Beale Street

The Basics

Music lovers—as well as those just looking for a fun night out in downtown Memphis—will not want to pass up an opportunity to visit the "Home of the Blues." Nearly every sightseeing tour in Memphis makes a stop on this iconic stretch of road, and those who really want to dig into the history can take a walking tour of the street to learn about its musical haunts and legendary performers. After a day spent exploring Memphis, Beale Street sets the scene for a lively, music-fueled night on the town to eat, drink, and dance in the footsteps of legendary greats such as BB King, Louis Armstrong, and WC Handy.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Beale Street is a must-see for music lovers and night owls.

• Don’t forget to bring a valid ID if you want to enter bars and clubs.

• Some bars on Beale Street with live music charge a small cover fee.

• Expect shoulder-to-shoulder crowds at night, especially on weekends.

How to Get to Beale Street

The most convenient way to reach Beale Street is by road, and there are several parking garages within walking distance. Several Memphis hotels offer free shuttle services to the district, and it’s also accessible via the Main Street Trolley or on a tour that includes roundtrip transport to and from area hotels.

When to Get There

The best time to visit Beale Street depends on what you want out of the experience. By day, the entertainment district has few crowds and is more kid-friendly, ideal for visiting the specialty shops and restaurants. Those expecting Beale Street's legendary party atmosphere should wait until the sun goes down and the neon lights go on. As a top hot spot in one of America’s most musically rich cities, Beale Street features live music and jam sessions pretty much every night of the week. Unlike in the rest of Memphis, some bars here stay open until 5am. Expect the biggest crowds during the Beale Street Music Festival in May.

The Best Places to Hear Beale Street Blues

All sorts of styles of musical acts take to the stages of Beale Street. To feast your ears on authentic blues played by great musicians, head to establishments such as BB King's Blues Club, Rum Boogie Cafe, Mr. Handy's Blues Hall, or Handy Park, where a local rag-tag band sometimes plays in the afternoons.

What is Beale Street known for?

Delta blues, jazz, R&B, and rock ‘n’ roll make Beale Street famous. At night, head out to its three blocks of nightclubs, restaurants, and shops and get the full downtown Memphis flavor. Have your cameras ready, get a cocktail in hand, and make sure you’re wearing your dancing shoes.

Is Beale Street worth a visit?

Yes, Beale Street is worth visiting, especially if you want to groove to the lively atmosphere at night. There’s plenty of history here, dating back to the Jazz Age in the 1920s-1940s, where B.B. King, Louis Armstrong, and others created “Memphis Blues,” a style born on Beale Street.

Is Beale Street like Bourbon Street?

Some liken Beale Street to Bourbon Street, but the scale is much smaller. Beale Street has an authentic Memphis feel, complete with blues, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, and barbeque. During the day, tourists visit the shops on Bourbon Street, but Beale Street is pretty dead during the day, waiting to come alive at night.

When’s the best time to visit Beale Street?

Head to Beale Street in the evening for the party atmosphere it's known for. The neon lights turn on, and the music and jam sessions are in full effect. Listen to some excellent blues music, and try local barbeque before or after you grab some drinks.

Do you have to pay to walk on Beale Street?

Yes, you do. It’s only around $5 per person after about 9pm. The fee goes for security, so everyone can safely enjoy a night out and drink a few adult beverages. Beale Street sees many drinkers, and open containers can be carried on the street and between bars.

Is it safe around Beale Street?

Generally, it is safe around Beale Street, but take care when walking in the late night hours when fewer people are out and about. Like any big city, walk in well-lit areas, don’t walk alone, and keep an eye on your valuables.

Ways to explore

Music lovers—as well as those just looking for a fun night—shouldn’t pass up an opportunity to visit the “Home of the Blues.” Kick things off at the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, or the WC Handy House Museum, then bar-hop between popular venues such as the Rum Boogie Cafe, Blues City Cafe, and BB King's Blues Club.

Most sightseeing tours in Memphis stop on this iconic stretch of road. Those who really want to dig into Beele Street’s history can take a walking tour to learn about its musical haunts and legendary performers.

Accessibility

The street is flat and paved, making it easy to navigate with a wheelchair. Some historic clubs may not be fully accessible; confirm in advance.

Age limits

You must be 21 or older to enter most of the music clubs on Beale Street after 8pm, though some offer all-ages daytime hours.

What to pack

Camera and battery pack, earplugs for live concerts, ID as proof of age

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, layers

Not allowed

Weapons are not allowed on this street, and bags and backpacks are subject to search.

Amenities

Restaurants, shops, music clubs

Address 

The most convenient way to reach Beale Street is by car, although several Memphis hotels offer free shuttle services to the district. You can also take public transportation or book a tour that includes transfers to and from area hotels.

Driving

Take South Second Street from the north or south to reach Beale Street from downtown Memphis attractions; there are several paid parking garages within walking distance. For those planning to drink, rideshares and taxis are readily available.

Public transportation

Beale Street is within walking distance from many downtown Memphis sights, but you can also take MATA’s Route 13–Lauderdale bus or the trolley’s Main Street Line to reach the entertainment district.

Best times to visit

Head to Beale Street in the evening for live concerts and blues shows, but expect the area to be packed with revelers.

Best days to visit

Fridays and Saturdays are the best days for catching live performances, though you’ll find concerts all week long.

Best months to visit

The Beale Street clubs are open year-round, but this legendary music district is at its party peak from May to September.

Special events

Memphis hosts several large festivals in May, including the Beale Street Music Festival, RiverBeat Music Festival, and Memphis in May.