About Memphis
The second-largest city in Tennessee, Memphis in many ways can be considered the birthplace of the Blues. A regional center for commerce, education, media, art, and entertainment, Memphis has several museums, culture centers, and event venues available for rent. The city has warm summers and cool winters.
The capital city of the blues and rock n’ roll, Memphis has been the home of good music for the longest time! Whether it’s the iconic Beale Street, the star-studded Sun Studios, or Elvis’ Graceland estate, Memphis is a must-visit for any music fan. But not all things Memphis are about sound. The Memphis Barbecue draws in its fair share of tourists too. Put all this together and you’ve got yourself a happening event destination.
Event Options in Memphis
Memphis is a star-studded city with ever-growing nightlife and social culture. The city is home to good food, entertainment, and people. Memphis also hosts several hundreds of events annually, and the city has an event ecosystem you can lean on for your event venue and planning needs. And there are a few things that you might want to consider for your function here.
- Venue Choices
Memphis has all sorts of venues to choose from for live events and hybrid events. Whether it’s large halls, open landscapes, or themed venues, you have plenty of choices here.
- Rental Services
Your event would need speakers, microphones, camera equipment, lighting, and maybe even a stage setup. Well, Memphis has you covered! With plenty of choices for equipment rentals, you’re certain to find whatever you’re looking for.
- Transportation
Driving in Memphis is not for tourists. At times, neither is it for the locals. The city has bad road manners and hiring a transport service will go a long way in ensuring your guests and VIPs arrive on time. These services also provide airport pickups and drop too. And if you’re serving alcohol, then trust us, hiring this is a necessity!
- Décor Services
An event space without décor doesn’t have the right vibe and atmosphere for any event. This is why we highly recommend hiring a talented planner. These professionals will ensure foot traffic is smooth and will set up your Memphis event space to your specs. They also usually have contacts for décor and furniture rentals depending on your needs and theme.
Event Companies in Memphis
With plenty to choose from, you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to finding event partners in Memphis. From full-service companies to smaller businesses, how you want to partner for your gathering is your call to make.
- LEO Events
An award-winning, woman-owned business, LEO Events have a reputation for bringing events to life. With over a decade of experience in the event industry, LEO Events have created several mind-blowing experiences for several clients and are also equipped to handle virtual events too. Whether it’s entertainment or something small, the team is ready to make your dream function come true.
- Proshow Systems
Founded in 1989, ProShow systems are a leading production services company that offers the highest quality audio, lighting, video, and backline technology. The team will fully handle all your equipment needs for concert tours, festivals, or any other event you might be using your event space for. The team can also help design and install video walls, live setups, and have experience organizing corporate events too.
- Donelson’s Catering
A full-service catering company with two decades of experience, Donelson’s catering promises good food at great prices. The team has catered to all kinds of events including corporate affairs, wedding receptions, birthday parties, grand openings, and a whole lot more. The caterers are fully prepared to accommodate your guests and can handle menu planning, preparation, production, and post-meal cleanup.
Pros and Cons of Events in Memphis
Memphis is a musical wonderland and a great place to hold any type of function. There are pros and cons you can consider.
Advantages
- No state income tax for residents
You read that right. Tennessee residents don’t have to pay any state income tax, and this makes it a great reason for locals to host events.
- Great music culture
Tennessee is all about its music culture. Whether it’s blues, rock n roll, or jazz, the city is brimming with musical talent.
- Foodie paradise
Memphis can play your taste buds like a violin. The city has some incredible restaurants and caterers that can help with your event.
- Plenty of entertainment
You will never run out of entertainment options in Memphis. The city is home to all kinds of music, sports, and other events.
Disadvantages
- Driving culture
Driving habits in Memphis are notoriously bad and most routes in downtown Memphis are one-way streets. Non-locals will have a tough time driving here.
- Traffic and public transport
A below-average public transportation system has given rise to horrible traffic in Memphis. Expecting delays is common here.
- Violent weather
Tornadoes, violent storms, heatwaves, nothing is off the table in Memphis.
- Tourist population
There are plenty of tourists during the weekend, and this can be both a boon or a bane for your event.
Famous Locations in Memphis
- Mississippi River Park and Museum
Also known as Mud Island and Festival Island, this three-quarter-mile-long island shows the course of the Mississippi all the way from Cairo, Illinois to the Gulf of Mexico. This scaled-down version requires visitors to hop aboard a pedal boat while enjoying the beautiful landscape all around. The museum also houses excellent galleries, an amphitheater, walking and bike trails, and a reproduction of an 1870s steamboat.
- Beale Street
Nicknamed The Home of the Blues, Beale Street is home to iconic attractions like the Memphis Rock n Soul Museum and WC Handy’s House. The area is known for its musical prowess and is stepped-in stories and exhibits of local music legends, instruments, and other memorabilia. There are also several restaurants and eateries here. If you like the vibes of this area, book a spacious, photogenic event venue with private parking as your next event space in Memphis.
- Memphis Zoo
One of four zoos in America where you can see a giant panda, the Memphis Zoo is home to over 500 species. Popular inhabitants include polar bears, sea lions, black bears, ravens, lions, tigers, cheetahs, and antelopes. Guided tours and behind-the-scenes tours are also available for you to partake in. A nature buff would have a wonderful time here!
