BBQ Fest and Music Fest canceled for 2020

Memphis in May issued a statement this morning announcing the cancellation of the 2020 BBQ Fest and Music Fest events. They had hoped to be able to hold these events in October, but COVID-19 continues to be a threat. In the interest of public health, and under the advice of health officials, the MIM board voted this morning to cancel the events.

Music Fest ticket holders and BBQ Fest teams have the option of requesting a full refund, or they can use their ticket/registration for the 2021 events. Ghana, set to the the honored country in 2020, will now be the honored country in 2021.

As a BBQ Fest team member, I am disappointed of course but I feel Memphis in May absolutely made the right call. Either event had the potential to create a massive surge in new COVID-19 cases that would push local hospitals to their limit and possibly beyond.

As a BBQ Fest team’s Director of Public Relations, I am relieved. The past couple of months I’ve been thinking, how do I recruit members to an event that might not happen, if it does happen it’ll probably be at 50% capacity so no one will be able to invite guests, and you might get to take home COVID-19 as a souvenir? Glad I don’t have to have those conversations.

Back tomorrow with more news.