Memphis In May
If you have ever met a Memphian, you probably know the most beautiful time of the year is not during the holidays, it is in May! The Memphis in May International Festival is a month-long celebration which honors a different foreign country each year (this year, we salute the Czech Republic), and features a new event each weekend.
With everything from music to art exhibits, 5Ks to cooking contests, Memphis will keep you entertained from the first weekend until the last.
In three short weeks, the 42nd annual Memphis in May International Festival will kick off. Thus starting one of the most highly anticipated events of the year; the Beale Street Music Festival. This festival will take place May 4-6 in Tom Lee Park at the foot of Beale Street. This year, visitors from all 50 states and more than a dozen countries will travel to Memphis for a unique kind of musical pilgrimage. They’ll pay their respects to Elvis, eat world-famous barbeque, and dance the night away.
Beale Street Music Fest
The Beale Street Music Festival is the only program that has been held every year since its inception in 1977. Its history can be traced back to the 1800s when musicians throughout the South would come to Beale Street and perform.
Never forgetting its humble beginnings, what was once a small event held in a fenced-in lot on Beale and Third street has transformed into a three-day, multi-stage music festival held alongside the mighty Mississippi in the heart of downtown Memphis. Beale Street Music Festival now ranks as one of the top music festivals in the nation, as well as one of the longest-running music festivals in the United States.
BSMF is known for its rich history, unique vibe, and eclectic musical variety. The lineup showcases today’s hottest acts as well as classic favorites from the past three decades. This year will provide attendees with a unique experience that they won’t find at any other festival. Whether you like rock, alternative, indie, neo-soul, hip hop, EDM or country, BSMF is guaranteed to tickle your musical fancy.
Lineup
The mainstage headliners for the 2018 Beale Street Music Festival include Jack White, Queens of the Stone Age, Odesza, Erykah Badu, Logic, Post Malone, Alanis Morissette, and Tyler, the Creator.
Over 20 artists will mark their first appearance at the 2018 Beale Street Music Festival. Such musicians include David Byrne, Kaleo, Vance Joy, Luke Combs, Action Bronson, D.R.A.M., Dashboard Confessional, All Time Low, Margo Price, Young Dolph, Oh Wonder, Misterwives, Andrew W.K., Tank and the Bangas, Calexico, Wilderado, and Flor.
Festival favorites making a return include Incubus, The Flaming Lips, Ludacris, Cake, Third Eye Blind, Gov’t Mule, Chevelle, and Memphis-local Juicy J.
Blues artists include: Delbert McClinton, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Marcia Ball, Love Light Orchestra, Ghost Town Blues Band, Tommy Castro and the Painkillers, R.L. Boyce, Eddy “the Chief” Clearwater, Reba Russell, Zac Harmon, Blind Mississippi Morris, Joanna Connor, Earl “the Pearl” Banks, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Biscuit Miller and The Mix, Terry “Big T” Williams, Zeke Johnson, Sam Joyner, Washboard Shorty and Reverend Robert Rev, Butch Mudbone, and Jimmy “Duck” Holmes.
Young Dolph, Al Kapone, Valerie June, Tav Falco and the Panther Burns, Star & Micey, Chinese Connection Dub Embassy, Ghost Town Blues Band, Reba Russell, Blind Mississippi Morris, and Earl “the Pearl” Banks will also be there!
An additional highlight for 2018 is Czech rock singer and seven-time Andel Award winner Dan Barta and Illustratosphere, who will perform on Saturday, May 5, as part of the 2018 Memphis in May International Festival salute to the Czech Republic.
See the full lineup here.
Tickets & Info
Three-day passes, single-day tickets, and VIP experiences are now available for the 2018 Beale Street Music Festival here. See below for pricing or visit Ticketfly and grab your pass now.
Three-day passes
- Tier 3: $125 (pricing expires on April 30 at midnight)
- Tier 4: $165
VIP Experience
- $595
- Parking included: $695
- $249 single day
- $299 single day w/ parking
Single-day tickets
- Available now for $55 here.
Below you will find links to help you navigate your festival experience. See you there!
Stage Map
FAQs and Prohibited items
Locker Rentals
Travel Guide
Downtown Memphis parking map
Lyft code
Connect with Beale Street Music Festival
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