Beale Street Festival

Beale Street Music Festival takes everything that makes Memphis special - the blues, the soul, the barbecue, the attitude - and turns it into a three-day outdoor party on the banks of the Mississippi River. If you like your festivals with a side of history, this is the one.

The festival happens in Tom Lee Park, right downtown, with the river behind the stages and the Memphis skyline in front of you. The setting alone is worth the trip. And the lineup? It's always a wild mix of rock, hip-hop, blues, soul, country, and everything in between. Kings of Leon, Widespread Panic, and Snoop Dogg have all headlined, sometimes in the same year. That's the range.

But honestly, the real star of Beale Street Festival is Memphis itself. You're steps away from the actual Beale Street, where the neon signs and live music spill out of every doorway. Before the gates open, walk over to Central BBQ or Gus's Fried Chicken and fuel up properly. After the festival, head to Silky O'Sullivan's for a nightcap. That's the Memphis way.

The festival runs in May as part of Memphis in May, which is a month-long citywide celebration. The weather is warm and humid - dress accordingly and stay hydrated. Seriously, the Memphis sun doesn't mess around.

If you've never been to Memphis, this festival is the perfect excuse. Find Beale Street Festival tickets on Evil Tickets and experience the birthplace of rock and roll.