The Mempho Music Festival will return Oct. 3–5 at the Radians Amphitheater inside the Memphis Botanic Garden.
Headliners are Widespread Panic and Tyler Childers. Other acts include Sierra Farrell, Lukas Nelson, Mavis Staples, Galactic, and John R. Miller. Widespread Panic will be headlining two nights of the festival, on Friday, Oct. 3, and Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Adams Keegan Stage. Mempho Presents producer Jeff Bransford also hinted at another artist joining the band during their sets.
Now in its eighth year, the festival has grown into one of Memphis’ signature fall events, drawing thousands of visitors from across the region. Past editions have attracted crowds topping 20,000 over the course of the weekend, providing a significant boost to hotels, restaurants, and local businesses.
VIP packages this year include reserved parking, a dedicated entrance, exclusive viewing areas, and air-conditioned restrooms.
Tickets are available for purchase on the festival’s official website. Current prices are:
- 3-Day General Admission: $305
- 3-Day VIP: $935
- 2-Day General Admission (any two days): $225
- 2-Day VIP (any two days): $640
- Single-Day General Admission: $150
- Single-Day VIP: $325
Organizers say the festival continues to contribute to Memphis’ reputation as a premier destination for live music. “Events like Mempho not only showcase the city’s musical heritage but also generate meaningful economic activity for the region,” a spokesperson said.
Local businesses benefit directly from the influx of visitors. Hotels near East Memphis and Downtown often see increased bookings during the festival weekend, while restaurants along Poplar Avenue and in Overton Square report higher traffic. Memphis International Airport also typically sees a bump in regional air travel as out-of-town guests fly in for the event.
The festival has positioned itself as an economic driver in the city’s fall tourism season, helping highlight Memphis’ music legacy in a competitive live-events market.
