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Overton Park, a 342-acre public park in Midtown Memphis, is home to several of Memphis’ most popular, family-friendly attractions, including the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, the Memphis Zoo, and Rust Hall, the future home of the second campus of the Metal Museum. It is also the location of Overton Park Shell, an open-air amphitheater that hosts a variety of concerts, performances, and other live entertainment throughout the year.
The Overton Park Shell, or the Shell, as Memphians call it, is one of only a few old “band shell” venues remaining in America, left over from a Works Progress Administration grant in the mid-1930s.
“The Shell was constructed to provide entertainment and enjoyment in an otherwise uncertain time,” said Shelby Smith, senior manager of marketing and communications. Ninety years later, the Shell is still cranking the volume, offering seasonal entertainment that includes a free concert series, their Shell Yeah! paid concert series, and health and wellness programming.
“When you visit the Shell, you can feel that everyone really loves where they are,” Smith said. Each concert at the Shell is an experience: Neighbors, families, and friends spread out on the lawn with picnics, blankets, and chairs to enjoy a shared experience.
The Shell is one of only a few old “band shell” venues remaining in America, left over from a Works Progress Administration grant in the mid-1930s.
The Shell books musical acts spanning all genres, including blues, country, international, jazz, hip-hop, and more. “We’re extremely intentional about being diverse.
We want the diversity of the acts to represent the diversity of the community that we are caring for,” Smith said. In 1954, a young Elvis Presley took the stage at the Shell, performing what is considered one of, if not the first, live rock ‘n’ roll shows. In 1969, the Shell hosted the first Memphis Country Blues Festival, which returned to the lineup in 2025.
Other popular events include Sunset Symphony, a night of classical music with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, and the annual Tambourine Bash.
Events at the Shell are family-friendly, and the venue encourages visitors to bring children and dogs to the concerts. Smith said, “We love to host children and watch them get pulled up on stage. They dance, make new friends, and connect with other Memphians.” The Shell features a puppy bar for four-legged friends, stocked with water bowls and dog treats. To increase access for all Memphians, the Shell offers the Shell on Wheels, a mini concert venue that travels to different citywide events.
When asked what she wants new Memphians to know about the city, Smith doesn’t hesitate. “In Memphis, we’re all in this together, moving the needle forward.
Business owners, organizations, and people are all investing in the culture of our city. We want to see Memphis thrive.
“As a community, we support our local artists and make sure our touring artists know that Memphis is not a stop to be ignored.”