Throughout the Year
There’s a reason why Memphis is known as the home of the blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll. The Bluff City lives and breathes all things musical. And there’s no better way to soak it all in than through our vibrant music festivals. From sprawling outdoor stages to cozy neighborhood jams, here’s your insider’s guide to the can’t-miss Memphis music festivals this year.
Riverbeat Music Festival
Where: Tom Lee Park
When: Early May
Riverbeat is Memphis’s new flagship festival, here to fill the gap of Beale Street Music Fest’s absence this year. Set against the Mississippi River, Riverbeat delivers a diverse lineup of artists across genres, from indie darlings and hip-hop legends to homegrown blues and soul. The production is top-tier, the energy is electric, and the setting? Iconic.
Mempho Music Festival
Where: Radians Amphitheater at Memphis Botanic Garden
When: October
Mempho Festival blends music with nature in the most Memphis way possible. Hosted at the Memphis Botanic Garden, it’s known for curating a soulful and adventurous lineup. Think psychedelic rock, funk, jam bands, and plenty of Southern flair. The vibes are laid-back but lively, and the stages are surrounded by trees and art installations, making for a magical fall weekend. Bonus: it’s kid-friendly, food-truck-rich, and packed with local vendors.
Cooper-Young Festival
Where: Cooper-Young Historic District
When: September
More than just a music event, Cooper-Young Festival is a full-on celebration of Memphis culture. The neighborhood transforms into a giant street party with multiple music stages featuring blues, jazz, indie, and local favorites. With hundreds of art vendors, food trucks, and quirky pop-ups, it’s one of the most loved (and longest-running) festivals in the city.
Summer Concert Series at the Garden
Where: Memphis Botanic Garden
When: Summer (June–August)
If Mempho is the Botanic Garden’s wild weekend, the Summer Concert Series is its breezy summer hangout. This ongoing concert lineup features everything from national touring acts to local legends, all in the relaxed setting of a warm Southern evening. Bring a blanket, some wine, and a picnic basket for a date night or a chill evening with friends under the stars.
Overton Park Shell (formerly Levitt Shell)
Where: Overton Park
When: Spring through Fall
The Overton Park Shell is where Elvis Presley played his first paid gig, and today, it continues to be a beloved community stage with free outdoor concerts all season long. It’s a local favorite for discovering emerging artists and catching surprise performances by big names through the Orion Free Concerts Series, the “Shell Yeah” Benefit Series, and the Shell Daze Music Festival. Bring a lawn chair and some snacks. Plus, this venue is both pet-friendly and kid-friendly.
