Memphis In May 2024

Memphis, Tennessee

Memphis In May 2024: Month-Long Fun!

The Memphis in May International Festival is a month-long celebration, which hosts the city’s largest events each year. With so many events and activities on offer, Memphis in May ranks as one of Rad’s best worldwide festivals in the month of May.

Originating in 1977, the festival has grown to become one of the largest non-profit organizations in the country. Its mission is to celebrate Memphis culture, foster economic growth and enhance international awareness.

In addition to hosting large scale events, Memphis in May also produces a range of educational, international and economic programs. 

“Bringing the world to Memphis, and Memphis to the world”

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Your experience at Memphis in May

Six Memphis in May events make up the core of the festival: Beale Street Music Festival, International Week, World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, the Great American River Run Half Marathon & 5K and a Salute to Ghana event.

Where to watch Memphis in May

Memphis in May is an annual event held in the Tennessee city of Memphis. A range of events take place throughout the entire month and can be found all over the city.

Many events including the Beale Street Music Festival and World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest can be found at Tom Lee Park (357 Riverside Drive, Memphis, Tennessee 38103).

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Top Tips

In addition to the major events, Memphis offers many popular events and activities throughout the month of May.

Sidewalk Walking Tours – See the city with a series of 90-minute walking tours, prepared exclusively for Memphis in May. Shelby County Historian Jimmy Ogle will walk visitors through the sidewalks, alleys, parks, and plazas of Downtown Memphis. The tours are held every Saturday and all tours are free, open to the public and are handicapped accessible. What better way to see the city than with a free walking tour?

Shoot & Splice – Connect, converse and listen at the city’s monthly filmmaking forum. A range of technical, educational and fun topics will be featured at the event. The event will take place on Tuesday, May 7 at Crosstown Arts and admission is ‘Pay What You Can’.

Celebrate Memphis – Memphis in May is joining the city’s bicentennial commemoration with a brand new event: Celebrate Memphis. The event will take place on  March 25 and donor the city’s rich heritage and colorful history. This event takes place once every 200 years so you won’t want to miss it!

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Things to do in Memphis

The city of Memphis offers plenty to see and do throughout the historical city. The Beale Street Historic District offers a range of unique hangouts, bars, cafes, galleries and more.

Home to the Beale Street Music Festival, the district is popular for its extensive range of live music. If you’re into music and history, make sure to check out Graceland; Elvis Presley’s famous estate which offers mansion tours, a car museum, exhibits and more.

Memphis is also home to a range of famous and historic museums. Popular museums include the Memphis Rock ’n’ Soul Museum, Stax Museum of American Soul Music and the National Civil Rights Museum.

Other popular attractions include the Memphis Pyramid; a large pyramid-shaped shopping complex with a range of stores and restaurants; as well as Tom Lee Park, Memphis Botanic Garden, and the Orpheum Theatre.

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Where to stay in Memphis

The entire city of Memphis comes alive in the month of May and there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from. There are many hotel options available in the heart of the city, just a short walk from Tom Lee Park as well as other major attractions and event locations.

Apartments are also available within walking distance to the park as well as in and around the city center. You can find the nearest options below. 

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How to get around Memphis

Memphis offers a range of transport options, making it easy and affordable for visitors to travel around the city without a car. The Memphis ‘Green Bus’ covers three main routes in the downtown area and passes through popular destinations and districts.

One way tickets are only $1 and passes can be purchased for $3.50 for 24 hours or $9 for three days. The Memphis Area Transit Authority also covers over 300 square miles of the city and offers thousands of bus-stops across 33 routes.

Free shuttles are also available throughout the city. The Sun Studio Shuttle runs seven days a week and travels between three of the best musical attractions in Memphis; Memphis Rock ’n’ Soul Museum, Graceland and Sun Studio. Seats are free on a first-come, first-serve basis.

A ‘Ride the Roo’ nightlife shuttle bus is also available and offers a fun way to get around Overton Square and Cooper-Young. Bringing visitors to the vicinity of many restaurants, pubs, theatres, and shops, tickets are only $2 per ride or $5 for an all-night pass and runs from 5 pm to 2 am on Fridays and Saturdays.

A wide range of tours is also available in the city, making it easy to get around as well as see all the major sites. The Memphis Hop tour bus offers a hop-on, hop-off tour service, which stops at ten major attractions each hour. Tickets start at $22 for adults and $17 for children.

The Backbeat Tour is also a popular way to see the city. Staged in a 1950’s-era music bus, a Memphis musician will lead the tour through Beale and Second Street. Tours range from $13-$49 for adults.

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Memphis in May 2024 Dates

A range of events and activities will take place throughout the event from May 1 – 31, 2024. 

Photo Credit: Memphis in May