4. Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest

The Buzz -- The World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is the end-all, be-all for barbecue lovers around the world. For three days, visitors eat, sleep and live pig. Contestants come early to the "SuperBowl of Swine" to start up their cleverly decorated grills and compete for over $60,000 in prizes in front of a panel of judges. But in addition to the actual contest, there are lots of vendors selling their ribs, sauces, pulled pork, and rubs. For further entertainment while chowing down, world-class musicians play from the Sharp Stage and later on there's an even more fascinating sight, the Ms. Piggie Competition where grown men in snouts and tu-tus prance around the stage. Every year over 90,000 visitors as well as top radio and televion networks come to witness this one-of-a-kind celebration of Memphis' culinary delights. Part of the Memphis in May celebration.