From legendary performers to Chicken S#!t Bingo, this honky tonk turned community hub keeps the soul of old Memphis alive with every show, story, and song.

I felt it the first time I walked into Hernando’s Hideaway. Bathed in dim lights of red, blue, and green, tiger print fabric on the ceiling and nods to Memphis history at every turn, it’s the kind of place that’ll have you feeling like it's Saturday night, even on a Sunday afternoon. 

As I took it all in, I was struck by a burning question. “Why didn’t somebody tell me about this place sooner?”

These venues don’t just host shows, they nurture Memphis’s music scene night after night.

I saw a reel the other day that inspired this post and reminded me just how real and raw Memphis’s local music scene is. We’ve got underground gems and more established spots that continue to uplift the city’s next big stars.

What does it mean to be on this list? These venues are consistently booking original local talent, sometimes nightly, and helping keep Memphis music alive and well.

This blog was written in collaboration with our friends at Campfire Collective.

The Overton Park Shell was established in 1936 by the Works Progress Administration. Almost twenty years later, a young Elvis Presley debuted on the Overton Park Shell’s stage.

Opera Memphis is back with their annual 30 Days of Opera, where they bring free opera performances to all across the city showing people that opera is cool.

30 Days of Opera is in its 14th year and runs all September long. Opera Memphis also celebrates 70 years for the 2025-26 season!

Here’s where you can find them each day:

This blog was written in collaboration with our friends at Campfire Collective.

Discover new music and get to know the amazing people making that music with these I Love Memphis Music Features. Check out all the music features here.

This month's feature 1Professor, a longtime DJ turned performer three years ago. He’s a melodic and abstract artist who recently released his third album The Journey. His latest country rap single "Pass Me By" demonstrates his range as a musician.

Grab your boots and yonder down to Beale Street for the Kix on Beale free music series.

This summer, Kix on Beale returns with four free shows in Handy Park.  All ages are welcome and the shows start each day at 7:30 p.m. 

The 13th DreamFest Weekend will be held at the historic Overton Park Shell on May 17-19, 2024. Admission is free but donations are encouraged.

Founded in 2012, DreamFest is a three-day event all about promoting Memphis music and artist collaboration. The weekend will spotlight a variety of artists with each day having a different theme and lineup of performances.

Happy hour returns to The Grove this summer with live music, food trucks and drink specials with the Happy Friday in The Grove series.

The Germantown Performing Arts Center (GPAC) is bringing back Happy Hour in The Grove on Friday nights and it costs nothing to attend.

Every Friday night from now through August 22, enjoy this free happy hour series with live music, food trucks and stocked bar to purchase from. Outdoor drinks are not permitted but chairs are.