Festival season is in full swing! From food to fashion and music to mushrooms, there are a number of spring and summer festivals in Memphis, and we want to make sure you know about ’em all.
MARCH festivals in memphis
On March 20th, we can officially say spring has sprungggg 🌷
Wiseacre Brewing is teaming up with the Baddour Center to raise more awareness about local resources available for individuals with Down Syndrome during a day of free fun, featuring shows, games, activities, and more at Wiseacre’s Broad Ave location.
Kick off your weekend with David Quarles, the local dancing and DIY king, who’s inviting you to move, groove, and give back educational resources to the Bluff City!
- Chalkfest is back at the Brooks Museum, and they need you, your friends, and your family to join local artists in transforming the Brooks Plaza into the most colorful canvas.
- Bring your own chalk or buy some on site for $5.
- The category for the latest installment in the Time Warp Drive-In Movie Series is is Comedic Catastrophe. The three feature films include:
- Hot Fizz
- Shaun of the Dead
- The World’s End
Local and national dancers are gathering at Crosstown Concourse to pop, lock, jook, and crump their way into the qualifying round of the Red Bull: Dance Your Style Competition.
- The Memphis Botanic Garden invites you to take a guided nighttime hike through the grounds that ends with a fireside singalong, plus hot dogs and s’mores for the whole fam!
- Member tickets are $10, Non-member tickets are $15.
APRIL festivals in memphis
- Where the plant-based peeps at? It’s your time to shine! The Vegan Block Party will feature all the eats a proper veg-head would appreciate, plus vendors who specialize in creating plant-based health & beauty products, clothing and accessories. Come with your crew (no furry friends, though) and experience one of the healthiest festivals in Memphis.
- Enjoy four hours of unlimited drinking as Wiseacre keeps Memphis weird by hosting a festival dedicated to the wildest and best beers.
- In need of a nature day? Make your way to Meeman Shelby Forest State Park where you’ll be surrounded by wildlife all the while enjoying live music, arts & crafts vendors, cultural exhibits, food, and more.
- You’re invited to munch on as many mudbugs as you want as Porter Leath celebrates 30 years of its Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival.
- Make your way to the Ridgeway Loop where photographers, painters, jewelers, metalsmiths and more will be showcasing their original creations that could be yours.
- BRNSTRM is a local artists’ collective, celebrating all the talent there is to offer in Memphis. Browse art made by some of the Bluff City’s best and brightest for just $5.
- Vintage901 is celebrating it’s 7th anniversary with a two days full of spring festivities featuring the best in wine, food, and music to celebrate community, culture, and purpose.
- Can’t get enough of the crawfish season? Bayou Bar and Grill’s famous crawdads are coming to Overton Square with a vendor market, craft beers, and live music.
- Featuring bottles of bubbles and unique flavors, this Sunday Funday will take you to Court Square Park to turn up all afternoon.
It’s a celebration of Black excellence in its many different facets! Enjoy a night out at the Memphis Museum of Science and History as Black Arts and Wine Fest highlights Black-owned vendors, chefs, distilleries and more!
Bookworms unite! Bookstock, otherwise known as the Memphis Area Author’s Festival will feature over 60 local authors, keynote speakers Sam White and Tara Stringfellow, plus photography, food trucks and giveaways all at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library.
- The annual MFW puts a spotlight on the exceptional talent and swagger that exists in this city as emerging designers, established local talent, and major designers from other parts of the country put together a packed itinerary of runway shows, special events, and some sought-after VIP shopping opportunities. Check out the most fashionable of the festivals in Memphis.
MAY festivals in memphis
- Between the Beale Street Music Festival, the World Championship BBQ Cooking Contest, and the Great American River Run, the Memphis in May International Festival is one of the largest festivals in Memphis!
- Beale Street Music Festival has brought out top acts like the Avett Brothers, Cardi B, Panic at the Disco, and more star studded performers. The 2023 festivities are happening May 5th-7th, and y’all know we’ve already got the scoop on who’s taking the stage.
- The World Championship BBQ Cooking Contest is next in line! From May 17th-20th, MIM is gathering some of the best grill masters so our city can see what they’ve got. From ribs to pork shoulders to wings, and everything in between, you’ll want to break out the stretchy pants for this one.
- And to do your body good after downing all that meat, the Great American River Run will get you on your feet on May 27th! Participants have the choice between the 5K, 10K, or Half Marathon that courses past historical landmarks and overlooks the Mighty Mississippi! Did we mention that there are fireworks and post-race food and beer available, plus a grand cash prize up for grabs?!
- You may have to loosen your belt after you indulge in all the beignets, shrimg & grits, cafe au lait, and more as The Rotary Club of Memphis and Dorothy Day house invites you to Café Du Memphis at the Malco Summer Drive-In.
LET'S BRUCH FESTIVAL: MAY 7
- Whether you’re a Bloody Mary or Mimosa mane, this brunch fest will fuel you with samples of some of the best brunch bites and beverages our city has to offer.
- This long-standing Mid-South tradition started as a small pastry sale and has grown into a full-fledged two-day festival boasting over 10,000 attendees every year. Go for the kabobs, baklava, and bevy of other tasty delights. Stay for the dancing, and fun finds featured in the Greek Boutique.
- P.S. bring 3 cans to donate to Mid-South Food Bank to receive free entry.
- If you’ve been craving pronto pups and candy apples with a side of circus acts, make your way to the Bluff City Fair at Autozone Liberty Bowl Stadium. There’ll be circus performers, rides for all ages, a petting zoo, and more! Tickets can be purchased upon arrival.
- Make note of the discount days -> Unlimited Rides on Tuesdays and Thursdays for $15.
BEALE STREET ART CRAWL: MAY 21
- Need some new wall dressings? The Beale Street Art Crawl is bringing talented local and regional artists to the iconic street Downtown to provide a family-friendly day full of finding your next masterpiece. Come for the creatives. Stay for the live bands that’ll surely get you to bust a move.
- Looking to add a new furry friend to your family? Or maybe you’re in the market for new furry fashions for your partner in crime (cat or dog!) Fido Fest at Carriage Crossing in Collierville can help you out with all of the above!
- Take a trip to Meeman Shelby Forest state park for a 5-day, 4-night transformational camping experience in celebration and support of the legalization of all plant medicine
JUNE festivals in memphis
- Music, games, arts & crafts, and all of the Italian food you can eat, of course! Join hundreds of Memphians to enjoy the taste of Italy in the Bluff City for the first time in two years.
- Y’all ready for the most colorful weekend of the year?! Memphis Pride Fest is coming our way, and they’re putting together a line-up of virtual and in-person events in celebration of being EXACTLY who you are!
- Our summer’s are hot, so you’ll need to cool down with a refreshing marg at Memphis Margarita Fest! Your ticket gets you entry and 12 samples from local faves who know how to take tequila to the next level. Food will also be available for purchase and cash-bar will be on site slinging full size sips.
- Join your fellow Memphians and take over the plaza at Crosstown Concourse for a fun day of shopping local, along with fun family activities and local beers on tap!
- You won’t want to miss this culinary experience featuring a solid selection of craft food shops and restaurants! Benefitting Church Health, local and regional artisans are coming together to showcase eats and treats that you’ll definitely want to add to your charcuterie board. Plus they’ll be paired with wine, beer, and cider—so what more can you ask for?!
- This one’s for the foodies! In support of Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, Le Bon Appétit brings together some of the nation’s most celebrated, culinary talent to treat your tastebuds to divine delicacies.
Recognized as the official Black Pride of Memphis by the Center for Black Equity, TriState Black Pride doesn’t play when it comes to Pride Month programming!
The lengthy lineup of events features educational sessions, a job fair, a rooftop party, a free brunch… and that’s just one day! You’ve got a whole weekend to witness the people, purpose, and power of this organization.
BLUFF CITY BALLOON JAMBOREE: JUNE 17-19
- The sky at Shelby Farms Park with be filled with balloons as the the second annual Bluff City Balloon Jamboree takes off Father’s Day Weekend with a morning balloon launch, hot air balloon rides, carnival games, arts and crafts, live music, and more.
- Once again, we ask, where the plant-based peeps at? Cynthia Daniels knew our local veg-heads needed another opportunity to gather. The Memphis Vegan Festival is like the Vegan Block Party, but bigger and better!
- For the 4th year in a row, this festival will shine a light on local Black culture—bringing the block party vibes with food trucks, live music, and vendors from all over the city.
July Festivals in Memphis
Graceland 4th of July Celebration: July 1-4
- Celebrate Independence Day with some fireworks, BBQ, and some good old fashion rock ‘n’ roll with Elvis at the Guest House of Graceland Public Group on July 1 at 9AM- July 4th at 12pm.
- In direct support of Operation Better Days, a local nonprofit that works to combat homelessness among veterans, the inaugural Beer & Brats Festival at Grind City Brewery will have you indulging in all the brews and savory sausage samples that you can stand to stomach.
Black Cream- Live From Studio A: July 12
- Wanna hear some groovy music by some groovy Memphians. Stax Museum of American Soul Music will be hosting some of your favorite Memphis musicians every Tuesday during the month of July. Nothing but the vibes!
Yo Gotti and Friends: Birthday Bash 8: July 15
- You don’t want to miss the hottest Birthday Bash of the summer at the FedExForum by one of many Memphis talented artists, YO GOTTI!!!!!
Lana j. at crosstown Arts: July 17
- Come and hear Lana J. bless us with her vocals. A young talented woman who attended Stax Music Academy which helped develop her music career.
Memphis Music is the Best Music
- Presented by Indie Memphis, Crosstown Arts, and Like You: a locally-produced Mindfulness prodcast for Kids, you and your little ones are invited to experience some movie magic during this screening of family-friendly short films.
DREAMFEST WEEKEND 11: july 22-24
- In celebration of artistic collaboration, Dreamfest Weekend 11 is highlighting top-tier local talent, as an array of artists take to the Overton Park Shell stage to show off their skills.
It’s hot as hell, but you’re invited to cool down with some refreshing sips at the Memphis Summer Cocktail Festival.
- Crown Me Royal Labs founder Chassidy Jade—also the leading lady of Vibes and Visuals—has put together a Black film festival that features raw and innovative screenings, panels, and workshops from black and brown behind-the-scenes filmmakers.
august festivals in memphis
SOILD GOLD SOULSVILLE: August 4
- Get groovy with the music that has blessed Memphis since 1957 with all the wonderful records! Come join STAX as they have their SOLID GOLD SOULSVILLE! That brings the community together to kickoff the start of STAX Music Academy and the beginning of 2022/2023 school year
Summer Vendor Fest: August 6
- Wanna promote yourself and get your business out there? Then this is an event you definitely don’t want to miss! Summer Vendo Fest hosts an event where it’s all about professionalism and networking with each other.
CHICKEN & BEER FEST: AUGUST 6
- You’re invited to fill your belly with chicken and beer at the Liberty Bowl in support of Dorothy Day House.
ELVIS WEEK: AUGUST 9-17
- Get ready to bust out those blue suede shoes for one of the most notable celebrations of the year. Gather with Elvis fans from across the world for a week of concerts, panel discussions, dances, the annual candlelight vigil and more.
fedex st. jude championship: AUGUST 10-14
- It’s almost tee time! Gather with your local golf gang as the PGA tour’s best players take to the greens for a good cause during the Fedex St. Jude Championship! It all kicks off with the Soul-in-One Celebration on Wednesday, September 10th, where there will plenty of family-friendly fun before the playoffs begin.
grind city fest: august 26-27
The inaugural Grind City Fest is bringing bluegrass to the Bluff City’s Uptown neighborhood. Featuring a combination of local acts and Grammy-award-winning artists—plus plenty of blues and brews—it’s the optimal way to end your month with music.
SEPTEMBER Festivals in memphis
901 Day 2022: September 1
On a surface level, it’s the commemoration of an area code—but at it’s core, 901 Day monumentalizes Memphis, and most importantly the Memphians that have created the culture. Peep the guide to see how you can celebrate the “most breatiful land in the worl.”
Delta Fair: September 2-11
Who doesn’t love a day at the fair? The annual Delta Fair is back again at the Agricenter! You can expect the festival to provide good ole wholesome family fun and entertainment. Take a look at what’s coming to the carnival this year here.
Summer Nights Memphis: September 3-4
Calling all car kings and queens! You won’t want to miss Summer Nights Memphis at Memphis International Raceway. Featuring over 12 hours of drifting, a burnout competition, a car show, entertainment, and more, you’ll be surrounded be all the folks who are living their lives in the fast lane.
Southern Heritage Classic: September 8-10
Y’all wanna talk about a full on Memphis family reunion. The Southern Heritage Classic has been bringing Black Memphis, and beyond, together since 1990—and the 32nd annual celebration will be no different. HBCU’s will gather, the right people will be on the grill, rivalry games will go down, and there’s even more where that comes from.
Mint Cream Market: September 17
Your favorite local artists and makers invite you to mingle and forge for vintage finds at Arrow Creative.
Cooper Young Festival: September 17
Cooper Young Festival is in its 34th year of operation, and hasn’t missed a beat since its beginning. What better way to spend a day than wandering down Cooper St. in search of good eats, impressive street vendors, and local musicians as they provide the soundtrack to our city? Oh, and it’s free! Check out the hippest of the festivals in Memphis.
ELIXIR Ultimate Cocktail Party: September 24
The Ultimate Cocktail Party in Memphis will feature a blend of the hottest sounds & the most lavish cuisine Memphis has ever seen.
