What's New in 2012?

Exciting events like Memphis in May and the Million Dollar Quartet Broadway show to new attractions like Beale Street Landing and the American Queen are solidifying 2012 as an exciting year in Memphis. Here's a small taste of things to do in Memphis in 2012. Won't you come join us?

Great American Steamboat Company inaugural cruise -  April 11, 2012
Explore the Mississippi River and our great nation aboard the American Queen, an authentic overnight paddlwheel steamboat. This 436-passenger luxury steamboat is a unique blend of handsomeness, history, showboat-style entertainment and outstanding cuisine. Journey through charming towns and vibrant river cities like New Orleans, Natchez, Chattanooga, Pittsburgh and ultimately docking at the foot of Beale Street in Memphis. Book your cruise with the Great American Steamboat Company. 

Elvis Week - 35th Anniversary - August 10-18, 2012
Graceland pulls out all the stops in this year-long celebrations of the 35th Anniversary of Elvis Week. Pack your "Blue Suede Shoes" and check in at the "Heartbreak Hotel" for concerts, special Elvis exhibits, tribute artist shows and the candelight vigil. Find out more at Elvis.com.

Beale Street Landing
Memphis' newest port of call includes retail, dining, exercise paths, events and activities on the banks of the Mississippi River. The dock will be occupied by the American Queen and is set to be completed in early 2012. Additional terraces, islands and park areas are scheduled to be completed in the fall of 2013. Follow along on the project with the Riverfront Development Corporation.  

Million Dollar Quartet - February 14-19, 2012
A thrilling musical based on the famed recording session that brought together rock 'n' roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins for the first and only time. Catch Million Dollar Quartet at the Orpehum Theater or visit historic Sun Studio where it all went down.

Dinosaurs at the Memphis Zoo - March 10 - July 8, 2012
The past comes to life as the Memphis Zoo opens an all new exhibit "Dinosaurs," featuring 15 animatronic creatures. This outdoor jungle atmosphere simulates a pre-historic habitat, includes a dinosaur video, archelogical dig for kids and a very life-like Tyrannosaurus.  

Segway Tours - March 2012
Looking for a unique touring experience? Well, step outside the lobby of the South's Grand Hotel, the Peabody Memphis, and jump aboard your personal segway for individual tours, parties, team building events and company functions. Find more about Segway tours in Memphis.

Memphis in May - May 4-26, 2012
Join us for this month-long celebration of music, food, fun and Memphis culture. Beale Street Music Festival is a three-day music festival featuring headline performers and local acts. The World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, the largest pork barbecue competition in the world, features more than 250 teams from multiple states and countries all trying to win the coveted crown crown of World Champion. During Memorial Day weekend, AutoZone presents Sunset Symphony at Tom Lee Park. The Memphis Symphony Orchestra teams up with a guest performer (past performers include The Four Tops, The Temptations and KC and the Sunshine Band) to close out the Memphis in May festivities. Additions to the show include fireworks and a historic aircraft show. For a complete list of performers, dates and times, check out the Memphis in May website. 

Indie Memphis Film Festival - November 2012
Celebrating its 15th year, this film festival has been dubbed as one of the "25 coolest film festivals in the country" by MovieMaker Magazine. Come see a smorgasbord of indie films, music videos and shorts from hundreds of entrants. Find out more at IndieMemphis.com. 

More Memphis events and attractions are availalbe on our website or mobile apps.