Memphis is a city known for its vibrant food scene, and there’s no better way to experience it than by attending one of the many food festivals held throughout the year. Whether you’re a fan of crawfish, craft beer, or world-class barbecue, there’s a festival for you.
Crawfish season in Memphis is a celebrated tradition, marked by lively events like the Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival. This festival draws over 35,000 attendees annually with its Cajun-themed atmosphere, offering margaritas, hurricanes, and a variety of food options beyond crawfish, including classic carnival fare, grilled corn, and barbecue. For those who can’t make it to the Rajun Cajun festival, the Overton Square Crawfish Festival provides another opportunity to indulge in this springtime favorite. This local favorite, returning after a brief hiatus, features live music, local vendors, craft beer, and plenty of crawfish in the heart of one of Memphis’ most popular entertainment districts.
For beer enthusiasts, Taste the Rarity at Wiseacre Brewing Co. is a must-attend event. This four-hour festival offers unlimited beer tastings from various brewmasters, accompanied by food trucks and live music, making it one of the largest and most popular beer festivals in Memphis.
Beyond crawfish and beer, Memphis boasts a world-renowned barbecue scene, highlighted by the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. This prestigious competition attracts pitmasters globally, showcasing their skills in elaborate, often three-story-tall tents. While access to team tents requires a personal invitation, the festival grounds are open to the public with ticketed entry, offering experiences like the Kingsford Tour of Champions and BBQ Alley. For a more immersive barbecue experience, visitors can explore Memphis’ numerous barbecue restaurants or follow the Memphis BBQ Trail with a free passport.
Adding to the city’s barbecue offerings is SmokeSlam, a newer competition held along the Mississippi River at Tom Lee Park. This three-day event combines serious competition with a lively festival atmosphere, featuring live music, a carnival with a riverfront ferris wheel, and an interactive area for sampling various barbecue creations.
