Memphis, TN
Memphis events and things to do, including Beale Street, Graceland, the National Civil Rights Museum, Sun Studio, BBQ, the Peabody Ducks and Grizzlies games.
Memphis Events & Things to Do: Beale Street, Graceland, BBQ, Blues & Grizzlies Games
Quick answer: The best things to do in Memphis include touring Elvis Presley's Graceland, hearing live blues on Beale Street, visiting the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel, recording history at Sun Studio and Stax Museum, eating Memphis-style barbecue, and catching the Grizzlies. Coming up: the Grizzlies home opener (October 21) and the St. Jude Memphis Marathon (December 5).
Searching for things to do in Memphis this weekend, for couples, or with kids? Memphis is the home of the blues and the birthplace of rock 'n' roll, with Beale Street, Elvis Presley's Graceland, Sun Studio, and Stax Museum of American Soul Music. The National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel is one of the country's most powerful museums, and dry-rub Memphis barbecue and Grizzlies games at FedExForum round out a trip.
Start Here: Your Memphis Trip Planner
- Graceland Tours & Tickets: Tour Elvis Presley's home, cars, and jets.
- Beale Street Tours: Blues clubs, history, and nightlife downtown.
- Sun Studio Tours: See where rock 'n' roll was born.
- National Civil Rights Museum Tours: Visit the historic Lorraine Motel.
- Memphis Food & Drink Tours: Barbecue, soul food, and local favorites.
- Mississippi Riverboat Cruises: Sightseeing on the river.
- Memphis Ghost Tours: Haunted walks and pub crawls.
Quick Links: All Memphis Tours & Activities • Memphis Tours & Sightseeing • Memphis Mojo Music Bus Tour • Memphis Fun & Games
Upcoming Memphis Events in 2026 and 2027
- Overton Park Shell: The historic outdoor stage hosts free fall shows on Fridays and Saturdays, according to Memphis Travel.
- Grizzlies home opener: Memphis hosts the Utah Jazz at FedExForum on October 21, 2026.
- Haunted Memphis: October is the season for Memphis ghost tours, from haunted walking tours to bus tours and pub crawls.
- St. Jude Memphis Marathon: Runners raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital on December 5, 2026.
Find Tickets: Memphis Ghost Tours • Memphis Seasonal & Special Occasions
How Do You Visit Graceland?
Elvis Presley's Graceland mansion is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the last mansion tour starting at 4 p.m. Tour the home, the Meditation Garden where Elvis is buried, his custom jets, and the Elvis Presley's Memphis entertainment complex with his cars and costumes.
Explore: Graceland Tours & Tickets • Memphis City Bus Tour
What Are the Best Music Landmarks in Memphis?
- Beale Street: Live blues clubs, neon signs, and nightlife.
- Sun Studio: Where Elvis, Johnny Cash, and B.B. King recorded.
- Stax Museum of American Soul Music: The story of Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, and Memphis soul.
- Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum: How Memphis music changed the world.
- Blues Hall of Fame: Honoring the legends of the blues.
Explore: Sun Studio Tours • Stax Museum Tours & Tickets • Beale Street Tours • Memphis Mojo Music Bus Tour • Beale Street Historical Walking Tour
What Is the National Civil Rights Museum?
Built around the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968, the National Civil Rights Museum traces the history of the civil rights movement. It is open Wednesday through Monday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed Tuesdays.
Explore: National Civil Rights Museum Tours & Tickets • African American History Tour of Memphis
Memphis Food, Barbecue & Nightlife
Memphis is famous for dry-rub ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, and barbecue spaghetti, plus hot wings and soul food. After dinner, catch live music on Beale Street or watch the sunset over the Mississippi River from Tom Lee Park or the Big River Crossing.
Explore: Memphis Food & Drink Tours • Taste of Downtown Memphis Food Tour
Things to Do in Memphis With Kids
Traveling with kids? Visit the Memphis Zoo, see the ducks march at The Peabody hotel, explore Shelby Farms Park, take a Mississippi riverboat cruise, and catch a Grizzlies game at FedExForum.
Explore: Mississippi Riverboat Cruises • Peabody Hotel Ducks • Memphis Fun & Games
Free Things to Do in Memphis
- The Peabody Ducks: Watch the famous duck march in the Peabody Hotel lobby at 11 AM and 5 PM.
- Big River Crossing: Walk or bike across the Mississippi River into Arkansas, with nightly lights.
- Beale Street by day: Stroll the historic street, see the W.C. Handy statue, and hear buskers.
- Tom Lee Park and the riverfront: A redesigned park along the Mississippi downtown.
Things to Do in Memphis for Adults & Couples
- Blues clubs on Beale Street: B.B. King's and live music every night.
- Barbecue crawl: Rendezvous ribs, Central BBQ, and more across the city.
- Grizzlies game at FedExForum: NBA basketball steps from Beale.
- Graceland evening tours and Sun Studio: Elvis history at its source.
Things to Do in Memphis This Weekend & Today
A Memphis weekend usually pairs Graceland or the Civil Rights Museum with barbecue and a night on Beale Street. In May, Memphis in May brings the BBQ fest and concerts, so book rooms early.
Browse Now: Memphis Tours & Sightseeing • Memphis Bus Tours • Memphis Day Trips • All Memphis Tours & Excursions
Popular Memphis Questions
What are the best free things to do in Memphis?
Free favorites in Memphis include The Peabody Ducks, Big River Crossing, Beale Street by day, and Tom Lee Park and the riverfront. See the free things to do section above for details.
What are the best things to do in Memphis for adults and couples?
Popular picks for adults and couples in Memphis include blues clubs on Beale Street, barbecue crawl, Grizzlies game at FedExForum, and Graceland evening tours and Sun Studio.
What are Graceland's hours?
Graceland is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the last mansion tour at 4 p.m. Compare Graceland tours and tickets, including options with transportation from downtown.
When is the Grizzlies home opener 2026?
The Grizzlies host the Utah Jazz on October 21, 2026 at FedExForum.
When is the St. Jude Memphis Marathon 2026?
Race day is Saturday, December 5, 2026.
Is the National Civil Rights Museum open every day?
The museum is open Wednesday through Monday and closed Tuesdays.
When is the best time to visit Memphis?
Spring brings Memphis in May festivals, fall brings mild weather and free shows at the Overton Park Shell, and winter brings basketball and holiday events.
What is there to do in Memphis this weekend?
Browse Memphis tours and activities for music history tours, barbecue tours, and experiences you can book for your dates, or check Memphis tours and sightseeing for this weekend.
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Plan Your Memphis Trip
Tour Graceland, hear the blues on Beale Street, visit the National Civil Rights Museum, record history at Sun Studio, eat dry-rub ribs, and catch a Grizzlies game.
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