Overton Park Memphis
Memphis's green heart, offering a historic Shell, a renowned zoo, ancient forests, and vibrant community events.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather for concerts
Overton Park Memphis
Best Time
Pleasant weather for concerts

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Memphis's green heart, offering a historic Shell, a renowned zoo, ancient forests, and vibrant community events.
"A beautiful park in a very nice part of town with lots of walking, jogging, and backing paths."
🚗 Parking Tips
Carpool or rideshare for popular events. Arrive early for best spots!
🎶 Free Concerts
Check the Overton Park Shell schedule for free concerts, especially in fall.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Overton Park Shell
Amphitheater
Iconic outdoor venue hosting free concerts and performances. A must-visit for music lovers!

Memphis Zoo
Within Overton Park
A well-maintained zoo with impressive, state-of-the-art enclosures and diverse animal exhibits.

Old Forest State Natural Area
Northern section of the park
Explore 126 acres of old-growth forest with marked trails for walking and nature observation.

The Greensward
Central open field
A vast, open green space perfect for picnics, frisbee, or simply relaxing under the sun.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Outdoors & Events
Plan for Parking & Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Tips
Carpool or rideshare for popular events. Arrive early for best spots!
🎶 Free Concerts
Check the Overton Park Shell schedule for free concerts, especially in fall.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed dogs are welcome! Explore trails or visit the dog park.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Pack a lunch and enjoy the many open spaces and picnic areas.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Tips
Carpool or rideshare for popular events. Arrive early for best spots!
🎶 Free Concerts
Check the Overton Park Shell schedule for free concerts, especially in fall.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed dogs are welcome! Explore trails or visit the dog park.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Pack a lunch and enjoy the many open spaces and picnic areas.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Overton Park is widely praised as a beautiful, free urban oasis offering diverse activities for all ages. Visitors love the variety, from the historic Shell concerts and the well-maintained zoo to the serene Old Forest trails. While parking can be a challenge during events, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting its value as a community hub and natural retreat.
"Overton Park is a great outdoor spot to spend with family that doesn’t cost anything. Pack a lunch and enjoy the entire day! So many activities that are fun for people of all ages. Even if you just want to sit and watch the little ones discover new ways to have fun without their devices."
Linda Johnson
"This was an awesome zoo. My wife loves zoos and we see a lot of them. The facility was impressive and well maintained. The enclosures are very state of the art and do justice to the natural habitat of the animals. The price was very reasonable and they have price reciprocal agreement with A.Z.A. zoo memberships."
jim r
"From the museum and majestic trees to golf - Overton Park brings it all together. The free concerts are so much fun! And what an honor to gather where Elvis had his first public gig. I come here often to explore. Love the trails! It's great to see how active Memphians are here."
Travel Babe IG: jenny.soulwind
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Overton Park is located in Midtown Memphis. It's easily accessible by car, with several entrances off Poplar Avenue and North Parkway. Public transportation options are also available via Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) buses.
Parking can be limited, especially during events. There are several lots within the park, but they fill up quickly. Consider carpooling, using ride-sharing services, or arriving early.
Yes, several MATA bus routes serve Overton Park, making it accessible for those without a car. Check the MATA website for specific route information and schedules.
Absolutely! Overton Park is bike-friendly, with dedicated paths and ample space to lock up your bike. It's a popular destination for cyclists in Memphis.
For the Overton Park Shell, parking is available in the main lots, but it's often best to arrive early or consider parking on nearby streets and walking a short distance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Overton Park itself is free to enter and explore. However, specific attractions within the park, like the Memphis Zoo, have their own admission fees.
Many concerts at the Overton Park Shell are free, especially during series like the Orion Free Concert Series. However, some special ticketed events may also be held. Always check the official schedule.
Overton Park is generally open from dawn until dusk. Specific attractions within the park, such as the Memphis Zoo, have their own set operating hours.
Yes, picnicking is highly encouraged! You can bring your own food, non-alcoholic beverages, and blankets to enjoy in the park's many open spaces.
Overton Park hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including free concerts, festivals like the Memphis Pride Festival and Memphis Mushroom Festival, and community gatherings.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
Key attractions include the Memphis Zoo, the Overton Park Shell (an outdoor amphitheater), the Old Forest State Natural Area, the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, playgrounds, and a golf course.
Yes, Overton Park features numerous walking trails, including paved paths and unpaved trails through the Old Forest. They are well-marked for exploration.
Absolutely! Overton Park offers two playgrounds, the Memphis Zoo, and plenty of open space for kids to run and play. It's a fantastic family-friendly destination.
Yes, leashed dogs are welcome in most areas of Overton Park. There's also a dedicated dog park for them to enjoy off-leash play.
The Overton Park Shell is historically significant as the venue where Elvis Presley played his first paid gig in 1954, launching his legendary career.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there aren't extensive restaurant facilities directly within Overton Park, there are concessions available at the Memphis Zoo. Many visitors opt to bring their own food for picnics.
The areas surrounding Overton Park, particularly Midtown and Cooper Young, offer a wide array of dining options, from casual cafes to upscale restaurants.
Yes, picnicking is a popular activity in Overton Park. There are many open grassy areas and designated picnic spots perfect for a meal outdoors.
Food trucks are often present at larger events and festivals held in Overton Park, offering diverse culinary choices.
The Memphis Mushroom Festival typically features local food vendors offering a variety of options, often including unique mushroom-inspired dishes and other local treats.
📸 📸 Photography
The Overton Park Shell, the formal gardens, the Old Forest trails, and the Memphis Zoo offer excellent photographic opportunities. The park at dusk is also beautiful.
Yes, photography is generally allowed at the Memphis Zoo for personal use. However, flash photography may be restricted in certain exhibits to protect the animals.
Personal photography is usually permitted during concerts at the Overton Park Shell, but professional photography or videography may require special permits.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can be harsh, but the shade of the Old Forest provides good options.
Drone usage is typically restricted in city parks to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors. It's best to check with park authorities for specific regulations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🎵 Music Enthusiasts
🐶 Dog Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Overton Park Shell
Beyond the free concerts, the Shell also hosts ticketed events and has been a venue for significant cultural moments, including the National Day of Prayer. Its iconic curved stage and surrounding greenery make it a picturesque spot, whether you're there for a performance or just to soak in the history. The Shell is a testament to Memphis's enduring love affair with music and community gathering.
Exploring the Old Forest State Natural Area
Navigating the Old Forest is straightforward, with clearly marked paths that cater to various fitness levels. It’s a fantastic place to connect with nature, observe local flora and fauna, and appreciate the importance of preserving urban green spaces. Many visitors find the tranquility of the Old Forest to be a highlight of their Overton Park visit, offering a stark contrast to the more active areas of the park.
Family Fun at Overton Park
The Memphis Zoo, located within the park, is a major draw for families. It features impressive enclosures designed to mimic natural habitats and a diverse collection of animals that captivate visitors of all ages. The zoo's reasonable admission prices and reciprocal agreements with other AZA zoos make it an accessible outing. With so much to see and do, Overton Park provides a cost-effective and enjoyable way for families to spend a full day outdoors, encouraging active play and discovery away from screens.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit