Your Local Guide to RiverBeat Music Festival 2026
Riverbeat is back for its third year on the Memphis riverfront. Three days, three stages, 35+ acts spanning every genre from hip-hop to rock to EDM. All set along the Mississippi at Tom Lee Park
Riverbeat is back for its third year on the Memphis riverfront. Three days, three stages, 35+ acts spanning every genre from hip-hop to rock to EDM. All set along the Mississippi at Tom Lee Park
This year’s headliners are Dave Matthews Band, Wu-Tang Clan, and The Red Clay Strays, with T-Pain, Ice Cube, Marshmello, Lord Huron, Salt-N-Pepa, St. Vincent and more filling out the lineup.
Here’s what you need to know to make your Riverbeat weekend smooth.
Dates & Gate Times
Friday, May 1: Gates open at 4:00 PM, music ends at 11:00 PM
Saturday, May 2: Gates open at 3:00 PM, music ends at 11:00 PM
Sunday, May 3: Gates open at 3:00 PM, music ends at 11:00 PM
Box office hours: Friday 3 PM–10 PM, Saturday & Sunday 1 PM–10 PM. The box office is at Beale Street Landing, 251 Riverside Dr.
Getting There & Parking
Tom Lee Park is on Riverside Drive in downtown Memphis, right along the river and steps from Beale Street.
Parking
There is no premium parking this year. Public parking garages and street parking are available within walking distance around downtown. The Mobility Center at 60 Beale Street is the closest option and is right near the festival entrance. Parking fills up fast, so arrive early or consider alternatives.
Find downtown parking options at downtownmemphis.com/explore/parking
Ride-Share & Drop-Off
If you’re coming from outside downtown, ride-share may be your easiest bet. According to the RiverBeat map, rideshare drop off and pick up will be near Beale Street and Wagner. Put 33 Beale Street in as your destination and that will drop you off near the location by the Hyatt Centric.
Biking
Plan to bike to the fest this year? They've added bike parking right outside the entrance at Beale and Wagner Street by the Waterfront Plaza condos.
Entrances
The main entrance will be located on Riverside at Beale Street. There will also be bluff entrances at the Carlisle Cutbank Bluff and E. and at Butler Ave. Do not try to enter from the south end of Riverside.
What to Know Before You Go
Bag Policy
Security does full airport-style screening at every entrance—pat-downs and magnetometers but you can keep your shoes on. Keep your bags simple to get through faster.
- Clear bags up to 14” x 17” x 6”
- Clear single-compartment drawstring bags within those size limits
- Clutch purses up to 6” x 9” (don’t have to be clear)
- Hydration packs (empty, 2 pockets max, 1.75 liters or less)
- No backpacks, no non-clear bags, no coolers
What You Can Bring
- Government-issued ID
- One empty clear plastic water bottle (free refill stations inside)
- Sunscreen lotion (no aerosol cans)
- Sunglasses and hats
- Earplugs
- Blankets (8’ x 10’ max)
- Non-professional cameras (no detachable lenses)
- Prescription meds in original labeled bottles
What’s NOT Allowed
The big ones to remember: no lawn chairs, no umbrellas, no outside food or drink, no strollers, no flags/banners, no selfie sticks, no professional cameras, and no pets (service dogs only). Full list on the RiverBeat FAQs page.
Wristbands & Payment
Your RFID wristband is your ticket. Register it ahead of time at riverbeat.com/register and link a credit card for tap-to-pay purchases inside. This is a fully cashless festival. No cash accepted anywhere but cards are, of course.
Re-Entry
Riverbeat has a no re-entry policy. Once you’re out, you’re out, unless it’s a personal emergency or service animal situation, in which case talk to staff at the main entrance. Plan accordingly.
Food
Inside the Festival
Multiple food and drink vendors will be on-site within the festival. Local restaurants you can expect include Gus's Fried Chicken. Leonard's Pit Barbecue, Mempops and of course it's not a Memphis festival without Pronto Pups.
Nearby Restaurants & Bars
There is no shortage of food surrounding the festival. Come downtown and grab lunch at these open spots before heading inside at The Majestic Grille, The Green Beetle, SOB Downtown, Slider Inn, Aldo's, Hustle & Dough, Kellie's Deli, Loflin, Huey's, Kooky Canuck, Flying Saucer, Rendezvous, Bardog, The Blue Monkey and Central BBQ.
For late night spots to eat at after the festival, Beale Street spots serve late like Blues City Cafe or head down to Earnestine & Hazel's for a soul burger. Did you know they're open for lunch too? Max's Sports Bar also serves food late from pizzas to subs. Don't forget about Westy's as an option in the Pinch.
For a post festival drink, again Beale Street has plenty of options. Saucer is open until midnight. Max's Sports Bar and E&H stay open late as does Bardog. You also have Silly Goose nearby and Fat Tuesday.
Pre- and Post-Events
Before heading in, make sure to also hit C.R.E.A.M: A BODEGA POP-UP EXPERIENCE. For four days, Comeback Coffee transforms into a neighborhood bodega celebrating the legacy of hip-hop, the influence of Wu-Tang Clan and the creative spirit of Memphis. Tickets are free but you do need to RSVP HERE.
On Saturday, hit Riverbeat After Dark at Wiseacre's downtown taproom starting at 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. This 21+ only event will turn the taproom into a dance floor with Memphis DJs. Tickets are $20 + fees. Purchase them here.
Families & Kids
Riverbeat is all-ages. Kids under 3 get in free (one child per ticketed adult). Beyond that, everyone needs a ticket at the same price.
A few things to keep in mind: strollers are not allowed inside the festival, so plan for little ones accordingly. Ear protection is a good idea for young kids near the stages. There’s no dedicated kids’ area listed, so set expectations for a grown-up festival vibe.
Accessibility
- All entrances are ADA accessible except the Butler Street entrance/exit
- ADA viewing areas at each main stage
- Accessible restrooms near the entrance and stages
- ADA parking at the Mobility Center, 60 Beale St (first come, first served)
- ASL interpreters available by request through Front Gate Tickets
- For specific accessibility questions, email [email protected].
Local Tips & Hacks
- Register your wristband and link your card before you go—saves time at every purchase
- Gates open an hour before music on Friday (4 PM) but at 3 PM on Saturday and Sunday—plan your arrival around that
- Bring an empty water bottle—hydration stations are free inside and it’s going to be warm
- Phone charging stations are available in VIP and GA+ areas. If you’re GA, bring a portable charger
- Student and military discounts: 10% off GA passes if you have a .edu or military email
See you at Riverbeat!
Get tickets at riverbeat.com • Follow @riverbeatfest on Instagram and Facebook
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