Featured photos courtesy of Noah Stewart (riverbeat 2024)
Memphis, it's that season! The 3rd Annual RiverBeat Music Festival is back at Tom Lee Park, May 1–3, 2026, and we've got your insider guide to make the most of the weekend, from the stage to the streets.
Here's everything you need to know:
tickets
Whether you’re going all in for the full weekend or catching a single day, you’ve got options to choose from:
- 3-Day General Admission: $344
- 3-Day GA+: $469
- 3-Day VIP: $995
- Single Day GA: $139
- Single Day GA+: $179
- Single Day VIP: $395
Students and military receive 10% off GA passes using their college/university or military email!
THE LINEUP
This year’s line-up is a vibe, if we do say so ourselves.
From Wu-Tang Clan to T-Pain, to Salt-N-Pepa to Marshmello, everyone’s going to be hopping stage to stage trying to keep up. Head to riverbeat.com for the full daily schedule and stage times, and follow us on socials for real-time updates all weekend!
parking
There a several options for festival parking. Whether you opt for the exclusive festival parking or prefer exploring nearby options, we’ve got you covered. Select the best fit for your visit and ensure a smooth start to your festival experience!
Wagner Lot (Gated Lot)
- Address: 210 Wagner Pl, Memphis, TN 38103
- Pre-pay with Premium Parking P2706
- Directions: Walk down Beale Street towards the river, turn left and continue on Riverside past Beale Street Landing into Tom Lee Park.
- Estimated Walk Time: 5 minutes
Downtown Mobility Center (Garage)
- Address: 60 Beale St, Memphis, TN, 38103
- Pre-pay with Premium Parking P2757
- Directions: Walk Beale Street towards the river, then left onto Riverside Drive past Beale Street Landing into Tom Lee Park.
- Estimated Walk Time: 7 minutes
Downtown Street Parking
- General Info: Plentiful street parking available downtown, especially around Main Street and Dr. MLK Junior Avenue. Free on Sundays.
- Directions: Vary based on parking location.
MLGW Garage
- Address: 234-238 S Front St, Memphis, TN 38103
- Pay at Exit with cash or credit card
- Daily Parking Rates: 1 hour – $2, up to Daily Max – $12
- Directions (Option A): Exit onto S. Front Street, turn left, walk to Vance Avenue, then left to the park.
- Directions (Option B): Exit onto S. Front Street, turn right to next light, left on Beale Street to the park.
- Estimated Walk Time: 10-12 minutes
Huling Lot
- Address: 395 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103
- Pre-pay with Premium Parking P2703
- Directions: Walk Huling Avenue toward the river for four blocks to access Tom Lee Park via Huling stairs.
- Estimated Walk Time: 6 minutes
TN Brewery Parking Garage
- Address: 495 Tennessee St, Memphis, TN 38103
- Pay by scanning the barcode
- Directions: Exit onto Mina Ave, turn right on Tennessee Street, walk to Butler Ave, cross to park via Butler stairs.
- Estimated Walk Time: 8 minutes
local food spots near the festival
The music doesn’t stop when you leave the park. Here’s where to eat, drink, and keep the Memphis energy going all weekend:
PLATES
- Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken, 310 S Front St
- The city’s most iconic fried chicken, crispy, spicy, and worth every minute of the wait
- Fri–Sat: 11 AM–10 PM
- The Arcade Restaurant, 540 S Main St
- Memphis’ oldest restaurant, classic diner energy, and a booth Elvis actually sat in
- Fri–Sat: 7 AM–3 PM
- Itta Bena, 145 Beale St
- Upscale Southern cuisine tucked above Beale Street, one of the most underrated dinner spots in the city
- Fri–Sat: 5–10 PM
- Amelia Gene’s, 255 S Front St
- Elevated Southern cooking with a soulful, farm-to-table approach
- Fri–Sat: 4:30–10 PM
- Felicia Suzanne’s, 383 S Main St
- Refined Cajun and Southern fare from one of Memphis’ most celebrated chefs
- Friday lunch only closed Saturday Fri: 11 AM–2 PM, Sat: Closed
- KUYA, 327 S Main St
- Filipino-inspired flavors with a Southern twist, one of the freshest spots on South Main
- Fri–Sat: 4–10 PM
- Good Fortune Co., 361 S Main St
- Pan-Asian small plates and craft cocktails in a lively, stylish setting
- Fri–Sat: 4–10 PM
- Central BBQ, 147 E Butler Ave
- Memphis-style BBQ done right, nachos, ribs, pulled pork, all a short walk from the park
- Fri–Sat: 11 AM–9 PM
- Sugar Grits, 150 Peabody Pl
- Southern comfort food with big breakfast and brunch energy, great pre-festival fuel
- Fri–Sat: 8 AM–3 PM
- Texas de Brazil, 150 Peabody Pl
- All-you-can-eat Brazilian churrasco, come hungry, leave very full
- Fri: 11 AM–2 PM, 5–10 PM, Sat: 2–10 PM
- CIMAS Restaurant, 33 Beale St
- Mediterranean and American fare steps from the action, serving breakfast and dinner daily
- Fri: 8–11 AM, 5–9 PM, Sat: 8 AM–2 PM, 5–9 PM
- Esco Memphis Restaurant & Tapas, 158 Lt. George W Lee Ave
- Spanish-inspired tapas with a Memphis soul, great for groups and sharing plates
- Hours: Check with venue
- Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous, 52 S 2nd St
- A Memphis institution hidden down an alley, the dry-rub ribs here are legendary
- Fri–Sat: 11 AM–10 PM
- Huey’s Downtown, 77 S 2nd St
- Classic Memphis burger joint, cold beer, and a tradition of toothpick-in-the-ceiling
- Hours: Check with venue
- Front Street Deli, 77 S Front St
- A longtime downtown lunch staple, sandwiches and soups done simply and well,
- Friday only Fri: 11 AM–4 PM, Sat: Closed
- Aldo’s Pizza Pies, 100 S Main St
- Wood-fired pizza and cold craft beer, a late-night staple that hits after a long day of shows
- Hours: Fri–Sun: 11 AM–10 PM
TREATS
- Hive Bagel & Deli, 276 S Front St
- Fresh bagels and creative sandwiches, a perfect pre-festival morning stop
- Hours: Check with venue
- Butteriffic Bakery & Cafe, 488 S 2nd St
- Indulgent pastries and cakes, a great pick-me-up between sets
- Fri–Sat: 8 AM–3 PM
- DVOUR Desserts, 523 S Main St
- Dessert-forward, indulgent, and Instagram-worthy, save room
- Fri–Sat: 12–6 PM
- Juiced What You Need, 546 S Main St
- Fresh juices, smoothies, and healthy bites, great for a morning reset before the gates open
- Fri: 7 AM–5 PM, Sat: 8 AM–5 PM
- Hustle & Dough, 477 S Main St
- Coffee, doughnuts, and pastries on South Main, an easy grab-and-go before the festival
- Fri: 7 AM–2 PM, Sat: 8 AM–2 PM
SIPS
- Birdie’s, 493 S Main St
- A neighborhood bar with a laid-back vibe and solid cocktails
- Fri–Sat: 11 AM–9 PM
- Old Dominick Distillery, 305 S Front St
- Memphis’ own craft distillery, tour it, taste it, take a bottle home
- Fri: 11 AM–6 PM, Sat: 12–6 PM
- Wiseacre Brewing HQ, 398 S BB King Blvd
- Local craft brewery with a great taproom, the perfect pre-show pint spot
- Fri: 3–9 PM, Sat: 12–9 PM
- Eight & Sand, 545 S Main St
- Sleek cocktail bar inside Central Station Hotel with a cool, relaxed atmosphere
- Fri–Sat: 4 PM–12 AM
- Hotel Pontotoc Bar, 69 E Pontotoc Ave
- Intimate cocktail bar inside a boutique hotel, elevated drinks in a moody stylish space
- Hours: Check with venue
- SOB Downtown, 345 S Main St
- A go-to gastropub with great drinks, Southern bites, and a lively weekend crowd
- Fri–Sat: 11 AM–10 PM
- Tonica, 265 S Front St
- A wine and cocktail bar with a thoughtful, curated menu, perfect for a pre-dinner drink
- Fri–Sat: 4:30–10 PM
- Docks Off 5th, 310 Beale St
- Right on Beale with a waterfront feel, great drinks and great proximity to the festival
- Hours: Check with venue
TURN UP
- Silky O’Sullivan’s, 183 Beale St
- A Beale Street icon, dueling pianos, yard-long drinks, and goats in the courtyard
- Hours: Check with venue
- Bar Hustle, 477 S Main St
- A South Main late-night staple with strong cocktails and a crowd that knows how to have fun
- Fri–Sat: 4 PM–1 AM
- BarWare, 276 S Front St
- Craft cocktails and a sleek atmosphere, a solid spot to keep the night going
- Fri–Sat: 4 PM–1 AM
- Ernestine & Hazel’s, 531 S Main St
- One of the most storied bars in Memphis, soul burgers, late-night energy, and decades of history in the walls
- Fri: 4 PM–3 AM, Sat: 12 PM–3 AM
- The Green Beetle, 325 S Main St
- Memphis’ oldest tavern, cold beer, no pretense, and a classic neighborhood bar feel
- Fri–Sat: 11 AM–1 AM
- Silly Goose Lounge, 100 Peabody Pl
- A downtown fixture for cocktails, dancing, and a late-night crowd
- Fri–Sat: 4 PM–1 AM
- Slider Inn, 363 Mulberry St
- Sliders, cocktails, and a patio made for people-watching, easy to love, hard to leave
- Fri–Sat: 11 AM–1 AM
ONLY IN MEMPHIS
- National Civil Rights Museum, 450 Mulberry St
- One of the most important museums in the country, built at the Lorraine Motel, a must-visit while you’re in town
- Fri–Sat: 9 AM–5 PM
- Blues Hall of Fame Museum, 421 S Main St
- A tribute to the artists and music that shaped Memphis and the world
- Fri–Sat: 10 AM–5 PM
- Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, 191 Beale St
- The Smithsonian-affiliated museum that tells the story of how Memphis music changed American culture
- Hours: Check with venue
- Urevbu Contemporary, 410 S Main St
- A contemporary art gallery celebrating Black artists and culture, worth a stop on your way through South Main
- Fri–Sat: 11 AM–5 PM
- I AM A MAN Plaza, Hernando St
- A powerful landmark honoring the 1968 Memphis Sanitation Strike, a moment of reflection in the middle of the weekend
- Open daily
riverbeat music festival do's & dont's
Come and Go: Feel free to exit and re-enter the festival until 7 PM each day. Just scan your wristband on your way out and again when you return.
What to Bring:
- Bags: Clear bags up to 12″x12″x6″, small clutch purses, and empty hydration packs (smaller than 1.75 liters).
- Water: Stay hydrated! Bring an empty water bottle to refill at our hydration stations.
What Not to Bring: Skip the hassle by leaving these at home: lawn chairs, tents, large umbrellas, professional recording gear, drones, and any weapons or illegal substances.
Accessibility: Riverbeat has you covered with ADA accessible viewing areas and restrooms. Need more info? Reach out at info@riverbeat.com.
Pet Policy: Service animals trained to assist are welcome but must stay controlled. Sorry, no pets or emotional support animals.
Smoke-Free Vibes: Let’s keep the air as clear as our spirits. Please, no smoking.
Keep these tips in mind to breeze through the gates and enjoy every moment at RiverBeat! See more FAQs here.
Memphis, you already know, there’s no festival experience like a one in the M’. See you on Tom Lee. Follow @Choose901 on Instagram and Facebook for updates all weekend. ✨
