Overton Park Shell — Attraction in Memphis

We watched the transformation of the shell from seldom used, blighted music venue to the gem of midtown, and couldn't be happier with the results. We've been attending concerts here for ages, and can now share the experience with our kid.

The sound is almost always perfect (occasionally loud for loud's sake to point of distortion), and the lighting is always, always spot-on.

The crowds range from not-an-inch-to-spare, to rather barren, depending on the night and popularity (not talent) of the artist.

I have two growing-pain type concerns that have detracted from the family friendly nature of this venue.

1 - CHAIRS. What the hell is wrong with sitting on a blanket in the grass? We've become so fat and lazy as a society that getting up and down off the ground has become too laborious for us. Let's relegate chair users to behind the sound booth.

2 - Roping off stage left at the top of the hill. This used to be the area kids would run and play. Now the kids get to run and play in front of the bathrooms, by the road, where their parents can't keep and eye on them. Great.

Other than my two complaints, it really is a great venue and the staff does a great job of booking and...

Went to see Jason Isbell. Was the worst experience I’ve ever had at an outdoor concert/event. There were not enough people to scan bags and your tickets so the line to get in took over an hour. Then there were 4 food trucks, each with one person taking orders and 2-3 cooking and filling orders. I finally gave up and left my food behind because I missed the first 2 songs and it looked like it was going to be another 15 minutes at least. So if they’re going to have a paid concert with that many ticket buyers, they need to find a way to get people in much quicker, and they need more options to get attendees food and drinks, or allow you to bring your own. My experience almost ruined the whole night for us even though we got to hear our favorite artist. And everyone sitting near us was just as upset. Yes, it’s a beautiful venue, but they need to step up their game if they’re going to put on that...

Think they need an awning and some more industrial fans, especially when it's mid-summer, its pretty unbearable, idk how I survived 💦. I wont go again unless I am really into the singer/band and even then I would still be hesitant. Although they did pass out hand fans towards the start of the show, they helped about 10%. Think they need some more twirly whirlies for the kids for sure. My son missed out on the ones the singer passed out bc he was too polite 🥺. They only had this one Styrofoam light this to buy for $3! at the souvenir stand, and they didnt even ask what color he wanted 😒. I was happy they had quite a few food options and drinks... Especially the lemonade stand was definitely needed AND they used real cane sugar and real fruit and lots of flavors, they saved the day, I had to go back...