MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Sunday marked the third and final day of the Beale Street Music Festival, and more big names took the stages at Tom Lee Park.
Among the artists performing Sunday were Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, Jazmine Sullivan, AJR and Gary Clark Jr.
► Beale Street Music Festival 2023 lineup
We were in for great festival weather, with a high of 83 predicted. Most of the day will be dry, although there is a chance of brief downpours later. The Storm Prediction Center said Memphis is in a Marginal Risk area for limited severe storms in the afternoon and evening.
Over the course of three days, tens of thousands flock to the Bluff City to see their favorite artists.
“I love Memphis. This is my second time coming to the fest. I came here in 2014. I come down here often. It’s been like, one of my second cities that I like to come to (because of) the music, the food, the history,” said Todd Smith from Chicago.
Stefanie Billue said, “This is my second year. We actually just moved to Memphis from Nashville because we wanted a change of pace and we’re loving the new park. It’s beautiful, it’s gorgeous, but the best part is watching the sunset on the Mississippi, honestly, and just being with the people.”
The concert gates opened at 1 p.m. Sunday and we expect the music to last until at least 11 p.m.
“Memphians are very proud, and we’ve got to be very proud of our city, and these are the events that make it really special,” Billou said.
If you didn’t have a ticket, you could always check out the free blues concerts at Handy Park. Those shows began at 1:30.
From music to food there was no shortage of options for attendees, which was beneficial for vendors.
“It’s good for exposure. Different people get to see our menu, get to taste our food,” said Christopher Headd with Grub and Go.
Coming into Beale Street Music Festival, officials touted its security plan and believes that it was a success.
“I think it’s been smooth sailing all weekend. We wanna get through tonight as well but we’ve had really good feedback from everyone. As far as we can tell there’s been no issues,” said Randy Blevins, Vice President of Marketing for Memphis in May.
While the final attendance has yet to be determined, attendees said they are walking proud of what they have witnessed.
“We are totally forward, we are behind each other, we are the underdogs. People count us out, but this proves that we bounce back every time,” said one attendee.
The Beale Street Music Festival kicks off Memphis in May, the city’s biggest event of the year. Next up is the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, May 17 to May 20.