to be clear
- Clear bags not exceeding dimensions of 12”x12”x6”
- Camelbak hydration packs 1.75 liters or less in volume, do not have to be clear
- Earplugs
- Sunglasses & Hats
- Sunscreen lotion (no aerosol cans allowed)
- Blankets 8’x10’ max size
- Cell phones
- Non-professional cameras
- Your appetite
- Good vibes
- Lawn chairs or stools including inflatables
- Tents, shade covers
- Cameras with detachable lenses
- Any recording equipment, audio and video
- Umbrellas
- Flags, banners, or signs
- Water guns or any toy weapons of any kind
- Pets with exception for service animals- see pet policy on website
- Coolers
- Non clear bags
- Backpacks
- Laser pens, pointers, etc… anything with laser
- Drones of any kind
- Outside food or drink
- Liquids of any kind
- Fireworks
- Torch style lighters
- Guns
- Knives
- Weapons of any kind
- Illegal substances including drug paraphernalia
- Selfie sticks
- Professional radios/walkie talkies
- Balloons of any kind
- Stickers or adhesives
- Glow sticks or similar products
- Strollers
- Thrown objects such as frisbees, baseballs, etc…
- Bikes, rollerblades, hoverboards, stakes, skateboards, scooters, etc…
- Musical instruments
- Hula hoops
- Negative vibes
- Access to the VIP Lounge with relaxed seating
- Private air-conditioned restrooms
- Exclusive bar with premium cocktails, wine, and beer available for purchase
- Complimentary WiFi in VIP Lounges
- Complimentary water refill station
- Dedicated VIP Concierges to assist with any questions
- Dedicated entrance lane at main gate
- VIP area at BBQ Demos
- Special BBQ Guests doing a daily activity in the VIP Lounge
- BBQ samples throughout the event
- Premium Parking available for purchase
SMOKESLAM is located at the beautiful Tom Lee Park on Riverside Drive in Downtown Memphis, Tennessee.
All ages are welcome at SMOKESLAM. Children under 5 are welcome free of charge and do not need a ticket.
No. RV parking and overnight vehicle parking is not allowed at SMOKESLAM.
Click here to book your hotel at the lowest rate possible
No. RV parking and overnight vehicle parking is not allowed at SMOKESLAM.
Premium Parking (closest parking near the venue) is available for purchase at checkout and limited on a first come first serve basis.
Additional parking options can be found HERE
No. All vehicles left in the parking lots overnight will be subject to tow.
Patrons can leave and re-enter the venue until 7pm (local time). Patrons will scan their wristband each time they leave and must pass through security each time they re-enter the site.
What bag checks should I expect at entry points?
Our security personnel conduct thorough yet respectful bag checks at all entry points to prioritize the safety of all attendees.
What types of bags are allowed?
Clear bags not exceeding dimensions of 12”x12”x6”.
Clutch purses no larger than 6”x9” are permitted and do not need to be clear.
Hydration packs are allowed if they are empty, have no more than 2 pockets, and are 1.75 liters or less in volume.
For the safety of everyone entering the festival, all fans are subject to a full and complete airport-style search prior to entry. This may include a full body pat-down and magnetometer screening before entry. If you would like to be screened by security personnel of your same gender, please let security personnel know prior to the search process. Screening of children will always take place with the consent of a parent or guardian.
We want every fan to feel safe at the festival. Specific questions regarding safety, security, medical, and any others can be directed to support@smokeslam.com. The safety and well-being of our fans, artists, guests and staff is our highest priority. Organizers work closely with local officials to ensure the safest possible fan experience. You’ll notice uniformed and plain-clothed security throughout the festival grounds. They are there to keep you safe, so don’t hesitate to ask them for help if you need immediate assistance. If you see something suspicious, say something.
A wide range of excellent food options will be available and reflect the vibrant culinary scene in Memphis. Check back later for a complete list of food vendors.
Yes! We will have multiple food vendors that will serve vegan and gluten-free options.
Yes. Hydration stations are available inside the event. You may bring one empty, refillable water bottle with you into the event. Water is also available for purchase.
There will be local craft and domestic beer as well as a variety of cocktails and non-alcoholic beverages, including water and soda.
Yes! Official SMOKESLAM merchandise will be sold at the merch tents at the event.
Yes, there will be ADA viewing areas..
All entrances are ADA accessible.
Accessible restrooms will be located around the festival grounds near the entrance and stages.
For more information please contact us at support@smokeslam.com.
Pets are not allowed within the event grounds. However, service dogs which have been trained to provide assistance to an individual, are welcome. Service animals must remain under the control of the owner at all times. Emotional support animals are not permitted.
No, pets are not allowed within the event grounds. Emotional support animals are not permitted.
SMOKESLAM encourages a smoke-free environment and asks that you respect the health of your fellow festival goers.
Contact
- For general event questions, contact support@smokeslam.com
- For team-related questions, contact teams@smokeslam.com
- For MBN judging questions, contact Judge's Chair, Suzanne Rhea, at info@mbnbbq.com
- For MBN team questions, contact Team Chair Elise Jenkins at info@mbnbbq.com
- For WFC judging questions, contact Randall Bowman at wfcrepbowman@gmail.com
- For WFC team questions, contact Arlie Bragg at wfcrepbragg@gmail.com
- To request media and photo passes, please email lindsay.stevens@ubuntu-one.com. Please note: on-site photography and videography have already been secured. If you'd like to request a photo pass you must provide an outlet you are shooting for.
