Overton Park Shell Guided Backstage History Experience Tour

Overview

The Overton Park Shell is an historic bandshell and museum in the Midtown Memphis oasis known as Overton Park. Lovingly called “The Shell” by Elvis Presley and most others, the storied amphitheater is where Elvis Presley played his first professional gig in 1954 at just nineteen-years-old, bringing live Rock & Roll to the world’s stage in an explosive way during a country music show headlined by yodeler Slim Whitman. The Shell remained important to Elvis and his family, as they continued to regularly visit and perform there over the years. Surviving many ups and downs since opening during The Depression of the 1930s, The Shell is still a cutting-edge regional performing arts pavilion today, offering 50 free concerts yearly accommodating up to 3,000 music lovers in its gorgeous park setting. The Shell’s fascinating story is now told through its new immersive Backstage History Experience guided tour that ties together almost a century of colorful Memphis and Midtown music histories.

City: Memphis

Tue 17 Jun

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $16.00

Make a reservation

Tue 17 Jun

Starting at $16.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

This fun indoor guided museum tour is casual, interactive, and includes ADA-friendly restrooms.

Route and map

Meeting point

Open in Google Maps

Memphis
1928 Poplar Ave,

Please gather in front of the stage promptly at the tour's indicated time, where your group will be greeted by the docent who will then lead your group into the museum.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

What To Expect

Overton Park Shell

The Shell's rich history includes many important “firsts” (it’s also the home of Johnny Cash’s first pro gig, for instance) and the artists who have graced its stage range from “A-Z,” or “Al Kapone to ZZ Top.” Elvis Presley fans from around the world have visited The Shell's exterior for many years, but now they can actually see its indoor Green Rooms where Elvis (and his family) have spent quality time in its more private spaces. The Shell's guided "Backstage History Experience" museum tour is now listed as one of Memphis Travel's "Best Museums in Memphis." Proudly, it's still a cutting-edge performing arts pavilion today, offering 50 multi-genre (free!) concerts, with sweet acoustics and cool lights, for up to 3,000 music lovers. Its adjacent Park neighbors include the Memphis Zoo, The Brooks Museum of Art, the National Ornamental Iron Museum, the Overton Park Golf Course, miles of beautiful walking trails, open space, a family playground, and a dog park - something for everyone!

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Overton Park Shell Guided Backstage History Experience Tour

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