Memphis has long been a hotbed for music in America. The city has made major contributions to multiple genres. “St. Louis Blues,” the first commercially successful blues song, was written in Memphis in 1912, and the Memphis blues style was popular up to the 1930s. Because of the city’s heavy blues background, Memphis also had a major influence on the emergence of rock and roll. Important artists like Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, and Johnny Cash began their careers in Memphis. Today, Memphis continues to be a great music city, and you’ll find no shortage of excellent concert venues.

The Orpheum Theatre was built in 1928. Over $15 million in renovations have kept the venue fresh, but the structure maintains much of its charm and classic architecture. The theatre’s gorgeous 2308-seat auditorium is one of the city’s best concert and live entertainment venues. The Orpheum’s events have included shows by artists like Modest Mouse, Nine Inch Nails, Elvis Costello, and the Temptations.

The city’s largest indoor arena is FedEx Forum, which serves as the home court for the Memphis Grizzlies and the University of Memphis men’s basketball team. The arena is large enough to attract major tours to Memphis. Artists like Billy Joel, Kid Rock, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, and Miley Cyrus have all performed in Memphis at FedEx Forum.

Mud Island Amphitheatre is a long-running outdoor venue that hosts a summer concert series each year between June and October. The venue can accommodate 5000 guests and has three levels of seating options: lower, upper, and general admission. From any level, you’ll be able to see the Memphis skyline against the backdrop of the river and the stage. You can also attend a concert outdoors in the suburbs of Memphis at BankPlus Amphitheater at Snowden Grove. The two amphitheaters have brought Dave Matthews Band, Jason Aldean, Beck, ZZ Top, Poison, and Robert Plant to Tennessee.

Memphis Concert Venues

Beale Street in Downtown Memphis is a major hub for the city’s music culture, and the locale played a huge role in the history of the blues. Beale Street is home to a huge number of restaurants and music venues including Hard Rock Cafe, Mr. Handy’s Blues Hall, The New Daisy Theatre, Blues City Cafe, and Rum Boogie Cafe.

Orpheum Theatre is located on the corner of Beale Street and Main Street in Downtown Memphis. It’s just a few blocks from the Mississippi.

Mud Island Amphitheatre is located on Mud Island, which is actually a peninsula surrounded by Mississippi River and the Wolf River Harbor. A monorail carries concertgoers from the harbor to Mud Island. While you’re on Mud Island, you can also stop to see the Mississippi River Park and Museum.

FedEx Forum is on the corner of Beale Street and 4th Street. The arena opened in 2004 and has been renovated extensively since then.

How much do Memphis concert tickets cost?

The average price for a resale concert ticket in Memphis is $130, though this figure may change depending on the performer and location of the show.

Memphis Music Festivals

The Beale Street Music Festival takes place over three days of the month-long Memphis in May celebration. The Festival is held at Tom Lee park and draws some serious talent. Jack White, Post Malone, Alanis Morissette, Snoop Dogg, Weezer, and Ed Sheeran have all played at the Festival. In addition to its three main stages, the festival also features a Blues Tent.

Memphis Concert Tips and Tricks

After 5PM, you can find free parking at many of the streets around Beale Street, but these spots may fill up quickly. FedEx Forum strongly suggests carpooling to a concert; the arena offers parking in both lots and garages.

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