The Memphis Police Department is preparing for a busy weekend as the 2026 RiverBeat Music Festival takes place Friday, May 1 through Sunday, May 3, 2026, at Tom Lee Park.
MPD will maintain a strong and highly visible presence throughout the festival weekend. Officers will be deployed on foot, bicycles, horseback, and in patrol vehicles. Specialized support units—including Aviation, Harbor Patrol, drone technology, gun‑detection K‑9s, and the Downtown Command Center—will provide real-time monitoring and response capabilities.
MPD will also be supported by local, state, and federal partners, as well as the National Guard, to help support a safe and secure environment throughout the weekend.
The park will open to the public at 4:00 p.m. on Friday and 3:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, with festival activities beginning shortly after gates open each day. Events will conclude at 11:00 p.m. each night, and the park will close at midnight.
To assist MPD, attendees are encouraged to:
- Park in well-lit areas, preferably in secured or gated locations
- Travel in groups
- Stay alert and avoid distractions when walking to and from the festival
- If consuming alcohol, plan ahead with a designated driver or rideshare
- Leave weapons and unnecessary valuables at home
- Lock your vehicle
The following road closures and traffic impacts will be in place:
- Beale St. between Wagner St. and Riverside Dr.
- Beale St between Fourth St.and Second St.
- Riverside Dr. between Union Ave. and Georgia Ave.
- Beale St. at Front St. will be closed each night following the final performance
Bike Parking: Wagner & Beale
RideShare Dropoff/Pick-Up:
- Beale St. between S. Front St. and S. Main St.
- Main St. and Beale St.
Additional traffic diversions will be in place each night after the event to help ensure the safe and efficient flow of vehicles leaving the downtown area.
MPD encourages everyone to plan ahead, stay aware, and enjoy a safe and memorable RiverBeat weekend.
