Midtown

Overton Square/East End

photo of sign for Overton Square in Memphis
Overton Square is one of Midtown's entertainment areas. © Karen Pulfer Focht

Located in the heart of Midtown, Overton Square boasts its own entertainment district as well as an abundance of public art. Broadway-style productions are put on at Playhouse on the Square, while Ballet Memphis thrills with mixed-repertoire programs and performances of seasonal favorites like The Nutcracker.

Just south of Overton Park in Midtown lies Overton Square, the city’s theater district and a hub for entertainment of all types, from piano bar crooning to celebrations of opera and the annual Indie Memphis Film Festival. 

photo of sign for Overton Square in Memphis
Overton Square is one of Midtown's entertainment areas. © Karen Pulfer Focht

Playhouse on the Square produces a standout lineup including Broadway musicals, small plays and productions adapted from classic films. The current season featured The Wizard of Oz and Jersey Boys.

And at Lafayette’s Music Room, scheduled performances include everything from rock and soul to big band sounds and tribute acts.

Many of Overton Square’s restaurants also feature live music and, of course, lively happy hours. Cuisine runs the gamut from grass-fed burgers at Belly Acres to Southern-Latin fusion at Babalu.