Memphis police are promising a noticeably heavier presence on and around Beale Street as 2025 becomes 2026. Here’s what else to expect Downtown.

“We wanted it to look like, no matter what your background is or where you’re from, come to Le Bonheur, and you’ll be at home,” said the artist. “If you’re from outer space and you need to come to Le Bonheur, be from outer space. Or, if you live in a cactus or if you live in a boot, come on by.”

The bilingual theater troupe teaches theater and ballet classes and puts on several shows and major events each year. 

Bryant’s music spanned soul and gospel, singing and songwriting, and the Grammy Award-nominated musician co-wrote the Ann Peebles hit song “I Can’t Stand the Rain.”

What’s coming in 2026? Museums, band reunions, new concert venues, landmark anniversaries, a handful of funny guys and portals to parallel universes. 

On a schooner in the Arctic Circle, artists, writers, musicians and scientists come together to observe, experience and research the frigid region. 

Sarah Leach, The Daily Memphian’s director of fundraising and development, joins Eric Barnes on this week’s episode of “The Sidebar.”

A local quilting group donates part of their talent to Youth Villages residents, creating pillowcases for the children living in the Bartlett facility.

This week, paint and sip at the Rumba Room, laugh at Flyway Comedy Club and listen to Alex Chilton’s hits at Memphis Listening Lab. 

A local author who has concentrated on writing about Alzheimer’s disease has pivoted to a 12-book series on youths who gain superpowers.

Josh Safdie’s “Marty Supreme” arrives with the tagline “Dream Big.” But Craig Brewer’s “Song Sung Blue” one-ups it with the tagline “Dream Huge.”

The movie industry has been imperiled for at least a couple of decades now, but good — even great — movies are still being made. Here are 10 favorites from 2025.

From arts shows, concerts, to theater productions and beyond, the Memphis art scene blossomed in 2025. Here’s a recap of some of our top arts and culture moments. And some staff favorites.

“With a Christmas Day release in theaters coast-to-coast, with two big stars and a repertoire of well-loved music, ‘Song Sung Blue’ is a pretty good advertisement for the musicians and studios of Memphis.”

This week, Central Station hosts its last Ladies’ Night, The PRVLG plays the New Daisy and Lafayette’s is having a “Charlie Brown Christmas.”

If you’re looking for more grown-up counterprogramming, there’s “The Housemaid,” an apparent thriller from “Bridesmaids” director Paul Feig. 

Paul Thomas Anderson’s topical action-comedy romp “One Battle After Another” and Ryan Coogler’s Delta-set horror period piece “Sinners” dominated this year’s awards vote of the Southeastern Film Critics Association. 

Say goodbye to 2025 with a midnight toast, and then set some healthy resolutions and eat some lucky black-eyed pea soup. 

The new Metal Museum space will include a cafe, which officials hope will become a destination on its own.

Grind City Brewing Co.’s new outdoor venue is set to open in spring 2026. 

The TV show stars three women and an Orange Mound skating rink, with appearances from local musicians and shots of Memphis streets and neighborhoods. But the story, like the city it’s based on, is much more complex. 

This week, party like Craig and Day Day from “Friday After Next,” spin the Wheel of Fortune and drink natties (as in natural wines) while eating patties (as in burgers).

The Daily Memphian’s Eric Barnes talks to Lakenna Booker, who is the executive director of Memphis Merit Academy, on this week’s Sidebar podcast.

The Greater Memphis Chamber and Memphis in May announced the honored country for next year to more than a thousand people at the Chamber’s annual Chairman’s Luncheon.

As part of the release of Craig Brewer’s “Song Sung Blue,” local musicians Bryan Hartley and Tm. Prudhomme won the chance to record a Neil Diamond cover.