The summer concert season is over and fall is in full effect, with a packed Bluff City concert calendar.
October will bring a variety of musical performances and festival events to Memphis and the Mid-South. Top picks include blues icons, Christian pop veterans, rising hip-hop stars, R&B hitmakers and many more.
Here are a dozen shows worth seeing in October.
The Avett Brothers with Drive-By Truckers: Oct. 1, Grind City Amp
The recently opened Grind City Amp will host a double bill to kick off October, as folk-pop stars and four-time Grammy nominees The Avett Brothers headline a show at the Uptown Memphis venue. Acclaimed Americana veterans Drive-By Truckers will also appear as part of the Oct. 1 bill. Tickets: $67-$130. Go to Grindcityamp.com.
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Amy Grant: Oct. 2, Graceland Soundstage
Hailed as the Queen of Christian pop, singer Amy Grant returns to Memphis for a show at the Graceland Soundstage. The six-time Grammy winner and 22-time Dove award winner will headline a show that will also feature country singer-songwriter Mac McAnally. Tickets: $85-$112. Go to Gracelandlive.com.
Undertale: The Determination Symphony: Oct. 2, Grind City Amp
Grind City Amp will host Undertale: The Determination Symphony, a concert featuring fan-favorite music from the popular video game, newly arranged and performed live by a 25-piece orchestra. With gameplay footage displayed on a screen above the stage, fans will become immersed in the world of Undertale, experiencing its story and music like never before. Tickets: $104-$149. Go to Grindcityamp.com.
Bryson Tiller: Oct. 6, FedExForum
Grammy-nominated, multiplatinum-selling artist Bryson Tiller is bringing his The Neo Trapsoul Tour to FedExForum on Oct. 6. The show will feature support from Majid Jordan, Ty Dolla $ign and Austin Millz. Tickets: $27-$143. Go to Ticketmaster.com.
Elevation Nights Tour: Oct. 10, FedExForum
FedExForum will host an event from Elevation Worship and Steven Furtick on Oct. 10. Pastor Furtick will be “bringing a timely message” to attendees while Elevation Worship will perform favorites like “Praise,” “Trust In God” and “Rattle!”, alongside new music including “Jesus Be The Name.” The night begins with a performance by Elevation Rhythm. Tickets: $45-$194. Go to Ticketmaster.com.
Hayley Williams: Oct. 12, BankPlus Amphitheater
Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams will play a solo show at BankPlus Amphitheater at Snowden Grove on Oct. 12. In 2025, the multiple Grammy-winning artist released her third solo album, “Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party." The singer will bring her current tour, "The Hayley Williams Show," to the Southaven venue as part of a bill that will also feature performances by Magdalena Bay and Rico Nasty. Tickets: $81-$92. Go to Ticketmaster.com.
Tri-State Blues Festival: Oct. 17, Landers Center
The annual Tri-State Blues Festival returns to the Mid-South on Oct. 17 at the Landers Center in Southaven. The 23rd edition of the festival will feature performances by Tucka, King George, Cecily Wilborn, Glenn Jones, Mike Clark Jr., West Love and EJ Jones. Henry Welch will host the event. Tickets: $71-$172. Go to Ticketmaster.com.
Ole 60 with Arcy Drive and Garret Elias: Oct. 24, Grind City Amp
Fast-rising Kentucky country band Ole 60 will headline a show at Grind City Amp on Oct. 24. The concert will also feature performances by hard-touring New York combo Arcy Drive and Brooklyn alt-rockers Garret Elias. Tickets: $63. Go to Grindcityamp.com.
Cash Money & No Limit Tour: Oct. 24, FedExForum
Two of hip-hop’s biggest institutions, Cash Money Records and No Limit Records, are joining forces for a tour that will play Downtown Memphis. The Cash Money & No Limit Tour will make a stop at FedExForum on Oct. 24. The concert bill will feature a star-studded lineup, including Master P, Birdman, Juvenile, Silkk the Shocker, Mannie Fresh, B.G., Mia X, Choppa Style, Mac, Mercedes, Fiend and Mr. Serv-On, along with special guest Boosie. Tickets start at $102. Go to Ticketmaster.com.
Dru Hill with Ginuwine, Next and Troop: Oct. 24, BankPlus Amphitheater
It will be a big-time bill featuring old school R&B favorites as Dru Hill headlines at the BankPlus Amphitheater. Ginuwine, Next and Troop will join Dru Hill for an evening that will see them playing their various hits, including "In My Bed," "Pony," "Too Close" and "All I Do Is Think of You.” The multi-act show will take place Oct. 24 and will close out the Snowden Grove venue’s concert season. Tickets: $57. Go to Ticketmaster.com.
Buddy Guy: Oct. 29, Graceland Soundstage
Having turned 90 years old this summer, Buddy Guy is one of the last great bluesmen. A Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee and a pioneer of Chicago’s explosive West Side sound, Guy is a nine-time Grammy winner, with 38 Blues Music Awards. He has been recognized with a Presidential National Medal of Arts and a Kennedy Center Honor. Guy will return to Memphis to play a show at Graceland Soundstage on Oct. 29. Tickets: $75-$169. Go to Gracelandlive.com.
Blac Youngsta: Oct. 31, Minglewood Hall
Memphis hip-hopper and CMG label veteran Blac Youngsta will headline a Halloween night performance at Midtown’s Minglewood Hall. The show will see the rapper — who’s been relatively quiet since the release of a pair of “Blac Sheep" mixtapes in 2023 — playing favorites from his past catalog and, hopefully, a few new tracks as part of the concert. Tickets: $65. Go to Ticketmaster.com.
Bob Mehr is the music writer at The Commercial Appeal. Contact him at bob.mehr@commercialappeal.com.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Best Memphis concerts in October? Hayley Williams, Master P and more
