Memphis, the largest city in Tennessee, is known as the “Birthplace of the Blues.” Notable musicians Muddy Waters and B.B. King hail from the area. It is also known as the home of the “King,” Elvis Presley and his mansion, Graceland. Writers from Memphis include playwright Tennessee Williams.

Below are some cultural attractions and events that you can experience while in Memphis.

National Civil Rights Museum “20th Birthday Celebration”

A community-wide event to celebrate the September 28, 1991 opening of the Museum. The event is scheduled for the weekend prior to the anniversary so families can enjoy Museum-oriented recreational activities, refreshments, informational resources, vendor booths and fun for all.

For more details visit: http://www.civilrightsmuseum.org/

ArtsMemphis

For over 45 years, ArtsMemphis has been raising funds to ensure excellence in the arts and build a vibrant cultural community for everyone. 95% of every dollar raised through the annual memberships campaign goes back into the community, supporting 27 arts organizations and arts education in 38 Memphis City Schools. As major fundraisers, grant makers and arts promoters in the city, ArtsMemphis contributed more than $4M to the Memphis arts community last year. The current enhanced web site with its expanded calendar of events has been introduced to encourage the entire community to interact with the arts like never before.

For more details visit: http://www.artsmemphis.org/

B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center

Born in the deep south of Mississippi, B.B. King rose from the fine Mississippi delta dirt to become one of the greatest guitar legends to ever play the blues. Some of the most respected guitar players in the world have flocked to his side +to learn his trade – from Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughn to John Lennon who once said, “I wish I could play the guitar like B.B. King.”

For more details visit: http://www.bbkingmuseum.org/

The Center for Southern Folklore

The Center for Southern Folklore is located on Main Street in Downtown Memphis, where the Mississippi River touches the high bluffs along the riverfront. We're a private non-profit organization dedicated to documenting and celebrating the people, music and traditions of the region. When you come to the Center, you're entering the home for what we love and treasure about the South You can shop and peruse The Folklore Store to find unique gifts and works of art that speak to and about the South.  You can even have a cuppa coffee and Miss Ella's peach cobbler then come back at night to have a beer and hear a band.

For more details visit: http://www.southernfolklore.com/

Delta Blues Museum

The Delta Blues Museum is dedicated to creating a welcoming place where visitors find meaning, value, and perspective by exploring the history and heritage of the unique American musical art form of the blues. The City of Clarksdale, located at the intersection of Highways 61 and 49 (“the crossroads”), and the surrounding Delta region are known as ”the land where the blues began”.

For more details visit: http://www.deltabluesmuseum.org/high/index.asp

B Sharpe Planetarium

Journey to distant galaxies, explore the solar system and settle back in a comfortable seat in the Sharpe Planetarium as you take a cosmic voyage through the universe. Sharpe Planetarium, a 130 seat theater-in-the-round uses the latest planetarium technology to project star fields, visual images and patterns on a domed ceiling. Augmented by a superb sound system, the planetarium programs are a treat for the eyes and ears.

For more details visit: http://www.memphismuseums.org/

South Main Historic Art District

The South Main Historic Art District is filled with art galleries, shops, restaurants and great tourist attractions like the Arcade Restaurant, Earnestine & Hazel’s and the National Civil Rights Museum. The main artery is the trolley line that runs down South Main Street.

For more details visit: http://southmainmemphis.net/

National Civil Rights Museum

Located at the Lorraine Motel, the assassination site of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the National Civil Rights Museum chronicles key episodes of the American Civil Rights Movement and the legacy of this movement to inspire participation in civil and human rights efforts globally, through historical collections, exhibitions, and educational programs.

Website:     www.civilrightsmuseum.org/

Stax Museum of American Soul Music

Museum tour starts with a short toe-tapping video that sets the scene for the musical magic that took place here during the 1960s. Exhibits include the sanctuary of an old clapboard Delta church, which illustrates the connection between soul and gospel music. You can also see Booker T. Jones’s original organ, Otis Redding’s favorite suede leather jacket, and Isaac Hayes’s 1972 peacock-blue gold-trimmed Cadillac Eldorado, Superfly.

Website:    http://www.staxmuseum.com/

LeMoyne-Owen College

Historically Black College founded in 1862 by the American Missionary Association with $20,000 by abolitionist Dr. Julius LeMoyne; the school moved to its present location in 1914 when it became Memphis’ first high school for African Americans; in 1968 the school merged with Owen Junior College to form the name LeMoyne-Owen College.

Website:     http://www.loc.edu/

New Daisy Theatre

Constructed in the 1940s, when Beale Street needed more room and a fancier venue for Blues concerts; has hosted headliners from BB King, Rufus Thomas, Bobby Blues Bland and so many others; call for calendar of events.

Website:    www.newdaisy.com/

Burkle Estate, Slavehaven

A white no frills, wooden house built in 1849 served as one of Memphis’ most important stations on the Underground Railroad; by appointment you can tour the cellar where people hid themselves on the way to freedom.

Website:    www.heritagetoursmemphis.com/burkle.html

Beale Street

During the day it is a laid-back place for families or adults to stroll, buy souvenirs, and eat. You can also stop at one of several museums and attractions located on the street. At night, Beale Street is a strip of nightclubs and restaurants, a great place to people-watch, and the best place to catch live blues seven nights a week.  Spots along Beale Street include: W. C. Handy Park, the W. C. Handy House Museum, the Memphis Rock 'N' Soul Museum and the Pink Palace Museum and Planetarium.

Website:    www.bealestreet.com/wordpress/