Elvis Presley's Memphis | Alex Shansky

CAN'T-MISS WINTER EVENTS IN MEMPHIS

Move over fall! It might be colder out, but Memphis is just warming up with exciting events. From Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies, an international blues fest and star-studded concerts to holiday events, Black History celebrations and applause-worthy performing arts, Memphis is set to liven up your winter. The inspiration starts now.

Memphis Grizzlies Basketball

Now through April 2025; FedExForum
Cheer on Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies as they take on the NBA’s best at FedExForum just off Beale Street. After a down year due to injury, the Grizzlies' young core is ready to push Memphis back to the top of the West Conference and help bring the franchise its first championship. Get tickets to Grizzlies home games here. Be sure to stop by the Grizz Den to pick up your Memphis gear before the game! 

Pompeii: The Exhibition

Now through April 2025; Graceland Exhibition Center
Step back into ancient history at Pompeii: The Exhibition at Graceland, opening November 15. Explore over 150 authentic artifacts, including gladiator armor, vibrant murals, and everyday items, preserved by Mount Vesuvius’ eruption in 79 A.D. Through immersive 4D displays and interactive exhibits, experience Pompeii as it was, on the brink of disaster.

Memphis Holiday Traditions

Now through Dec. 31, 2024
From now until the end of the year, Memphis' biggest attractions are featuring all kinds of holiday events. For more information on jaw-dropping light and decoration displays and festive celebrations at Memphis Zoo, iconic Beale Street, Museum of Science & History (mosh), Memphis Botanic Garden and more, check out our guide on Memphis' holiday traditions.

WYXR'S RAISED BY SOUND

Dec. 7, 2024; Crosstown Concourse
Don’t miss WYXR's Raised By Sound music festival at Crosstown Concourse. This one-day festival kicks off at 1 p.m. with free performances from the likes of Hurray for the Riff Raff, Cut Worms, Fosterfalls and more. The fest continues with a ticketed concert from J Spaceman and John Coxon of Spiritualized. Then, the after party gets started with a DJ set from The Black Keys and live performances from Tommy Wright III and Lil Noid. Get your tickets today.

Boutique, Luxury, Brand Names . . .
Find Your Dream Hotel
in Memphis

ELVIS’ 90TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION 

Jan. 8-11, 2025; Elvis Presley's Graceland
Die-hard fans will head to Graceland Jan. 8-11, 2025, for Elvis’ 90th Birthday Celebration. There will be cake, private tours of Graceland Mansion and plenty of live music. Plus, we have 9 other reasons to visit Graceland this winter.

King Day 2025

Jan. 20, 2025; National Civil Rights Museum
Celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday by visiting the National Civil Rights Museum to learn about 400 years of civil rights history. The celebration includes live music, special announcements and speakers and more. 

2025 INTERNATIONAL BLUES CHALLENGE

Jan. 7-11, 2025; Beale Street
For five days, blues acts from around the world will gather in Memphis. They play and compete in Beale Street venues, culminating in a final round 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.

Elvis Presley's Graceland Mansion / Alex Shansky
Live music in Memphis / Craig Thompson
High Cotton Brewing Co. in Memphis / Craig Thompson
I Am A Man Plaza in Memphis / Logan Young

WINTER MUSIC & THEATER EVENTS IN MEMPHIS

Get ready because there are a lot of big names coming to Memphis this winter. You’ll find all kinds of performances, from orchestras and ballets to Broadway productions and nationally touring acts, on stage at venues across the city, including Orpheum Theatre, Germantown Performing Arts Center (GPAC), Playhouse on the Square, Hattiloo Theatre and the Soundstage at Graceland. Check our round-up of events below, then browse our guide to Memphis' performing arts scene

musicals, plays, ballet . . .
see what's on stage when you're in town

CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY IN MEMPHIS

Start with King Day, Jan. 20, 2025. Commemorating the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Memphis’ National Civil Rights Museum hosts this event, featuring live music, speakers and more. With King Day and Black History Month so close on the calendar, winter is an especially good time to experience African American history in Memphis. But with the stories this city has to tell, any time of year can be a powerful time to visit. Check out this guide for an overview.

MEMPHIS Brews

There’s nothing cozier than warming up with a winter ale. Memphis has a solid selection of local craft breweries — and related events —that will take the chill right off. A few of our favorites:
 

For more Memphis brews, check out our local brewery guide

Enjoy our hoppin' craft beer scene
Explore the Memphis Hops Stops
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About the Author

Born and raised in Memphis, J.T. Mullen has written about the city and its surrounding area for more than seven 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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