
Memphis Events & Experiences to Cure Your Winter Blues
International Blues Challenge / Alex Shansky
Considering the season’s shorter days—and the fact that you’re still hung over from all that holiday excitement—it’s natural to feel some winter blues. Lucky for you, Memphis has just the cure with an international blues fest, star-studded concerts, cozy hangouts and Black History celebrations set to liven up your January and February. The inspiration starts now.
Elvis’ 85th Birthday Celebration
Jan. 8-11, 2020; Graceland
Die-hard fans will head to Graceland Jan. 8-11, 2020, for Elvis’ 85th Birthday Celebration. There will be cake, private tours of Graceland Mansion with Priscilla Presley and plenty of live music. But we have 9 other reasons to visit Graceland this winter, especially for fans of rock, country, jam and pop concerts, and followers of the hit soap General Hospital.
36th International Blues Challenge
Jan. 28-Feb. 1, 2020; Beale Street, Memphis
For five days—Jan. 28-Feb. 1, 2020—230 blues acts from around the world will gather in Memphis. They play and compete in Beale Street venues, culminating in a final round on Feb. 1, hosted inside Memphis’ historic Orpheum Theatre. The best part? You can experience any or all of it—find more details and ticket info here. Can’t make it during the festival? No worries. As the home of the blues, Memphis hosts live blues every night of the week, from Beale Street to local-secret spots.