9-0-1. Nine. Zero. One. Nine. OH. One.
I’m sure we could go on forever, but what is so significant about these three numbers that September 1st (9/01) is dedicated to them? If you know, you know. If you’re new, you’re about to learn—because 901 means US. And by us, we mean the great city of Memphis and the Memphians that inhabit it.
WHAT IS 901 DAY?
901 Day presents 24 hours for us to be loud and proud about the love we have for our city—and the best thing about it is there are hundreds of ways for you to show your city pride.
- Want to make your rounds to all of the eateries we’ve been blessed with? You won’t be hangry, that’s for sure!
- Want to volunteer your time or donate your dollars to your favorite local org or nonprofit? That’s incredible!
- Want to dance it out at a spot where a local DJ is doing their thing? Don’t step on nobody’s forces!
You could learn some history, support a local business, go on a photo walk, slice a pool, stream Memphis music, purchase that one-of-a-kind piece made by a local artist…I think you get the picture.
We’ve got so much to be proud of here, and this celebration only comes once a year. To make the most of 901 Day 2021, keep scrolling for lists, local discounts, and suggestions that’ll help you do the day justice—because this is our city, this is our day, and as Blocboy JB would say, “Look Alive!”
WHERE THE PARTIES AT:
UPDATE: THE CHOOSE901 901 BLOCK PARTY MENTIONED BELOW HAS BEEN POSTPONED – NEW DATE TO COME!
Ain’t nothing like a block party bash to get folks in the mood to celebrate our city—and from 4PM to 9PM, we want y’all to come kick it with us under the streamers on Monroe. In partnership with Memphis Medical District Collaborative, the Downtown Memphis Commission, and the Edge District Business Association, We’re taking over the Edge Plaza to bring y’all an evening of entertainment, featuring DJs, dancing, food trucks, and more festive fun to commemorate the occasion.
Here’s what we have planned:
Our friend DJ Capital A of WYXR is taking the stage to set the vibes. You can catch him under the “Say Hello” sign doing his thing from 4PM-8PM.
There’ll be food trucks on-site keeping ya fed:
But don’t sleep on the Edge District eateries in the area, because they’re bringing the heat, too: Chef Tam’s Underground Cafe, Edge Alley, and Slim & Husky’s Pizza Beeria.
Memphis Made is coming out to pour beers, and Ashley Butler of Ashe Bar and Ben Colar of the up and coming Inkwell Bar will be slinging drinks—and High Cotton Brewing Company is right down the way with crisp, cold beer flowing straight from the tap.
And y’all know it’s not a party without pics. That’s why we’ve got The Mane Wilding working on a photo booth setup to incite FOMO from the fire pics you’ll be posting.
As the day draws near, we’ll be posting updates on our Facebook Event Page—so let us know you’re coming, and hope to see you there!
**The public art piece entitled “There is More to be Proud of”,” is a component of MMDC’s Marshall/Monroe streetscape improvement project. The Downtown Memphis Commission (DMC) provided project funding to support this work and commissioned extraordinary artwork by local artist Cat Peña. This shimmering, soothing, shade-casting public art installation was unveiled to the public at a party on the plaza in March 2017**
Exposure presented by New Memphis and Independent Bank
Y’all ready to turn up at the FedEx Forum?! Because, New Memphis is bringing the party to the plaza! From 5PM-6:30PM on September 1, you’ll catch the following and then some:
- Art demonstrations and live performances by talented artists in our local scene
- WYXR DJs and DJ Spanish Fly doing what they do best
- Free samples from Old Dominick and MemPops
- Free headshots for college students
- Leaders from key organizations connecting with Memphians like you, sharing the intel on volunteer opportunities, social groups, sports teams, arts and culture programming, and more to help you take advantage of the endless possibilities available in the 901.
Until the big shebang begins, they’ve come up with more ways to keep you connected!
If you happen to spy an Exposure poster while you’re out and about, make sure to scan the QR code and enter your name for a chance at winning giveaways, like three-day Mempho Music Festival passes, Orpheum tickets, and more, on the day of the event.
Make sure to give ’em a follow on Facebook and Instagram to see how the festivities unfold, and share what you love about Memphis with them by tagging @thenewmemphis and using the official hashtag #CELEBRATEYOURCITY.
Memphis 901 FC Celebrates 901 Day with Free Beer and $9.01 Tickets
Memphis 901FC was born, or technically played their first game at AutoZone Park, on September 1, 2018. You’re invited to ring in their third birthday while cheering on our boys in blue as they go up against OKC Energy—and celebrate our city at the same time!
Special gameday offers include:
- Select tickets available for $9.01. Purchase tickets here.
- All fans 21 years of age and older will receive a voucher for a complimentary 12-ounce beer from Memphis’ Ghost River Brewing Co.
- Fans can enter for the chance to follow in the footsteps of Ja Morant, Penny Hardaway, Ryan Silverfield and others in smashing the guitar during the pre-match ceremony. The winner will also receive two tickets to the match and a jersey signed by the team. Enter to smash here!
Railgarten presents 901Fest
Railgarten is keeping the 901 Day festivities going well into Labor Day weekend with 901Fest, a four-day festival featuring local musicians! Take a look at the lineup below, and prepare to pop by to see local artists from Arrow Creative sharing their talents on-site Saturday and Sunday, too!
- Wednesday, September 1: MonoNeon
- Thursday, September 2: Lucero
- Friday, September 3: Lord T & Eloise
- Saturday, September 4: Cooper Young Cyndicate & Dead Soldiers
901Day Flash Tattoos Available at Underground Art, Inc.
You can make your love for Memphis more permanent thanks to Quintin and Nour at Underground Art in Midtown where they’ll be offering Memphis themed pieces all day long. It’s a first-come, first-serve situation, and you must provide proof of vaccination + wear a mask while in the studio. Only one client will be allowed in the per tattoo.
THERE ARE MORE WAYS TO CELEBRATE MEMPHIS, MANE:
Get Out and Explore Memphis
Whether you’re looking to learn something new, see something pretty, or set out on an adventure—from our indoor establishments to our green spaces—we got plenty places to romp around.
Photo: Memphis River Parks
A Local Guide to the Great Outdoors
Where to Roller Skate Outside in Memphis
The Best Local Patios for Enjoying Food, Friends, & Fun
Support Your Local Art Institutions
Stop and Smell the Roses: A Guide to Local Gardens in Memphis
Make a Splash: Water Play Ares in Memphis
Boutique Hotels That’ll Bring You Good Times, Views, and Vibes in Memphis
Pet Friendly Places to Pop Into With Your Pup
Donate Your Dollars or Volunteer Your Time
I feel like you could throw a rock and hit a Memphian who either leads or works at a local nonprofit, but please don’t do that. The point is there are people and organizations in this city who are committed to helping Memphis be better, and I can’t think of a better day to show them support than this.
Have You Signed Up to Volunteer this Month?
Want to Be a Mentor in Memphis?
Check out our list of Bluff City nonprofits to know about here.
Local LGBTQ+ Organizations & Businesses You Should Know About
Memphis Organizations Centered Around Supporting Immigrants & Refugee Families
Spend those Dollars in Our City
We’ve got too many talented folks up in this city to not keep our dollars here. Like we know that sounds selfish, but it’s our day and we can be that way.
Photo: Space Age Sippin’ brewed by Beale St. Brewing Company
That local artist’s painting you’ve been eyeing, buy it! Those hand-crafted, self-curated selections of apparel, accessories, wellness products, etc…treat yourself. Locally made masks? Stock up! And we better not see y’all walking out of a chain restaurant. THERE’S TOO MUCH FIYA FOOD IN THIS JUNT.
Need ideas? We’ve got you:
Memphis: Home of the Brews (Local Beer Guide)
Local Bookstores and Libraries
Support Your Local Black Community (Guide for Black Businesses, Artists, Cultural Organizations, and more)
Mask Up Memphis: Where to Get Face Masks
The Ultimate Guide to Frozen Treats in Memphis
Eat Your Veggies: A Vegetarian, Vegan Guide to Memphis
15 Places to Get Your Wing Fix in Memphis
Reward Memphians for Loving Memphis
Is your business planning on celebrating the day by offering a 901 Day discount or deal? Click this link to let us know, so we can send some folks your way!
See who plans on offering what, and plan accordingly!