What are the food options at RiverBeat Music Festival? BBQ, Jelly Roll doughnuts & more

You are probably headed to RiverBeat Music Festival for the music, but make sure to check out the eats.

RiverBeat organizers have created an all-star lineup of great eats for you to enjoy at the new music fest, set for May 3-5 at Tom Lee Park in Downtown Memphis.

Jeff Bransford, RiverBeat producer, said they wanted to highlight Memphis in the food offerings.

"We're thrilled to have local favorites Gus's Fried Chicken, Corky's BBQ and WISEACRE at RiverBeat this year, along with other local favorites like Pronto Pups and MemPops," Bransford said. "Being able to order and eat delicious food and drink while watching these amazing live shows is part of what will make RiverBeat unforgettable."

Memphis eats at RiverBeat

RiverBeat will feature beers from Memphis brewery WISEACRE Brewing Co. at its inaugural festival in 2024. RiverBeat is produced by the same company that puts on Mempho Music Festival.
RiverBeat will feature beers from Memphis brewery WISEACRE Brewing Co. at its inaugural festival in 2024. RiverBeat is produced by the same company that puts on Mempho Music Festival.

RiverBeat will have several popular Memphis restaurants and food trucks serving their fare at the three-day event.

Iconic Memphis favorites like Gus’s Fried Chicken and Corky’s BBQ will be serving their specialties.

Corky’s BBQ is excited to be part of the first year of the RiverBeat Festival down on the river,” Corky’s owner Jimmy Stovall said. “We will be serving up our famous barbecue nachos, barbecue pork sandwiches and smoked sausage. Great music and great barbecue is a winning combination for a weekend of fun on the river.”

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Gus’s Fried Chicken will be serving two-piece chicken baskets, plus its spicy chicken tenders.

Looking for an icy treat to cool you down? MemPops will have its Airstream, as well as carts scattered around the festival.

“We are excited to be part of all things Memphis, including this new festival,” MemPops owner Chris Taylor said.

Memphis-based food truck Peace Love and Quesadillas will be preparing food for VIP ticket-holders.

“And you can’t have a Memphis festival without Pronto Pups,” said Camren Von Davis, RiverBeat food and beverage director.

Pronto Pups, the original hot dog on a stick, is celebrating 78 years in Memphis. The family-owned concession vendor has operated since 1946. 

Memphis brewery WISEACRE Brewing Co. will also have a large presence at the festival, as it is the official RiverBeat beer partner.

Pronto Pups will be on hand for the inaugural RiverBeat Music Festival, which is set for May 3-5 at Tom Lee Park in Downtown.
Pronto Pups will be on hand for the inaugural RiverBeat Music Festival, which is set for May 3-5 at Tom Lee Park in Downtown.

What else is on the RiverBeat menu?

In addition to the well-known Memphis brands, expect pizza from Philadelphia-based food truck Sawce Pizza, vegan fare from food truck Vegan Food with Flavor and soft serve ice cream and other frozen treats from food truck Ice Cream Cones & More.

Gluten-free and vegan options will be offered by several vendors.

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And a Jelly Roll-themed food truck

Rolling with Jelly is the official food truck and catering service of the artist Jelly Roll, who is the RiverBeat headliner on May 5. This Nashville-based food truck will be serving up Nashville hot chicken tenders, chicken wings, fish sandwiches, burgers and ... no surprise on this one ... jelly roll doughnuts.

Does RiverBeat Music Festival accept cash?

Be sure to bring your credit card. RiverBeat is cashless.

For tickets and more information about the music fest, visit riverbeat.com.

Jennifer Chandler is the Food & Dining reporter at The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at jennifer.chandler@commercialappeal.com and you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @cookwjennifer.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: What's to eat at RiverBeat Music Festival in Memphis? Our top picks