Sun Studio
When Sam Phillips opened the Sun Recording Studio in 1950, he probably never guessed at the worldwide impact his business venture would produce.
One of the best times of the year for music and food lovers is Memphis In May, a month long festival in everybody's favorite Tennessee hotspot. Four huge events are spread out across the month, making sure that anytime a traveler sets foot in Memphis during the month that something exciting is going to be going on. For travelers interested, we've set up a list of the festivities planned and the best places to stay to enjoy it all.
Beale Street Music Festival
No matter what tastes in music a traveler may have, the Beale Street Music Festival is sure to provide for them with over 50 professional artists performing. An entire range of artists are covered, with the Allman Brothers Band opening the festival on May 4th with Academy Award winning Three 6 Mafia and many others. If Southern Rock and Rap are not in your preference, don't worry. There are still a variety of artists from Jerry Lee Lewis to Chevelle, and that's only in the first day of this three day extravaganza! More information on the musical roots of Memphis can be found during the Sun Studio Guided Tour.
International Week
The week immediately after the music festival is always reserved for a week long celebration of the heritage and culture of a nation. Area restaurants and attractions will be themed appropriately for the nation so that the community and visitors can experience the world while staying in Memphis. Previous years have included Morocco in 1999 and Korea, with this year's country of choice being Spain. A pleasant note about this festival is that is actually focused more on the children. The goal of the International Weeks each year is for area students to have experienced at least 12 different countries by the time they graduate high school.
Barbecue
To say that there is also a food festival during Memphis In May is an understatement, as it hosts the world's largest pork barbecue cooking contest. The World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest has received national coverage from Good Morning America to the Wall Street Journal and more. Thousands of contestants show up to cook, all vying to win and claim international recognition. Also during this competition is the Miss Piggy competition, where grown men dress up in drag, wear snouts, and sing barbecue songs. Barbecue and hilarity make for a perfect combination that draws thousands each year, so don't miss out. The Hard Rock Cafe is a great restaurant to visit during a trip to the contest.
Sunset Symphony
The last, but definitely not least, event is a spectacular performance put on by the Memphis Symphony Orchestra during the final weekend of May. Their beautiful performances are an incredible addition to a festival filled month that may have many exhausted from over-enjoyment. As the event name hints, guests are welcome to bring picnic dinners to the performance to watch the sun set to the sounds of the symphony.
Nearby Hotels
Comfort Inn Downtown
Peabody Memphis
Marriot Downtown
Doubletree Hotel Memphis Downtown
