Memphis in May is finally returning to Tom Lee Park.
The beloved annual festival will officially be back on the banks of the Mississippi River in 2023, after a long and contentious battle with Memphis River Parks Partnership.Memphis in May board chair Leigh Shockey says both Beale Street Music Festival and the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest will return to the Memphis riverfront.
The organization thanked Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland for assisting in its return to the Mississippi River and Downtown Memphis.
“Mayor Strickland recognized the cultural value and impressive economic impact that Memphis in May delivers for the city of Memphis, and we are grateful for his personal leadership to ensure the festival’s return to our long-term home,” Shockey said.Tom Lee Park is currently under construction as part of a $60 million park redesign from the Memphis River Parks Partnership. The redesign has caused great controversy across the city after designers intentionally blocked river views along Riverside Drive.
Memphis in May 2023 dates:
Salute to Malaysia – May 1 – 31Beale Street Music Festival – May 5 – 7
World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest – May 17 – 20
Great American River Run – May 27
KWAM’s Ben Deeter will have complete details Friday morning on Wake Up Memphis starting at 6 a.m.
