From riverfront sunsets to free art and music, these local favorites offer culture without a ticket. Use this curated list to plan days that feel distinctly Memphis—then go explore.
Free Attractions in Memphis (2025)
12 Places
From riverfront sunsets to free art and music, these local favorites offer culture without a ticket. Use this curated list to plan days that feel distinctly Memphis—then go explore.
Dixon Gallery & Gardens
Art museum
An intimate art museum and 17-acre garden that’s free for good, with seasonal blooms and rotating exhibits. Frequently highlighted by Southern Living and praised by local arts writers for community programs.
Old Forest State Natural Area
Nature preserve
A rare old-growth forest in the city, managed by Overton Park Conservancy. Free trails lead through a protected ecosystem celebrated by Tennessee Vacation and state natural-area listings.
Big River Crossing
Hiking area
Nearly a mile of free walkway over the Mississippi with skyline views and nightly Mighty Lights. Featured by Memphis Travel; official site confirms free daily access 6 a.m.–10 p.m.
Tom Lee Park Playground
Playground
A reimagined riverfront park with public art, courts, and a standout playground—free daily. Covered by national outlets for its design; Memphis River Parks lists hours and frequent free fitness programs.
I AM A MAN Plaza
Memorial park
A powerful public artwork honoring the 1968 sanitation workers’ strike beside historic Clayborn Temple. Recognized by the U.S. Civil Rights Trail and produced with community input via UrbanArt Commission.
Overton Park Shell
Live music venue
The 1936 amphitheater hosts the free Orion concert series—bring a blanket and picnic. Noted by Southern Living for Elvis’s first paid gig here; the Shell’s calendar confirms free shows all season.
Elmwood Cemetery
Cemetery
A Victorian garden cemetery and Level II arboretum where walking the grounds is always free. The official site confirms hours; Southern Living has spotlighted its unique cradle gardens.
Memphis Farmers Market
Permanently closed
Free to attend every Saturday April–November under Central Station’s pavilion. The nonprofit market mixes local farms, makers, live music, and community programs—regularly recommended by local editors.
Beale St
Notable street
Wander the storied blues corridor for free and hear music spill into the street. Memphis Travel notes most visits are free; a modest security fee applies only on select nights.
The Peabody Memphis
Hotel
A beloved Memphis ritual: the Duckmaster leads the ducks to the lobby fountain at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily. Free to watch, and widely covered by travel media; the hotel site confirms times.
Shelby Farms Park
Park
One of America’s largest urban parks is free to enter, with miles of trails, lakes, and the Greenline. Celebrated by Memphis Travel; the Conservancy lists frequent free fitness offerings.
Metal Museum
Museum
Perched on the bluff with river views, the grounds and outdoor sculpture garden are always free. Memphis Travel highlights this; monthly Whet Thursdays offer periodic free museum access.
