Held in Memphis for a month's duration, the Memphis in May International Festival is an exciting event for all ages. The festival is celebrating its 40^th anniversary in 2016 and strives to raise cultural awareness among residents and visitors by honoring a different country from around the world each year. It has become one of the most successful events in Tennessee due in large part to its focus on food, fun and education. There are several elements to the Memphis in May International Festival including the Beale Street Music Festival, World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, International Week, Great American River Run and more.

Memphis has always been synonymous with great music and the Beale Street Music Festival is no different. The Beale Street Music Festival celebrates Memphis' significant musical heritage and deep river sounds where music lovers from around the globe unite. Over 60 acclaimed artists gather annually for three days to belt out crowd-pleasing tunes in a 25-acre riverfront park.

Tom Lee Park, the property which houses the festival, overlooks the Mississippi and is only a few minutes from historical Beale Street. The Beale Street Music Festival incorporates the sounds of blues, rock, gospel, alternative, R&B and soul music while enjoying world-wide media coverage. The Beale Street Music Festival is a world-renown event and is worth organizing a weekend trip to experience!

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The Beale Street Music Festival is a unique part of Memphis in May and draws thousands of people to see the live music that has made the city famous. The Beale Street Music Festival has featured world-famous acts that includes names like B.B. King, James Brown, Sheryl Crow, the Allman Brothers Band and Stevie Ray Vaughn. Tickets usually go on sale in December or January, before the lineup is released. The festival prides itself in being affordable while drawing top names in the music industry. If you want to attend the sold-out event, get tickets in advance.

The World Championship Barbeque Cooking Contest was inspired by the regions’ true love of pork barbeque. In the past more than 100,000 people have attended the event known to showcase Memphis barbecue with distinctive sights, smells and experiences. Highlights of the cook off competition include four categories: whole hog, shoulders, ribs and patio porkers. Other elements to the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest includes the Ms. Piggy Idol competition and Big Hog Run.

Memphis in May International Festival has two new events planned in 2016 for the last weekend in May. The Great American River Run 5K and half-marathon will take runners along the banks of the rolling Mississippi River and through downtown Memphis, all while providing music and entertainment during and after the run. The second event will follow the run and close out the festival.

Memphis in May International Festival is in a prime location and brings together many aspects of what makes the city of Memphis great: music, food and community! The festival is a one-of-a-kind experience and should be added to every traveler’s bucket list.