The countdown is on.
The full daily lineup for the 2026 RiverBeat Music Festival has officially dropped, and May 1–3 at Tom Lee Park is shaping up to be one of the biggest weekends of the year along the riverfront.
Now in its third year, RiverBeat continues to grow its national profile while staying rooted in what makes it distinct: Memphis music culture.
Produced by Mempho Presents, the festival will once again feature three stages, a dedicated DJ pavilion for dance and EDM performances, curated lounge areas, nightly fireworks and the return of the iconic Ferris wheel.
Here’s how the weekend breaks down:
Friday, May 1
Headliner: The Red Clay Strays
The Mobile-based rock and country group will close out opening night. Friday’s lineup also includes performances by:
- Lord Huron
- Salt-N-Pepa
- De La Soul
- The 502s
- Rob Garza of Thievery Corporation (DJ set)
- Tinzo + Jojo
Memphis talent will also take the stage, including Dead Soldiers, Hope Clayburn’s Soul Scrimmage, Scotty B and Katie Loopz — reinforcing that the weekend starts with local energy.
Saturday, May 2
Headliner: Wu-Tang Clan
Saturday brings hip-hop legends and high-energy electronic acts to the riverfront, including:
- Ice Cube
- Marshmello
- Phantogram
- Cheat Codes
- Honestav
Local performers include DJ Squeeky, Turnstyles, Optic Sink, DJ Nico and South Memphis Jeff.
Saturday also marks the return of the Memphis Rap OGz showcase — RiverBeat’s celebration of the city’s foundational rap pioneers. Hosted by Al Kapone and DJ Zirk, the set features Tela, Gangsta Blac, Frayser Boy, Kia Shine and Tom Skeemask, with DJ Bizzle Bluebland and DJ Superman.
Sunday, May 3
Headliner: Dave Matthews Band
Closing out the weekend, Sunday’s lineup includes:
- T-Pain
- St. Vincent
- Wale
- John Butler (with band)
- Walshy Fire of Major Lazer
- Dogs In A Pile
- Moonlight
Memphis artists Lukah, Strooly and YoBreezye will also perform.
Sunday also features the return of Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell’s Royal Studios Jam, spotlighting the Hi Rhythm Section and honoring the enduring sound born at Royal Studios.
Mitchell noted that Memphis connections run deep throughout the lineup. Salt-N-Pepa’s hit “Tramp” originated as a Stax record, and Wu-Tang Clan famously sampled the music of Willie Mitchell and Stax artists before recording at Royal Studios in 2013 alongside members of the Hi Rhythm Section and Lester Snell.
As Mitchell shared during the announcement, Memphis isn’t just hosting these artists — it helped shape them.
A Festival Powered by Memphis
“We’re really excited to be here in year three,” said producer Mike Smith of Mempho Presents, noting that more artists are now reaching out directly to be part of the festival.
RiverBeat’s impact extends beyond the stage. More than 300 people will be employed to build the event, with nearly two weeks required to construct the festival site and another week and a half to break it down.
Tickets are now on sale, including a new GA+ tier.
Three-day passes start at $249 for General Admission, $379 for GA+, and $849 for VIP. Single-day tickets begin at $99.
For the full schedule and ticket details, visit RiverBeat.com.
