MEMPHIS, Tenn. – The Beale Street Music Festival has been put on pause for the second year in a row.
It’s just one more revenue stream disappearing from the Memphis economy. Organizers told FOX13 that they want to put more focus on their other main events: the World Championship Barbeque Cooking Contest and the Great American River Run.
“I’m just disappointed, that’s all,” said James Helms after hearing the news. “I’m just disappointed.”
In 2023, Memphis in May festivals saw a much-anticipated return to the riverfront after COVID, but the organization said that returning to Tom Lee Park was marred by difficulties. They said those challenges included obtaining a lease with the Memphis River Parks Partnership, problems with access to the park, restrictive use of essential park features, designs not meeting agreed-upon specifications, and a park with 40% less useable space.
That year, Memphis in May said, the Beale Street Music Festival fells to its lowest level in over thirty years, with an attendance of roughly 38,000 people. The organization reported a financial loss of $3.48 million from the festival operations.
Music Fest’s cancellation not only affects dollars and cents; local artists who got to perform said it also affects them, as it’s one less venue for them to play.
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