
Major Events & Festivals in Memphis, United States
1. Beale Street Music Festival
Three-day outdoor music festival held annually in Tom Lee Park featuring a variety of genres including rock, hip hop, and blues.
- Diverse Lineup: Offers performances from both local and internationally renowned artists.
- Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Provides a kid's area with activities to keep the whole family entertained.
- Food and Drink Vendors: Features a wide selection of food vendors showcasing Memphis' famous barbecue and other local cuisine.
2. Memphis in May International Festival
Annual month-long event celebrating the city's culture, music, food, and history, culminating in a World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest.
- Cultural Exchange: Hosts delegations from around the world showcasing their unique traditions and cuisine.
- World-Class BBQ Competition: Attracts top barbecue pitmasters from across the globe to compete for the title of Grand Champion.
- Memphis Music and Arts: Includes live music performances, art exhibits, and a parade featuring Memphis' unique musical heritage.
3. Memphis Grizzlies Games
Attend a basketball game at the FedExForum to cheer on the Memphis Grizzlies, a professional NBA team.
- Energetic Atmosphere: Experience the excitement of a live NBA game in a lively and passionate fan base.
- Memphis Culture: Enjoy pre-game performances showcasing local music, dance, and art.
- VIP Experiences: Upgrade your experience with exclusive access to player meet-and-greets, premium seating, and more.
4. Elmwood Cemetery Tour
Guided tours of historic Elmwood Cemetery, final resting place for many notable Memphians including Elvis Presley and Nathan Bedford Forrest.
- Historical Significance: Learn about the lives and legacies of influential figures in Memphis' history.
- Architectural Beauty: Admire the beautiful and ornate gravestones and monuments found throughout the cemetery.
- Peaceful Oasis: Find a peaceful escape from the bustling city in this tranquil setting.
5. National Civil Rights Museum
Museum located at the Lorraine Motel, site of Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, chronicling the struggle for civil rights in America.
- Educational Experience: Gain a deeper understanding of the struggle for civil rights through interactive exhibits and artifacts.
- Emotional Impact: Feel moved by the poignant stories and personal accounts of those involved in the civil rights movement.
- Memphis Connection: Explore the unique role Memphis played in the civil rights movement, including the sanitation workers' strike.
6. Sun Studio Tour
Tour Sun Studio, the birthplace of rock 'n' roll and home to music legends such as Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and B.B. King.
- Musical Heritage: Learn about the origins of rock 'n' roll and the artists who shaped its history.
- Behind-the-Scenes Access: Visit the actual recording studio where many iconic songs were recorded.
- Personalized Experience: Join a guided tour led by knowledgeable staff members who bring the history to life.
7. Memphis Zoo
Home to over 3,500 animals from around the world, including giant pandas and gorillas.
- Animal Encounters: Engage with animals through interactive exhibits such as the Gorilla Forest and Penguin Plaza.
- Conservation Efforts: Support conservation efforts by contributing to global wildlife preservation initiatives.
- Educational Programs: Learn about the animals and their habitats through educational programs and events.
8. Stax Museum of American Soul Music
Museum dedicated to the history of soul music and the legacy of Stax Records, featuring artifacts, exhibits, and interactive experiences.
- Soul Music Heritage: Explore the origins and evolution of soul music through exhibits showcasing iconic artists such as Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, and Sam & Dave.
- Interactive Experiences: Record your own song in a studio replica, or try your hand at playing instruments used by soul legends.
- Community Impact: Discover how Stax Records played a crucial role in the civil rights movement and Memphis' music scene.
9. Graceland
Tour the home of Elvis Presley, the 'King of Rock 'n' Roll', offering a glimpse into his life and career.
- Elvis Artifacts: View personal artifacts, costumes, and memorabilia from Elvis' life and career.
- Memphis Connection: Understand the impact Memphis had on Elvis' career and vice versa.
- Guided Tours: Join a guided tour led by knowledgeable staff members who share stories about Elvis and his life at Graceland.
10. Mud Island River Park
Outdoor park featuring a large-scale model of the Mississippi River and interactive exhibits about the river's history and importance.
- River Education: Learn about the environmental, economic, and cultural significance of the Mississippi River.
- Interactive Experience: Walk on a scale model of the river, complete with water features and city landmarks.
- Memphis Connection: Discover Memphis' role in the river's history, including its importance as a transportation hub.
11. Cooper-Young Festival
Annual arts and music festival held in the Cooper-Young neighborhood featuring live music, food vendors, and local artists.
- Local Artists: Support local artists by purchasing their work or attending live demonstrations.
- Food Vendors: Sample delicious food from a variety of vendors showcasing Memphis' unique culinary scene.
- Live Music: Enjoy live music performances from local and regional artists across multiple stages.
12. Overton Park
A large urban park offering a variety of activities including tennis courts, bike trails, and a botanical garden.
- Outdoor Activities: Enjoy outdoor activities such as biking, hiking, or playing tennis.
- Natural Beauty: Admire the natural beauty of the park's gardens and trees.
- Community Events: Attend events such as concerts, festivals, or farmers markets held in the park throughout the year.
13. Memphis Redbirds Games
Attend a baseball game at AutoZone Park to cheer on the Memphis Redbirds, the Triple-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals.
- Affordable Entertainment: Enjoy an affordable night out with family and friends at a minor league baseball game.
- Interactive Experience: Participate in interactive activities such as catching a ball or meeting the players.
- Memphis Connection: Experience Memphis' love for baseball and support its aspiring major leaguers.
14. Dixon Gallery & Gardens
Art museum and botanical garden featuring an extensive collection of American art and beautiful gardens showcasing over 100 species of plants.
- American Art Collection: View a wide-ranging collection of American art, including works by Mary Cassatt, Winslow Homer, and John Singer Sargent.
- Beautiful Gardens: Enjoy the serenity of the gardens, featuring an English garden, a Japanese garden, and a sensory garden.
- Educational Programs: Learn about art, culture, and gardening through educational programs and events.
15. Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
Art museum showcasing a diverse collection of art from ancient times to the present, with a focus on American and European works.
- Diverse Collection: View a wide-ranging collection of art spanning multiple eras and styles.
- Temporary Exhibits: Attend temporary exhibits featuring works by famous artists or exploring specific themes.
- Community Engagement: Support the local art community through educational programs, workshops, and events.