Best Performing Arts in Memphis

What could be better than nature combined with music and entertainment? Enjoy the outdoors and live music in Overton Park, a small shell theater where Elvis once played that hosts concerts in the summer. Listen to jazz, classical or blues music while you gaze at the stars. Occasionally, old films are shown and live performances are hosted here. This is a great place to take children, since there is lots of room for them to play and use their imaginations.

Having been slowly restored over the past several years, the Orpheum is now an astonishing architectural treasure from the 1920s, with its statues, carved woodwork, velvet curtains, and an opulent lobby. It hosts shows of touring Broadway companies and is a must visit for the culturally inclined. It is also the venue for traveling Broadway musicals. In the summer, the Orpheum shows classic movies like Casablanca and hosts trivia contests and sing-alongs - fun for the whole family.

Minglewood Hall is a versatile venue that plays host to almost all kinds of events. Set in a former bread factory, this is one of the major event venues in the city. Complete with state-of-the-art equipment, this hall makes a great venue for gigs, corporate functions and even private celebrations. Most commonly used for concerts and stage shows, this space is good for catching a well-scripted play as well.

WC Handy Park Pepsi Pavilion is a venue in Memphis known for hosting great blues acts and other prominent musicians. Past shows have included The Flaming Lips and George Clinton. It's named after W.C. Handy, a composer and musician also known as the "Father of the Blues." Experience great music in a beautiful outdoor setting at this venue. The park also hosts the Sessions in the Park Indie Music Showcase. Free and open to to all, this music venue is an integral part of Memphis's thriving music culture and offers great performances at little to no cost!