There is just something about a concert in the summertime that just feels right. Whether it is a family friendly outdoor show at night under the stars or a girls’ night downtown, Memphis and the surrounding area have so many great concert venues worth planning a night around. From indoor theaters to outdoor amphitheaters and cozy, intimate live music venues, these are some of our favorite places to see concerts around Memphis.
Memphis Botanic Garden – Live at the Garden
Live at the Garden at Memphis Botanic Garden is easily one of the most iconic summer concert experiences in Memphis. This outdoor concert series combines live music with picnic-style seating, wine, charcuterie boards and the prettiest summer atmosphere. It truly is a vibe! We have been going for 15 years, and it is one of our favorite venues for girls’ nights, date nights, and relaxed summer concerts under the stars. We are going with a group of friends one night this year, and we are even taking the kids to another one of the shows. It is super family friendly also. Why we love it:
- Relaxing outdoor setting where you bring your own chairs/blankets
- Perfect for summer concerts
- Great for groups and even family friendly
- One of the most unique concert experiences in Memphis
Orpheum Theatre
The Orpheum Theatre is one of the most historic and beautiful venues in Memphis. From Broadway productions to concerts and comedy shows, there really isn’t a bad seat in the house. The downtown location also makes it easy to turn a show into a full night out with dinner and drinks before the performance. Why we love it:
- One of Memphis’ most historic music venues
- Gorgeous interior
- Great Broadway and concert lineup
- Perfect downtown location
Graceland Soundstage
Graceland Soundstage has quickly become one of the best modern concert venues in Memphis. The indoor venue hosts a mix of concerts, comedy shows and special events and feels much more intimate than larger arenas. It is also incredibly convenient with easy parking and plenty of room compared to many downtown venues. Why we love it:
- Newer venue
- Intimate concert atmosphere
- Easy parking
- Great variety of shows
BankPlus Amphitheater at Snowden Grove
BankPlus Amphitheater is one of the best outdoor concert venues near Memphis, especially during summer. The open-air venue regularly brings in major touring artists, and the experience is so great. They even offer VIP seating with a special indoor air-conditioned food venue and bathroom. The venue is also super family friendly! This is one of our favorite places for country concerts and warm-weather shows. Why we love it:
- Great outdoor venue
- Fun outdoor seating
- Major touring artists
- Easy drive from Memphis
Overton Park Shell
The Levitt Shell is one of the most iconic outdoor music venues in Memphis and such a fun spot for relaxed family-friendly concerts. Located in Overton Park, the venue hosts free live music performances throughout the year and has such a laid-back summer atmosphere. It is the perfect place to bring lawn chairs, snacks, and enjoy a casual night outdoors. We took the kids last summer, and it was such a fun night. Mempops was there with popsicles and other food vendors. The kids listened to music and ran around and played all night! Why we love it:
- Free outdoor concerts
- Family-friendly atmosphere
- Beautiful Overton Park location
Lafayette’s Music Room
Located in Overton Square, Lafayette’s Music Room is one of our favorite spots for a more intimate live music experience in Memphis. The venue combines great food, drinks and live music in a much smaller setting that feels energetic without being overwhelming. Why we love it:
- Intimate live music venue
- Great food and drinks
- Fun Overton Square location
- Perfect for date night or girls’ night
Overton Park Shell
The Levitt Shell is one of the most iconic outdoor music venues in Memphis and such a fun spot for relaxed family-friendly concerts. Located in Overton Park, the venue hosts free live music performances throughout the year and has such a laid-back summer atmosphere. It is the perfect place to bring lawn chairs, snacks, and enjoy a casual night outdoors. We took the kids last summer, and it was such a fun night. Mempops was there with popsicles and other food vendors. The kids listened to music and ran around and played all night! Why we love it:
- Free outdoor concerts
- Family-friendly atmosphere
- Beautiful Overton Park location
FedExForum
FedExForum is still one of the biggest concert destinations in Memphis for major national tours and arena performances. From huge country artists to pop stars and sporting events, this venue consistently brings some of the biggest entertainment acts to the city. The location on Beale Street also makes it one of the easiest venues for planning a full night out. We have seen so many concerts here over the years from Justin Timberlake to Chris Stapleton. Why we love it:
- Huge concert tours
- Central downtown location
- Tons of nearby restaurants and bars
- Great energy for major events
Minglewood Hall
Minglewood Hall is one of the best smaller concert venues in Memphis for a more intimate live music experience. The venue hosts everything from local artists to nationally touring musicians and always has a fun energetic atmosphere. Why we love it:
- Smaller intimate venue
- Great acoustics
- Fun atmosphere
- Wide variety of artists
The Halloran Centre
The Halloran Centre offers a much more intimate and elevated theater experience in downtown Memphis. It hosts concerts, performances and special events in a beautiful modern setting connected to the Orpheum. Why we love it:
- Intimate atmosphere
- Beautiful modern theater
- Great downtown location
- Perfect for smaller performances
Landers Center
Located just outside Memphis in Southaven, Landers Center has concerts, comedy tours, family shows and sporting events throughout the year. It is one of the easiest venues to park at for larger concerts just right outside of Memphis. We have been to several events and concerts here over the years including Chris Stapleton. Why we love it:
- Easy parking
- Family friendly events
- Variety of entertainment options
The Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
The Cannon Center is one of the most beautiful performing arts venues in Memphis and hosts concerts, symphonies and special events throughout the year. The modern theater and riverfront location make it feel especially elegant for a night out downtown.
Why we love it:
- Beautiful modern venue
- Great acoustics
- Elegant downtown atmosphere
- Variety of performances and concerts
Germantown Performing Arts Center
GPAC is one of the most underrated music and performance venues in the Memphis area. The intimate theater setting creates such a great experience for concerts, performances, and speaker events and the acoustics are incredible. It is also a wonderful option for families and anyone looking for a more relaxed night out. Why we love it:
- Intimate theater atmosphere
- Excellent acoustics
- Very family friendly
- Convenient Germantown location
- Great variety of performances
Grind City Amphitheater
Grind City Amphitheater is the newest outdoor concert venue in Memphis and has quickly become a fun destination for festivals, concerts and community events. Located near the riverfront, the open-air venue offers beautiful skyline views and a relaxed outdoor atmosphere that is especially fun during warmer months. Why we love it:
- Outdoor riverfront atmosphere and great location
- Great for festivals and concerts
- Beautiful Memphis skyline views
- Fun new venue in the city
Final Thoughts
Whether you love outdoor summer concerts, intimate live music venues, Broadway performances, or huge arena tours, there are so many incredible places to see live music around Memphis. Each of these venues offer a completely different experience, which is part of what makes the Memphis music scene so fun. Memphis is so diverse, and our music venues do a great job of celebrating all that we have to offer. From picnic concerts at Live at the Garden to major tours at FedExForum, there truly is something for everyone. Which is your favorite venue to listen to music in Memphis?
