A couple stands together in front of Memphis' Overton Park Shell during a concert
A couple enjoys a concert at the iconic Overton Park Shell.
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Creation Studios

Can't-Miss Summer Events

What's going on in Memphis, Tennessee, this summer? Find out about the biggest upcoming events of the season in Memphis, including some of the best Tennessee music festivals and concert series, Pride celebrations and July 4 fireworks. Bonus: Summer 2026 events in Memphis will give you plenty of ideas for things to do with the family or on a couple's or friends' getaway.  

people dancing during Peabody rooftop party
Peabody Rooftop Party
Julian Harper
People marching in the annual Pride Parade, stretching a rainbow flag over Beale Street.
Memphis Pride Festival
Ziggy Tucker

PEABODY ROOFTOP PARTIES

Thursdays Through August 13, 2026
How about a rooftop dance party to jumpstart your weekends this summer? If you’re 21+, the weekly rooftop parties at the Peabody Memphis are a must. Every Thursday through August 13, the iconic hotel hosts a live DJ and weekly headliner. Plus, there’s a VIP area, multiple bars, a dance floor and scenic views of Downtown Memphis and the Mississippi River.

Orion Free Concert Series at The Shell

Select Dates May Through June 27, 2026
One of Memphis’ favorite summer traditions, the Orion Free Concert Series, is back at the Overton Park Shell. Pack up your cooler and lawn chair and head to Midtown Memphis to take in all kinds of touring acts and local performers. This free outdoor concert series features 18 free events, including an Allman Brothers Band Historic Recreation Show, the "Jimi Hendrix of the ukulele" and a Grammy-nominated rapper. View the full lineup here. 

Memphis Crafts & Drafts Festival: Summer Market

June 6, 2026
Sip craft brews while you shop goods from local vendors and artisans at this free summer market at Crosstown Concourse. You'll discover all sorts of one-of-a-kind gifts, plus local dining, kids' activities and more at this indoor-outdoor fest. Can't make it? Save the date for the Memphis Crafts & Drafts Festival: Holiday Market on November 7, 2026.

Live at the Garden

Select Dates June Through September 2026
Another beautiful setting for summer entertainment, the 96-acre Memphis Botanic Garden, presents live music during its Live at the Garden concert series at Radians Amphitheater. The 2026 lineup spans R&B, country, pop, hip-hop and rock across five unforgettable nights. Must-see acts for this year include Alabama, John Legend, Kool & The Gang and Patti LaBelle, and Deep Purple with special guest Kansas. 

Memphis Pride Fest

June 4–7, 2026
Don't miss the largest LGBTQ+ gathering in the area! Memphis Pride Fest Weekend includes the Drag Brunch, the Big Gay Dance Party and the annual Memphis Pride Parade down iconic Beale Street. 

Get hotel and attraction deals, special packages and freebies when you're visiting Memphis for an upcoming fest. 

Couple tapping drink glasses together while lounging at the pool at Guesthouse at Graceland.
Julian Harper
Julian Harper
Boutique, Luxury, Brand Names . . .
Find Your Dream Hotel
in Memphis

Tri-State Black Pride

June 18-21, 2026
Celebrate Pride Month at Tri-State Black Pride. Take in speakers, workshops and educational sessions at this four-day event. Cap your weekend with can’t-miss events like the Drag & Brunch and the 6th Annual Pride Music Festival.

Memphis Brewfest

June 20, 2026
This one is for the beer lovers. Raise a glass at Memphis Brewfest, now at Shelby Farms Park, where you can sip 100+ craft beers from 40+ local and regional breweries, enjoy live music, and dig into Memphis food truck favorites.

Memphis Juneteenth Festival

June 5–6, 2026
Celebrate Black heritage and culture at the 33rd annual Memphis Juneteenth Festival. This cultural awareness festival at Medical District Park features live music, a freedom walk/run, local vendors and more. Be sure to check their festival events calendar to stay updated on all of the Juneteenth celebrations throughout June 2026. 

4th of July Celebrations

July 3-5, 2026
Spend this 4th of July in Memphis. Across town, you’ll find parades, celebrations and fireworks extravaganzas. Check back here for more Independence Day celebration updates soon.  Come see how the Bluff City celebrates Independence Day.

An Evening With Wilco

July 7, 2026
A brand-new amphitheater just opened in April 2026 at Grind City Brewing Co. in North Memphis. Alabama Shakes rocked the outdoor venue just off the banks of the Mighty Mississippi in its inaugural event. Next up: An Evening With Wilco on July 7, 2026. Get your tickets today. 

brewery rep pours samples for Brewfest patrons
Memphis Brewfest
D’Angelo Connell
hernando desoto bridge with fireworks
Hernando de Soto Bridge
Phillip Van Zandt

Ed Murphey Classic 2026

July 10–11, 2026
World-class track & field athletes, including 3-time Olympic gold medalist and shot put world-record holder Ryan Crouser, are coming to Memphis this summer for the 10th annual Ed Murphey Classic. The in-stadium competition will be hosted at the Billy J. Murphy Soccer & Track Complex at the University of Memphis on July 10. Then, fans will flock to W.C. Handy Park on July 11 to see the Beale Street Games, including the Beale Street Pole Vault and World Shot Put Series.  

WTA 250 Memphis Classic 2026

July 25–August 2, 2026
The Women's Tennis Association is bringing professional women's tennis back to Memphis at the Leftwich Tennis Center this summer. The WTA 250 event features a 32-player singles draw and a 16-team doubles draw. Don't miss any of the action on the court by securing your tickets now.  Learn more about the event. 

Memphis Chicken and Beer Festival

August 8, 2026
The annual Memphis Chicken and Beer Festival is back at Tiger Lane this August. Get your tickets to sample a variety of craft beverages. Plus, there will be live entertainment, yard games and food for purchase from local restaurants. 

Elvis Week 2026

August 8-16, 2026
Commemorate the 49th anniversary of Elvis’ passing at Elvis Week 2026. Fans from around the world will gather at Elvis Presley’s Graceland to celebrate the life and legacy of the King of Rock and Roll with live concerts, guest speakers and other fan-favorite events like the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest and the annual Candlelight Vigil.

FedEx St. Jude Championship

August 12-16, 2026
See the world’s best golfers compete at TPC Southwind. Memphis will play host to the top 70 golfers in the FedExCup standings in the first event of the FedExCup Playoffs, the FedEx St. Jude Championship.

MEMPHIS IS MORE THAN BBQ
FIND FINE DINING, GLOBAL EATS & MORE

Catch a Memphis Redbirds game at AutoZone Park and experience America’s pastime with a downtown Memphis twist—complete with fireworks, themed nights, iconic ballpark eats like Memphis' bbq nachos, and family fun. It’s the perfect way to soak up the city’s energy and cheer alongside passionate fans.

Fans in the stands behind home plate at Autozone Park Stadium. Photo: Phillip Van Zandt Photo 2
Phillip Van Zandt
Phillip Van Zandt

The Memphis Redbirds

Throughout Summer
Triple-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, the Memphis Redbirds play at Downtown's AutoZone Park. The season is underway and runs through September. For more Memphis sports, check out our Memphis Sports Guide

Summer Shows in Memphis

Throughout Summer
Theater lovers are in luck this summer in Memphis, as a handful of plays and musicals will be on stage. At Downtown’s Orpheum Theatre, get tickets to Broadway productions including “Disney's Beauty and the Beast” (June 2–7, 2026) and “Suffs” (July 28–August 2, 2026). In Midtown, see “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” (June 12–July 12, 2026) and “Mean Girls The Musical” (August 21–September 13, 2026) at Playhouse on the Square. Across the street, see “Speak, Salvation, Speak” (August 13–September 6, 2026) at Hattiloo Theatre, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

About the Author

Born and raised in Memphis, J.T. Mullen has written about the city and its surrounding area for more than eight years. You'll probably catch him in the stands of a Memphis Tigers basketball or football game with barbecue nachos in hand. 

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