Beale Street
The historic "Home of the Blues" is a must for all tourists interested in experiencing the rich musical heritage for which Memphis has long been known. The street, once the musical home of W.C. Handy, "Father of the Blues;" Furry Lewis; B.B. King; Albert King and Bobby "Blue" Bland; and others, continues its rich musical tradition enhanced by a fascinating collection of nightclubs, shops, restaurants, boutiques, and outdoor special events.
W.C. Handy Home
The former home of "The Father of the Blues," W.C. Handy is located at 352 Beale Street. Handy raised six children in this small shotgun house before moving to New York. The house is open to the public..
Handy Park
Located in the heart of the Beale Street Historic District, Handy Park is a favorite spot for outdoor entertainment, festivals, and spontaneous jam sessions by local talent. A statue in honor of W.C. Handy overlooks the street from the park..
Beale Street Baptist Church
Now known as First Baptist Beale Street, this church was the first brick constructed multi-story church for Blacks in the country. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the church was built after the Civil War and was also the first Negro Missionary Baptist Church in the country.
Memphis Italian Festival
Authentic Italian cuisine, music, arts, crafts and games. Also includes spaghetti gravy contest and Italian Mass.
Stax Museum of American Soul Music
Stax Records, one of the most popular soul music record labels ever will be the subject of a new multi-million dollar museum which pays tribute to the label that produced over 500 hit songs in the top 100 on pop and R&B charts. The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is built on the original site of the Stax studio at 926 E. McLemore. Adjacent to the museum is the Stax Music Academy, which develops and teaches the future musicians of Memphis music.
Gibson Beale Street Showcase
Factory tour, Museum, Cafe & entertainment "Tour Gibson. Live the Music." Live the music through witnessing hand-craftsmanship at its best while on the factory floor with $4 million (worth) of guitars. A narrated tour takes you through 16 workstations where solid blocks of wood are transformed into legendary musical instruments. See it all from fitting, sanding and painting to electronics installation, tuning and packing of American-made World-played Gibson guitars.
Southeastern Indian Heritage Festival
Crafts, stickball game, Native American dance and music.
Smithsonian's Rock 'n' Soul Exhibit
Now open. Finally the story of Memphis music will be told, and told in a way only The Smithsonian can tell it. Memphis was home to three important revolutions in music: the blues back in the 1920s, rock and roll in the '50s and soul music in the '60s. Memphis music has had a unique impact on worldwide culture.
Martyr's Park
On the Southern tip of Memphis' riverfront, this picturesque park is named for those who stayed in Memphis to nurse yellow fever victims.
Church Park
Founded by Robert Church, the first African-American millionaire in the South, the park in 1899 was the site of the first recreational, cultural, and civic center for African-Americans in Memphis. Many famous Americans including President Theodore Roosevelt and Booker T. Washington spoke there.
National Civil Rights Museum
The National Civil Rights Museum, housed in the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, is the first of its kind in the country. Interpretive exhibits and audio-visual displays bring to life the most significant moments of modern American history. Civil and human rights struggles and victories are displayed to educate, inspire and inform adults and children. The $11M expansion opened in September, 2002 which includes the renovation of the boarding house where the fatal shot was fired. Exploring the Legacy brings the history that followed King's assassination into the National Civil Rights Museum tour experience.
Alex Haley's Home
Nestled in the small town of Henning, Tennessee, about 45 miles north of Memphis, is the boyhood home of the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Roots, Alex Haley. The home has been restored and is open to the public featuring the life and work of Alex Haley. Visitors to the home may also tour Haley's grave site and other Haley family plots including the nearby grave of Chicken George.
LeMoyne-Owen College
A four-year private liberal arts education institution located on a 15-acre campus in South Memphis. Steele Hall, the school's first and oldest building, served as Memphis' only Negro high school from 1919-1925.
Auction Square
On the northern border of downtown Memphis along Main Street is the site of the first food market in Memphis and the focal point for local commerce. Many believe the granite marker in the square was used for slave auctioning although slaves were sold from within buildings - not public auction.
Tom Lee Park
A park overlooking the mighty Mississippi River that was the site of a historic rescue by African-American laborer, Tom Lee. In 1925, Lee, who could not swim, carried 32 survivors of a sinking steamer to shore in his boat. The park was named in recognition of his heroism.
Memphis In May
Bringing the world to Memphis...and Memphis to the world! Memphis in May is North America's largest month-long International Festival! Every year on the banks of the Mississippi River, in a long, narrow, 33 acre municipal park, Memphis in May International Festival creates events that define our region and broaden our cultural experiences.
Now touching over a half million people annually, the award winning festival's goal is to celebrate the indigenous charm of Memphis and to bring cultures and customs of foreign lands to the citizens of the Mid-South.
Signature evenings include: The Beale Street Music Festival, the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, International Week and the Sunset Symphony.
Africa In April
A dynamic month-long cultural festival designed to provide historical and educational experiences that highlight various aspects of African-American culture. The schedule of activities planned during April enhances local tourism by promoting commerce and industry between Memphis and African-American nations while providing a diverse range of events for families, children, seniors, and entrepreneurs.
Mason Temple
Home of the international headquarters of the Church of God in Christ, Mason Temple is the location from which Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered his famous prophetic speech, "I've Been to the Mountaintop," prior to his assassination in 1968. The newly refurbished temple houses the final resting place of founder Charles H. Mason, special meditation room, Mason Memorial Hall, and Pioneer's Court.
Chucalissa Museum
Built on a Native American Temple Mound complex. Features Native American artifacts, an authentic reconstructed pre-Columbia village and an interpretive nature trail. Guided tours, crafts, workshops and storytelling available on a seasonal basis.
Burkle Estate/Slave Haven
This tiny house, built in 1849 by German immigrant Jacob Burkle, reportedly served as a way station on the Underground Railroad for thousands of runaway slaves until the end of the Civil War. The house is open for group tours and includes a visit to the tiny, dark cellar where slaves were said to hide for days waiting for their chance to escape to freedom in the North.
Center for Southern Folklore
Displays, exhibits, and unusual gift items highlight and celebrate the heritage and traditions of Southern culture.
Hattiloo Theatre
With the goal of evolving into a significant professional theatre in the Mid-South focusing on interpreting and illuminating the Black experience, Hattiloo's first full season of production, at 656 Marshall Avenue in the "Edge" neighborhood of downtown Memphis, includes Neil Simon's "Last of the Red Hot Lovers" and "Mahalia," a musical by Tom Stolz.