Gay Memphis
Jazz, Blues, and Rock n Roll are the voices of the highly-cultured city of Memphis. Located along the Mississippi River, Memphis also boasts quite a gorgeous location.
Memphis has an active art scene with artwork, murals, and artistic performances throughout the city. There are a plethora of venues that echo the art and music of the past while staying modern and au currant today.
Well-deserving of a spot on your bucket list, "Memphis in May" is a month-long event featuring The Beale Street Music Festival, The World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, and the Sunset Symphony!
Photo Credit: Heidi Kaden
What do you want to discover?
Top Things to See and Do in Memphis
MUST DO: Attractions & Activities
MUST VISIT: Gay-Friendly Bars & Nightlife
Local Expert: Gay Scene in Memphis
Memphis has a colorful and thriving gay scene. The locals are friendly, outgoing, and very welcoming.
Throughout Memphis, you will find many LGBTQ-owned businesses, such as coffee shops, boutiques, art galleries, and more. There is even an active LGBTQ community center that organizes special events to encourage the community to join in, reach out, and mingle with one another. They even throw weekly social events to help the community get to know each other and either network with different groups or hang out and get to know their neighbors. The locals stay active in their community, which can be seen and felt while exploring the city. You'll feel right at home!
Photo Credit: Joshua J Cotten
Best Time to Visit Memphis
The best time to visit Memphis is between April to May, and October to November. These times offer the perfect window to experience a comfortable Spring/Summer and a colorful Fall. Summers are known to become hot, and winters chillingly cold. So be sure to pick the optimal time for the best overall experience.
Top Things to See and Do in Memphis
MUST DO Memphis Attractions & Activities
There are plenty of activities that you can do while visiting Memphis. You can spend the day taking in the colorful art scene throughout the city. For the history buff, you can learn about Memphis' history and its involvement in the Civil Rights Movement. For the music lover, you can immerse yourself in Memphis' rock and roll roots. Plenty of bars, restaurants, and venues offer live music. The best thing about Memphis is that it is a very walkable city. So you will be able to walk from venue to venue and area to area with ease!
MUST EAT Memphis Gay-Friendly Dining
Memphis is well-known for its barbecue and "Memphis-style" barbecue sauce. Barbecue is taken very seriously in Memphis, and the locals are proud of their tangy concoctions. You can find traditional barbecue options and surprising options such as barbecue nachos, pizza, and even barbecue spaghetti! After you finish having all the barbecue you can eat, Memphis also offers Southern-style cooking and Soul food restaurants. Take a look around, and follow your nose where it leads you.
MUST VISIT: Memphis Gay-Friendly Bars & Nightlife
Memphis has a vibrant and thriving gay nightlife scene with a multitude of bars, clubs, and lounges. The local LGBTQ+ community outreach group hosts a variety of themed party nights and events to help bring the community together. Downtown and Midtown are good places to start your night and see where the night takes you. Along the way, you might find that you run into a venue showcasing LGBT singers/songwriters!
Photo Credit: Terrance Raper
Travel Safety Tips
While it's always wise to practice common sense while traveling, Memphis is considered an enjoyable and safe place. The locals are friendly, the food is delicious, and the music is rocking! While visiting, it’s always smart to practice common sense travel tips. Use your hotel safe to lock up any valuables you may have. Make sure you lock your car while you walk away, and at night make sure you walk through well-lit areas. Finally, remember how to get back to your room. After a long night of barbecue and rock and roll, you’ll need to make it back to your room!
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