The Best Live Music Venues In Memphis

With blues influences all over the city, and most importantly on Beale Street, Memphis is one of the best places to experience live music. With the ghosts of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and B.B. King, Memphis’s live music scene is pretty unbeatable.

1. Mr Handy's Blues Hall

Mr Handy’s Blues Hall

Mr Handy’s Blues Hall is one of the oldest (and smallest) venues on Beale Street. It’s strictly dedicated to blues, and the talent is held to a certain high standard. There’s a full bar, and photographs of famous and local blues musicians, past and present, line the walls. The space is pretty small, but it makes for an intimate show. Mr Handy’s Blues Hall, 182 Beale St, Memphis, TN, USA, +1 901-528-0150

2. Levitt Shell

Park

Levitt Shell is a outdoor amphitheater that offers over fifty free concerts throughout its season. This venue is a seasoned venue with the likes of Elvis Presley playing shows throughout its time. It’s situated in the Midtown area of Memphis, and the big white amphitheater usually lights up (literally) with the live acts. Free, the visuals and great music make Levitt Shell a no-brainer.

3. Earnestine & Hazel's

Earnestine & Hazel’s

Earnestine & Hazel’s is pretty simple: a bar & grill with live music and a jukebox. This bar is no-frills and casual with its run-down décor. It’s a little western and a little dive-y. The drinks are reasonably priced, and, paired with live entertainment, going to the bar becomes an event. Earnestine & Hazel’s, 531 S Main St, Memphis, TN, USA, +1 901-523-9754

4. The Buccaneer Lounge

The Buccaneer Lounge

The Buccaneer Lounge is the dive bar for live talent. Treating their musicians incredibly well, there’s live talent every night. And the Buccaneer is set up for enjoying the music with a large stage and surrounding tables. However, there’s also a full bar area that enables a free space from the music. Reasonably-priced drinks accompanied with a great food menu, the Buccaneer is the dream country music bar. The Buccaneer Lounge, 1368 Monroe Ave, Memphis, TN, USA, +1 901-278-0909

5. The New Daisy Theater

Movie Theater, Music Venue, Theater

Another music venue located on the historic Beale Street, the New Daisy Theater is almost a century old and a century wiser with their track record. The exterior of the New Daisy looks like an 80s movie theater, with a big red canopy announcing the bands. Inside, the venue looks like an ordinary venue, with a big stage and wide area for the crowds. There’s also a prominent bar in the area making this the space for bigger bands. Friendly to all ages.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.