We are going to be in memphis a night or two in late August. We would appreciate any advice on whether we will be able to partake of Beale Street music with our 11 yr. old. Is she allowed in the places that have good music? Any suggestions or advice would be helpful. Thanks.

Since Beale Street has some outdoor music venues, your child will be welcome. In addition, there are restaurants that have outside seating, and I think most places with music also have food, so eating shouldn't be a problem either. There's a little bit of a carnival atmosphere there - with street entertainers - that is fun for folks of all ages.

A small caveat: Beale Street can get VERY rowdy as the day/night progresses so you'll need to take your child's maturity into consideration when deciding how late to stay.

Susan
My wife and I were there May24th and the police had a barricade up and would not let us take our 15 yr old son onto street. He (police) seem confused and his partner stepped forward and said we could not bring our son to just walk the street. The Flying Sauscer would not let us in either to eat dinner with him in tow. Now in fairness to M-town this was about 10 pm. Maybe we were just unlucky.

Wow! I'm really surprised. It's been several months since we were there, but at that time there were lots of young people who were involved in street entertainment. Maybe it would be best to check with a concierge...

When we were in Memphis, there were plenty of kids on Beale Street. We had my 7 year old cousin with us and had no problem walking around on the street and going into a couple restaurants. There was a band playing outside in a plaza as well. We all had a lot of fun.

bigjay - I wonder if your experiences were a reflection of the festivities surrounding Memphis in May, when things get a lot wilder than normal.

I live in Memphis and I know that they check IDs at night on the weekends and you must be 18 to get on Beale. During the day is fine and it may be alright during the week. You may try Peabody Place which has several restaraunts and isn't too far from Beale (on Second Street). Jillians is also located there which is an arcade/bolling alley/eatery etc.

If there's a festival or if it's a holiday weekend then children may well not be allowed on Beale. However, most nights they're allowed, at least on the street and at SOME places. Just take into account your child's maturity level and know when to turn in for the night.

Mmmmm, Rendezvous...I can taste it all the way from FL (grew up in Memphis)

I corresponded with Bealestreet.com by e-mail & I was told that there is an 11:00pm "curfew" for anyone on Beale Street under the age of 21 (unless they are exiting the New Daisy Theater with an adult). Before that time, children are most welcome! (we will also be there in August with our 7-year-old).

Has all of Beale St reopened after that horrible storm last Tuesday? I was staying at the Peabody when it occurred. Beale St had lost electricity also but was also threatened by three large construction cranes that were structurally damaged by the 100mph winds. As last as Thursday July 24 at least some of the Beale St area was off limits. Also the Gibson Guitar factory and museum was severely damaged by the winds.

Update: Beale Street reopened on 7/30.

The Gibson Guitar Factory is undergoing renovations due to extensive damage.