If you think you’ve seen everything there is to discover at Tupelo… think again. From solar-powered stages to murals made by local artists and super fans, there may be one or two things that you’ve missed inside the walls at Tupelo.
Whether it’s your first show or your fiftieth, here are 10 things you absolutely have to check out the next time you step inside.
1. Solar Power Stats Wall
Who says rock and roll can’t be green? To the left of the bar, you’ll spot a striking wall sign that tells the story of Tupelo’s 313 solar panels—enough to brew over 6 million cups of coffee a year or charge 12,981 phones.
The venue isn’t just about good music; it’s powered by good energy. Take a minute to read the sign, snap a pic, and feel good knowing your night out is a little more sustainable.
2. The Merchandise Booth
Just behind the Box Office, you’ll find Tupelo’s own merch station, fully stocked with cozy hoodies, keychains, beanies, shirts, bottle openers, and more.
Be sure to grab a souvenir to show off your Tupelo pride. Pro tip: check it out early. The popular items tend to sell out fast!
3. Artist-Signed Guitars
Above the bar and along the lobby walls hang a collection of guitars signed by some truly legendary names like Bo Diddley, Lyle Lovett, Dave Davies of The Kinks, and more.
It’s like your favorite rock radio station turned into wall art. Grab a drink, see which signatures you can spot, and imagine the riffs those artists once played here.
4. Head Chef Melanie’s Famous Baked Goods
What better way to sweeten the show? When people talk about Melanie Roach’s homemade baked goods, they don’t whisper; they rave.
Tupelo’s head chef is known for her baked goods, including giant cookies, brownies, and jumbo ice cream sandwiches that hit peak popularity during summer shows. Pro tip: get one early. They tend to disappear faster than guitar solos at an encore.
5. The Legendary Artist Mashup Mural
Hanging between the entrance doors, this 52 x 60” mural is a photo montage created by Jerry LoFaro, Tupelo’s official photographer and longtime fan.
It features Pat Benatar, Todd Rundgren, Chris Isaak, Sully Erna, Melissa Etheridge, and more. All artists who’ve taken the Tupelo stage, it’s a visual mixtape that captures the soul of the venue.
6. The Guitar Mural (Your Pre-Show Selfie Spot)
Before you even enter the theatre, strike a pose with the giant guitar mural made by Marc Brown, owner of The Shirt Factory in Salem, NH.
It’s practically a rite of passage: no Tupelo night is complete without a selfie in front of the mural. #TupeloMoments
7. The Main Entrance
The makeshift stage that made history. Longtime fans remember: when the world shut down, Tupelo turned its parking lot into the first fully operating outdoor concert stage in America, complete with a full-service restaurant tent and the Booze Buggy (RIP).
Today, the entrance remains a prime photo-op spot and a reminder of how live music found a way when it mattered most.
8. The Bar: Home of the Tupelo Honey
Bar Manager Lisa Roach runs a tight ship, and it clearly shows when it comes to our boozy concoctions. Alongside the classics (like Lisa’s infamous Margaritas), you’ll often find themed drink specials including the fan-favorite Tupelo Honey.
Grab a glass, toast to good music, and get settled before the lights dim. Cheers.
9. Mezzanine Memories: Gold Dedication Plaques
Look closely at the mezzanine seating and you’ll see small gold plaques on the armrests. These are dedications to the fans, donors, and loved ones who helped make Tupelo’s move from Londonderry to Derry a reality.
Next time you’re seated in the comfiest seats in the house, take a glance and maybe you’ll see a familiar name or two.
10. Tupelo Owner Scott and His Wife Julie Hayward
Photo credit: David Lane/Union Leader
Unlike most venues where ownership stays behind the scenes, Scott and Julie Hayward are often right in the action, welcoming guests, running shows, and breaking down at the end of the night.
Their hands-on care is part of why Tupelo feels like a true community of fans, volunteers, and employees.
Before you go…
Tupelo Music Hall isn’t just where music happens—thanks to fans like you, we’re a proud fixture in the Derry community.
So next time you stop by, look around: from solar panels to sweet treats, murals to music legends, these little touches are what make Tupelo unforgettable.
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