Entry No. 4 — the Memphis file — filed under: stargazing
Rooftop Stargazing at Beale Street Landing
You walk up a grassy ramp onto the roof of the Beale Street Landing pavilion — normally a river-cruise dock — where Memphis Astronomical Society volunteers set up telescopes pointed at the setting sun, Venus, the rising moon, Saturn, and star clusters with the Mississippi River as the backdrop.
The story
Most people know Beale Street Landing as the structural pavilion at 251 Riverside Drive where riverboats berth along the Mississippi. What they tend to miss—unless they are paying close attention—is that the structure's grass-covered roof doubles as an accessible public incline. Once a month, volunteers from the Memphis Astronomical Society haul heavy optical rigs up that turf slope to turn a working river dock into a temporary urban observatory.
The setup creates a strange juxtaposition: dark industrial barges push loads down the muddy river below while you lean over a tripod eyepiece to examine the rings of Saturn or solar flares on the setting sun. Downtown Memphis sits right behind you, but looking west across the unlit expanse of the river gives optical gear just enough dark horizon to pull out Venus, moon craters, and distant star clusters.
What it's like
Head down to Riverside Drive before dusk and skip the main terminal doors—you reach the stargazing deck simply by walking straight up the sloped grass roof. Seating on the turf slope is strictly first-come and limited, so bring a lawn blanket if you plan to hang out. Astronomical Society volunteers staff each telescope, adjusting focus and explaining what you are looking at as the sky darkens over the river. The event is free, open to all ages, and subject to clear weather.
The move: Show up before sunset for a free rooftop session (next 2026 dates: July 25, Aug 15, Sept 19, Nov 21), grab first-come seating on the grass roof, and watch the sky change over the river through borrowed telescopes.
- 📍 Downtown Memphis (South Main / riverfront)
- 💸 $
- ⚡ Low-key
- 🌗 Outdoors
Where: 251 Riverside Drive, Memphis, TN 38103
Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current hours before you go.
⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.
Pair it with
- Tom Lee Park — river-creature playground & Tom Lee memorial — Walk a few minutes south along the riverfront before sunset to see the giant sculptural sturgeon and otter playground pieces before heading up to the roof.
- Earnestine & Hazel's — Follow up a night under the stars with a late-night Soul Burger at this legendary South Main dive bar and former brothel just half a mile inland.
- Tops Gallery — Combine an evening on the grass roof with an afternoon trip down into an underground art studio hidden inside a South Main warehouse basement.
Good to know
Do I need tickets or a reservation?
No. The event is completely free and open to the public of all ages on a walk-up basis.
How do I reach the rooftop area?
You simply walk directly up the exterior grassy sloped roof of the Beale Street Landing building.
What objects will we be looking at?
Depending on the night's sky conditions and planetary alignment, telescopes are typically aimed at the setting sun, Venus, the moon, Saturn, and bright star clusters.
What should I bring?
Bring a blanket or lawn chair since rooftop grass seating is first-come, along with a light jacket to cut the river breeze after dark.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: memphisriverparks.org · choose901.com · Facebook
last checked: 2026-07-20