FreedomFest is headed to Memphis!
Getting around Downtown Memphis
Memphis Main Street Trolley
Memphis Main Street Trolley
- Renasant Convention Center
- Numerous FreedomFest hotels
- Beale Street
- National Civil Rights Museum
- The South Main Historic Arts District
- The Mississippi River
Nightlife & dining
Walk a few blocks from your FreedomFest hotel room or take the trolley from the Renasant Convention Center to one of the most iconic streets in America. The “Home of the Blues” is three blocks of nightclubs, restaurants and shops in the heart of downtown Memphis, and a melting pot of delta blues, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, R&B and gospel. This National Historic Landmark district shares its rich history of legendary live music through the Rock ‘n Soul Museum and clubs where you can still hear who’s making music in Memphis today. With cold beer and hot music, Beale Street is one of the coolest places in Memphis.
Beale Street
Memphis Rock n Soul Museum
Downtown Memphis Restaurants
Downtown Memphis Restaurants
Eating in Memphis is an experience for the soul. The specialty may be barbecue — Memphis is home to more than 100 barbecue restaurants — but make no bones about it: Dining out (or taking out!) in Memphis doesn’t stop at ‘cue. They dish up soul food, fine dining, twists on Southern classics, authentic Italian and Mexican cuisine, burgers, wings, vegan fare and so much more. And their award-winning chefs and restaurateurs, brewers and distillers will welcome you with a dose of Southern hospitality every time.
UNIQUE TRADITIONS
Since 1940, five of the historic Peabody Hotel’s permanent residents have performed the “March of the Ducks” twice a day. At 11 am a red carpet is unfurled, the “King Cotton March” is played, and five mallard ducks ride a special elevator from their Royal Duck Palace on the roof to the hotel lobby, then waddle directly into the stately marble fountain. At 5 pm the procession is reversed. Enjoy a libation and experience the fanfare from a luxurious seat in the ornate lobby.
Peabody Ducks
Peabody Ducks
Rich History
National Civil Rights Museum
National Civil Rights Museum
At the place of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s death in 1968, the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel chronicles the American Civil Rights Movement with compelling presentations of iconic exhibits, oral histories of lesser-known civil rights foot soldiers, and visceral, in-the-moment experiences. Visitors will learn through emotionally charged, visually engaging, contemporary exhibit design that guides you through five centuries of history.
Join the exclusive FreedomFest excursion on Sunday, July 16!
Often referred to as the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll, Sun Studio is a must-see for music aficionados. Former owner Sam Phillips helped launch many a music career, including that of Elvis, B.B. King, Roy Orbison and Johnny Cash. On your guided tour, you’ll hear stories about the legendary musicians who recorded here, listen to unreleased tracks and see memorabilia from the studio’s heyday.
Join the exclusive FreedomFest excursion on Tuesday, July 11 or Sunday, July 16!
Sun Studio
Sun Studio
Graceland
Graceland
You’ve heard the music, now see the place Elvis called home. Explore the beautiful mansion, walk the gardens where he found peace, tour the aircraft that he traveled on from show to show, and encounter Elvis Presley’s Memphis entertainment complex for an unforgettable experience featuring legendary costumes, artifacts, and personal mementos from Elvis and his family.
Join the exclusive FreedomFest excursion on Tuesday, July 11 or Sunday, July 16!