By Jayne Ellen White
What do Shannon and The Clams, The Black Keys, Black Cream, Grace Askew, and Qemist all have in common? They are all playing a music festival in Memphis this fall. What better way is there for community bonding than feeling the Memphis love at any of these exciting festivals? So get ready for some amazing tunes in equally awesome weather because festival season has officially arrived. Between more intimate music-centered neighborhood festivals and weekend-long concerts featuring some of the country’s most sought after headliners, there is something for everyone this fall in Memphis.
Gonerfest
September 22nd- 25th
Railgarten
This weekend, Memphis’ Goner Records returns with their annual four day music festival at Railgarten. The indie garage rock label has been throwing this festival for nineteen years, and has attracted garage and punk music fans from all over the world to attend the party. In recent years, Gonerfest has moved from a multi-venue format to hosting the event entirely at Railgarten, Midtown’s indoor-outdoor two stage music venue and bar. Headliners include the retro rock inspired Shannon and the Clams, Gonerfest favorites The King Khan & BBQ Show, and Memphis’ The Compulsive Gamblers. P.S. Don’t miss a rare performance by Memphis’ AWFM on the stage Friday the 23rd.
For a full schedule of bands, festival merch, tickets and more go to the Goner Records website, and get all the details at once. Check out Shannon and the Clams below to get a vibe preview.
Mempho Music Festival
September 30th – October 2nd
Radians Amphitheater at The Botanic Gardens
The Memphis-centric Mempho Music Festival is back! Since its first iteration in 2017, the three day festival has packed some real heavy hitters on their stages, blending some local love with A-list bands like Wu-Tang Clan & Widespread Panic. This year the Black Keys, Grammy-award-winning blues artist Bobby Rush, Celisse, and Portugal, The Man, are my top picks, but go check out the full schedule yourself to plan who you will see and when. Between bands, be sure to check out the art installation and indoor venue Incendia Dome, featuring some of Memphis’ most killer DJ’s like DJ Bizzle Blue Bland, and Qemist.
If you are interested in VIP experiences, i.e. private bars, better bathrooms, parking, wifi, water, and food credits, then check out the festival’s VIP ticket options- they are a serious comfort upgrade!
Mempho Presents: Tambourine Bash Benefiting Music Export Memphis
October 13th
Overton Park Shell
This mini-fest benefiting Music Export Memphis is an annual night of collaboration between Memphis’ favorite touring and recording artists. The Overton Park Shell will host the event for the second year in a row, making this event a fall music tradition. This years’ lineup is ‘giving local’ like no other fest this fall. Do not miss this opportunity to support Music Export Memphis, an organization dedicated to supporting the music creators in the city, all while watching some of the very artists who have recently benefited from the organization’s work. Plus— the collabs really are insane! See below for details. Ticket options range from the $15 general admission ticket to the completely worth it VIP tickets for $100 that come with cocktails, exclusive seating, light bites to eat, and REALLY good Memphis karma. See you there!
Set 1: Grace Askew + Mark Edgar Stuart+ Graham Winchester
Set 2: Black Cream +Tia Henderson + Yella P.
Set 3: Aquarian Blood + Rachel Maxann + Lucky 7 Brass Band
Set 4 : Cyrena Wages + Nick Black + Nico The Goddess
Soulsville USA Fest
October 14th – 16th
Stax Museum of American Soul Music
The neighborhood festival at the iconic corner of College Street and Mclemore Ave, also known as SOUSLSVILLE USA, is back for a full weekend of family fun and live music. The festival is known for its incredible food vendors, crafts, local merchants, and free fun from The Stax Museum of American Soul Music. In the past the live music line-up has featured local neo-soul and R&B artists like Tony Mac, and Courtney Little, Doll McCoy, and more.
Expect a full lineup coming September 16th. See you there!
You also might be interested in: Live Music Memphis Tonight | Memphis Live Music Calendar
