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

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.

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. 

An ‘infamous’ nightclub and hotel will start a new live music series — just in time for the influx of visitors Downtown for the St. Jude Memphis Marathon. 

A new LoneTree Live program will help a dozen budding playwrights develop a script in 10 weeks.

Erica Qualy, the founder of Memphis Zine Fest, has one word for the make-it-yourself mini-magazines with endless possibilities: liberating.

The manager of the city’s percent-for-art program is looking for artists of any age to reimagine crosswalks, neighborhood signs, markers and beyond.

As the air chills and the leaves begin to fall, Irish Network Memphis is kicking off its first-ever Samhain Festival.

Princeton Echols says his touring Soulful Murder Mystery Experience is like: “an escape room and dinner theater had a baby.” He’s also traveling to Italy next month for a screening of a film he directed.

A new show, filmed in Memphis and Atlanta, stars Memphis rapper Slimeroni and features numerous other local connections. And, Eric Jerome Dickey’s novel comes to Lifetime.

“We have an embarrassment of riches of quality, excellent dance in Memphis,” Steven McMahon, of Ballet Memphis, said.

The month aims to celebrate the park and the positive effects of nature on mental and physical health with events like yoga, birding, nature walks, journaling and workshops.

While the U of M’s production is “part Shakespeare, part block party, 100% heart,” Germantown Community Theatre is doing Shakespeare with an all-female cast. 

Virginia Reed Murphy describes playback theater as a “storytelling and witnessing practice.” Since 2010, her organization has given more than 500 performances.

Memphis is going bard-core on Shakespeare-inspired productions. 

Memphis brother and sister Carlos and Taylor Barksdale launched the tour in mid-August.

Discover new Memphis music with the Arts Beat’s latest playlist, here just in time for 901 Day. 

When going to the Overton Park Shell, you’re gonna want to take the scenic route.

The Memphis Youth Art Mart returns, and this year, 17-year-old co-organizer Baylus Schaffler says it’s tapping into a new form of art. 

“I want everybody to come through dressed as if they’re the artists. It’s a festival ... a block party.”

Overton High grad Sean Nash’s show at Tops Gallery at Madison Avenue Park in Downtown Memphis has origins in the Kansas City International Airport.

Memphian Gloria Woods’ “Glo Bash” is set for Friday, July 25, at FedExForum. The event lets the three-time Grammy Award nominee and multi-platinum artist set her own agenda. 

“It’s really surprising how many kids have never been to a museum before,” said docent Anne Whirley. “But they’re all engaged and well-behaved.”

Jim Thompson of the Memphis Listening Lab has four book recommendations for July, including a crime thriller that imagines Elvis Presley lived through the 1980s.

“May the good vibes find you free, fabulous and flowing” is the tagline of the Lucky Lady Caftan Club of Memphis.