I absolutely enjoyed the Memphis Labor Council Picnic! The vibe was amazing, the Overton Park Shell was the perfect space, and the local performers did exactly what Memphis is known for--GREAT MUSIC! The energy was incredible, and I loved seeing local talent represented. Atmosphere for all AGES! There was also plenty of free food--burgers, hot dogs, bologna, smoked sausage, spaghetti, potato salad, slaw, and more. Since I don't eat meat, my options were basically potato salad and slaw, so I would love to see a few more meatless options at future events. My only real complaint was the HEAT! Whew! August in Memphis from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. is HOT. I would definitely suggest moving the hours earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon/evening next year. Other than the heat, I loved every bit of it. Great music, great people, great atmosphere, plenty of food, and an awesome Memphis vibe. This was an amazing community event, and I would definitely attend again--just hopefully at a cooler time of day! read more

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A Sunset Symphony concert at the Levitt Shell was the perfect way for us to end our stay in Memphis. With a stop at the Brooks beforehand, the Shell has history! Elvis gave his first public performance here, and the summer concert series goes back generations. This is a family friendly activity make sure to fill the donation buckets to keep it going. Bring your chairs, blankets, it gets crowded early! There were some local food trucks, but some people bring their own food, Ravinia style. We loved the music program of pop hits going back a few decades, some symphony standards, and some singers gave us chills. Walkin' in Memphis with full singers? "What's Goin' On" with Symphony backing the score? Shell, Yeah! read more

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One of the best live music experiences in Memphis. I've seen Stax Music Academy as well as other big and local artists there. I'd go any day! read more

Overton Park Shell - Stax Music Academy Concert! - Music Venues Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

I've been in Memphis for 26+ years and I had never been to the Shell! My wife and I went to see Morgan James who was performing as part of Overton Park's Summer free concert series. We'd seen Morgan back in March at the Green Room so there was no way we were going to miss her in October at such a cool venue! Our only mistake was sitting down front. While you get a nice, close-up view of the performers, there is the problem of the concrete area in front of the stage. People tend to congregate there, which is very distracting and at times out right blocks your view. We will absolutely see another show there but we will setup further up the hill. Make sure you take some lawn chairs with you and we found the low beach kind really comfortable. read more

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It's been a very long time since I attended a "Sunset Symphony" in Memphis. So long that my last overlooked the Mighty Mississippi. However the Overton Park Shell is a perfect spot. Situated right behind the Brooks Museum and within the beautiful Overton Park. The evening was full of wonderful music, people picnicking and children playing. What a great culmination to Memphis in May Celebrations. read more

Overton Park Shell - Nightfall - Music Venues Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Love the free concert series here!! The vibes are always so good and fun! I usually come with friends. We bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets and some snacks and drinks! It's a really fun way to spend a summer evening. It's also pet friendly! They usually have food trucks and now they have built a really nice bar! Restrooms are also nearby and clean! (Not porta-potty) read more

Overton Park Shell - Music Venues Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Love the shell! Neighborhood gem . Fun for the family! Perfect outdoor venue:) Many fun memories, with great photo ops. Rolling down that hill :))) read more

Attended a concert and the whole place was wonderful. Sounds was awesome, great sight lines, plenty of restrooms and all the staff were very friendly. I will definitely travel back for another concert read more

In the middle of a fantastic park we were able to catch some amazing live music for free. It was a unique experience and I highly recommend you check it out. The history behind the shell was fascinating. We were also able to buy some adult beverages which was nice after spending a hot day at the park! read more

Great little music venue...started with Friday night Opera Memphis -30 days of Opera...rather warm but do-able..not too crowded...beach chair seating after a hard week of work...arias, pops, and some creative twists ending with a creative rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody...loved it! Reminds me of a mini- Hollywood Bowl!! Returned Saturday night for The Dip from Seattle with friends, a cooler, turkey-feta sliders, champaigne, my trusty beach chair ...it was a hot-humid Memphis evening... great band, company and eats but the heat was uncomfortable and doesnt mix well with alcohol...kind of a drag for me...i cannot imagine sitting there during their "peak" season in the true summer! Not for the faint of heart! read more

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Memphis is known worldwide for its music, and it's rich music history. There is a reason the moniker of Memphis is "Home of the Blues, Birthplace of Rock & Roll" It all happened in Memphis, and it's still alive, and happening here, every night! There are many music venues here in Memphis to visit, but one of the most iconic and legendary ones to visit, has to be the Overton Park Shell. The role played by this Memphis landmark is what Memphis Music history is all about! And, it's documented, quite profusely, in the Shell's new Backstage History Experience. To quote the Shell's website: "The Shell's backstage history experience tour covers Midtown Memphis's deep live music history - from the W.C. Handy days to the amazing 'modern' music still happening at this historic venue today." Anyone who's interested in the music and history of Memphis should put this tour on the top of their list! Backstage Experience Tour -- Overton Park Shell! Memphis is known worldwide for its music, and it's rich music history. There is a reason the moniker of Memphis is "Home of the Blues, Birthplace of Rock & Roll" It all happened in Memphis, and it's still alive, and happening here, every night! There are many music venues here in Memphis to visit, but one of the most iconic and legendary ones to visit, has to be the Overton Park Shell. The role played by this Memphis landmark is what Memphis Music history is all about! And, it's documented, quite profusely, in the Shell's new Backstage History Experience. To quote the Shell's website: "The Shell's backstage history experience tour covers Midtown Memphis's deep live music history - from the W.C. Handy days to the amazing 'modern' music still happening at this historic venue today." Anyone who's interested in the music and history of Memphis should put this tour on the top of their list! Backstage Experience Tour -- Overton Park Shell Memphis is known worldwide for its music, and it's rich music history. There is a reason the moniker of Memphis is "Home of the Blues, Birthplace of Rock & Roll" It all happened in Memphis, and it's still alive, and happening here, every night! There are many music venues here in Memphis to visit, but one of the most iconic and legendary ones to visit, has to be the Overton Park Shell. The role played by this Memphis landmark is what Memphis Music history is all about! And, it's documented, quite profusely, in the Shell's new Backstage History Experience. To quote the Shell's website: "The Shell's backstage history experience tour covers Midtown Memphis's deep live music history - from the W.C. Handy days to the amazing 'modern' music still happening at this historic venue today." Anyone who's interested in the music and history of Memphis should put this tour on the top of their list! Backstage Experience Tour -- Overton Park Shell Located in Overton Park, 1928 Poplar Ave, Memphis, Tn. 38104 901-300-3011 read more

We saw The Dip play at the half shell. The shell has been around since 1936. In 1954 Elvis took the stage it what has been listed as the first ever rock and roll show. Check it out if you get a chance. read more

Overton Park Shell - Pregame - Music Venues Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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One of Memphis' hidden treasures awaits you behind the Overton Park Shell, at The Backstage Experience Tour. Let the very informative Cole Early take you through the deeply rich music scene, that took place at the Shell. The Overton Park Shell is one of Memphis' greatest assets!! read more

Great outdoor venue. Perfect for families, friends and date nights. Clear viewpoint of stage regardless of seating area. They hosts events from all genres. read more

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The Junior League of Memphis held its August kick-off meeting here tonight! It was well attended and the weather was actually nice (sorta). We had a few food trucks. I've come to Levitt Shell a few times before for free concerts. It's really nice since they remodeled and did upgrades. The music and crowd is always diverse. read more

Overton Park Shell - Music Venues Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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We took the Backstage Tour with Cole & had an absolutely fantastic time! We learned so much about the history of The Shell & who played there.... Cole was enthusiastic & entertaining! We would highly recommend this tour to anyone who has an interest in music! read more

I took the tour of the Shell and it was amazing! So much musical history! I was blown away seeing all behind scenes, pictures and memorabilia! The tour leader did a fantastic job showing us and explaining everything! Memphis has a treasure with the Shell! read more

I enjoyed the concerts on a Friday night to hear Don Bryant and the Bo Keys,very nice and plan on going this year

Overton Park Shell Museum. Go there! "The Shell" as we called it occupied a great deal of my time during my middle years alongside a tribe of music lovers and very gifted musicians. The object was to restore her and bring back the sounds that had enchanted Memphians for so many years. So many genres of sound. Save Our Shell was created to that end and in memory of John Hanrahan who had that dream but died before he saw it fullfilled. Family became a growing tribe dedicated to see that dream become reality. Weeks to months to several years of hard work made her blossom....life was breathed into her by the likes of Elvis, the Allman Brothers and band after band after band. Music of the 80's and 90's rocked and rolled that generous stage! Music lit the fire and it still burns brightly thanks to more and more who began to love this historic treasure nestled in the heart of Overton Park...a treasure in its own right. The museum wraps its arms around the colorful history and variety of sounds...music that ruled our universe. If you come to Memphis this museum is a must do. It is so very fitting for it to be behind the stage of that historical structure. Go bathe in the beauty of the Memphis sound and beyond. Musicians from all over the world have wended their way to Memphis to play on that stage and that spirit remains. I feel it every time I go there which is not nearly often enough as I am no longer in Memphis. The museum is the result of hours upon hours of research and design by yet another group that has made protecting the history their mission and they have created a beautiful must see for anyone who comes in search of the sounds that put Memphis and the Overton Park Shell on the map. I am more than grateful for those years, and to have my artwork there. Put this museum on your list if you are visiting or live in Memphis. You will come away smiling. ~Lizi Beard-Ward read more

The Overton Park Shell back stage tour is a hidden Memphis treasure! On the tour you will learn about the origin of the Shell, its history and see some amazing Memphis music memorabilia. As a life long Memphian, the Shell back stage tour was a personal magical history tour. This is the place where The King, Elvis Presley made is public debut in Memphis. When I toured, there was no charge but donations are accepted and encouraged. Do I love the Shell? Shell yeah! read more

Never mind the free live music or who's who list of past performers. I recline on the lushest, coolest grass in Memphis on a beautiful August night and watch unreleased footage of The Who (c. 1975, but could have used more Who's Next) on the front end of a meteor shower. Shooting stars are SO annoying when you're trying to watch Keith Moon... Three weeks prior, I'm watching the Talking Heads' "Stop Making Sense" here while eating bison tacos from Fuel's food truck. My friend brings me a Newcastle he just paid $3 for. This Must Be The Place, indeed. I defy you to replicate, much less improve, this Memphis gem. read more

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Just awesome! FREE CONCERTS! Yes! More than 50 free concerts can be enjoyed at Memphis' favorite open-air amphitheater every year. It's awesome to order a charcuterie plate from Strano's, grab a blanket/or chairs and take in music for free on the grass near Overton Park. "The Shell" is known as the place where Elvis had his first free concert. At different times of the year, you can see concerts during the middle and end of the week or weekend, and at one point there was a concert film series. What a Memphis treasure! read more

Last week, I was fortunate to accompany famed singer/songwriter Keith Sykes to the Overton Park Shell and was given the grand tour of the "Backstage Experience" by Cole Early - just a wonderfully-composed historical document, telling the complete story of the Shell which was constructed in midtown Memphis in 1936. Audiences have been treated to the best in rock, country blues, jazz, bluegrass, folk, pop, big band and rockabilly music, as some of the biggest names in the business have performed on that stage at one time or another, including Elvis Presley's first-ever public performance in 1954. Almost every square inch of the interior of the Shell is plastered with rare photos, posters, framed record albums and newspaper clippings, telling the stories of the musicians, singers and songwriters who have appeared there over the years. The vast array of talent was simply mind-boggling, even for someone like me who calls Memphis my home and who thought I knew everything there was to know about the place. Not a stone was left unturned and I was delighted to see that the "Save Our Shell" people, led by the late John Vincent Hanrahan, David Leonard, John Larkin and crew, were given their due respect, for fighting back when plans surfaced for the Shell's demolition in the early 1980's. Without their efforts, the Shell as we know it today would now be an asphalt parking lot. 5 stars for a masterful effort by the staff of the Overton Park Shell! Tours last about an hour, are available daily (except concert days) at 12:00, 2:00 and 5:30 pm, and tickets may be purchased by going online to overtonparkshell.org/tours All proceeds go to funding the continued preservation of the Overton Park Shell. If you're visiting Memphis for the first time, put this on your list of things to see! read more

The Overton Park Shell is a Memphis gem. Anyone coming to visit must put it on their top five things to see in town, and locals should also be sure to be a part of the music culture that is past, present and future. I highly recommend the backstage tour which puts the history if this iconic venue in perspective. read more

What an incredible experience seeing great music on a historical stage. The Shell has also created an archive/museum that is so interesting. I highly recommend seeing this backstage history exhibit. Booking info is available here: https://overtonparkshell.org/tours read more

Wonderful music venue. We love to go hear local bands. Great lawn to bring chairs and coolers. The Shell history museum is wonderful. Great photos of artists that have appeared at the Shell. Go as often as you can the photos and tours change frequently. read more

The Levitt Shell is one of the best music venues in Memphis. They host 50 free concerts and numerous other events - paid concerts, film screenings, water gun fights - every year. The free shows are the best, though. It doesn't really matter who's playing - the bands are all good, even the ones you've never heard of. The point of Shell shows is that you're outside, sitting on a blanket with your friends, eating the picnic that you brought, listening to music outside with hundreds of other Memphians. The shows are very low key and family friendly (and if you want to dance, there's plenty of room near the stage). If you're going to check this item off of the 365 Things to Do in Memphis list this year, you'd better get on it - there are only eight more shows left this season. If you only pick one, make it the Stax Celebration on the 30th. read more

Overton Park Shell - Music Venues Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

I don't know how to write a review worthy of Levitt Shell but something has to be said: Levitt Shell is by far my favorite outdoor music venue. It's not oversized and with the incline you can see the stage clearly even from the very back. For a year we had the privilege of living within walking distance to the Overton Park and nothing beats walking to a free concert at Levitt Shell on a whim. As shows always start at 7ish, you can experience the transition from twilight to night sky, when the natural light and stage light contrast and intertwine--just magical. There is always a great vibe from the performers and the audience. I couldn't have asked for a better experience than the early summer night Trampled Under Foot performed. I once took a gentleman visiting from overseas there and he took home a great American experience despite knowing very little English. Levitt Shell sets the standards for all my future outdoor concert experience. read more

Overton Park Shell - Trampled Under Foot was awesome! - Music Venues Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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The Levitt Shell is probably my favorite place for live music in Memphis. We love the summer concert series as well as the bands that come from near and far to play. An added bonus...the price is right as most of the concerts are free. Expect to pay a little for the well known artists, but it won't break the budget. As well, if you do go to the free concernts, for goodness sake, donate some cash when the buckets come around. :-) You will be on a hill, so think about that when you bring your chairs. Shorter-legged chairs or a blanket might be better if you want to be closer to the stage (aka, further down the hill). Otherwise, perch at the top of the hill and you will find a little more level ground and still have a great view. One tip, we do bring our ear plugs for the times we sit closer to the stage...we're getting older and it's starting to show. (ha). There is always a single food vender at the concernts, which rotates for each one. You can check the website ahead of time to see if it will be one you like...or you can always just bring your own chow. All around great location...perfect date night, no matter what you are in to. read more

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The Levitt Shell free concerts are one of my favorite things to do in Memphis! The music is always surprisingly good for a free concert series- and occasionally a "bigger" group will play during the regular free series. It's a great place to go with friends or family and even take little ones. You can sit up close if you really want to hear the music or a little farther back if you want to be able to chat more easily. We usually take a picnic blanket, snacks, and a bottle of wine or growler of beer. If you aren't in the mood to be around a crowd of people, but want to hear some free music, you can pretty much hear from anywhere in the park. We will occasionally park somewhere else in the park and eat a meal in the back of the truck while listening in. read more

I LOVE the Levitt Shell for outdoor concerts. Every seat in the house (grassy hill) is fabulous! There are plenty of restrooms, and usually some really great food-truck-type foods. It is family friendly, and often things for the kids to do, such as bouncy balls and hula-hoops. It is such a fine place to see local musicians as well as famous musicians. The only reason I don't give 5 stars is 1.) Parking. You must get there REALLY early to get a decent spot. This place is really a local place and many mid-towners walk, so if you don't live near the park, still go, park at the Zoo, but there's a bit of a hike unless you get there early enough for street parking; and 2.) be careful after the concert when walking up toward the stage or the venders located up front off to the sides. The ground/dirt is very uneven near the concrete pad just in front of the stage. You can EASILY twist an ankle and hurt yourslef. I highly recommend bringing a flash light for walking back to your car after dark!!!! I'd probably give a 5-star rating if only this one thing could be fixed. The parking is what it is, but if you can't walk distances well, get there early. read more

Overton Park Shell - Levitt Shell: This is Jana Misener of "The Memphis Dawls". opening for Emmy Lou Harris in 2014. - Music Venues Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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Excellent outdoor venue. Great weather and is a awesome environment for an outdoor concert. The atmosphere is fantastic tonight.... read more

Overton Park Shell - Music Venues Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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What a fantastic Memphis treasure! Set in the middle of Overton Park, the shell hosts a variety of performers, spring through fall, and is one of my favorite outdoor venues. And on Sunday evenings during the summer months, there are a series of free concerts that are just awesome. Yes, I said free, folks. How cool is that? I went with my friend Carol to see Sid Selvidge and Amy Speace in June and we had such a great time. We packed up a picnic with some stuffed olives, cheese and crackers and a bottle of vino. Perfect night, perfect setting and wonderful music. Be sure to check out their website for upcoming events. read more

Overton Park Shell - Levitt Shell After Dark - Music Venues Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

Free concerts! This venue is so awesome. When I say they're free, they're totally free. There's no admission (you don't have to get tickets, you just show up), you don't even have to pay for parking. Of course this also means if you want to find a spot close by it's best to get there early. The atmosphere is very relaxed. You can bring your own food, but there's also usually food trucks too. There's always a shaved ice stand, too. As with any outdoor place, blankets or chairs are recommended, and you can bring either or both. It is also handicapped-accessible, as there are benches in the front and towards the back. Levitt Shell puts on free concerts throughout the year (excepting winter, of course). The summer series this year has over 30 concerts, so there is definitely no shortage of opportunities to go. Also, this means there is plenty of variety in terms of who performs, as well as giving exposure to bands that might otherwise play to a smaller crowd. The one downside that can seem to go without saying is the atmosphere is of course different than a typical concert. Already at outdoor concerts (such as Live at the Garden), there always tends to be people who are there to get together and socialise rather than primarily to see the show. Add in the free concert element, and depending on where you sit, you can easily be surrounded by people talking, etc. I'm not complaining about it, but rather just warning anyone ahead of time to not let it ruin your vibe or chances of having a good time. Other than that, the two things I suggest are picking a spot that's shaded by trees and bringing bug spray. You'll need it. Have fun! read more

What's that you say? Free concerts on Sundays at Levitt Shell? Count me in! I really don't know how it could get any better than this. Pack up a picnic basket and a blanket and head on over to the Shell for live music. We've gone here on numerous occasions this summer, and we always have a blast- humidity or not it is always fun. The bands have always been surprisingly good- in fact I would pay to see many of them again. There's something oddly fascinating about sitting back and taking it all in. There's usually a lot of people watching to be had here (another favorite of mine) and it never disappoints! I've witnessed quite a few fanatics at some of these concerts. I love when they forget they aren't in their living room at home- and you totally know who I am talking about. There's always one or two of them at any concert. I digress. The Levitt Shell is an amazing little piece of my Memphis. I've met a lot of locals here, and we always manage to strike up some mean conversation over our coolers and blankets. read more

Attended the Moonriver Musicfest last night with my 22 year old son thanks to scoring 2 tickets in the Yelp giveaway event. (Thanks Joelle!). We arrived around 4pm--just missing the light rain and the warning from one of the band organizers that 65 mile per hour winds were headed that way and that people should take cover. That warning drove lots to take cover in their nearby parked cars according to my friends who had been there since noon and allowed us a nice open spot to lay down our tarp right in front of them. Cue the cooler temp and the gentle breeze. Yes that's right! An unbelievably pleasant August night. The three bands we saw were Judah and the Lion, Switchfoot and Needtobreathe. All were amazing, fun, and had the crowd up and moving. Fun to watch the drone hovering above too. Highlight of the night: my son giving me a hug when we got home and saying "thanks mom! That was a great night!" Priceless! I love this sweet and humble venue. As crowded as it was yesterday, the crowd was jovial. Great food trucks and wiseacre beer. A fabulous night! read more

Overton Park Shell - Moon River Musicfest - Music Venues Near Me - Memphis, Tennessee

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The Levitt Shell is ful of such great history. So, Elvis got his start here back in 1954. The place was the center of great concerts for the longest time, fell under decrepitation, the rejuvenated after a non-profit took it over! Perfect! This is one of the only shells left in the country. Constructed in 1936, this shell in particular has weathered quite a few storms since its opening day. I loved going to the new concert series they started back a few years ago to give it all the glory it used to have way back in the day. It is most certainly the heart and has a lot of soul to give to wonderful Overton Park and music lovers all alike. read more

Tops for outdoor entertainment! Bring your cooler, bring your picnic basket, and folding chairs, and enjoy. Great sound and light system at the historic Shell, an eclectic lineup of performers, and it's FREE!!! Check the site for Fall and Spring schedules and special events. Just another thing that makes Midtown Memphis great. read more

So, when I first got to Memphis my Freshman year, they were still renovating the shell. I suppose the story is that Elvis played there. They took away a lot of the garish Elvis murals painted on the shell and coated it in white paint. They really did a nice job. The lighting especially is very nice. The shell itself is layered, so the lighting shows up in those layers on stage. It also tends to change color during concerts. Admission is free, and the food stands carry average to expensive food, depending on the stand, the night, and who is playing. I think I once saw sushi at one of the stalls. The main thing I find mildly irritating about the shell is more an issue with Overton park in general than a real issue with the shell itself. For those who don't know, other than the zoo parking, Overton park has maybe a grand total of forty parking spaces that are open to public use. The rest of the parking is curb-side. So, when the shell has a concert on Thursday night, and you have homework to do for a Friday class, well, you can imagine my frustration as a student at the college only feet away from the shell. Of course, I'd rather walk on foot on those nights, but that's another matter that our campus security keeps getting angry at us for... But all in all, a nice place. The concerts are small, mostly local bands, but most of the time, the music is worth a listen. read more

Built as part of the WPA during the Roosevelt Administration, the Levitt Shell or Overton Park Shell has had several lives and been saved from demolition by a community that has come to love the outdoor venue. Elvis, Johnny Cash and generations of Memphis musicians have 'played the park'. Now the shell is 're-opening' with an exciting program of free outdoor concerts. Note: while the address is on Poplar, the Shell is located just North of Brooks Museum, in Overton Park. read more