Tennessee knows how to throw a party, especially when food is involved. From smoky barbecue battles to spicy chicken showdowns, the Volunteer State hosts some of the most delicious festivals in the South.
Whether you’re a dedicated foodie or just love trying new flavors, these celebrations offer incredible tastes, live entertainment, and memories you’ll treasure forever.
1. World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest — Memphis
Memphis in May brings the ultimate barbecue showdown right to the banks of the Mississippi River. Pitmasters travel from every corner of the globe, hauling their secret recipes and custom smokers to compete for bragging rights and championship titles.
You’ll smell the hickory smoke before you even arrive. Rows of cooking teams work through the night, tending their low-and-slow creations with dedication that borders on obsession. Judges taste hundreds of entries, scoring everything from ribs to whole hogs…