Experience the incredible Memphis theater scene while you’re in town, from beloved Broadway musicals to breathtaking ballet to experimental productions featuring emerging local talents. Keep reading to find out more about theater in Memphis. We'll run through all of Memphis' top venues while also helping you plan a full night out with food, drink and hotel recommendations. Plus, we've highlighted all of Memphis' upcoming performing arts events.
Experience the incredible Memphis theater scene while you’re in town, from beloved Broadway musicals to breathtaking ballet to experimental productions featuring emerging local talents. Keep reading to find out more about theater in Memphis. We'll run through all of Memphis' top venues while also helping you plan a full night out with food, drink and hotel recommendations. Plus, we've highlighted all of Memphis' upcoming performing arts events.
DOWNTOWN
Orpheum Theatre
A stunning jewel among the theaters of Memphis, the Orpheum Theatre was originally built in 1890 as the Grand Opera House on the corner of Main and Beale. More than a century later, a rebuilt and newly renovated Orpheum still stands as one of the South’s finest theaters, having hosted world-class entertainment such as Jerry Seinfeld, Bob Dylan and Arcade Fire. The Orpheum’s Broadway Series brings popular musicals and dramas to the gilded stage each season.
The Orpheum's 2026-27 Broadway Series is filled with exciting shows and musicals. Check out the full lineup below:
DISNEY'S BEAUTY AND THE BEAST — June 2–7, 2026
SUFFS — July 31- Aug. 2, 2026
CLUE — Sept. 15-20, 2026
SPAMALOT — Oct. 27–Nov. 1, 2026
THE GREAT GATSBY — Dec. 1–6, 2026
BOOP! THE MUSICAL — Jan. 26–31, 2027
HELL'S KITCHEN — March 16-21, 2027
HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD — June 29–JULY 4, 2027
OPERATION MINCEMEAT: A NEW MUSICAL — July 13–18, 2027
Learn more about the 2026-27 Broadway schedule here.
The Orpheum's 2026–2027 Broadway season brings seven shows to Memphis — including six premieres — and the lineup delivers. From the whodunit fun of Clue and the wizarding world of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child to Alicia Keys' Hell's Kitchen and the outrageously true spy story Operation Mincemeat, there's something on this stage for everyone. Plan your visit around a show inside one of the South's most iconic historic theaters.
Halloran Centre
In 2015, the Halloran Centre opened next door to the Orpheum Theatre as an additional performance and conference space in a luxurious modern venue. The 2025-26 season features an interactive murder mystery theater series, The Orchestra Unplugged and the Memphis Songwriters Series. See the Halloran Centre's full lineup here.
Eat, Drink & Stay Nearby:
For a quintessential Orpheum and Halloran Centre experience, grab pre-theatre drinks at Old Dominick Distillery or Bar Ware or enjoy a nice dinner at Catherine & Mary's, The Lobbyist or The Majestic Grille – all in close walking distance. Both are accustomed to getting you out the door in time for your show. Catherine & Mary's also offers a three-course menu for Orpheum Broadway show nights. If the night is still young when the final curtain closes, take your group and head to one of Memphis’ late-night dives for post-show drinks.
Cannon Center For Performing Arts
As one of the nation’s best acoustic facilities, the Cannon Center in downtown Memphis is a magical experience for witnessing both classical and popular musical performances. Most notably home to the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, the Cannon Center hosts the MSO from October to May each year. Check out the Cannon Center events calendar here.
Eat, Drink & Stay Nearby:
Before your evening at the Symphony, enjoy fine dining where indecisiveness is celebrated at Flight Restaurant or at McEwen's for upscale Southern eats.
Make a weekend of it with a downtown hotel stay and exciting ways to explore downtown Memphis.
OVERTON SQUARE PERFORMING ARTS District
Playhouse on the Square
Playhouse on the Square is the city’s professional resident theater, anchoring the Overton Square Performing Arts District with affiliate theaters, The Circuit Playhouse and TheaterWorks @ The Square.
Catch Broadway and off-Broadway productions during the end of the theater's 57th season with SWEENEY TODD: THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET (June 12–July 12, 2026). The 58th season includes shows like YOUR ROMEO (July 10 – 26, 2026), MEAN GIRLS THE MUSICAL (August 21 – September 13, 2026), AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE (September 11 – October 4, 2026), DISNEY'S FROZEN (November 13 – December 20, 2026) and more.
See Playhouse on the Square's full schedule here.
Hattiloo Theatre
Hattiloo Theatre is the only freestanding Black repertory theatre in five surrounding states, offering an incredibly unique performing arts experience in the heart of Memphis’ Overton Square Performing Arts District. Each season brings powerful productions such as Speak, Salvation, Speak and A Holiday Juke Joint. Look for original productions by Hattiloo’s founder Ekundayo Bandele and award-winning playwright Katori Hall. The theater is celebrating its 20th season in 2026-27 when it will bring international productions to their stage. See the schedule here.
Ballet Memphis
Memphis’ professional ballet company beckons performing arts lovers to its midtown home in Overton Square and is a must-see bringing talented performers across the world to Memphis. The 2026-27 season celebrates Ballet Memphis’ 40th season kicking off with MEMPHIS SOUNDS (October 16-18, 2026) followed by THE NUTCRACKER (December 12-18, 2026), WINTER MIX: CELEBRATION (February 19-21, 2027) and PETER PAN (April 9-11, 2027).
Hattiloo Theatre, a performing-arts venue supporting Black playwrights, musicians, and actors, is in its 20th season. This lineup features upcoming productions like Speak, Salvation, Speak (August 13 – September 6, 2026), Poverty Slaps, But We Slap Back Harder (October 2-11, 2026) and Death Road (October 16 – 25, 2026).
Opera Memphis
Opera Memphis is one of the other stellar organizations you'll find performing at Playhouse on the Square, among other locations that include the Crosstown Theater, Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center and Canon Center for the Performing Arts. Their 2025-26 season concludes with THE BARBER OF SEVILLE, SWEENEY TODD (June 12 - July 12, 2026), 2026 marks another major anniversary in the Memphis arts community, as Opera Memphis is celebrating its 70th season this year. Stay tuned for the 2026-2027 announcement. Opera Memphis' annual 30 Days of Opera, where they host pop up performances throughout the city, is held annually in September.
Eat, Drink & Stay Nearby:
Elevate your evening at the theater with a southern steakhouse experience at Porch & Parlor, a MICHELIN-recognize Sichuan at Petals of a Peony or hit Overton Square's rooftop bar and restaurant: Tiger & Peacock. After the show, grab a cocktail or a late bite across the street at Kelly English's Swamp Bar or wind down with imported cheeses and a cocktail from one of Bari Ristorante’s talented mixologists down the street. Not ready to end the night? Catch a late act at Lafayette's Music Room where the bar and kitchen stay open late.
Collage Memphis
As one of the largest dance companies in the country, Collage Memphis increases the diversity of dance with expanded access to classical training to communities of color and is located a short drive from the Overton Square Performing Arts District. Through their state-of-the-art facility, Collage provides more programming including adult classes. The annual Memphis Dance Festival is one of the largest free celebrations of dance complete with performances. Stay tuned for their 2026-2027 season announcement.
EAST/SUBURBS
Germantown Performing Arts Center
Venture outside of the city core to Germantown for even more unique theater options. The Germantown Performing Arts Center, or GPAC, is one of the finest spaces in the region to find performances of musicians, dancers, singers and actors. With nearly perfect acoustics, GPAC’s season is often an eclectic collection of performers, including classical, jazz, singer-songwriter, swing-revival and kid-friendly artists. You can also enjoy theatre, live music, movies and more in a park-like setting at The Grove, GPAC's outdoor event space. The Grove features a food truck area and covered bar, and can accommodate about 1,200 guests.
Eat, Drink & Stay Nearby:
If you haven’t checked off The Germantown Commissary off your list of Memphis barbecue to try, this is the perfect time to do so. For an upscale pre-theater dinner, visit the Southern Social fine dining restaurant in the heart of Germantown.
Theatre Memphis
Don’t underestimate the talent and charm of Memphis' longstanding community theatre (which just celebrated their 100th anniversary!) when it comes to heartfelt drama and fun, beloved musicals. Theatre Memphis is known not only for their stage talent but also their incredible costume and set design. The 2026-27 season includes 10 productions such as THE MUSIC MAN (August 14- Sept. 16, 2026), MILLON DOLLAR QUARTER (Oc. 16-Nov. 7. 2026), A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Dec. 4-23, 2026) and more. View Theatre Memphis' 2026-27 season here.
Eat, Drink & Stay Nearby:
Take your theater date to dinner at Memphis-favorite Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen for inventive, award-winning Italian cuisine, or go for artisan cocktails and modern American fare at Acre.
Tennessee Shakespeare Company
See live performances of the works of Williams Shakespeare in Cordova from the Tennessee Shakespeare Company, which soon celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Tennessee Shakespeare Company performs classics like The Taming of the Shrew and Romeo and Juliet as well as works from other famed playwrights and composers, from this professional troupe. Stay tuned for the full 2026-27 Tennessee Shakespeare Company schedule here.
Eat, Drink & Stay Nearby:
While in Cordova, stop into the taproom at Meddlesome Brewing Company for craft brews, like the 201 Hoplar IPA and Broad Hammer brown ale. Looking for a fancier dinner with a view? Hit Coastal Fish Company at the nearby Shelby Farms Park with patio views of Hyde Lake and an extensive seafood-inspired menu. El Mero Taco, a taco restaurant and mezcal bar, is also nearby. They blend authentic Oaxacan Mexican cuisine with Southern flavors.
Should you choose to come for the theater and stay for all things Memphis, check out these area hotels.
Art museums, galleries, Broadway shows, arts and entertainment districts, and upcoming events — discover Memphis' lively arts scene.
Performing Arts Events Coming to Memphis
Opera, ballet, classical music, live Broadway shows, and other productions make for a sensational cultural experience. Discover dazzling sights and sounds, soak up the storylines, and laugh until your side hurts. Find performances that will leave you breathless:
