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
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.
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
Schedule
| Thursday, May 16 | |
| 2:00 pm | Doors Open |
| 5:45-6:45 pm | Noisy Cats Are We |
| 7:15-8:15 pm | Mustache The Band |
| 8:45-10:15 pm | Mix Tape Tour featuring Tone Loc, Rob Base, Young MC, DJ M Walk |
| 10:15-10:20 pm | Fireworks |
| Friday, May 17 | |
| 2:00 pm | Doors Open |
| 4:45-5:30 pm | Hope Clayburn & Soul Scrimmage |
| 6-7:15 pm | Awards Ceremony hosted by Erica Roby of Blue Smoke Blaire |
| 7:30-8:30 pm | The Bar-Kays |
| 9-10:15 pm | War |
| 10:15-10:20 pm | Fireworks |
| Saturday, May 18 | |
| 2:00 pm | Doors Open |
| 3:30-4:45 pm | Memphis Harvest Band |
| 5:15-7:15 pm | Awards Ceremony hosted by Thyron & Logan from Netflix's Barbecue Showdown |
| 7:15-8:15 pm | SmokeSlam Players |
| 8:45-10:15 pm | St Paul and the Broken Bones |
| 10:15-10:20 pm | Fireworks |
Memphis Market and NBBQA BBQ Bazaar
The NBBQA BBQ Bazaar will be open throughout SMOKESLAM and features a wide array of products from celebrity chefs as well as Q&As, products, and demos from Carey Bringle, Thyron Matthews, Ray Sheehan, Melissa Cookston and many others.
The Memphis Market will include more retail options including products from local businesses like Memphis Flavor and other BBQ must-haves.
B&B Charcoal: Live Fire Extravaganza
The B&B Charcoal: Live Fire Extravaganza will be fired up from open to close each day and include demos and thousands of live fire samples showcasing the talents and culinary skills of BBQ professionals like Al Frugoni (Open Fire Cooking), Derek Wolf (Over the Fire Cooking), John Lindsey (All Q’ed Up), Mike Starr (Blazing Star BBQ), and Peg Leg Porkers.
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.
FAQs
Get the full lowdown on parking, accessibility, merch, food & beverage options, what you can and can't bring inside, bag policy, VIP amenities and more on our FAQ page.
Have a question that isn't covered? Hit us up at support@smokeslam.com
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@mb nbbq.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.
