Section 8: Events, Festivals & Seasonal Fun
Memphis knows how to throw a party. From massive music festivals to quirky local celebrations, these events define the city’s calendar and dominate searches for Memphis festivals. Every month has something worth planning a trip around—mark your calendar now!
1. Memphis in May: Beale Street Music Festival
Memphis in May is the city’s biggest month-long celebration, and the Beale Street Music Festival (May 2–4,) is its crown jewel. Three days of non-stop music on multiple stages along the riverfront at Tom Lee Park.
Lineup Highlights • Headliners already announced: Chris Stapleton, The Killers, Erykah Badu, Hozier, St. Vincent, and a special Memphis soul tribute night • Over 100 acts across blues, rock, soul, hip-hop, country, and R&B • Free kids’ stage, food trucks, craft beer garden, and VIP lounges
Practical Info
- Tickets: 3-day GA $150–$200 (early bird prices until Dec Annually)
- VIP packages with shaded seating and private bars
- Free parking nearby or shuttle from downtown hotels
Primary Keyword: Memphis in May Secondary: Beale Street Music Festival
2. Mempho Music Festival & Other Concerts
The Mempho Music Festival (October 3–5,) is Memphis’s fall answer to summer festivals—three days of indie, rock, hip-hop, and electronic music in Radians Amphitheater and nearby venues.
Highlights • headliners included Tyler Childers, Megan Thee Stallion, and Khruangbin—lineup drops in January • Smaller stages at Crosstown Concourse and Overton Square • Art installations, food vendors, and late-night after-parties
Other big concerts:
- Taylor Swift at FedExForum (June)
- Morgan Wallen at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium (September)
- Summer concert series at Overton Park Shell (free!)
Primary Keyword: Mempho Festival Secondary: Music festivals Memphis
3. Elvis Birthday Celebration
Every January, Memphis celebrates what would have been Elvis Presley’s birthday (January 8, 1935) with a week-long extravaganza that draws fans from 50+ countries.
Key Events
- Birthday Bash at Graceland (Jan 8) with live performances and cake cutting
- Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest (Jan 6–11) – winner gets $25,000
- Candlelight Vigil (Jan 8 night) – thousands walk past the Meditation Garden
- Panels with Elvis’s friends and bandmates
Tickets
- Graceland combo passes on sale now
- Free to watch the vigil
Primary Keyword: Elvis Birthday Memphis Secondary: Holiday events Graceland
4. Cooper-Young Festival & Local Markets
The Cooper-Young Festival (September 6,) is Memphis’s biggest neighborhood block party—over 100,000 people fill the streets of Midtown with art booths, live music, food trucks, and a massive beer garden.
What to Expect
- 300+ vendor booths (jewelry, art, vintage clothes)
- Four stages of live music (blues, rock, funk, soul)
- Kids’ zone with bounce houses and face painting
- Pet parade and dog costume contest
Other great local markets:
- Memphis Farmers Market (Saturdays at Memphis Botanic Garden)
- Memphis Flea Market (first Saturday monthly at the Fairgrounds)
- Crosstown Concourse Night Market (third Thursday)
Primary Keyword: Cooper Young Festival Secondary: Local festivals Memphis TN
These four events alone could fill your entire year in Memphis—each one is a bucket-list experience. Book hotels early, especially for Memphis in May and Elvis Week.
