Memphis — Soul.Art.Sound — Memphis Art & Soul

The art is original. The sound is founding. The soul is real.

What's New in Memphis

New openings, expanded experiences and milestone anniversaries — 2026 is one of the best years Memphis has given visitors in a long time. Here's what to add to your itinerary:

The National Civil Rights Museum

Explore the Legacy Experience, an immersive exhibit at the iconic Lorraine Motel.

Baron Von Opperbean (BVO)

Light, sound and storytelling come together in an immersive experience on Mud Island.

Memphis Art Museum

Memphis Art Museum debuts on the Riverfront in 2026 with a world-class new collection.

Metal Museum

The nation's only museum solely dedicated to the art of metalwork opens its new Midtown home in fall 2026.

The Memphis Flyway

Step out over the Mississippi River at Tom Lee Parks’ new elevated observation deck.

Grind City Amp

A brand new 3,500-seat amphitheater with a stunning view of Downtown Memphis.

Hattiloo Theatre - 20 Years

The region's only freestanding Black repertory theater celebrates 20 years in 2026.

Ballet Memphis - 40 Years

Celebrate the ballet’s 40th with exciting performances, including Peter Pan.

Dixon Gallery & Gardens - 50 Years

Fifty years of stunning art and gardens, browse the collection and new exhibits.

Opera Memphis - 70 Years

Catch a performance, like Sweeney Todd, at the city’s biggest performing arts venues.

Overton Park Shell - 90 Years

Catch free summer concerts at the stage Elvis performed the first rock show in 1954.

Memphis Zoo - 120 Years

Ranked among the nation's best zoos, Memphis Zoo is home to 3,500 animals and immersive exhibits, a splash park and zip line.

More 2026 Milestones

2026 is a big year in Memphis with 25+ organizations celebrating anniversaries. See who else is celebrating!

2026 Orion Financial Free Concert Series at Overton Park Shell

Enjoy free concerts every weekend at the historic Overton Park Shell.

Memphis Classic | July 25 - August 2

The Memphis Classic brings WTA Tour pro tennis to Leftwich Tennis Center — get tickets, see the players, and experience world-class competition in the heart of Memphis.

Live at the Garden

Head to Memphis Botanic Garden to catch exciting acts like John Legend and Little Big Town.

Elvis Week 2026 | August 8-16

Join thousands of fans at Graceland for the 49th anniversary of Elvis’ passing.

FedEx St. Jude Championship | August 12-16

See top golfers compete in the first event of the FedExCup Playoffs.

Broadway in Memphis

Watch Broadway shows, like Clue and Harry Potter at the Orpheum Theatre.

Cooper Young Festival | September 13

Memphis' largest one-day block party with 400+ artists and makers. Free to attend.

See What's On Stage & On Display

Explore Memphis' full calendar of art exhibitions, gallery openings, live performances, and cultural events happening across the city.

More Upcoming Memphis Events

Never miss a beat or an event! See all upcoming Memphis events from concerts, festivals and more.

The exterior of Ugly Art Co., with a large crane mural over a large doorway. Inside, you can see people gathered for an event.

Ugly Art Co. | Craig Thompson

Memphis Art Galleries, Gardens & Museums

From the Brooks Museum of Art to the Dixon Gallery & Gardens, Memphis' visual art scene spans contemporary collections, sculpture gardens and one-of-a-kind spaces you won't find anywhere else.

Find Galleries & Museums

montage performing arts performances with dance sequences, time lapse of orpheum theatre exterior during Les Mis, and singing

Memphis Symphony Orchestra | ARTSmemphis

Performing Arts in Memphis

Broadway touring productions, Ballet Memphis, the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and Hattiloo Theatre — plan your visit around what's on stage.

Catch a Show

Welcome to the 901

From Beale Street to music icons and legendary recording studios to the world’s best barbecue, come explore Memphis — home of the blues, soul and rock ‘n’ roll.

Live Music & Nightlife

Buzzy cocktail lounges, arts districts and Beale Street — Memphis nights deliver.

Food & Drink

World-class barbecue, MICHELIN-recognized restaurants and soul food await in Memphis.

History & Heritage

Explore historic homes, Civil Rights Trail sites and museums across the Bluff City.

Memphis Music Venues

From Overton Park Shell to Beale Street, catch a show where legends found their fame.

Family Fun

Memphis wows families with an acclaimed zoo and one of the nation's largest urban parks.

Outdoor Adventures

From the Mississippi River to Shelby Farms Park, explore these natural spaces.

A tour guide leading a group through the Withers Collection Museum & Gallery, with photos behind him.

Withers Collections Museum & Gallery | Julian Harper

Black-Owned Art Spaces in Memphis

Memphis' Black cultural community has shaped American art, music and photography for generations. Explore the galleries, studios and creative spaces rooted in that legacy.

Find Black-Owned Art Spaces

A couple enjoying Elvis' jumpsuit and stage costume collection at Elvis Presley's Graceland.

Elvis Presley's Graceland | Creation Studios

Memphis' Best Museums

Sun Studio. Stax Museum of American Soul Music. Graceland. The National Civil Rights Museum. Memphis has more culturally significant museums per mile than almost anywhere in America.

Browse Our Museums

The Sound of Memphis

Blues, soul and rock 'n' roll didn't just pass through Memphis — they were born here. From Sun Studio and Stax to Beale Street and the Overton Park Shell, the city's musical legacy is alive every single night. Grab a seat. The next set's about to start.

HEAR LIVE MUSIC

Where to Stay in Memphis

Downtown

Art galleries, museums and live music every night, steps from the Mighty Mississippi.

South Main

A walkable district with boutique hotels, chef-driven restaurants and live galleries.

Midtown

Home of Memphis Zoo, Overton Square Performing Arts District and the new Metal Museum.

East Memphis

Discover local-favorite eateries, boutique shops, and vibrant gardens and art spaces.

MEMPHIS CHEAT SHEET

First time in Memphis? Start here. From must-eat barbecue spots to live music every night, this cheat sheet covers everything you need to see, do and eat.

Get the Cheat Sheet

MEMPHIS BLOG

Story

The Legacy Experience

Get an inside look at the newly renovated experience at the National Civil Rights Museum.

Story

50+ Free Things To Do

From the hidden Crystal Shrine Grotto to the Memphis Listening Lab's vinyl collection, Memphis is full of experiences that are completely free.

Story

The Ultimate Memphis Patio List: 100+ Places To Eat and Drink Outside

Pull up a chair outside. From neighborhood patios to buzzy open-air dining, here are 100+ spots to eat and drink outdoors in Memphis.

Story

Memphis' Best Bruch Spots

Add brunch to your itinerary! Here are 15 of Memphis' best places for brunch.

Story

New Memphis Restaurants

Check out all the buzzy new spots in Memphis' culinary scene.

Story

Rooftop Bars in Memphis

Sips, bites and incredible views — that's exactly what you'll find at Memphis' popular rooftop bars.

Ready to Book Your Stay?

Browse our full hotel guide — from boutique properties in South Main to family-friendly options across the city.

Find Your Hotel