Memphis is known for barbecue, blues music and as the birthplace of rock 'n' roll. And when visiting Downtown Memphis at night, that means there is plenty of fun once the sun goes down. If you find yourself in Downtown Memphis at night, consider these five things to do.

Attend Art Trolley Night

The South Main Historic Arts District has several bars and restaurants that make it worth checking out any night of the week.


But if you find yourself in Downtown Memphis on the last Friday of the month, head to the district to enjoy the fun of the South Main Art Trolley Night. The district begins at Beale Street and heads several blocks south past G.E. Patterson Boulevard, although the heart of the district begins a few blocks south of Beale and is centered near the National Civil Rights Museum. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the final Friday of every month, the art galleries, boutiques, businesses, bars and restaurants open their doors for a night of special exhibits, openings and sales. The sidewalks are filled with musicians and crowds enjoying one of the biggest parties in Memphis. And after the event ends, hang around at the districts bars and restaurants for even more fun.

Dine on Main Street

From the South Main Historic Arts District north toward the Memphis Cook Convention Center, Main Street is lined with restaurants. Some of the city's best are in the core, including Felicia Suzanne's, Flight, Bluefin, Majestic Grille, South of Beale and many more.

And just off Main are a few others, including Bleu and McEwen's.

Attend an Event

If you're looking for a concert or game, there are plenty of options pretty much every night of the week in Downtown Memphis. The big concerts, events and basketball action takes place at FedExForum. From October through late spring, what is possibly the best experience in the NBA takes place at Grizzlies games. And the University of Memphis packs in the crowds to watch Top 25 college basketball. If it's summer, the Memphis Redbirds will be playing Triple A baseball at AutoZone Park. Not to be outdone, The Orpheum Theatre has touring Broadway shows and concerts throughout the year, as well as its summer movie series. The Mud Island Amphitheater hosts concerts during the warmer months, and Beale Street's New Daisy Theater plays host to concerts on a regular basis.

Walk Beale Street

Blues musicians have called Beale Street home since the early 20th century, and it once was the home to the father and creator of commercial blues music, W.C. Handy. The two-block stretch of Beale from Second to Fourth streets is lined with restaurants and bars that are open really late every night. If you're looking for a meal, drink or to catch live music, this is your place.

Bar Hop

If you want to hang out where the locals drink, consider the bars of South Main or in the core of Downtown. In South Main, Earnestine & Hazel's is a true dive bar with ghosts and one of the best burgers in the city. South of Beale has a late-night menu and plenty of regional beers on tap. Other neighborhood spots include Blue Monkey, Max's Sports Bar, the Green Beetle and Spindini. In the core of Downtown Memphis are favorites such as Local Gastropub, Blind Bear, the Brass Door and Bardog Tavern.