The 4th of July is one of the most popular holidays in America, and each city in the country put on a show to celebrate the nation's independence. Being the home of Blues, Soul & Rock'n'Roll and the Barbecue Capital of the world, Memphis knows how to throw a party and the 4th of July is no different. Travellers visiting Memphis will have a myriad of fun events, activities, and delicious food to try out during Independence Weekend. 

Rooftop parties at The Peabody Hotel 

If you're arriving early in Memphis and want to kick off the partying right away, the historic hotel The Peabody hosts parties on the rooftop on Thursdays. Join hundreds of both locals and tourists below the neon hotel signs, watching the sun set over the Mississippi River while listening to DJ Epic with the local band Formerly Known as performing the weekend before, on the 29th of June. 

Picnic at Fourth Bluff Park

As the celebrations happen at the peak of summer, the perfect way to enjoy the good weather and have easy access to all of the fun is by setting up a picnic base in one of the parks around the city. Just grab a blanket and a picnic basket filled with goodies to Forth Bluff Park or the Olive Branch Independence Day Celebrations to be smack dab in the middle of all of the fun. 

If you're looking for something to keep the kids entertained, head over to “Chimes Square” for the Overton Square Independence Celebration which features vintage fire trucks, face painting, balloon art, food vendors, music, and much more. 

Firework shows 

After a day of fun activities, locals and tourists visiting Memphis will converge around the areas with the best vantage points to see the fireworks kicking off around in the city on the evening of the 4th of July. The fireworks are launched from various locations and synchronised to music, creating a stunning visual and auditory experience. Some of the best spots to see the fireworks include a Riverboat Cruise, Graceland or in Liberty Park. 

Visit the iconic Graceland

There is no better way to experience an All-American Weekend celebrating America's independence than at the former home of the King of Rock'n'Roll, Elvis' Graceland. Graceland is throwing a massive party with a special Elvis tribute show, a gospel brunch, a Viva Las Vegas sing-along, and fireworks coordinated to Elvis' music and much more. 

Barbecues and craft beers for everyone

You can't visit Memphis without trying one of over 100 famed barbecue joints around the city and a stop at either of them during the 4th of July weekend is simply a must! Some of the finger-licking spots that will have you say Hallelujah in your best Southern accent include Dr Martin Luther King's favourite spot, The Four Way; Lunchbox Eats where you order by taking a 'quiz' where your server give you a grade before serving the food in American-style school trays; or vegan gems such as Imagine Vegan Café. Whatever you choose, you'll be bound to enjoy some of the best BBQ in the world. 

Visit the Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid's Observation Deck

One of the best spots to see Memphis from above is the observation deck of the iconic Bass Pro Shops Pyramid. Jump into the nation's tallest free-standing elevator to the top of the pyramid, which has been designed with heaps of fun activities for the kids, two floors of retail space, and a campsite-inspired hotel to keep the little ones entertained all weekend. 

Explore more of Memphis here:  https://www.memphistravel.com/aus

Visit for more information about Memphis this Fourth of July: https://www.memphistravel.com/your-memphis-itinerary-july-4th-weekend

Memphis quick facts

Tennessee's second-largest city, the vibrant city of Memphis is famous for its music, great food (and we're not just talking about the amazing BBQ), and its significant place in America's history of civil rights. Exceptional hotels, and something to please every type of traveller await in Memphis. 

Australians can travel to Memphis via:  

United Airlines: Sydney - Houston – Memphis (or from Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne via LAX or SFO

New Zealanders can travel to Memphis via:
Air New Zealand via AKL – Houston – Memphis (or via Los Angeles or San Francisco)
American Airlines – (Oct 2023 – March 2024) Auckland – Dallas-Fort Worth - Memphis
Delta Air Lines – via AKL – LAX – Memphis