The Peabody Duck March is pure Memphis whimsy and one of the city’s best free shows. The tradition began in the 1930s, when the hotel’s general manager and a friend, back from a hunting trip, put live duck decoys into the lobby fountain as a joke, and guests loved it. Ever since, ducks have lived at The Peabody. Every morning at 11:00, the Duckmaster rolls out a red carpet, the elevator doors open and a small team of mallards waddles across the lobby to a fanfare and splashes into the travertine fountain, where they paddle all day. At 17:00 the ceremony runs in reverse and they march back to the elevator and up to the Duck Palace on the roof, their marble-and-glass home. Each team of ducks stays at the hotel for about three months before returning to a local farm. The grand lobby, with its carved ceiling and Lobby Bar, makes a beautiful setting. This page links to the hotel’s official Peabody Ducks page.
How to visit: The Peabody is at 149 Union Avenue in downtown Memphis, a block north of Beale Street. The march happens daily at 11:00 and 17:00, and the hotel recommends arriving about 30 minutes early to see the full show. Watching is free, but the lobby fills quickly, especially at weekends and in holiday periods, so claim a spot along the red carpet or on the mezzanine balcony above.
What to expect: the march itself is brief, a couple of minutes of ceremony with an introduction from the Duckmaster, but the build-up and the crowd are part of the fun. Children can sit at the front along the carpet. The hotel also offers an Honorary Duckmaster experience by reservation, and the Duckmaster leads walking tours of the hotel’s history.
Making the most of it: come for the 17:00 march and stay for a cocktail at the Lobby Bar, or come at 11:00 and then take the elevator to the rooftop to see the Duck Palace and the views over downtown and the river when it is open.
What to expect
The experience
A short, free ceremony in which mallards march along a red carpet to or from the lobby fountain of The Peabody, led by the Duckmaster.
Best time
The 17:00 march on a weekday, followed by a drink at the Lobby Bar.
How long
About 30 minutes including arriving early, or an hour with a drink in the lobby.
Tips
Arrive 30 minutes early for a good view along the carpet, or watch from the mezzanine above.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families, first-timers and anyone who loves a quirky tradition.
- Families
- Young children adore it; sit them at the front by the red carpet.
- Couples
- Watch the evening march, then stay for cocktails in the grand lobby.
- Pair with
- Beale Street a block south, or the Rock ’n’ Soul Museum.
- Time needed
- Thirty minutes to an hour.
Good questions
What time do the Peabody ducks march?+
The ducks march into the lobby fountain at 11:00 and back out at 17:00 every day. The hotel suggests arriving about 30 minutes early.
Is the Peabody Duck March free?+
Yes, anyone can watch from the hotel lobby without a ticket. Buying a drink at the Lobby Bar is a nice way to enjoy the setting.
Where do the Peabody ducks live?+
They live in the Duck Palace, a marble-and-glass home on the hotel roof. Each team stays about three months before returning to a local farm.
How did the Peabody duck tradition start?+
It began in the 1930s, when the general manager and a friend put live duck decoys in the lobby fountain after a hunting trip. Guests loved it and the ducks stayed.
Can I be the Duckmaster for a day?+
The hotel offers an Honorary Duckmaster experience by reservation. Book well ahead, as places are limited.
