The list of reasons to book a trip to Memphis in 2025 is already extensive: soulful music attractions, cool and creative hotels, vibrant nightlife, and some of the best BBQ dishes in the world – and with a spate of new hotels, restaurants and events launching, the home of Blues, Soul & Rock’n’Roll should definitely be on the must-travel list for Aussie travellers next year.
Hotel updates
- Aloft Downtown Memphis opened its doors in October and is the ultimate new spot for those wanting direct access to all that Downtown has to offer. This ultra-modern property uses tech-savvy amenities, including robotic bellhops and mobile room keys, to provide guests with a seamless stay. The hotel also features an on-site golf course and a rooftop bar.
- Memphis is ready to welcome the chic Dream Hotels brand to Main St., with plans to open in 2025. The hotel property will include a swimming pool, apartments and a restaurant, all located a stone’s throw from Beale Street, Orpheum Theatre, and the Memphis Music Hall of Fame.
- Steeped in history and rumoured to be haunted, the iconic Hotel Pontotoc, a downtown Memphis landmark built in 1906, is set to undergo a transformative revival and reopen in spring 2025. The hotel will be redesigned to feature a ground-floor restaurant, 10 boutique hotel rooms, and 3 cosy Airbnb rooms.
- Arrive Memphis, located in the trendy South Main neighbourhood, has been awarded a Michelin Key (similar to Michelin Stars for restaurants). A former warehouse and art school, Arrive was designed with the artsy vibe that South Main is so well-known for. Travellers will have close access to a range of hot restaurants such as Central BBQ, the haunted Earnestine & Hazel’s and Elvis’ favourite, The Arcade Restaurant.
- Central Station Memphis, named one of the top two hotels in the South by Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards, is due to welcome a new restaurant on the ground floor later this year.
New Restaurants and Bars
As the BBQ capital of the world, Memphis knows how to do food – but beyond finger-licking BBQ, Memphis dining is also becoming known for fine dining, street food, and a growing vegan scene. Travellers are spoilt for choice, and there are new restaurants and bars popping up every month. Some of the latest openings include:
- Mary’s Bar of Tropical Escapism, or Mary’s B.O.T.E. for short, is a tiki-inspired cocktail bar in Midtown, decked out in tropical vibes, festive glassware, cocktails and small bites.
- Located in the Edge District, JEM Dining aims to take elevated fine dining and make it approachable with a menu of comfort food made with local and seasonal ingredients.
- The local favourite establishment Mahogany Memphis has opened a second venue on Mud Island, with an elegant upstairs bar and patio dining facing the river serving up its upscale Southern Cuisine with a dash of Creole.
Events in 2025
- Elvis Presley’s 90th Birthday (January): The former home turned museum, Graceland puts on a series of events to celebrate the late King’s birthday, including a Candlelit Concert, live music in the Jungle Room Bar, plus a new exhibit with 90 curated artifacts launches and will be available for the duration of 2025.
- Memphis in May: Returning for another year, the 2025 lineup boasts the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, River Beat Music Festival, and the Great American River Run.
- Summer Festivals and Events: With its long musical history, it’s no surprise that Memphis comes alive in summer with a long list of vibrant city festivals, concerts and other events to keep both locals and visitors entertained. From rooftop parties on top of the historic Peabody Hotel, to the packed schedule of free concerts in the Overton Park Shell or the Live at the Garden in the Radians Amphitheater, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
- Elvis Week (August): It’s one of the biggest events in Memphis and results in tens of thousands of Elvis fans converging in the city to commemorate the late King of Rock’n’Roll. Details TBC.
- B. King’s 100th Birthday (September): Nicknamed the King of the Blues, B.B. King was one of the most important names in R&B music in the 1950s. BB King’s Blues Club on Beale Street will celebrate BB King’s 100th birthday with live music and family-friendly activities on Sept. 14, then a hologram concert on Sept. 18. To commemorate the singer, there will be a range of events happening in Memphis (more details TBC), and The B.B. King Blues Band has announced a tour around the country to share his music.
- Food festivals: With its diverse culinary scene, it’s no surprise that a wide range of food festivals and events take place across the year. Memphis Chicken and Beer Festival, World Barbecue Championship, Summer Cocktail Festival, Craft Food & Wine Festival, and the Memphis Vegan Festival are just a few of the events taking place in Memphis, giving visitors the opportunity to discover why Memphis is so well-known for its food.
Explore more of Memphis here: https://www.memphistravel.com/
To request images, please sign up to the Memphis Tourism image library here: https://memphistourism.barberstock.com/
Memphis quick facts
Tennessee’s second-largest city, the vibrant city of Memphis is famous for its music, great food (and we’re not just talking the amazing BBQ), and its significant place in America’s history of civil rights. Exceptional hotels, and something to please every type of traveller await in Memphis.
Australians can travel to Memphis via:
United Airlines: Sydney – Houston – Memphis (or from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne via LAX or SFO
American Airlines (and Qantas codeshare): Sydney – LAX – Dallas Fort Worth – Memphis;
Melbourne/Sydney – Dallas Fort Worth – Memphis
Brisbane – Dallas Fort Worth – Memphis (October – March seasonal route)
Delta Airlines: Sydney – LAX – Minneapolis – Memphis
Air New Zealand: via AKL – Houston – Memphis
