Thanks to Memphis’ reasonably pleasant climate, we can enjoy outdoor activities most months of the year. As a city with a rich musical heritage, it’s no surprise that Memphians love open-air concerts. Here is a list of outdoor concert series that occur annually or semi-annually.
Laurelwood Concert Series:
The newest concert series coming to Memphis, Laurelwood Unplugged features a mix of established and up-and-coming artists. The series is held annually in late spring at the Laurelwood Mall in East Memphis.
Levitt Shell Concerts:
The Levitt Shell is an outdoor setting located in Overton Park. Known to ancient Memphians as “The Shell,” the stage was completely renovated in 2008. Each spring and fall, the Levitt Shell offers 50 free concerts in a wide range of genres, including world music, rock, soul, and children’s music.
Living in the garden:
Memphis Botanic Gardens is the setting for the annual Live at the Garden concert series. The series generally runs from June to August or September and features headliners from various eras of music.
Mud Island Concerts:
The Mud Island Amphitheater is located along the Mississippi River. Every summer this little place is home to a variety of big names in music. Past artists include Sheryl Crow, Maroon 5, Bob Dylan, and many others.
Serie River en Harbour Town:
During the spring and fall, head to the Harbor Town Amphitheater on the Maria Montessori School campus for a series of outdoor concerts featuring Memphis favorites. Past lineups have included Jack Oblivian, Mark Edgar Stuart, Motel Mirrors ,. Concerts are free for children and $ 5 for adults. Local food and beer is offered, and attendees can bring coolers.
Peabody Rooftop Parties:
A Memphis tradition for more than 70 years, Peabody’s rooftop parties are the see-and-see events of summer. Every Thursday night from April to August, the historic Peabody Hotel invites national and local acts to perform before crowds of hundreds. Watch the sunset while enjoying cocktails at various rooftop bars and snacks from the buffet. Partygoers of all ages dress to impress on the dance floor for these events.
Collierville Sunset in the square:
If you are in the suburbs, you can still enjoy live music outside in good weather. Every Thursday through June and July, Collierville hosts smaller acts in historic Towne Square. Concerts are free and family-friendly, and there are food vendors on-site.
Festivals and events:
It’s not a Memphis festival without some great live music. Almost every event, from the Overton Square Crawfish Festival to Cooper Young Fest to the Mid-South Fair, features some form of live musical entertainment. In particular, the Memphis International Festival in May includes the Beale Street Music Fest, three days of nationwide tours on four stages at Tom Lee Park during the first weekend of May, and the 901Fest in late May, an event focused on the best things about Memphis, including local musicians and bands.
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