CHECK OUT THE FOLLOWING FREE & DISCOUNTED THINGS TO DO FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS
Looking for fun stuff to do around the city for free? Look no further!
Museums and Cultural Experiences
NATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM
- 450 Mulberry St.
- Housed in the historic Lorraine Motel, the National Civil Rights Museum provides an educational, immersive experience as guest are invited to dive into our country’s fight for civil rights, from the early beginnings of the slave trade to the Black Power movement of the 1960s and 70s.
- Tennessee residents with state-issued ID may visit the museum for free on Mondays from 3 p.m. until closing.
- Maximum 2-Adults & up to 4 Children or 1-Adult & up to 5 Children per reservation.
Graceland
- 3764 Elvis Presley Blvd.
- You’ve heard the music, and now it’s time you see the place that Elvis called home.
- Begin your morning with a walk in the Meditation Garden where he found peace for free daily from 7:30AM-8:30AM.
STAX MUSEUM OF AMERICAN SOUL MUSIC
- 926 E. McLemore Ave.
- A gold Cadillac, an eccentric dance floor and hall of records? Stax Museum features all of that and then some while sharing the sweet sounds of Memphis’ most eclectic eras as you make your way through each exhibit.
- Admission is free to Shelby County residents every Tuesday afternoon.
- Admission prices and discounts apply to adults; children 8 and under are admitted free and children age 9 -17 will receive half-price discounted admission
MEMPHIS BROOKS MUSEUM OF ART
- 1934 Poplar Ave.
- From permanent painting and sculptures collections to temporary touring works, the Memphis Brooks Museum houses over 9,000 works in mixed medias made from across the world.
- Admission is free every Wednesday.
METAL MUSEUM
- 374 Metal Museum Dr.
- Dive into the history of metalwork as you make your way through 3.2 acres of land featuring rotating exhibitions, permanent collections, a sculpture garden, and more!
- The Metal Museum offers free admission to TN residents every Thursday.
- Free admission does not apply to guided tours.
- A current TN state issued photo ID is required for free admittance for visitors 18 years and older. Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by a current TN resident with a valid photo ID.
MEMORIAL PARK CRYSTAL SHINE GROTTO
- 5668 Poplar Ave.
- Mexican artist Dionicio Rodriguez built this man-made Memphis cavern located in Memorial Park Cemetery. Filled with crystals, rock formations, and religious dioramas of the 1930s, it’s a hidden gem just waiting to be explored.
- The Crystal Shine Grotto is open from 6AM-10PM each day.
- Reminder this is located within a cemetery, so be mindful of its sanctity.
CENTER FOR SOUTHERN FOLKLORE
- 123 S. Main St.
- The Center for Southern Folklore is a nonprofit organization where the heritage of the South meets the cultural crossroads of Memphis. The center often hosts live music events, art shows and storytelling sessions, and is always open for guests to pop in for free.
THE FAMOUS PEABODY DUCKS
- 149 Union Ave.
- Ever seen a duck walk a red carpet? Well, you’re about to! Daily at 11AM and 5PM, the grand lobby of the Peabody Hotel allows space for five North American Mallards to strut their stuff, complete with introduction and visiting paparazzi.
- The Peabody Duck March is completely free and open to all who want to visit.
- 645 Marshall Ave.
- Free admission on community days.
- 3750 Norriswood Ave.
- Free entry Monday through Saturday, showcasing collections of Egyptian and West African art.
Mighty Lights
- It’s kind of like a river disco! Every night, Memphis’ iconic Hernando de Soto and Harahan bridges are LIT with state-of-the-art LED lights, so make your way downtown, bring a speaker, and dance it out—or don’t. You can sit and watch if you want to, too!
- It’s the biggest light show on the Mississippi River, running every hour and half-hour after sundown until the 10:30 PM grand finale.
a. schwab's dry goods store
- 163 Beale St.
- A. Schwabs, established in 1876, is the only remaining original business on Beale Street. Its three floors are filled with store relics, voodoo powders, Memphis music, retro toys and the largest collection of hats in town—making it perfect for browsing around. They’ve even got an old fashioned soda fountain so you can travel back in time for a milkshake or two!
- A. Schwab is open Sunday & Monday, 12PM-5PM.; Thursday, 12PM-5PM; Friday and Saturday, 12PM-7PM.
Outdoor Activities
Shelby Farms Park
- One of the entire country’s biggest urban parks, Shelby Farms Park has TONS to do. From horseback riding and kayaking to ropes courses and dog parks, there’s adventure to be had!
Big River Crossing
- Ever been to Tennessee and Arkansas in the same day on foot?! Now’s your chance with the Big River Crossing. Bike or walk across the mighty Mississippi and enjoy the scenic views.
Tom Lee Park
- Recently renovated, Tom Lee Park offers free fitness classes and stunning views of the Mississippi River.
Peabody Rooftop
- Visit the rooftop of the Peabody Hotel for stunning views of the city, especially during their free duck march at 11 AM and 5 PM daily.
Hit Up a local Bike Route
- Memphis is home to 60+ miles of bike lanes, off-road trails and protected pathways. Check out the Ultimate Guide To Biking in Memphis.
- Designed for both recreational and commuter riders, these trails allow you to bike along the Mississippi River, down the Shelby Farms Greenline, across the Hampline Bike Route, along the Wolf River Greenway, through city parks and beyond!
ELMWOOD CEMETERY
- 824 S. Dudley
- Featured in the Natioanl Register of Historic Places, Elmwood Cemetery has been the final resting place for many Memphis moguls—from civil rights leaders and blues singers to outlaws, madams, and millionaires whose stories are just waiting to be heard.
- The cemetery is open Monday-Friday and Sunday 8AM – 4:30PM; Saturday 8AM-Noon. If you’re down with being your own tour guide, walking and driving tours are free!
- Tour maps of the cemetery are available for sale in the office for $5.
MAKE THE MOST OF OUR OUTDOOR SPACES
- When the sun is out, so are we—and Memphis’ outdoor spaces are where you should be; whether you’re looking for a place to picnic, to play a game, or frolic with friends.
memphis zoo
- 2000 Prentiss Pl.
- Did you know the Memphis Zoo is one of the top rated zoos in the USA, and one of only four zoos in the country to accommodate the endangered panda?! Well, Le Le is not the only animal waiting to greet you.
- Residents of Tennessee with a valid driver’s license or state ID can take advantage of free admission on Tuesdays from 2PM to close!
- Certain exhibitions are not included with free admission*
Gardens and Parks
Overton Park Shell
- 1930 Poplar Ave.
- Built in the 1930s and recognized as the site of Elvis’ first professional rock ‘n’ roll show, the Overton Park Shell is an outdoor performing arts pavilion located centrally in Overton Park.
- Every summer and fall, the Shell hosts free concerts, bringing a wide variety of performers to the stage—as well as other outdoor activities such as yoga, body combat and more!
- Keep an eye out for upcoming programming they’ve planned!
DIXON GALLERY & GARDEN
- 4339 Park Ave.
- Featuring elegant gardens, plus permanent and rotating art exhibitions, The Dixon offers a serene and scenic experience for visitors to enjoy.
- Admission is free daily.
Memphis river parks
- 40 S Main St.
- Nestled near the banks of the Mighty Mississippi, The Memphis River Parks Partnership spans five city blocks, offering picturesque park views, seasonal programming, and many opportunities for outdoor fun.
- The parks are open from sun up to sun down, daily—and if you’re lucky, you might stumble upon a free event like Salsa at Sunset, Yoga on the River, Full Moon Kayaking, and more. Or, if the sun ain’t shining, check out our list of things to do on Rainy Days in Memphis.
Music and Entertainment
Overton Park Shell Concerts:
- 1930 Poplar Ave.
- Free live music in Overton Park.
Beale Street
- Free live music and street performances.
Fourth Bluff Ice Rink
- Seasonal free ice skating days.
Memphis Listening Lab
- 1350 Concourse Ave. #269
- A treasure trove of music history with free public access to its extensive collection of records, CDs, and more.
Rumba Room
- 303 S Main St.
- Free dance lessons on select nights, offering a fun way to enjoy Memphis’s lively dance scene.
Crosstown Arts
- 1350 Concourse Ave. #280
- Attend free events, including art shows, performances, and workshops.
Markets and Community Events
Cooper-Young Community Farmers Market
- 1000 Cooper St.
- Fresh produce and live music on Saturdays.
Art Walks
- Monthly free art walks in South Main Arts District.
Memphis Public Libraries
- Free workshops, storytimes, and cultural events.
DOWNTOWN MEMPHIS COMMISSION SIDEWALK STORIES
- This series of bronze plaques lead you across downtown Memphis, featuring 50+ plaques that tell the story of Memphis’ colorful history.
MAP OUT A MEMPHIS MURAL TOUR
- You’re never too far from a mural in Memphis! Seriously, if you go out walking long enough, you’re bound to find a public work of art that’ll make a beautiful backdrop for all of your photos and selfies.
- Need help getting the hunt started? Check out Paint Memphis, or Memphis Art Project so you know where to find some fancy street art.
South Main Trolley Nights
- On the last Friday of each month, enjoy free trolley rides and explore art galleries and shops in the South Main Arts District.
First Fridays on Broad
- Broad Ave in Binghampton
- Held on the first Friday of each month, featuring local artists, music, food trucks, and special treats from local stores on Broad.
Beale Street Bike Night
- Every fourth Wednesday night in the summer, enjoy free bike shows and music on Beale Street.
Free Events year-Round
- Check out Choose901’s Events Calendar for free happenings all year round.
