Beale Street is the beating heart of Memphis nightlife and the street every visitor has to walk at least once. In the early twentieth century it was the main street of Black Memphis, a busy district of shops, theaters and clubs where W.C. Handy wrote down the blues and where a young B.B. King and countless others made their names. Today the pedestrian blocks between Second and Fourth Streets are a lively, sometimes rowdy strip of neon signs, blues and rock bars with open doors, rooftop patios, barbecue and street performers, and on a busy night the music spills out of every club at once. Daytime is quieter and good for photos, the bronze statue of Handy in the small park named for him, and the shops. In the evening the clubs take over, many with no cover charge, and bands play from the afternoon into the small hours. The Rock ’n’ Soul Museum and FedExForum sit at the eastern end. This page links to the official Beale Street visitor FAQ.
How to visit: Beale Street runs east from the river through downtown, with the entertainment blocks between Second and Fourth Streets. Walking the street is free, and on select Friday, Saturday and holiday nights a small per-person security fee applies from 21:00, payable by cash or card. After 20:00, and during special events, visitors must be 21 or older or with a parent or guardian, and after 23:00 everyone must be 21 or older with a valid ID. When security screening points are open, everyone is screened and bags may be checked; weapons are prohibited. Garages and surface lots are within walking distance.
What to expect: the atmosphere is festive and loud, and busy weekend nights draw big crowds. Watch your belongings, stay on the main blocks late at night and use rideshares or the hotel shuttle to get back.
Making the most of it: visit in daylight for photos and the Handy statue, then come back after dinner on a weeknight, when the bands are just as good and the crowds thinner. Hop between clubs rather than settling in one, and tip the musicians.
What to expect
The experience
A free, walkable entertainment district of live-music clubs, bars and restaurants, busiest in the evening.
Best time
A weeknight evening for music without the big weekend crowds, or a daytime stroll for photos.
How long
An hour in daylight, or a full evening of club-hopping.
Tips
Bring ID, expect a small security fee on select weekend and holiday nights, and note the age rules after 20:00 and 23:00.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Live-music lovers, first-timers and anyone who wants a classic Memphis night out.
- Families
- Come in the daytime or early evening; after 20:00 under-21s need a parent or guardian, and after 23:00 it is adults only.
- Couples
- Dinner nearby, then hop between blues clubs and a rooftop patio.
- Pair with
- The Rock ’n’ Soul Museum at the eastern end, and the Peabody ducks a block north.
- Time needed
- An evening.
Good questions
Is Beale Street free to visit?+
Yes, walking the street is free, and many clubs have no cover charge. On select Friday, Saturday and holiday nights a small per-person security fee applies from 21:00.
Can under-21s go on Beale Street at night?+
After 20:00 and during special events, visitors under 21 must be with a parent or guardian. After 23:00 everyone must be 21 or older with a valid ID.
When is the best time to go to Beale Street?+
Evenings are when the bands play, and weeknights are less crowded than weekends. Daytime is quieter and better for photos and the W.C. Handy statue.
Is there security on Beale Street?+
Yes, on busy nights security screening points operate, everyone is screened and bags may be checked. Weapons are prohibited.
Where do I park for Beale Street?+
There are several secured garages and surface lots within walking distance. Many downtown hotels are close enough to walk.
