Memphis In May Announces Cattlemen's Mainstage Lineup featuring Line Dancing King CUPID & Grammy winner Cedric Burnside

Expect World Class Barbecue, Live Music, Immersive Activations, and more at the 2026 World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest at Liberty Park May 13th – 16th

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:37am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic barbecue grill repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the energy and excitement of the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest in Memphis.The 2026 World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest in Memphis promises to be a vibrant celebration of the city's rich barbecue culture, featuring world-class music, interactive experiences, and mouthwatering competition-level barbecue.Memphis Today

The 2026 World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest (WCBCC) returns to Liberty Park in Memphis, Tennessee, bringing together over 200 barbecue teams and championship pitmasters from 27 states and 7 countries. The event will feature a dynamic mix of musical entertainment on the Cattlemen's Main Stage, including headlining performances by line dancing star CUPID and Grammy award-winning artist Cedric Burnside.

Why it matters

The World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is a long-standing tradition in Memphis, celebrating the city's rich barbecue culture and drawing in food, music, and culture enthusiasts from around the globe. The 2026 event promises to deliver an even more immersive and engaging experience, with new interactive activations, family-friendly programming, and a diverse lineup of live entertainment.

The details

The 2026 WCBCC will take place from May 13-16 at Liberty Park in Memphis. The Cattlemen's Main Stage lineup includes a mix of musical acts, competitions, and special events. Highlights include the opening ceremony parade led by the Budweiser Clydesdales, the 'Sauce Wrestling' competition, the 'Flava Faceoff' presented by Sam's Club, the 'Rib Rumble' presented by Dude Wipes, and headlining performances by line dancing star CUPID and Grammy award-winning artist Cedric Burnside. The event will also feature new experiences like the 'Open Fire Experience' and the 'Family Fun Zone'.

  • The 2026 World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest will take place May 13-16, 2026.
  • The Cattlemen's Main Stage lineup will run from Wednesday, May 13 through Saturday, May 16, 2026.

The players

Memphis In May

The organization that hosts the annual World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest in Memphis, Tennessee.

CUPID

A popular line dancing performer known as the 'Line Dancing King', who will headline the Cattlemen's Main Stage on Thursday, May 14.

Cedric Burnside

A Grammy award-winning blues artist who will perform on the Cattlemen's Main Stage on Friday, May 15.

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What they’re saying

“Whether you come for the food, the music, or the memories, the 2026 World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest will deliver an experience like no other!”

— Mack Weaver, President and CEO of Memphis in May

“This year, we're creating more ways for fans to engage, explore, and celebrate the culture of barbecue.”

— Mack Weaver, President and CEO of Memphis in May

“While over 200 world-class teams compete for the coveted title, the WCBCC continues to evolve as a full-scale festival experience. From immersive brand activations and sponsor experiences to community-driven programming, every corner of Liberty Park will offer something new to discover.”

— Tiffani Perry, Director of Marketing and Communications for Memphis In May

What’s next

Tickets for the 2026 World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest are now on sale at MemphisInMay.org.

The takeaway

The 2026 World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest in Memphis promises to be an unforgettable celebration of the city's rich barbecue culture, featuring world-class music, interactive experiences, and mouthwatering competition-level barbecue. With new activations and a diverse lineup, the event is poised to attract barbecue enthusiasts, music lovers, and families from around the globe.