13 Ways To See Live Music Outdoors This Spring and Summer In Memphis

13 Ways To See Live Music Outdoors This Summer In Memphis

Here are 13 ways to enjoy live music in the outdoors this spring and summer in Memphis and the Mid-South.

1. Live at the Tracks

Central Station, every Thursday in May, free
Hang out on the patio by the tracks at the Central Station hotel and enjoy live local music outside every Thursday night. It’s free to attend, and you can purchase drinks from Eight & Sand bar in the lobby.

2. Overton Park Shell Concerts 

Overton Park Shell free concerts are back. Enjoy 36 free concerts and festivals, plus two fundraiser shows this summer and fall. Shows begin May 29 with a Sunset Symphony and continue through October 23. See the lineup here. Included in this is DreamFest Weekend, which is June 22-24. 

Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. sharp. I suggest arriving very early to grab a spot and enjoy any openers or programmings. Bring your chairs and coolers, or buy food and drinks from the trucks  on site. 

This year, Overton Park Shell has a new Puppy Bar area which is at the top of the hill. Your leashed dogs are welcome in this area only (not in the main seating area). 

3. Friday in Health Sciences Park: Jordan Occasionally LIVE

Madison Ave. & Dunlap Street, June 10,  12 p.m. - 1 p.m., free, all ages/kid-friendly
Lunchtime live music at Health Sciences Park downtown by UT Medical School. Jordan Occasionally performs on June 10. Local food trucks on site.

4. River Series

Live music at the Maria Montessori School Amphitheater in Harbor Town in downtown Memphis. Tickets are $10 per person at the door, which opens at 4 p.m. with a DJ. Live music at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m.Two shows remain the in series: 

SATURDAY, MAY 14

  • DJ Eric Plumley
  • Tim Prodhomme's Fake
  • Jeremy & The Drip Edges

SATURDAY, JUNE 4

  • DJ Natalie Hoffman
  • Ibex Clone
  • Mouserocket
Levitt Shell Dancer

5. Juneteenth Family Reunion 

Celebrate Juneteenth Weekend in Memphis is with TONE Memphis. Get information on Friday’s Juneteenth Gala here, and as for live music — Saturday June 19th will be the Family Reunion outdoor festival at Orange Mound Tower with live performances, vendors, food trucks, and more. It’s free and family-friendly.

6. Memphis Juneteenth Festival 

Expect live music, food, and vendors at the 19th annual Memphis Juneteenth Festival on June 18-19 at Health Sciences Park. 

7. Sunday Jazz Series at Court Square Park

Live jazz on Sunday nights in Court Square downtown—free and family friendly, with food trucks on site. Seating is very limited so bring your chairs and blankets. Music from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Schedule: 

  • Lannie McMillan Trio - June 12 
  • Third Man - July 10
  • Frog Squad - August 14
  • Candace Mache - September 11
  • Stax Jazz Ensemble - October 9
view of stage at Handy Park during outdoor live concert and downtown Memphis skyline
Craig Thompson

8. Live at the Garden

Memphis Botanic Garden hosts is annual series of shows in the garden. Season tickets are sold out, but you can still buy individual tickets. For GA lawn ticket (buy here) you bring your chairs and blankets and coolers, arrive early to grab a spot. Stage visibility can be iffy, but it’s a nice atmosphere and a great throwback lineup this season. Read more here. 

  • June 11: Steely Dan
  • July 15: Darius Rucker
  • August 20: Lady A
  • September 3: Doobie Brothers
  • October 20: CHICAGO

9. Bluebird Concerts in the Grove at GPAC

Germantown Performing Arts Center hosts concerts in The Grove on Fridays this spring and summer! Enjoy local music, food trucks, and cocktails for sale. Tickets are $5. Gates open at 5 p.m., music starts at 5:45 p.m. and goes until 8 p.m. Here’s the lineup: 

  • Brian “Breeze” Cayolle & New Orleans - May 13
  • Amy LaVere - May 20
  • Germantown Symphony Orchestra - June 3
  • Yubu & the Ancient Youth - June 10
  • Alice Hasen and the Blaze - June 17
  • Mark Edgar Stuart - June 24

10. Railgarten 

This sprawling outdoor venue in Cooper Young has tons live music on stage! Sometimes there’s a cover or an age limit, but during the day it’s usually free and all ages—there’s even a new-and-improved playground. There are several bars around and a casual food menu (you order at the bar). Check out the website for the full schedule, but here’s a sampling of  upcoming shows this spring and summer in midtown Memphis: 

  • Reigning Sound - May 14 at 8 p.m.
  • Southern Avenue - May 20 at 7 p.m.
  • Alvin Youngblood Heart - May 21 at 8 p.m.
  • Cedric Burnside - June 18 at 7 p.m.

11. Kix 106 Free Shows On Beale

Once again Kix 106 is hosting six free country shows at Handy Park on Beale Street. Click here for the lineup.

12. Blues on Beale

Every third Wednesday of the month, enjoy this free concert series at Handy Park on Beale Street. Here’s the lineup: 

  • May 18- Eric Hughes Band
  • June 15- Rodd Bland
  • July 20- Ghost Town Blues Band
  • August 17- Toni Green

13. Blues on the Porch 

Head down to Mississippi for Holly Springs’ live music summer concert series featuring Hill Country Blues artists. Concerts are free, gates open at 7 p.m., music is from 7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. and you’ll need to bring lawn chairs and cash to tip the musicians. See the full lineup here.

Add your live music to the blog's calendar here.

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