Repairs are well underway at the Mud Island Amphitheater as organizers plan to reactivate the space for music and entertainment.
Jerred Price, president of the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Memphis (DNA), says the “Comeback Concert Series” is planned for April at the amphitheater. The Memphis City Council approved $150,000 in funding towards repairs in September.
“Work has included concrete repairs, improvements to the stage surface, new handrails, and designated accessible areas,” Price said in a statement. “Those might not sound like glamorous improvements, but they’re important. They’re the kinds of things that have to happen before we can responsibly welcome people back into the venue.”
Price said they need continued collaboration with the City of Memphis, Memphis River Parks and other organizers to responsibly complete planning.
“There are also operational details to address, including temporary facilities, event production, accessibility, insurance, security, and the overall visitor experience,” Price said.
The amphitheater closed in 2018, however the DNA, along with the Save The Amphitheater movement, have been vocal about reviving the space. In 2025 a concert series was scheduled for April at the venue, but was cancelled as the city of Memphis cited safety hazards.
At the time, the city’s then-interim chief operating officer Antonio Adams said it was possible for the space to “once again be a great venue and event space, but that it would be “irresponsible” for the city to ignore the venue’s conditions, citing a “financial risk to the city and taxpayers.”
“The difference today is that we’re seeing city-funded improvements addressing some of the very issues that prevented earlier activation efforts,” Price said.
“Our goal is to build on that progress, continue working with the appropriate city departments and partners, and develop an event plan that meets all necessary safety and operational requirements.”
President and CEO of Memphis River Parks Partnership, Paul Chandler, appeared in front of the Memphis City Council’s Parks and Environment Committee, to provide updates on Mud Island.
During the meeting, Chandler alluded to the 2025 assessment which caused the series to be cancelled, saying it was commissioned for both short-term and long-term recommendations, as well as the feasibility for events.
Chandler said the evaluation of the property found multiple trip hazards and ADA compliance issues among others.
“The overall opinion was strongly against the occupancy of the amphitheater due to these deficiencies,” Chandler said. Consultants recommended that future events be limited, but not 100 percent prevented.
Chandler said General Services is actively working on updating the amphitheater, while the DNA is continuing to work on their event for April 2027.
“We continue to advise the DNA and the city of the DNA’s use of the venue about event layout, planning, [and] production needs,” Chandler said. “I believe that we are headed towards the great feasibility for an April event.”
Officials plan to produce a report on the success, financial outcome, and safety and compliance of the April event following its conclusion. This will affect future events at the amphitheater.
