Memphis, TN Curfew Laws: Park Curfew (2026)
Key Facts
- Summer hours (Mar 15-Oct 31)
- Closed 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
- Winter hours (Nov 1-Mar 14)
- Closed 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.
- Enforcing rule
- Sec. 12-84-11, citywide general penalty applies
- Exempt parks
- Riverfront Development Corp downtown parks, museums
- Default fine
- Up to $50.00 per violation
Summary
Memphis parks close to the public overnight under a seasonal curfew: 8:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. from March 15 through October 31, and 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. from November 1 through March 14. Staying in a city park past closing is unlawful unless the city council has specifically authorized a special event, per Sec. 12-84-11.
A.It is unlawful for any person to remain in any park between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. March 15 through October 31, and 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. November 1 through March 14, except on special occasions specifically authorized by the city council.B.Parks services may, by resolution approved by the city council, set hours varying from regular park hours for an individual park. Parks operating outside of regular park hours shall have a sign clearly posted at the established park entrance(s) indicating special hours.C.This section shall not apply to downtown area parks maintained and managed by the Riverfront Development Corporation, or any museum, facility or institution maintained on park grounds.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 32 | Charter: Supplement 4).
Full Breakdown
Sec. year-round. Remaining in a city park during closed hours is unlawful unless the city council has specifically authorized a special occasion. The division of park services can vary those default hours for an individual park by resolution approved by city council, but only after posting a sign at the park's established entrance stating the special hours, so a visitor cannot be cited for relying on the standard citywide schedule if no such sign is up. The curfew carves out downtown parks maintained and managed by the Riverfront Development Corporation, along with any museum, facility or institution located on park grounds, none of which are bound by the 12-84-11 schedule.
The rule sits inside Chapter 12-84, 'Park, Parkway Regulations, and Names,' whose Sec. 12-84-1 applies the whole chapter to 'the use of parks and parkways belonging to the city,' reaching every city-owned park and parkway, not state or county greenspace. The chapter carries no standalone fine for curfew violations, so enforcement defaults to the citywide general penalty at Sec. 00 for each separate violation, with every day a person unlawfully remains counted separately.
Violations & Fines
Remaining in a Memphis park past its posted closing time, without city council authorization for a special occasion, is a misdemeanor under Sec. 12-84-11 that defaults to the general penalty at Sec. 1-24-1: a fine of up to $50.00 for each violation, set at the city judge's discretion. Park rangers and police can cite violators on the spot; the Riverfront Development Corporation's downtown parks and any on-site museums are not subject to this curfew or its penalty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do Memphis parks close?
Can an individual park have different hours?
Does the park curfew cover downtown riverfront parks?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Memphis
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