South Main Arts District
Memphis's historic South Main Arts District: a vibrant hub of art, music, food, and unique shops with a lively monthly street festival.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the lively Trolley Night!
South Main Arts District
Best Time
Experience the lively Trolley Night!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Memphis's historic South Main Arts District: a vibrant hub of art, music, food, and unique shops with a lively monthly street festival.
"South Main is the spot to be every last Friday of the month for Trolley Night!"
🎯 Trolley Night is a must!
Don't miss the last Friday of the month for Trolley Night! Street festival vibes, shops open late, and great energy.
👟 Wear comfy shoes
You'll want to walk and explore every corner. South Main is best discovered on foot!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Trolley Night
South Main Arts District
Monthly street festival with live music, extended shop hours, and local specials. A true Memphis experience!

The Arcade Restaurant
535 S Main St
Memphis's oldest restaurant, a favorite of Elvis Presley. Step back in time and savor classic diner fare.

South Main Farmers Market
566 S Front St
Saturdays bring fresh produce, local crafts, and a lively community vibe. Perfect for a weekend stroll.

Unique Boutiques & Galleries
Various locations along South Main
Discover one-of-a-kind art, fashion, and gifts in the district's eclectic shops and galleries.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace Trolley Night
Explore on Foot
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Trolley Night is a must!
Don't miss the last Friday of the month for Trolley Night! Street festival vibes, shops open late, and great energy.
👟 Wear comfy shoes
You'll want to walk and explore every corner. South Main is best discovered on foot!
📸 Insta-worthy spots abound
The district is filled with murals and unique architecture perfect for your next photo op.
☕ Grab a coffee
Start your day or take a break at local cafes like Mr. Beans for a matcha.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Trolley Night is a must!
Don't miss the last Friday of the month for Trolley Night! Street festival vibes, shops open late, and great energy.
👟 Wear comfy shoes
You'll want to walk and explore every corner. South Main is best discovered on foot!
📸 Insta-worthy spots abound
The district is filled with murals and unique architecture perfect for your next photo op.
☕ Grab a coffee
Start your day or take a break at local cafes like Mr. Beans for a matcha.
🍹 Sip on unique drinks
Try creative juices at Juiced What You Needed or enjoy a frozen drink at Fat Tuesday.
🛍️ Support local shops
Discover unique boutiques and art galleries offering one-of-a-kind finds.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the vibrant atmosphere of South Main, especially during Trolley Night, praising its unique shops, diverse dining options, and artistic flair. The historic charm and walkable nature of the district are frequently highlighted as major draws. Some minor concerns may arise regarding parking availability during peak events.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The South Main Arts District is easily accessible by car, ride-sharing services, and public transportation. Many visitors find it convenient to park and explore on foot. If you're coming from out of town, consider staying at hotels like Central Station Memphis, which is within walking distance.
Yes, street parking is generally available, though it can be competitive, especially during events like Trolley Night. Some lots may also offer paid parking.
Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) buses serve the downtown area, including routes that stop near South Main. Check their schedule for the most convenient options.
Absolutely! The district is designed for pedestrian exploration. Many creators emphasize walking as the best way to discover its charm.
While general city safety precautions are always advised, South Main is a popular and generally safe area, especially during daylight hours and events like Trolley Night. It's a hub for local activity and tourism.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the South Main Arts District itself is a public area and does not require tickets for entry. Individual shops, restaurants, or specific events within the district may have their own admission fees or cover charges.
The district is always open, but individual businesses have varying hours. Shops and galleries often stay open later on Trolley Nights (last Friday of the month).
Trolley Night is a free street festival. While you don't pay to enter, you'll likely want to spend money at the various shops, restaurants, and bars.
Exploring the street art, browsing shops, and enjoying the atmosphere of Trolley Night are all free activities. The Farmers Market is also free to browse.
The Arcade Restaurant is a popular spot, and while they don't typically require reservations, it's advisable to go during off-peak hours or be prepared for a potential wait, especially during busy times.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
South Main offers a diverse culinary scene. Don't miss The Arcade Restaurant for classic diner fare,
Good Fortune Co for ramen and dumplings, and The Lobbyist for great happy hour deals on their patio. The Garden Brunch Cafe is also a popular spot for breakfast and brunch.Juiced What You Needed offers fresh juices and healthy options that cater to wellness-focused diets.
Many restaurants also offer customizable dishes or have dedicated vegetarian options.Many establishments have a historic charm, like The Arcade Restaurant, or offer unique experiences such as ramen and dumplings at Good Fortune Co.
The district also boasts great patios for dining al fresco.Fat Tuesday is known for its frozen drinks,
while The Lobbyist offers a great happy hour with a nice patio. For a unique cocktail experience, check out the offerings during Trolley Night.While South Main has diverse options, Memphis is famous for its BBQ. Though not explicitly highlighted in South Main content, nearby options exist, and the district offers other local flavors like ramen and fresh juices.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire district is a photographer's dream! Look for vibrant murals, unique storefronts, and the historic architecture. The area is known for its Instagrammable spots.
While specific murals aren't detailed in the provided content, the general vibe of South Main is artistic and visually rich, making it a great place to discover your own favorite photo backdrops.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset will offer the most flattering light for photography. However, the vibrant atmosphere during Trolley Night also provides unique photographic opportunities.
Drone usage is subject to local regulations. While one TikTok video shows drone footage,
it's always best to check current FAA and city ordinances before flying a drone in urban areas.A versatile setup is ideal. A wide-angle lens is great for capturing street scenes and murals, while a prime lens can be useful for portraits or capturing details in shops and restaurants.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🛍️ Budget Travelers
couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Charm of Trolley Night
Many creators highlight the energetic atmosphere and the chance to mingle with locals and fellow travelers. It's a perfect time to sample local cuisine, find unique souvenirs, and simply soak in the authentic Memphis vibe. The event truly showcases the community spirit of South Main, making it a must-attend for any visitor.
A Culinary Journey Through South Main
The district also boasts fantastic spots for brunch, like The Garden Brunch Cafe, and lively bars with great patios, such as The Lobbyist, perfect for happy hour. During Trolley Night, many establishments offer special menus and drinks, making it an ideal time to embark on a culinary adventure through South Main.
Shopping and Artistic Discoveries
Whether you're looking for a one-of-a-kind souvenir, a piece of local art, or simply enjoy browsing eclectic stores, South Main delivers. The South Main Farmers Market, held on Saturdays from April to October, is another excellent venue to discover local produce, artisanal products, and crafts, further enhancing the district's appeal as a destination for unique finds.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit