Are you ready to kick off summer 2025 with a musical bang? The RiverBeat Music Festival 2025 lineup has just dropped, and it’s a showstopper! Headlined by hip-hop legend Missy Elliott, rock icons The Killers, and the soulful Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals, this three-day extravaganza is set to light up Memphis, Tennessee, from May 2 to May 4 at Tom Lee Park. Nestled along the Mississippi River, this festival promises more than just music—it’s a celebration of Memphis’s vibrant culture and sonic heritage.
With doors opening on Friday, May 2 at 4:00 PM and fireworks capping each night, RiverBeat is poised to be the Mid-South’s biggest party. Get ready for an eclectic mix of global stars and local legends across five stages. Here’s why you won’t want to miss this riverfront revelry!
Tom Lee Park
5/2/25 - 5/4/25, All Ages
Tom Lee Park
5/2/25 - 5/4/25, All Ages
Tom Lee Park
5/2/25 - 5/4/25, All Ages
Tom Lee Park
5/2/25 - 5/4/25, All Ages
The Headliners: A Triple Threat of Talent
RiverBeat 2025 boasts a headlining trio that’s pure dynamite. Missy Elliott, the trailblazing rapper and producer, brings her innovative beats and electrifying stage presence to Friday, May 2. Known for hits like “Get Ur Freak On” and “Work It,” she’ll kick off the festival with a hip-hop explosion when the show starts at 4:30 PM. Saturday, May 3 belongs to The Killers, the Las Vegas rockers who’ve dominated airwaves with anthems like “Mr. Brightside” and “Somebody Told Me.” Expect their set to ignite Tom Lee Park as doors open at 2:00 PM and the music begins at 2:30 PM.
Closing out the weekend on Sunday, May 4, Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals will deliver their signature blend of R&B, funk, and soul. With the show starting at 2:30 PM, Paak’s silky vocals and infectious grooves will wrap up RiverBeat in style. Each night ends at 11:00 PM with a dazzling fireworks display over the Mississippi, making these headliners the heart of an unforgettable experience.
A Diverse Lineup to Rock the Riverfront
Beyond the headliners, RiverBeat 2025 offers a smorgasbord of talent across genres. On Friday, May 2, alongside Missy Elliott, you’ll catch hip-hop heavyweights Ludacris and Busta Rhymes, plus EDM titan Steve Aoki. Saturday, May 3 pairs The Killers with indie rockers Cage The Elephant, rap pioneers Public Enemy, and rising star Flo Milli. Sunday, May 4, with Anderson .Paak, features psychedelic vibes from Khruangbin, pop sensation Benson Boone, and the legendary DJ Jazzy Jeff.
The lineup doesn’t stop there—over 50 acts, including Tokimonsta, Seun Kuti & Egypt 80, The Wailers, and Yacht Rock Revue, will span five stages from May 2 to May 4. Local Memphis flavor shines too, with the Royal Studios Blues Jam featuring Bobby Rush and the Memphis Rap OGz showcasing La Chat, Crunchy Black, and Al Kapone. Sunday’s Gospel Celebration with The Wilkins Sisters and Elizabeth King adds a soulful touch. This diverse mix ensures every music lover finds their beat at Tom Lee Park.
Memphis Magic: The Heart of RiverBeat
RiverBeat isn’t just a festival—it’s a love letter to Memphis. Held at Tom Lee Park, a newly revitalized 30-acre gem along the Mississippi River, the event runs from May 2 to May 4, 2025, celebrating the city’s rich musical legacy. Friday’s doors open at 4:00 PM, launching a weekend where blues, soul, rock, and hip-hop collide. Saturday’s 2:00 PM start and Sunday’s 2:00 PM kickoff keep the energy flowing, with each day ending at 11:00 PM followed by fireworks.
Memphis’s influence shines through local acts like the Memphis Rap OGz and the Sunday Gospel Celebration, honoring the city’s roots in rap and spiritual music. Producer Jeff Bransford of Mempho Presents calls it “a celebration of Memphis’s vibrant future,” and with the riverfront as a backdrop, it’s a sensory feast. The park’s $61 million facelift in 2023 makes it a perfect stage for this second-year fest, promising an immersive experience from May 2 through May 4.
Daily Breakdown: What to Expect Each Day
RiverBeat 2025 unfolds over three distinct days, each with its own vibe. On Friday, May 2, gates swing open at 4:00 PM, and the music starts at 4:30 PM. Missy Elliott headlines, joined by Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, and Steve Aoki, alongside the Royal Studios Blues Jam and Memphis Rap OGz. It’s a hip-hop-heavy night ending with fireworks at 11:00 PM. Saturday, May 3 kicks off earlier—doors at 2:00 PM, show at 2:30 PM—led by The Killers. Cage The Elephant, Public Enemy, and Flo Milli add rock and rap flair, with the night wrapping at 11:00 PM with more fireworks.
Sunday, May 4 mirrors Saturday’s schedule (doors at 2:00 PM, start at 2:30 PM), with Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals closing out. Khruangbin, Benson Boone, and the Gospel Celebration bring a soulful finish, capped by a final fireworks show at 11:00 PM. From May 2 to May 4, Tom Lee Park will pulse with music, lights, and riverfront magic.
Why Tom Lee Park is the Perfect Venue
Tom Lee Park in Memphis, Tennessee, is more than just a location—it’s a star of RiverBeat 2025. Spanning 30 acres along the Mississippi River, this revamped urban park hosts the festival from May 2 to May 4, offering a stunning backdrop. With doors opening at 4:00 PM on Friday and 2:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday, the park’s layout—featuring five stages, a Ferris wheel, and art installations—creates an immersive vibe. Its recent $61 million upgrade ensures top-notch facilities, while the river breeze and nightly fireworks (post-11:00 PM) elevate the experience.
Located steps from downtown Memphis, it’s easy to access, making it ideal for the May 2-4 festivities. RiverBeat transforms this space into a musical haven, blending nature and sound seamlessly.
Ticketing and Tips for Festival-Goers
Ready to join the RiverBeat party from May 2 to May 4? Three-day General Admission passes start at $199, with VIP options at $849, including perks like lounge access and private restrooms. Single-day tickets, priced at $69 (GA) and $295 (VIP) for a limited time, cater to those picking their favorite day—be it Missy Elliott on May 2, The Killers on May 3, or Anderson .Paak on May 4. Doors open at 4:00 PM Friday and 2:00 PM Saturday and Sunday, so arrive early to snag a spot near the stages.
Shows run from 4:30 PM or 2:30 PM until 11:00 PM, followed by fireworks. Dress for warm May weather, bring a blanket for the riverbank, and explore nearby Beale Street pre- or post-show. Tickets are available at RiverBeat.com—act fast, as these May 2-4 dates will sell out!
Conclusion
The RiverBeat Music Festival 2025, rocking Tom Lee Park in Memphis from May 2 to May 4, is a can’t-miss event. With Missy Elliott, The Killers, and Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals headlining, plus a lineup spanning Cage The Elephant to local Memphis legends, it’s a sonic celebration of the city’s past and present. Doors open at 4:00 PM on Friday, May 2, and 2:00 PM on Saturday, May 3, and Sunday, May 4, with shows ending at 11:00 PM each night, followed by fireworks.
Whether you’re grooving to hip-hop, rock, or gospel, RiverBeat delivers. Snag your tickets at RiverBeat.com for May 2-4, and share the hype with #RiverBeat2025. This festival isn’t just music—it’s Memphis magic, set to make 2025’s summer kickoff legendary. Don’t miss out—see you at the riverfront!
