How to Find Memphis in May Schedule

Memphis in May is one of the most anticipated annual celebrations in the American South, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors to downtown Memphis, Tennessee. Spanning over a month, this vibrant festival honors the city’s rich cultural heritage through music, food, art, and community engagement. At the heart of its appeal is the meticulously curated schedule—detailing everything from the Beale Street Music Festival and World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest to the Sunset Symphony and International Festival. For first-time attendees and seasoned veterans alike, knowing how to find the Memphis in May schedule is essential to maximizing your experience, avoiding missed events, and planning logistics around traffic, parking, and accommodations.

Yet, despite its popularity, many people struggle to locate the official, up-to-date schedule. Outdated links, third-party aggregators with incomplete data, and social media clutter can lead to confusion. This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to help you confidently find, verify, and utilize the Memphis in May schedule—ensuring you never miss a beat of this iconic celebration.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Visit the Official Memphis in May Website

The most reliable source for the Memphis in May schedule is its official website: memphisinmay.org. This is the primary hub for all event information, updates, ticketing, and logistical details. Begin by opening your preferred web browser and navigating directly to this domain. Avoid search engine results that lead to blogs, ticket resellers, or fan pages—they often contain outdated or inaccurate information.

Once on the homepage, look for a clearly labeled navigation menu. In most years, there is a prominent button or banner reading “Schedule,” “Events,” or “What’s Happening.” Click this link. If you don’t see it immediately, scroll down to the main content area, where the festival often features a rotating banner or countdown timer leading to the schedule page.

Step 2: Navigate to the Current Year’s Schedule

Memphis in May releases its annual schedule in late winter or early spring. If you’re visiting the site outside of January–April and the current year’s schedule isn’t visible, look for a dropdown menu or tab labeled “Past Events” or “Archives.” This is normal—organizers typically archive previous years’ schedules while building the new one.

For the most accurate data, ensure you’re viewing the current year’s calendar. The URL often includes the year (e.g., memphisinmay.org/events/2024). If you land on a page for 2023 or earlier, manually update the URL or use the site’s internal navigation to switch to the current year. Never assume the schedule from last year will be identical—times, venues, and performers change annually.

Step 3: Use the Interactive Calendar Feature

The official website features an interactive calendar that displays all events chronologically. This tool allows you to filter by event type: Music, Food, International Festival, Community Events, and more. Hover over or click any date to reveal a pop-up with event name, time, location, ticket status, and a brief description.

Pay attention to icons or color coding—these often indicate whether an event is free, requires a ticket, or has limited capacity. For example, the Beale Street Music Festival typically uses a red icon for ticketed events and green for free public areas. The calendar is optimized for both desktop and mobile devices, so you can check it on the go.

Step 4: Download or Print the PDF Schedule

While the interactive calendar is useful, having a printable version is invaluable for planning. Scroll to the bottom of the schedule page or look for a section titled “Download Full Schedule.” Most years, Memphis in May provides a downloadable PDF that includes:

• Full event timeline (day-by-day, hour-by-hour)
• Maps of festival grounds and venue locations
• Artist lineups with set times
• Food vendor listings
• Public transit and parking recommendations

Save this PDF to your phone, tablet, and computer. Print a copy to keep in your wallet or glove compartment. The PDF is often updated as last-minute changes occur, so check the website’s “Last Updated” date before relying on it.

Step 5: Subscribe to Email Notifications

Event details can change with little notice—headliners may be added or rescheduled, weather may affect outdoor events, or parking restrictions may be updated. To stay informed, subscribe to the Memphis in May email newsletter. Look for a small form at the bottom of the homepage labeled “Stay Updated” or “Join Our Mailing List.” Enter your email address and select the option for “Event Updates” or “Festival Schedule.”

Subscribers typically receive weekly updates starting in March, with critical alerts sent 48–72 hours before major events. This is the most reliable way to receive real-time changes without constantly refreshing the website.

Step 6: Cross-Reference with Partner Sites

While the official site is primary, Memphis in May partners with local organizations such as the Memphis Tourism Bureau, the City of Memphis, and the Memphis-Shelby County Convention & Visitors Bureau. Visit visitmemphis.com and search for “Memphis in May 2024” (or current year). These partner sites often provide additional context, such as hotel packages, shuttle routes, or nearby dining recommendations.

Also check the official social media accounts of the Memphis in May Foundation on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). These platforms are used to announce surprise additions, last-minute cancellations, or crowd alerts. Follow them and turn on notifications to ensure you don’t miss urgent updates.

Step 7: Verify Event Times and Locations

One common mistake is assuming all events occur in the same location. For example:

• The Beale Street Music Festival takes place at Tom Lee Park
• The World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is held at the Memphis Cook-off Grounds near the Mississippi River
• The Sunset Symphony occurs at the Levitt Shell in Overton Park
• The International Festival is hosted at the Memphis Botanic Garden

Always verify the exact address using Google Maps or Apple Maps. Search for the venue name, not just the event. Some events have multiple stages or satellite locations. For instance, the International Festival may include pop-up booths at downtown hotels or cultural centers. Note the zip code and nearest cross streets to avoid confusion.

Step 8: Plan Around Traffic and Parking

Memphis in May transforms downtown into a pedestrian-heavy zone. Traffic patterns change dramatically, and many streets close to vehicles on event days. The official schedule includes a “Transportation & Parking” section, but it’s often buried. Look for a link titled “Plan Your Visit” or “Getting Here.”

Key tips:

• Arrive early—parking fills up by 9 a.m. on festival weekends
• Use designated park-and-ride lots with shuttle service
• Consider rideshare apps like Uber or Lyft, but expect surge pricing
• Check the city’s public transit schedule (MATA) for extended bus hours during the festival

Do not rely on street parking near Beale Street—it’s strictly enforced and often reserved for vendors and VIPs.

Step 9: Bookmark and Organize Your Schedule

Once you’ve gathered all the information, organize it for easy access:

• Create a folder on your phone labeled “Memphis in May 2024” and store the PDF, maps, and links
• Add key events to your digital calendar (Google Calendar, Apple Calendar) with reminders 1 hour before start time
• Share the schedule with your group—assign one person to be the “schedule keeper” to avoid confusion

Pro tip: Use a note-taking app like Notion or Evernote to create a checklist with checkboxes for each event you plan to attend. This helps track progress and keeps everyone aligned.

Step 10: Confirm Final Updates 72 Hours Before Each Event

Even with all the above steps, always re-check the official website 72 hours before each major event. Weather, artist availability, or logistical changes can alter the schedule. The Memphis in May team posts a “Schedule Updates” banner at the top of the homepage if any changes occur. If you see a red alert icon, click it immediately.

Never assume your downloaded PDF is final. The website is the only living document.

Best Practices

Start Planning Early

Memphis in May is not a last-minute event. The Beale Street Music Festival alone sells over 100,000 tickets annually. Hotel rooms in downtown Memphis book out six months in advance. Begin researching the schedule as soon as it’s released—typically in February. Waiting until April means risking sold-out tickets, limited lodging, and no parking.

Use Multiple Devices

Don’t rely on a single device to access your schedule. Keep the official website bookmarked on your phone, tablet, and laptop. Use cloud syncing tools like Google Chrome or Safari to ensure your bookmarks and saved pages are accessible from anywhere. If your phone dies, you’ll still have access via a public computer or a friend’s device.

Download Offline Maps

Cell service can be spotty in crowded festival areas. Before you go, download offline maps of downtown Memphis using Google Maps or Apple Maps. Mark key locations: your hotel, the main festival entrances, restrooms, first aid stations, and food vendors. This ensures you can navigate even without internet.

Verify Ticket Sources

Only purchase tickets through the official Memphis in May website or authorized partners like Ticketmaster or AXS. Third-party resellers may charge inflated prices or sell counterfeit tickets. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always check the URL—official sites end in .org or .com and use HTTPS encryption.

Prepare for Weather

Memphis in May occurs during late spring, when temperatures can range from 60°F to 90°F with high humidity and sudden thunderstorms. The schedule doesn’t always account for weather delays. Pack a light rain jacket, sunscreen, a reusable water bottle, and a portable phone charger. Comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable—you’ll be on your feet for hours.

Respect the Cultural Significance

Memphis in May isn’t just a festival—it’s a tribute to the city’s soul. The International Festival celebrates global cultures, and the BBQ contest honors a centuries-old Southern tradition. Attend with respect. Learn about the participating countries, support local vendors, and avoid loud or disruptive behavior. This ensures the event remains welcoming and authentic for everyone.

Engage with the Community

Many events include volunteer opportunities, cultural workshops, and educational panels. Participate in these to deepen your experience. You’ll meet locals, gain insights into Memphis history, and contribute to the festival’s mission of community enrichment. Check the schedule for “Community Days” or “Cultural Exchange Hours.”

Limit Social Media Distractions

While social media is useful for updates, scrolling through feeds during events can cause you to miss live performances or queue lines. Designate specific times to check Instagram or X—such as during lunch breaks or after events. Use airplane mode during performances to stay present and capture memories without distraction.

Bring Cash and Small Bills

While many vendors accept cards, some food booths, merch stands, and tipping jars operate on cash only. Bring $50–$100 in small denominations. ATMs are available, but lines can be long. Also, note that some events have “cash-only” zones to speed up transactions.

Know the Rules

The official schedule includes a “Festival Guidelines” section. Review it before attending. Prohibited items include:

• Glass containers
• Large backpacks or coolers
• Professional cameras or drones
• Weapons or illegal substances

Security checks are strict. Arrive early to pass through metal detectors and bag inspections without rushing.

Tools and Resources

Official Memphis in May Website

memphisinmay.org is the cornerstone of all schedule-related information. It is updated daily during the festival season and includes downloadable resources, FAQs, and accessibility accommodations.

Memphis Tourism Bureau

visitmemphis.com offers curated itineraries, lodging packages, and dining guides aligned with the Memphis in May schedule. Their “Festival Planner” tool lets you build a personalized itinerary based on your interests.

Google Maps + Offline Mode

Use Google Maps to save venue locations and get walking directions. Enable offline maps for downtown Memphis. Search for “Tom Lee Park,” “Memphis Botanic Garden,” and “Levitt Shell” and save them to your “Favorites.”

Apple Calendar / Google Calendar

Create a dedicated calendar titled “Memphis in May 2024.” Add every event with location, time, and notes. Set reminders 2 hours and 15 minutes before each event. Sync it across all your devices.

Weather Apps

Use AccuWeather or the National Weather Service app to monitor forecasts for Memphis. The festival runs through May, when thunderstorms are common. Check the forecast daily and adjust your plans accordingly.

Public Transit App: MATA

The Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) offers extended service during Memphis in May. Download the MATA app to view real-time bus locations, route maps, and schedules. Look for special “Festival Express” routes that run every 15 minutes from major parking lots.

PDF Reader Apps

Install a reliable PDF reader like Adobe Acrobat Reader or Foxit MobilePDF on your phone. These apps allow you to search the schedule PDF for keywords like “BBQ,” “music,” or “symphony,” making it easy to find events quickly.

Barcode Scanner Tools

If you’ve purchased digital tickets, use your phone’s built-in camera or a barcode scanner app (like Barcode Scanner by ZXing Team) to quickly load your ticket at entry gates. This reduces wait times and avoids scanning issues.

Portable Power Bank

With constant map use, photo taking, and app checking, your phone battery drains quickly. Carry a 10,000mAh power bank. Charge it fully the night before each event day.

Local Radio and Podcasts

Listen to 92.9 FM The Wolf or WKNO Public Radio for live updates during the festival. Some local podcasts, like “The Memphis Podcast,” feature behind-the-scenes interviews and schedule tips from organizers.

Volunteer Network

Volunteers stationed throughout the festival grounds wear bright yellow shirts and are trained to answer questions. If you’re unsure where to go, approach one. They often know real-time updates not yet posted online.

Real Examples

Example 1: The 2023 Beale Street Music Festival

In 2023, the Beale Street Music Festival announced a last-minute headliner change: the band “The Black Keys” replaced “The Killers” due to illness. The update was posted on the official website at 10:47 a.m. on Thursday, May 11—just 48 hours before the Friday night show. Attendees who had subscribed to the email list received the alert immediately. Those who relied on outdated social media posts or last year’s schedule were confused and arrived expecting the wrong artist.

Lesson: Always verify headliners on the official site within 72 hours of the event.

Example 2: The 2022 International Festival Weather Delay

On Saturday, May 21, 2022, a severe thunderstorm forced the cancellation of the International Festival’s outdoor performances. The official website updated the schedule at 2:15 p.m., moving all events indoors to the Memphis Botanic Garden’s conservatory. Email subscribers received the update within 12 minutes. Those who only checked their printed PDFs were unaware until arriving at the venue.

Lesson: Printed schedules are static. Digital updates are dynamic. Always cross-check.

Example 3: Parking Confusion in 2021

Many attendees in 2021 arrived at Tom Lee Park expecting street parking. Unaware that all nearby streets were closed, they circled for over an hour. The official schedule had included a “Park & Ride” map, but few downloaded it. Those who did used the designated lots at AutoZone Park and took free shuttles, arriving with time to spare.

Lesson: The schedule includes logistics—not just events. Read every page.

Example 4: The 2024 Barbecue Contest Surprise

In early 2024, the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest added a new “Youth Cook-Off” category for teens. This was announced via Instagram and email but not immediately reflected on the main schedule page. Attendees who followed the official Instagram account saw the announcement first and arrived early to watch the competition.

Lesson: Follow the official social media accounts. They often break news before the website updates.

Example 5: First-Time Attendee Success Story

Emily, a college student from Nashville, planned her first Memphis in May trip in February. She:

• Visited memphisinmay.org and downloaded the 2024 PDF
• Added all events to her Google Calendar with reminders
• Downloaded offline maps and saved the MATA bus routes
• Subscribed to email alerts
• Printed a copy and kept it in her backpack

On the day of the Beale Street Music Festival, she arrived at 3 p.m., used the park-and-ride shuttle, and caught the entire headliner set. She even found a hidden food truck serving authentic Nigerian jollof rice—a featured vendor from the International Festival. Her careful planning turned a weekend trip into a life-changing cultural experience.

FAQs

When is the Memphis in May schedule released each year?

The official schedule is typically published in late February or early March. The Memphis in May Foundation announces the lineup and dates via press release and social media. If it’s January and you don’t see the schedule yet, it’s not available—don’t rely on rumors or unofficial sources.

Is the Memphis in May schedule free to access?

Yes. All schedule information on memphisinmay.org is free. You do not need to pay to view event times, locations, or descriptions. Only specific events (like the Beale Street Music Festival) require tickets. The schedule itself is always free.

Can I get a printed copy of the schedule at the event?

Yes. Free printed schedules are available at information kiosks throughout downtown Memphis during the festival. However, quantities are limited, and lines can be long. It’s better to print your own in advance.

What if I miss an event because the schedule changed?

Unfortunately, Memphis in May does not offer refunds or credits for events you miss due to schedule changes. Always verify updates through official channels. If a performer cancels, the festival may offer a replacement act—but this is not guaranteed.

Are children’s events included in the schedule?

Yes. The schedule includes family-friendly events like the Kids’ Zone at Tom Lee Park, storytelling tents, and interactive art installations. These are marked with a small icon (often a smiling sun or cartoon figure).

How do I know if an event is rain or shine?

Most outdoor events are “rain or shine.” The only exceptions are those explicitly labeled “Weather Dependent.” If a storm is forecast, check the official website for updates. Never assume an event is canceled unless stated.

Can I bring my pet to the festival?

No. Pets are not permitted at any Memphis in May event except for certified service animals. This is for safety, sanitation, and crowd control. Leave your pets at home.

Is there an app for the Memphis in May schedule?

As of 2024, there is no official standalone app. All information is delivered through the website and email. Beware of third-party apps claiming to offer the schedule—they are unofficial and may be unreliable.

How far in advance should I book accommodations?

Book at least 4–6 months in advance, especially if you want to stay downtown. Hotels fill quickly, and prices rise sharply as the festival approaches. Consider staying in nearby suburbs like Germantown or Collierville and using the park-and-ride shuttles.

What if I have accessibility needs?

Memphis in May offers ADA-compliant access to all venues. The schedule includes a dedicated accessibility page with details on wheelchair rentals, sign language interpreters, sensory-friendly zones, and accessible restrooms. Contact the organization via the website’s “Accessibility” form for personalized assistance.

Conclusion

Finding the Memphis in May schedule isn’t just about checking a calendar—it’s about immersing yourself in a cultural phenomenon that celebrates music, food, heritage, and community. The difference between a good experience and a great one often comes down to preparation. By following the steps outlined in this guide—starting with the official website, verifying updates, using digital tools, and respecting the event’s significance—you position yourself to make the most of every moment.

Memphis in May is more than a festival. It’s a living tapestry of Southern tradition and global connection. The schedule is your map to that world. Don’t rely on guesswork or outdated sources. Use the tools provided, stay informed through official channels, and plan with intention. Whether you’re dancing under the stars at Beale Street, savoring smoky ribs at the BBQ contest, or learning about Thai culture at the International Festival, your experience will be richer when you’re fully prepared.

As you prepare for your next visit, remember: the best way to find the Memphis in May schedule is not to search for it—but to know where to look. And now, you know.