Drive-In Theater Finder

Not a drive-in. Overton Park Shell is an outdoor stage. Drive-in lists still name it, so this page explains what it is.

Outdoor stage · Memphis, Tennessee

Overton Park Shell

Also called Memphis Open Air Theatre and Levitt Shell

Updated

  • Opened1936

Overton Park Shell is not a drive-in. It is an outdoor band shell in Overton Park, Memphis, built in 1936 by the city and the Works Progress Administration.

In the 1930s and 1940s it hosted the Memphis Open Air Theater's orchestra shows, light opera and musicals, which is why some drive-in lists still name it. For a drive-in near Memphis, see the Tennessee page.

History

The history of Overton Park Shell

The city and the Works Progress Administration built the shell in 1936. Elvis Presley gave his first paid concert here on July 30, 1954. A citizens' group saved it from being torn down more than once. It was called the Levitt Shell from 2008, after a renovation, and took back its old name, Overton Park Shell, in 2022. It still hosts free outdoor concerts.

Nearby

Other drive-in theaters in Tennessee

All 11 drive-in theaters in TennesseeScreens, season, prices and rules for every one

Accuracy

How we check this page

Last checked

Prices and rules can change during the season. If we are not sure about a fact, we leave it off the page.

The start times

Overton Park Shell starts the movie when it gets dark, so the time moves through the year. The times here are close, not exact.

Prices, hours and radio channels change. Double-check on Overton Park Shell's website before you go. Spot a mistake? Tell us and we will check it.

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