Overton Park Shell Memphis
Historic open-air amphitheater famous for free concerts and Elvis Presley's first performance. A Memphis music landmark.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Perfect weather for outdoor concerts
Overton Park Shell Memphis
Best Time
Perfect weather for outdoor concerts
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic open-air amphitheater famous for free concerts and Elvis Presley's first performance. A Memphis music landmark.
"This place this place this placeeee neva fails me. All fall long, im there!"
🎯 Arrive Early for Spots
For popular shows, get there early to claim a prime spot on the lawn. Bring a blanket or chair!
🎶 Pack Your Own Picnic
Enjoy your favorite snacks and drinks. Coolers are welcome, making it a perfect picnic spot.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Orion Free Concert Series
Experience the magic of free live music under the stars with national and international touring acts. A true Memphis treasure.
Elvis Presley's First Concert Site
Stand where rock 'n' roll history was made! Elvis Presley performed his first paid gig here in 1954.
The Iconic Shell Stage
Admire the distinctive architecture of the open-air amphitheater, a beautiful backdrop for any performance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Concerts & Good Vibes
Music History Hub
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Spots
For popular shows, get there early to claim a prime spot on the lawn. Bring a blanket or chair!
🎶 Pack Your Own Picnic
Enjoy your favorite snacks and drinks. Coolers are welcome, making it a perfect picnic spot.
🚗 Parking Strategy
Parking can fill up fast. Consider nearby street parking or rideshares if you arrive late.
✨ Check the Schedule
Concerts are frequent but vary. Always check the official schedule for who's playing.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Spots
For popular shows, get there early to claim a prime spot on the lawn. Bring a blanket or chair!
🎶 Pack Your Own Picnic
Enjoy your favorite snacks and drinks. Coolers are welcome, making it a perfect picnic spot.
🚗 Parking Strategy
Parking can fill up fast. Consider nearby street parking or rideshares if you arrive late.
✨ Check the Schedule
Concerts are frequent but vary. Always check the official schedule for who's playing.
🤝 Community Vibe
It's a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere. Great for dates or a fun night out with friends.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Overton Park Shell, highlighting its free concerts, historic significance, and vibrant atmosphere. Many praise the venue for being a beautiful, well-organized space perfect for enjoying live music and community gatherings. While parking can be a challenge for popular events, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with many eager to return.
"My husband and I had a great time at Overton Park Shell seeing the legendary Bobby Rush! Even better the concert was free. 🎶 The atmosphere was fun, safe, and relaxed with everyone enjoying themselves. Such an amazing experience we’ll definitely be back!"
Deidre Martin
"I mean c’mon! How cool is it to be at the site of the first rock’n’roll concert in History?!
Beautiful venue, immaculate, and holds transportive powers 🔮
As someone who goes to a Lot of live shows, this one slaps hard."
Jamie Kerr
"This place is great! First time here. Was invited to an outing from the company that sponsored this summer concert series. The venue is beautiful, the parking is well organized, and everyone looked like they were enjoying themselves. The sound and video quality were high. For free concerts, this was a great event! I highly recommend coming out to this place."
Alisa Takeuchi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Overton Park Shell is located at 1928 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN. It's easily accessible by car, rideshare, or public transportation. Many visitors opt for rideshares due to potential parking challenges.
Parking is available in designated lots and on surrounding streets. However, for popular free concerts, parking can fill up quickly. Arriving early or considering alternative transport is recommended.
Yes, the venue is generally accessible. It's advisable to contact the venue directly for specific accessibility needs or to inquire about accessible seating options.
Yes, biking is a great option, especially if you're coming from nearby neighborhoods. There are often bike racks available, but it's good to confirm their availability.
From downtown Memphis, you can take a rideshare service, which is usually the quickest option. Public bus routes also serve the Overton Park area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Many concerts, especially during the Orion Free Concert Series, are absolutely free! Always check the official schedule to confirm if a specific performance requires a ticket. +1
No, tickets are not required for the free concert series. Entry is typically on a first-come, first-served basis for lawn seating.
Operating hours vary depending on scheduled events. Concerts usually begin in the evening. It's best to check the specific event's start time on their website.
Yes, you can bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages. Coolers are permitted, making it ideal for a picnic.
Alcohol policies can vary by event. For many free concerts, outside alcohol may not be permitted, but it's always best to check the specific event's guidelines on their website.
🎫 🎶 Onsite Experience
Bring a comfortable blanket or lawn chair, snacks, water, and perhaps a light jacket for cooler evenings.
The primary seating is on the lawn, where you can set up your own blankets and chairs. Some reserved seating might be available for special events.
The Shell hosts a diverse range of genres, from rock and hip-hop to folk and blues, featuring both local and national artists. +1
Yes, restroom facilities are available on-site for attendees.
Personal photography and videography for non-commercial use are generally allowed. However, professional equipment or flash photography might be restricted. Always check event-specific rules.
📸 📸 Photography
The iconic shell stage itself, the surrounding park greenery, and candid shots of the audience enjoying the music offer great photographic opportunities.
Drone usage is typically restricted for safety and privacy reasons, especially during events. Check with the venue for specific drone policies.
Golden hour, just before sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photos of the stage and park. Evening concerts provide a vibrant atmosphere with stage lighting.
Professional camera equipment, tripods, and large lenses may require special permission or be prohibited during concerts. It's best to inquire with the venue beforehand.
Capture the historical significance by photographing the stage where Elvis performed, or focus on the lively crowd and the natural beauty of Overton Park.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Many events are designed to be inclusive, and the general vibe is welcoming to all ages. Consider bringing extra blankets for the kids to lounge on and arriving a bit earlier to ensure a comfortable spot away from the main crowds if needed. It's a memorable and affordable way to introduce children to live music in a historic setting.
💰 Budget Travelers
Beyond the free concerts, the ability to bring your own food and drinks significantly cuts down on expenses. This allows you to enjoy a full evening of entertainment and dining without spending a dime on admission or pricey venue food. It's a prime example of experiencing Memphis's rich culture affordably.
🎶 Music Enthusiasts
+1The diverse lineup of touring artists ensures there's something for every musical taste, from rock and hip-hop to folk and blues. Experiencing a live show here means connecting with the roots of American music while enjoying contemporary talent on a legendary stage.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Legacy of Music: The Overton Park Shell's History
+1Beyond Elvis, the Shell has been a stage for a diverse array of talent, from blues legends to contemporary stars. Its open-air design and natural setting create an intimate yet grand atmosphere for performances. The venue's commitment to providing accessible, often free, music experiences has made it a beloved community gathering space for generations.
Today, the Overton Park Shell continues its legacy through the Orion Free Concert Series and other special events. It remains a vibrant hub for live music, celebrating its past while actively shaping the future of Memphis's music scene. A visit here is not just attending a concert; it's stepping into a living piece of American music history.
Experiencing the Free Concert Series
Performances span a wide spectrum of genres, featuring both emerging local talent and established national and international artists. The atmosphere is consistently described as fun, safe, and relaxed, with a strong sense of community. It's common to see families, couples, and groups of friends enjoying the music together, making it an ideal destination for a casual evening out.
To make the most of your free concert experience, it's wise to check the schedule in advance and plan your arrival. For highly anticipated acts, arriving earlier in the day or late afternoon can secure a better vantage point. Remember to pack essentials like water and snacks, as concessions may be limited or an additional cost.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit