MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) – Thousands of music lovers will rock out along the Mississippi Riverfront this weekend at the second annual Riverbeat Music Festival produced by Mempho Presents.
The festival’s producer, native Memphian Mike Smith, says he’s focused on making sure security’s tight and the vibes are right.
“We work with one of the largest security firms in the world, which helped to organize our security plans. We work with the Memphis Police Department, Memphis Fire Department, and city planners to make sure we’re all on the same page with everything,” Smith said.
Security measures include uniformed and plain-clothes officers, airport-style screenings with pat downs and metal detectors, surveillance drones and mounted closed-circuit cameras, and a new street barricade system.
“It’s a type of Meridian traffic mitigation barricade. It would prevent cars from coming down Riverside Drive, stopping it completely. It’s just those type of investments that we are doing to ensure the security of everyone,” Smith said.
Festival attendees can also text a special phone number if they see something suspicious: (901) 621-5222.
“It’s a service that we pay for. It’s a national service and there’s QR codes. And you can text things. And it goes to someone that’s sitting there watching it live. So if you see someone that’s injured or hurt or a dangerous situation, you can actually literally report anything,” Smith said.
Only clear bags are allowed inside the park, and weapons of any kind are prohibited.
Approximately 60 artists are scheduled to perform over three days.
Festival headliners include Missy Elliott, The Killers, and Anderson .Paak & the Free Nationals.
“We’re just so excited to be able to continue to bring cool things to town and do things, and hopefully people will be down here having a great time dancing, smiling, and having a lot of fun,” Smith told us.
In addition to the music, festival goers will find a Ferris wheel, art installations, light activations, and plenty of bars and food.
The complete lineup and information on tickets, rideshares, parking, stage maps, and more can be found here.
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