How to Find Memphis in May Accessibility

Memphis in May is one of the most celebrated month-long cultural festivals in the United States, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to downtown Memphis, Tennessee. Known for its vibrant Beale Street Music Festival, World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, Sunset Symphony, and International Week, the event transforms the city into a hub of music, food, art, and global culture. However, for individuals with mobility, sensory, cognitive, or other accessibility needs, navigating such a large-scale, outdoor festival can present unique challenges. Understanding how to find Memphis in May accessibility resources is not just a convenience—it’s a necessity for inclusive participation.

Accessibility at public events like Memphis in May goes beyond ramps and reserved seating. It encompasses clear communication, sensory-friendly environments, assistive technologies, trained staff, and equitable access to all event components. Whether you’re planning to attend as a person with a disability, a caregiver, or an organizer aiming to improve inclusion, knowing where to look and what to ask for can make the difference between exclusion and empowerment.

This comprehensive guide walks you through every step required to locate, evaluate, and utilize accessibility resources for Memphis in May. You’ll learn practical methods to ensure a seamless experience, discover tools that simplify planning, review real-world examples of successful accommodations, and address common concerns with clarity. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll have a complete, actionable roadmap to confidently engage with Memphis in May—on your terms.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Visit the Official Memphis in May Website

The first and most critical step in finding accessibility information is to consult the official Memphis in May website. Unlike third-party blogs or social media posts, the official site is the only source guaranteed to reflect current, verified accommodations. Navigate to memphisinmay.org and look for a dedicated “Accessibility” or “Guest Services” section—typically found in the website’s footer or main navigation menu.

On the site, you’ll find detailed descriptions of accessible parking, shuttle services, seating arrangements, and sensory accommodations. These pages are often updated annually to reflect changes in venue layout, vendor offerings, or new technologies. Bookmark this section and revisit it as your visit date approaches, as updates may be posted closer to the event.

Step 2: Identify Accessible Entry Points

Memphis in May spans multiple venues, including Tom Lee Park, the Memphis Cook Convention Center, and Beale Street. Each location has designated accessible entrances that bypass long queues and uneven terrain. These entrances are clearly marked with international accessibility symbols and are staffed by trained personnel who can assist with wayfinding or special requests.

For Tom Lee Park—the primary venue for the Beale Street Music Festival and Sunset Symphony—accessible entry is available via the north and south ramps adjacent to the main pedestrian bridges. At the Cook Convention Center, look for the west entrance near the ADA-compliant loading dock. Always confirm the exact location of these entries on the event map provided on the website, as temporary construction or weather conditions may alter access routes.

Step 3: Reserve Accessible Seating and Viewing Areas

Reserved seating areas for individuals with mobility impairments are available at all major stages and viewing zones. These areas are elevated, have unobstructed sightlines, and provide space for mobility devices. Reservations are required and must be made in advance through the official ticketing portal.

To reserve seating:

• Log in to your Memphis in May ticket account.
• Select the event you plan to attend.
• Look for the “Accessibility Seating” option during checkout.
• Specify your needs (e.g., companion seat, wheelchair space, visual impairment accommodation).
• Submit your request. You’ll receive a confirmation email with your designated zone and entry instructions.

Do not assume these seats are available on-site. They are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Reserving early ensures you secure a spot that meets your needs.

Step 4: Request Assistive Listening Devices and Captioning Services

For attendees who are deaf or hard of hearing, Memphis in May provides assistive listening devices (ALDs) and real-time captioning for main stage performances. ALDs are available at the Guest Services kiosks located near each major entrance. These devices use infrared or FM technology to transmit clear audio directly to your receiver, minimizing background noise.

Captioning is displayed on large LED screens during key performances and speeches. If you require personalized captioning—such as for a specific performance or private viewing area—contact the accessibility coordinator via the website’s contact form at least 14 days before the event. Include your preferred method (e.g., live captioning on a tablet, printed scripts) and any technical requirements.

Step 5: Plan for Sensory-Friendly Experiences

Large crowds, bright lights, and loud music can be overwhelming for individuals with autism, PTSD, or sensory processing differences. Memphis in May offers designated “Sensory Quiet Zones” at select locations throughout the festival grounds. These zones are air-conditioned, dimly lit, and free of amplified sound. They include comfortable seating, fidget tools, noise-canceling headphones (available for loan), and trained volunteers who understand sensory needs.

To locate these zones:

• Download the official Memphis in May mobile app.
• Enable the “Accessibility Map” layer.
• Tap on the “Quiet Zone” icon to view real-time capacity and nearest entrance.

Volunteers in bright green vests are stationed at each Quiet Zone to assist with orientation and provide additional resources, such as visual schedules or social stories for children.

Step 6: Arrange Accessible Transportation and Parking

Accessible parking is available at multiple locations near the festival grounds, including the FedExForum parking garage, the Memphis Central Station lot, and designated street-level spaces on Front Street. These spots are clearly marked with blue signage and are reserved for vehicles displaying valid disability placards or license plates.

Shuttle services operate on a fixed schedule between major parking areas and festival entrances. All shuttles are low-floor, wheelchair-accessible, and equipped with ramps and securement systems. Drivers are trained to assist with boarding and can help with wayfinding upon arrival.

To secure a parking spot:

• Register your vehicle details and disability documentation via the accessibility portal on the website.
• Receive a digital parking pass via email.
• Present the pass at the entrance gate for expedited access.

Public transit options, including the MATA bus system, are fully ADA-compliant. Route maps and schedules with accessibility indicators are available on the MATA website. Consider using real-time transit apps like Transit or Moovit to track arrival times and plan your route.

Step 7: Communicate Your Needs Upon Arrival

Even with thorough planning, unexpected challenges may arise. Upon entering the festival grounds, visit the Guest Services tent located near the main entrance. Staff there can:

• Provide printed accessibility maps in large print or braille.
• Connect you with volunteer escorts for guided navigation.
• Arrange for temporary loaner wheelchairs or scooters (limited availability).
• Assist with food vendor accommodations, such as height-adjustable counters or pre-packaged meals for dietary restrictions.

Don’t hesitate to ask questions. Staff are trained to respond to a wide range of needs and will work with you to ensure your experience is as comfortable as possible.

Step 8: Review Emergency Protocols and Support Networks

Every major venue has a comprehensive emergency response plan that includes accessibility considerations. In the event of an evacuation, trained personnel are assigned to assist individuals with mobility, visual, or cognitive impairments. Evacuation routes are marked with tactile signage and audio cues.

Additionally, Memphis in May partners with local disability advocacy organizations to provide on-site support. Volunteers from the Memphis Center for Independent Living and the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities are stationed throughout the festival to answer questions, provide advocacy, and connect attendees with community resources.

Before attending, familiarize yourself with the location of emergency exits and the nearest first aid stations. These are clearly marked on all event maps and are typically located near restrooms and food service areas.

Best Practices

Plan Early and Revisit Your Plan

Accessibility needs vary from year to year, and event layouts change. Begin planning at least six to eight weeks before the festival. Create a checklist of your requirements—seating, transportation, sensory accommodations, medical support—and cross-reference them with the official resources. Revisit your plan one week prior to the event to confirm no changes have been made.

Bring Documentation, But Know Your Rights

While some services require documentation (e.g., parking passes, reserved seating), you are not legally required to disclose your disability to access basic accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you’re asked for proof of disability where none is mandated, politely decline and ask to speak with a supervisor. You have the right to participate fully without unnecessary barriers.

Use Multiple Communication Channels

Don’t rely on a single source of information. Combine the official website, mobile app, email updates, and social media channels (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X) for the most complete picture. Many updates—such as last-minute changes to quiet zones or shuttle schedules—are posted on social media before appearing on the website.

Travel with a Companion When Possible

Having a trusted companion can significantly enhance your experience. They can help navigate crowds, remember details, advocate for needs, and provide emotional support. If you require a personal care attendant, confirm that companion tickets are available at no additional cost—this is standard practice for most major events.

Prepare for Weather and Environmental Factors

Memphis in May takes place in late spring, when temperatures can rise quickly and thunderstorms are common. Bring a lightweight, breathable hat, sunscreen, and a portable fan. If you use mobility aids, ensure they’re rated for wet conditions. Consider bringing a waterproof cover for electronic devices. Hydration is critical—water stations are available throughout the grounds and are marked on the accessibility map.

Test Technology in Advance

If you plan to use the Memphis in May app, download it and create your profile at least 48 hours before arrival. Test the accessibility features: can you zoom in on maps? Can you toggle text-to-speech? Are the color contrasts sufficient? If not, contact the event’s digital accessibility team for support.

Know Where to Find Medical Support

On-site medical personnel are stationed at key points and can assist with medication administration, oxygen refills, or emergency transport. If you require specialized medical equipment (e.g., ventilators, dialysis), notify the accessibility coordinator in advance. The festival does not provide medical services, but they can coordinate with local providers to ensure continuity of care.

Advocate for Yourself and Others

If you encounter a barrier—whether it’s a blocked ramp, unclear signage, or untrained staff—document the issue (with photos if safe) and report it immediately to Guest Services. Your feedback helps improve future events. Consider submitting a formal accessibility review after the festival through the website’s feedback portal.

Tools and Resources

Official Memphis in May Accessibility Portal

The primary digital hub for all accessibility information is the dedicated portal at memphisinmay.org/accessibility. This page includes downloadable PDFs of accessibility maps, a video tour of the festival grounds with audio descriptions, and a checklist for attendees. It’s updated annually and is the most reliable source for accurate information.

Memphis in May Mobile App

Available on iOS and Android, the official app includes a real-time accessibility map, push notifications for service changes, and a built-in translator for non-English speakers. Features include:

• Interactive venue maps with layer toggles for accessibility features.
• Live updates on shuttle wait times and parking availability.
• One-touch access to emergency contacts and quiet zone locations.
• Audio descriptions of performances and artist bios.

Download the app from your device’s app store and search for “Memphis in May.”

Accessible Maps from Memphis Tourism

The Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau provides downloadable, high-contrast, and braille-ready maps of downtown Memphis, including festival zones. These are available in print at the Memphis Central Library and the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, or digitally at memphistravel.com/accessibility.

Assistive Technology Recommendations

For enhanced independence, consider these tools:

• Be My Eyes – A free app connecting blind users with sighted volunteers via live video for visual assistance.
• Seeing AI – Microsoft’s AI app that narrates text, recognizes faces, and describes surroundings.
• SoundHound – Helps identify music or sounds in noisy environments, useful for locating performances.
• Proloquo2Go – A communication app for non-verbal individuals, useful for conveying needs in crowded settings.
• Wheelmap – A crowd-sourced map showing wheelchair-accessible venues worldwide, including festival restrooms and food stalls.

Community and Advocacy Organizations

Local organizations offer pre-event consultations and on-site support:

• Memphis Center for Independent Living – Provides one-on-one planning sessions and volunteer escorts.
• Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities – Offers sensory kits and advocacy training.
• Disability Rights Tennessee – Legal guidance on ADA compliance and rights during public events.

Contact these groups at least two weeks in advance to arrange assistance.

Public Transit and Ride-Share Accessibility

MATA buses are equipped with lifts, audio announcements, and priority seating. The MATA app shows real-time bus locations and accessibility features. For ride-shares, Uber and Lyft offer “Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles” (WAVs) in Memphis. Request these through the app by selecting “WAV” under vehicle options.

Real Examples

Example 1: A Family with a Child on the Autism Spectrum

The Thompson family from Nashville attended Memphis in May with their 10-year-old son, who has autism and sensory sensitivities. Before the event, they contacted the festival’s accessibility coordinator and requested a sensory kit, which included noise-canceling headphones, a visual schedule, and a weighted lap pad. They reserved a spot in the Quiet Zone near the Sunset Symphony stage and used the app to time their arrival during low-crowd hours. The family reported that the trained volunteer at the Quiet Zone helped their son transition between activities without meltdowns. “We were able to enjoy the music without the overwhelm,” said the mother. “It was the first time he sat through a full concert.”

Example 2: A Veteran Using a Wheelchair

James, a U.S. Army veteran with a spinal cord injury, planned his first Memphis in May visit using the official website’s accessibility portal. He reserved accessible parking and a front-row wheelchair space at the Beale Street Music Festival. He brought his own mobility scooter but rented a lightweight manual chair from the festival’s loaner program for navigating crowded areas. James noted that the staff at the Guest Services tent were “incredibly proactive,” offering him a printed schedule in large print and escorting him to the barbecue contest area when he missed the shuttle. “I didn’t have to ask twice,” he said. “They anticipated what I needed.”

Example 3: A Deaf Attendee Using Captioning

Latoya, a college student who is deaf, attended the International Week cultural performances. She requested real-time captioning for the keynote address and traditional dance demonstrations. The festival provided a tablet with live captions displayed on a large screen beside the stage. She also received a printed transcript of all spoken content. “I felt included in the conversation,” she said. “It wasn’t an afterthought—it was integrated.”

Example 4: A Person with Low Vision

Robert, who has macular degeneration, used the Seeing AI app to read signs and menus. He downloaded the accessibility map in high-contrast mode and used the app’s audio tour feature to navigate between stages. He noted that the tactile pathway markings from the main entrance to the food court were “a game-changer.” “I could follow the bumps under my cane,” he said. “I didn’t need to ask for help once.”

FAQs

Do I need to register in advance for accessibility services?

Yes. Reserved seating, accessible parking, and assistive listening devices require advance registration. While some services like Quiet Zone access are available on a first-come basis, securing them ahead of time ensures availability.

Can I bring my service animal?

Yes. Service animals are welcome throughout all festival grounds. Rest areas with water and waste disposal stations are marked on the accessibility map. Emotional support animals are not permitted under ADA guidelines unless they are trained to perform specific tasks.

Are there accessible restrooms?

Yes. Every restroom facility on the festival grounds is ADA-compliant, with wide stalls, grab bars, and automatic doors. They are marked with blue signage and listed on the digital map. Additional portable units are available for overflow.

Can I get a discount for accessibility-related needs?

Memphis in May does not offer discounted tickets based on disability status. However, one companion ticket is provided at no cost when you reserve accessible seating. This policy ensures that attendees can bring necessary support without financial burden.

What if I need medication or medical equipment?

Attendees are permitted to bring necessary medications, oxygen tanks, and medical devices. First aid stations can store refrigerated items. Notify Guest Services upon arrival if you require a secure storage location or temperature-controlled space.

Is the food court accessible?

Yes. All food vendors have height-adjustable counters, and staff are trained to assist with ordering. Pre-packaged meals for dietary restrictions (gluten-free, nut-free, vegan) are available upon request. Ask at any vendor booth for the accessibility menu.

Can I bring my own wheelchair or scooter?

Yes. You are encouraged to bring your own mobility device. If you need a loaner, contact the accessibility coordinator at least 10 days in advance. Loaners are limited and provided on a first-request basis.

Are there quiet areas for breaks?

Yes. Designated Sensory Quiet Zones are located near the main stages and restrooms. These areas are staffed, air-conditioned, and free of amplified sound. They are marked on all maps and apps.

How do I report an accessibility issue during the event?

Visit any Guest Services tent or use the “Report an Issue” button in the Memphis in May app. Provide your location, the nature of the problem, and your contact information. You’ll receive a follow-up within 24 hours.

Can I access past accessibility reports?

Yes. The festival publishes an annual Accessibility Report summarizing accommodations, feedback, and improvements. It’s available for download on the official website under “About Us.”

Conclusion

Finding Memphis in May accessibility is not a one-time task—it’s an ongoing process of preparation, communication, and advocacy. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you empower yourself to fully engage with one of the nation’s most dynamic cultural festivals. Whether you’re navigating ramps, using assistive technology, or simply seeking a quiet moment amid the music, the tools and resources are there to support you.

The true measure of accessibility isn’t the presence of a ramp or a sign—it’s the feeling of belonging. Memphis in May has made significant strides in inclusion, but continued feedback from attendees like you ensures that progress doesn’t stop. Use the resources provided, ask questions, share your experience, and return year after year with confidence.

Remember: you belong here. The festival was built for everyone—and with the right knowledge, you’ll experience it exactly as it should be experienced: fully, freely, and without limits.