Celebrate the Life and Legacy of B.B. King During 100 Days of Blues

This summer, Memphis is turning up the volume for a once-in-a-century celebration. In honor of what would have been B.B. King’s 100th birthday on September 16, 2025, 

Memphis Tourism and B.B. King’s Blues Club are launching 100 Days of Blues, a citywide tribute running from June 8 through September 16. 

Memphis locals, this one’s for you: This is a moment to be proud. B.B. King wasn’t just a global icon, he was one of us. He played Beale, recorded at Sun, and helped shape the very soul of our city. 

Now it’s our turn to honor his legacy in the city that gave him his start. 

Promotional image for the 100 Days of Blues in Memphis

Big Moments to Show Up For:

June 7 | 6PM–9PM: “100 Years of Blues” Kickoff Exhibit at Withers Collection Museum

Be among the first to experience a powerful new exhibit, "B.B. King and The Blues" featuring never seen before photographs by Dr. Ernest C. Withers, capturing two decades of blues history in Memphis. Enjoy live music from Bobby Porter, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, and an exclusive first look at the exhibit that launches the city’s centennial celebration. After the kickoff celebration, you can visit the exhibit anytime during business hours.

June 8 | 11AM–2PM: 100 Days of Blues Kickoff Gospel Brunch at B.B. King’s Blues Club

A soulful start to the summer with gospel and blues, food, and community. Be there for the 100 Days of Blues kickoff with performances by Tennessee Mass Choir featuring 15 to 20 voices plus Stephanie Bolten, DJ Chuuch, and Micheal Adrian Davis Hosting.

Tuesdays | 11AM, 2PM, 4PM: Blues Tuesdays Backstage Experience Tour

Did you know you can tour the backstage of our iconic Overton Park Shell? For 100 Days of Blues, join them every Tuesday for their special blues-filled walk through the historic shows that have graced the stage from the Memphis Country Blues Festival to Furry Lewis , Jesse Mae Hemphill, Albert King, and more. A true hidden gem and treat tour for music lovers.

August 29 | 7PM: Orion Financial Free Concert Series ft. Bobby Rush

The iconic Bobby Rush is set to perform at the Overton Park Shell in a free show where he'll play the hits and honor B.B. King and Bobby “Blue” Bland during a special tribute.

September 14: B.B. King’s Beale Street Birthday Bash

Join the party! Beale Street turns into one big blues celebration with performances from Mononeon, Corey Lou & DaVillage Band, Rodd Bland, Mr. Sipp, and more. This will be a free, family-friendly event open to all.

September 16: An Intimate Birthday Celebration at B.B. King’s Blues Club

This ticketed all-star concert is the ultimate tribute, featuring Robert Cray, Carla Thomas & Hi Rhythm, Shirley King & the B.B. King All Star Legends, Bobby Rush, D.K. Harrell, and more.  Tickets on sale at a later date.

September 18: B.B. King 100th Birthday Ticketed Dinner & Show at B.B. King's Blues Club

Join the fun with the Stax Alumni Band and a jam session by the BB King's All Stars. Tickets on sale at a later date (more performance announcements coming!)

So Memphis, don’t just watch it happen. Be part of it. Show the world what the blues mean to our city. Bring your friends, take your kids, post it, share it, talk about it. Let’s fill venues, walk the tours, and turn this summer into a chorus of local love for B.B. King.

Check out the full schedule of events at memphistravel.com/100daysofblues

The thrill is definitely not gone—and we’ve got 100 days to prove it.

mural of bb king singing
Craig Thompson

Here’s More Ways You Can Celebrate:

Follow a 3-Day B.B. King Itinerary

Get out and explore your city through B.B. King’s eyes. Whether it’s your first visit to the Blues Hall of Fame or your hundredth stroll down Beale, this new itinerary helps you discover the heart of the blues, right in your own backyard. Follow the itinerary here.

Backbeat Tours’ Mojo Music Tour

Locals often skip the tourist stuff. Don’t skip this. Ride along with real Beale Street musicians as they play, sing, and share behind-the-scenes stories that even longtime Memphians might not know. They'll have an extra bluesy ride during 100 Days of Blues.

Withers Museum & Gallery – B.B. King and the Blues Exhibit

Step into the past with never-before-seen images of B.B. King from photographer Dr. Ernest C. Withers. For 100 Days of Blues, they'll have a special showcase of images giving an intimate look at a legend, captured by someone who knew him well.

Live Music Nightly at B.B. King’s Blues Club

Swing by Beale Street any night of the week and catch a live show while enjoying Memphis barbecue at the club that bears his name.

Blues Hall of Fame

Soak in the rich history of blues music and its Memphis roots. You’ll see B.B. King’s story alongside the legends who influenced him and those he inspired.

Elvis Presley’s Graceland – ICONS Exhibit

Memphis music royalty meets again. Elvis’ Graceland is honoring his friend B.B. with a special spotlight on the Lucille guitar as part of the ICONS exhibit.

couple exploring the blues foundations blues hall of fame
Creation Studios
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About the Author

Hello! I'm Jalyn Souchek, the Director of Content for I Love Memphis Blog! I love calling the 901 home. When I'm not running the blog you can find me cheering on the Grizzlies, at a concert, exploring a new restaurant or kicking back at one of our breweries. I hope you'll love experiencing Memphis with me.

Build your perfect Memphis meal:

I love to eat so if I were to have only one meal left.. I’m going all out. I’d start with an app of Gumbo Fries from Blue City Cafe or Bayou Fries from Chef Tam, wings from Good Fortune or Central’s (honey gold and Jamaican Jerk), potato salad from Fat Larry’s, side of bbq spaghetti from Bar-B-Q Shop, and fried okra from Soul Fish. All paired with a Beale Street Brewing Space Age Sippin’.

Your most memorable Memphis moment:

College GameDay on Beale Street. That was an electric and perfect morning. I was still working in news then and was able to take it in up close and on the stage at some points. The fun and joy of everyone down there that morning is unbeatable.

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Tori Wiley

I really enjoyed reading this article, thanks so much. So informative ❤️🎉

June 2, 2025 9:47pm