2026 901 Day (Gary S. Whitlow/Tri-State Defender) 
2026 901 Day: DJ Stan Bell (Gary S. Whitlow/Tri-State Defender) 
2026 901 Day: Grizzlies Drum Line (Gary S. Whitlow/Tri-State Defender) 
2026 901 Day: Memphis Mayor Paul Young greets new Shelby County Mayor Mickell Lowery. (Gary S. Whitlow/Tri-State Defender) 
2026 901 Day (Gary S. Whitlow/Tri-State Defender) 
2026 901 Day: EJ Jones, “Gas Station Love” (Gary S. Whitlow/Tri-State Defender)
Thousands of Memphians filled Beale Street on Sunday, Aug. 30, as 901 Day once again transformed one of the city’s most famous streets into a showcase of Memphis music, art, creativity and culture.
More than 300 Memphis creatives were featured throughout the day, with live music, dance, fashion, film, arts and crafts, youth programming and family activities spread across Beale Street and Handy Park. Performers included students from Stax Music Academy as part of a lineup spanning established artists and some of the city’s emerging creative talent.
One of the day’s signature moments came when Memphis Mayor Paul Young presented legendary Stax songwriter and producer David Porter with a Key to the City. Porter, whose songwriting credits include such classics as “Soul Man” and “Hold On, I’m Comin’,” was also honored with a special musical tribute featuring Stax Music Academy, KIRBY and EJ Jones. The day’s programming also included a “Memphis Remembering Tay Keith” presentation honoring the late Grammy-winning Memphis producer.
The celebration brought together some of the city’s political leadership as well. Young shared the stage with newly elected Shelby County Mayor Mickell Lowery for a 901 Day moment, just one day before Lowery officially began his tenure.
This year’s main celebration was held two days ahead of the actual Sept. 1 date, with organizers opting for a weekend festival rather than trying to accommodate the large crowds on a Tuesday work and school day.
