Travel’s Hottest Trend: Music Tourism – Memphis, Nashville, Boston and More

As we start to look towards spring and summer, greater interest surrounding the phenomenon of “music tourism” is becoming prevalent in the travel industry.

Travelers are now visiting different destinations across the country based on the musical heritage and events in that area. Driven by the global appeal of music and the desire for live performances, music tourism has and will continue to gain significant popularity.

From cities with rich music history like Memphis, where Elvis Presley called home and where major artists such as Louis Armstrong and Muddy Waters flocked to during the jazz age, to less thought of music locations like Boston or Silicon Valley, read on for prime destinations that fit perfectly into this new music tourism travel trend.

Memphis, Tennessee 

• What’s Going On: Memphis, Tennessee is known as the “Home of Blues, Soul & Rock ‘N’ Roll,” where musicians such as B.B. King, Louis Armstrong, and Muddy Waters flocked to during the jazz age of the 1920s-1940s. Many of these legends also helped create the style known as “Memphis Blues,” a style born on the famed Beale Street. The city regularly hosts music events and festivals, such as the annual Memphis in May International Festival, and of course the beloved Elvis Week from August 9 – 17, where music lovers, travelers, and Memphis goers alike can visit Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley, to honor the anniversary of his passing and his legendary life. In the Fall, while the temperatures cool down, the Music Capital’s events and festivals turn up a notch for Memphis Music Month, holding some of the best live music in the country.
• Where to Stay: When visiting the city, music lovers can choose to experience even more adventures at Memphis’ one-of-a-kind wilderness resort Big Cypress Lodge. Located within the iconic Memphis Pyramid, this uniquely situated resort offers guests a chance to experience nature like never before. Guests can dine al fresco, listen to live music, and cozy up by the firepits, while admiring the spectacular view of the Memphis skyline, at The Mississippi Terrace..

Boston, Massachusetts 

• What’s Going On: Boston is quickly emerging as a top entertainment destination across the east coast with something for everyone! Whether you’re a music aficionado, sports fanatic or a foodie, Boston has you covered. Specifically, the Kenmore Square district is quickly rising as one of Boston’s hottest neighborhoods, boasting some of the city’s most exciting venues, including legendary Fenway Park and newly opened MGM Music Hall, restaurants and hotels. MGM Music Hall is a state-of-the-art, multi-purpose performing arts center, with popular acts coming to town including Scotty McCreery on March 1; The Kooks on March 8; Bryce Vine on March 10; Larry David on April 1; LANY on April 11; Nora Jones on May 6; and Bleachers on June 10.
• Where to Stay: As the Official Hotel of the Boston Red Sox, Hotel Commonwealth is just steps away from Fenway Park, home to MLB games, headlining concerts and events at MGM Music Hall, making it the perfect place for travelers to stay for whatever type of entertainment they are looking for. Music lovers can also choose to stay in the hotel’s music themed suite, The Rathskeller Suite – a room paying homage to Kenmore Square’s iconic past and the underground music venue known as “The Rat.” Surrounded by played-the-Rat music memorabilia, this one bedroom, comfort-driven suite boldly reinterprets Rock’n Roll inspirations with an eye toward luxury. Guests can also take advantage of Hotel Commonwealth’s centralized location by booking a stay at the hotel and pre or post event dinner at one of the two Blue Ribbon restaurants located at its doorstep, Blue Ribbon Sushi and the newly opened Blue Ribbon Brasserie, open late and perfect spot for late night cocktails and snacks!

Silicon Valley, California 

• What’s Going On: A hidden gem for concerts located outside of the bustle of downtown San Francisco, Silicon Valley has quickly become a top music destination in California, with major acts coming to Shoreline Amphitheatre. The venue regularly hosts for both classical and contemporary artists, with a great boosting hi-definition sound system and wide screens available at the lawn. Upcoming events include Avril Lavigne on May 28th; New Kids On The Block on July 3rd; Niall Horan on July 26th; Alanis Morissette, Joan Jett And The Blackhearts & Morgan Wade on August 7th; Post Malone on August 16th; REO Speedwagon & Yacht Rock Revue on September 7th; Hozier on September 10th; and The Chainsmokers on October 28th. Find the full line up here.
• Where to Stay: Renowned for mingling tradition with technology to bring services and the guest experience to new heights, Silicon Valley’s Shashi Hotel Mountain View, located less than a mile from Shoreline Amphitheatre, is excited to help guests create lifelong memories through The Music Lovers Package, offering unparalleled concert views and a variety of exciting amenities encouraging patrons to savor every moment. The Music Lovers Package includes overnight accommodations at the hotel, room upgrades, 4 seats in the Shashi Hotel Box Suite at Shoreline Amphitheatre, bike rentals for easy transportation to and from the concert, and pre-concert drinks at The Emerald Hour, Shashi’s onsite craft cocktail bar, as well as early check-in and late check-out at 1pm. Guests can also get tickets to Levi’s Stadium shows in addition to room accommodations through the Levi’s Stadium Shashi Hotel Experience.

Nashville, Tennessee 

• What’s Going On: Nashville’s connection to music is unequaled, and its reputation as ‘Music City’ has been consistently proven for over 200 years. With music and entertainment around every corner, travelers can explore Nashville nightlife for free live music at one of the many Honky Tonks, check out up-and-coming musical artists at The Listening Room Cafe, or see a big act at Nissan Stadium including CMA Fest in June, the longest-running Country Music festival in the world.
• Where to Stay: Set in the heart of Downtown Nashville, The Hermitage Hotel is a timeless icon of best-in-class accommodations, service, dining and warm Southern hospitality. Originally opened in 1910, the privately owned and operated hotel has stood as Nashville’s premier luxury property for more than 110 years. In 2022, the hotel completed a multi-year redesign and revitalization of its guest rooms and public spaces, while opening two new restaurants from Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, marking his first presence in the American South. Guests of The Hermitage Hotel can enjoy the hotel’s Music City Experience for access to an exclusive luxury box in Nashville’s renowned stadium and concert venue. For the ultimate spectator experience, a full buyout of the 18-suite is available. Highly anticipated shows for 2024 include Morgan Wallen (May), Zach Bryan (June), CMA Fest (June), Def Leppard/Journey (July), and Kenny Chesney & Zaz Brown Band (August).