Why You Should Hit the International Blues Challenge
365 Things to Do in Memphis #19: Sneak In To The International Blues Challenge
The IBC is the most underrated music event in Memphis, and it happens right under our noses every year. This is a must attend event for live music fans.
The IBC is the most underrated music event in Memphis, and it happens right under our noses every year. This is a must attend event for live music fans.
Several hundred blues musicians from around the world head to downtown Memphis for the annual International Blues Challenge held January 13-17, 2026.
These artists fill the clubs and bars for five nights of music, as legendary artists and up-and-comers alike compete for awards and recognition.
The Blues Foundation hosts the annual IBC which represents a worldwide search for those blues bands and solo/duo blues performers ready for the international stage, yet needing that extra big break. Seeing bands from South Korea and Germany playing Blues music at B.B. King's during the IBC is still one of my favorite Memphis experiences to date.
The Blues Foundation hosts the annual IBC which represents a worldwide search for those blues bands and solo/duo blues performers ready for the international stage, yet needing that extra big break. Seeing bands from South Korea and Germany playing Blues music at B.B. King's during the IBC is still one of my favorite Memphis experiences to date.
Participants will travel from multiple countries and states to compete for prize money and gig bookings. They'll be judged on vocals, instrumentals, originality, and stage presence.
The best part? You can "sneak" in to the showcases and judge the bands for yourself. All you need is a wristband, which you can purchase at Will Call during the event. Usually, weeklong passes are $100+ and let you into any of the week's performances, will day wristbands are $10-$20 and get you into that day's showcases at clubs on Beale Street. You can generally find a wristband station on Beale day of.
OK, so it's not really sneaking in if you have a pass, but it certainly feels like you're a part of an exclusive, semi-secret meet-up when you attend these showcases. They're usually hosted at a dozen venues from around 5 p.m. until 10 or later, so you can either peruse the detailed schedules or you can just walk down Beale and let the blues guide you. It's a great opportunity to pop around different bars on Beale that you may not traditionally visit.
The opening celebration is on Tuesday at Rum Boogie with additional showcase performances held in multiple clubs on Beale Street. Various jams after competition including International Jam (Blues City Café), Canadian Artist Jam (Rum Boogie Café), and Open Jams at Club 152 and Alfred's.
The first two rounds of quarterfinals kick off Wednesday and Thursday across most clubs on Beale.
Sure, the blues have been around for a long time, but expect folks of all ages playing and enjoying music from afternoon until late, late night, since there are plenty of after parties and jams that follow the showcases.
Sure, the blues have been around for a long time, but expect folks of all ages playing and enjoying music from afternoon until late, late night, since there are plenty of after parties and jams that follow the showcases.
Memphis band Southern Avenue got their kickstart after representing Memphis at the IBC in 2016, and they were nominated for a GRAMMY, if you want to know the kind of exciting, energetic bands you might get to see.
If you need yet another reason to go to the International Blues Challenge (I'm talking to you, Memphians) keep in mind that this event is world-renowned and helps out Beale Street especially during a slower time of the season.
Click here to see the full schedule including showcases, seminars, and the competition parts.
Go There:
International Blues Challenge
January 13-17, 2026
Beale Street Memphis, Tenn.
About the Author
Roderick Jones
I love this annual event.There is nothing like it in the USA
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