The Ultimate Guide to Memphis Festivals 2018

Photo: Keith Montgomery

From food and film to music and art, Memphis has a wide array of festivals happening all year round. Several of them are free and open to the public. Check them out below.

Got something to add to this list? Let us know here.

January

• Friday, January 12 – Science of Beer 5 – 6:30 pm

The annual Pink Palace “Science of Beer” festival returns once again! You’ll get to sample some of the best local professional and home brewed beers while also enjoying Memphis dinning. You can talk to the brewers in person and learn about their processes as well. On top of it all, attendees will get to take part in a scavenger hunt, beer goggle sports, experiments, and much more! This event offers a variety of ticket options including member discount, VIP, and designated driver options; all of which are available here.

• January 12th – 14th – DreamFest Weekend – $10
  • DreamFest: The Concert
  • DOA Draft: DreamFest Edition
  • Dream Bowl (charity flag football game)

DreamFest is a weekend of events dedicated to promoting Memphis Music and artist collaboration.

• Monday, January 15th – MLK Day Celebration at The National Civil Rights Museum – 8 am to 6 pm

The Museum is open from 8 am to 6 pm and is offering special discounts in honor of the MLK holiday. Admission is $5 all day for all ages, $3 if you bring a food donations for the Mid-South Food Bank, or FREE for you and others if you donate blood to LifeBlood.

• Sunday, January 21st – TEP Gumbo Contest – 4:30 pm

The 8th Tennessee Equality Project Gumbo Contest presented by Hilton Memphis will be held on Sunday, January 21, 2018. TEP’s annual Mardi Gras celebration brings together teams from the Western, Middle and Eastern United States to compete for the best gumbo in Memphis. Gumbo contestants will be awarded prizes by an appointed panel of judges and by individual tasters like you in the People’s Choice competition. Official judges shall also vote for the Best Vegetarian Gumbo.

• Saturday, January 26th – Memphis Music Gives Fest – Free but donations are encouraged

This event will showcase a set of 5, 45 minute acts of local musicians/bands while donating 75% of proceeds to the St. Jude Ronald McDonald House Charities of Memphis. Acts include Good Bueno Sky King, Houstn, The PRVLG, and Austin Blue. Refreshments will be provided.

• Sunday, January 27th – Staxtacular – $175 – 7 pm to 11:30 pm

Memphis Grizzlies PG Mario Chalmers and Paije Speights will host this years Staxtacular along with special guest, Grizzlies legend Shane Battier! Benefiting the Stax Music Academy, guests will be able to enjoy a night filled with music, dancing, and of course, Food.

• Enjoy live music provided by the Stax Music Academy and the Stax Music Academy Alumni Band.
• Delight your taste buds with southern cuisine, special craft beer and snazzy cocktails.
• Purchase exclusive items from our silent and online auction.

February

• Saturday, February 3 – Cirque du CMOM 2018 – 7pm to 12am

The Children’s Museum of Memphis presents Cirque du CMOM presented by IBERIA BANK, a fundraiser to benefit the amazing work of the museum. Join them in their new event venue, the Grand Carousel Pavilion and Ballroom, for Over the Top, Under the Bigtop!

• February 1st – 27th – The Morris and Mollye Fogelman International Jewish Film Festival
  • Thu, Feb 1 – 7:30pm – Malco Paradiso – The Children of Chance
  • Tue, Feb 6 – 7:30pm – MJCC Belz Theater – The Midnight Orchestra
  • Thu, Feb 8 – 7:30pm – Malco Ridgeway Four – An Act of Defiance
  • Sun, Feb 11 – 1:00pm – MJCC Belz Theater – Sammy Davis Jr.: I’ve Gotta Be Me
  • Tue, Feb 13 – 7:30pm – MJCC Belz Theater – The Exception
  • Thu, Feb 15 – 7:30pm – MJCC Belz Theater – Fever at Dawn
  • Sun, Feb 18 – 7:30pm – MJCC Belz Theater – Hummus! The Movie
  • Thu, Feb 22 – 7:30pm – MJCC Belz Theater – Big Sonia
  • Thu, Feb 27 – 7:30pm – MJCC Belz Theater – Monsieur Mayonnaise

• Saturday, February 24th – Winter Festival of Lights – Free to $40

Merge Memphis is hosting this gala at 409 S Main St, Memphis. You’ll get to enjoy food from local restaurants, local music, a live DJ, dancing, and cocktails! All proceeds will go toward their fund for building the Merging Bridge, which will become a work/live facility for homeless women here in Memphis. Also, if you bring 10 non-perishable items with you the night of the event you will receive 2 special raffle tickets!

March

• Thursday, March 1st – Joe’s Wines and Liquors “Passport to Oregon” 7 – $60 to $75

On Thursday, March 1st 2018 starting at 6 pm, Joe’s Wines & Liquors are set to host their 7th Annual “Passport to Oregon” wine tasting at The Memphis College of Art’s Rust Hall (in Overton Park). This is a rare chance for Memphians to taste some of the best wines from the Willamette Valley and greater Oregon. Each year has been a sellout and they expect this year to be one as well so be sure to grab tickets while you can!

• March 2nd – 4th – Vintage901 Wine Festival – $65 to $375
  • Grand Tasting – Friday, Mar. 2 – 6 pm – 9 pm – Crosstown Concourse
  • Perfect Pairings Dinner – Saturday, Mar. 3 6 pm to 9 pm – Memphis College of Art
  • Sparkling Brunch – Sunday, Mar. 4 – 12 pm to 2 pm – Shelby Farms FedEx Center

Over three days, this festival grants Memphians with an opportunity to taste some of the the best in artisanal wines at three premier locations across the city.

• Saturday, March 3rd – Half Pints for Half Pints – 7 pm

Drink Memphis Made beer. Eat Midtown food. Bid on cool stuff from local businesses with all proceeds going towards Cooper-Young’s Peabody Elementary PTA to support their arts and technology. Your ticket will get you Memphis Made brews and food from Central BBQ, Sweetgrass, Mulan, Aldo’s and Celtic Crossing. Silent auction items from local businesses. Music by DJ Zac Ives of Goner Records.

• Saturday, March 3rd – Winter Jam 2018 – 6 pm – $15 (at the door)

Winter Jam returns to the FedEx Forum once again for one of best nights Christian music has to offer. This year, the massive line-up features rapper KB, and Grammy Nominated and Memphis based Rock group, Skillet among many others.

• March 5th – 11th – Black Restaurant Week

Black Restaurant Week (MBRW) is an opportunity for black-owned restaurants to offer dining deals to bring in new customers and raise awareness. It allows Memphis (and now the country) to support minority owned eateries.

• March 8th – 11th – Memphis Comedy Festival – $60

The Memphis Comedy Festival (MCF) is a four-day celebration of stand-up comedy and the comedic arts. MCF hosts stand-up showcases, themed comedy shows, improv showcases, podcasts, informational seminars, comedy open-mics, and more. Their goal is to raise awareness to the Memphis comedy scene by developing alliances with venues and producing and promoting events. Thousands attend this festival and its a perfect event for anyone looking for a good laugh.

• Saturday, March 10th – Chalk Fest – 10 am to 2 pm – Free

Join local artists in transforming the Brooks plaza into a colorful canvas at this free spring festival. The event will feature a performance by New Ballet Ensemble and School, music by DJ Siphne Aaye, pinwheel crafting for Peace for MLK50, and food trucks Memphis MoJo Cafe, Parkers Concessions, and Dipsticle Artisan Gelato Cafe. You can bring your own chalk or buy a box on site for $3.

• March 16th – 18th – 6th Memphis International Guitar Festival – $10 to $75

International Guitar Festival with 4 concerts, 3 master classes, and a competition in 2 rounds. Held at the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music, Harris Concert Hall.

• March 23rd – 25th – Young Collectors Contemporary Art Fair – $15 to $40

Based in Memphis, TN but featuring an international group of emerging artists and curators, Young Collectors Contemporary is an annual art fair featuring the collectible works of up and comers. It provides much needed and appreciated exposure for the young artists, while also providing a way for collectors to engage in events and programs to build their personal collections which supports the arts economy.

• March 23rd – Whiskey Warmer Memphis – 6 pm to 9 pm

Join us to sample whiskeys from around the world, chat with distillers, and cozy up over some great local food and live music. Your ticket includes 15 tastings and access to all areas of the event. Food will be available for purchase, as well as full size cocktails and beer at our cash bar. Proceeds will benefit Volunteer Memphis.

• Saturday, March 24th – MusliMeMfest – Free – 10 am to 7 pm – Free

The MusliMeMfest festival is a celebration of the community and seeks to foster an interest in building bridges and to start conversation among different communities in Memphis. Funded almost entirely by generous sponsors and supported by the City of Memphis, the MusliMeMfest is free to attend but RSVP is encouraged. MusliMeMfest welcomes vendors of all types. To become an official MusliMeMfest vendor go here.

• Sunday, March 25th – 901 Popper Throwdown – 12 pm to 6 pm

The 2nd annual 901 Popper Throwdown is returning to the Memphis Medical District and Edge neighborhood to see who can cook the best jalapeño popper.

• March 27th – April 14th – Midtown Opera Festival
  • WKNO Preview: Midtown Opera Festival – Mar 27th – 6 pm to 8 pm – Clark Opera Memphis Center – FREE
  • The Opera 901 Showcase – Apr 7th – 7:30 pm to 9 pm – Playhouse on the Square – $33 to $60
  • The Triumph of Honor – Apr 13th – 7:30 pm to 9 pm – Playhouse on the Square – $33 to $60
  • The Opera 901 Showcase – Apr 14th – 5 pm to 6:30 pm – Playhouse on he Square – $33 to $60
  • The Triumph of Honor – Apr 14th – 8 pm to 10 pm – Playhouse on the Square  -$33 to $60

The Midtown Opera Fest returns! The line-up this year features the 901 Showcase, which is a series of original operas commissioned by Opera Memphis, all set in Memphis. Each opera is unique and features their own characters. The fest this year also features the opera The Triumph of Honor, which is a riveting story set in Italy of two simultaneous love triangles. Each opera will be preceded by a prelude talk, which is designed to prepare the audience and deepen the experience. At the conclusion of each show, the audience is are invited to stay seated for a Talk Back with the artists and creative team to learn more about the behind-the-scenes aspects.

April

• April 6th to 7th – Atoka BBQ Festival

The Atoka BBQ festival is organized by Cliff Evans and will have multiple teams compete in Whole Hog, Pulled Pork and Pork Ribs cook offs! It will feature 10+ live bands, local food and art vendors, a car show, a kids cook-off, a cornhole tournament, a mayor’s pie challenge, a family fun zone, and the Steak Cookoff Association Ribeye Roundup.

• April 6th to 8th – Art in the Loop Festival

Memphis’ newest Art Festival features talented artists working in metal, glass, wood, clay, & fiber; plus, jewelry, paintings, photography, and more. You’ll also enjoy the fare of the town’s top food trucks, and performances of swing & classical music by area youth ensembles. Art in The Loop will take place on Ridgeway Loop Road.

• Sunday, April 8th – Persian Festival – 11 am to 5 pm – Free

Visitors will enjoy authentic Persian food as well as multiple Persian handicrafts and exhibitions. The goal of the Persian Festival is to promote Persian/Iranian culture and bring the community together for a fun and entertaining day. The festival is also accepting sponsors and looking to connect with local businesses. Many members of the Iranian-American Association of Memphis have been living in Memphis for years and call this place home. They are very excited to use this event as an opportunity to give back to our community while promoting diversity.

• April 11 – 14 – Memphis Fashion Week
  • Wednesday April 11th – Designer talk at The Brooks Museum (free event)
  • Thursday April 12th – Fashion Night Out & Trunk Show (ticketed event)
  • Friday April 13th – Trunk Show open 10am-6pm (free event)
  • Friday April 13th- Headliner Luncheon (ticketed event)
  • Friday April 13th- Headliner Runway show at Graceland (ticketed event)
  • Saturday April 14th – Trunk Show open 10am-5pm (free event)
  • Saturday April 14th- Influencer Luncheon (by invite only)
  • Saturday April 14th- Emerging Designer Runway show at Memphis College of Art (ticketed event)

• April 14 – Overton Square Crawfish Festival 

Enjoy tons of crawfish, live bands all day, a kids area and great shopping in the vendor market.

• April 14 – Memphis Brewfest 

The 9th Annual Memphis Brewfest celebrates great American craft beer, and the finest, most exotic beers in the world. Beers, breweries and beer enthusiasts from the region will gather near the bluffs of the Mississippi River for a sampling of fresh beers of all colors, styles and tastes. All net proceeds will benefit Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy.

• April 15- Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival

In addition to over 18,000 pounds of crawfish, the event hosts a variety of vendors selling food, drinks, art and more. This year, they’re adding a new item: spicy boiled shrimp. A special thanks to the Riverfront Development Corporation for hosting the Festival again this year. As usual, no pets, coolers, tents, handouts, or parking inside the festival area.

• April 19 – Tambourine Bash – 7pm to 10pm

The Tambourine Bash is MEM’s inaugural fundraiser that will fund the pilot of their Ambassador program, providing 5-10 artists with cash grants for unrestricted use on tour expenses. Enjoy local craft beer from Crosstown Brewing Company (included with your general admission ticket), Old Dominick cocktails designed by mixologist and musician Sean Murphy (included with your VIP ticket), and live music by The Shotgun Billys and CCDE with Tonya Dyson plus delicious eats by Chef Shawn Davis and a music-themed silent auction with items from Shangri-La Records, GonerFest, ARCHd Design, Fat Possum Records and more. Erf Design will be on hand for Locals & Legends: A Decade of Erf, and you’ll have a chance to take one home in our raffle! Remember the night with a photo in a very special photo booth designed by Jamie Harmon of Amurica Photo.

• April 14th – Shelby Forest Spring Fest – 10 am to 6 pm

The 7th annual Shelby Forest Spring Fest will be held in the old UA Moore Ballpark where there will be a steak competition, live music, food, arts and crafts vendors, wildlife and cultural exhibits, and a corn hole tourney!

• April 20 – 22 – Africa in April

This is a unique event that focuses on bringing African dignitaries, ambassadors, and culture to the Memphis Community on an annual basis. The Festival will showcase African countries from an international perspective using a multiplicity of mediums- education, economics, culture, fashions, arts/crafts, music, history, and cuisines.

• April 21 – Bacon & Bourbon Festival 

Join the Memphis Flyer at their third annual Bacon & Bourbon Festival at the Memphis Farmers Market as they celebrate two commonly appreciated southern traditions: hearty food & distilled spirits. They’ll be bringing together a variety of Memphis’ best restaurants and an array of distilled spirits brands as you savor a night of bacon, BBQ, and bourbon.

• April 21 – Kaleidoscope Food Festival – 3 pm to 7 pm – Free to attend, Food purchased separately

In only 2.5 square miles, residents in Binghampton represent over 17 different nations, making it one of the most multi-cultural neighborhoods in Memphis. Pets (on leash) are welcome and the event’s vendors feature multicultural chefs from the Binghampton neighborhood. You can also enjoy top-quality and uniquely flavorful Wiseacre beers specifically paired with your food choices.

• April 21 – Hopped Up Festival – 12pm to 10pm

Memphis Made Brewing Co. will be hosting their 4th annual Hopped Up Festival with live music from multiple bands. They will be releasing a special one off beer every hour until close. The first 50 customers will receive a free Hopped glass. In addition to the 9 specialties, they’ll be releasing a Breakfast IPA called Snap Crackle Hopped.

• April 21- Southern Hot Wing Festival – 11 am to 7 pm – $20 ($125 for VIP)

Established in 2003 by a local Memphian who felt that the South had more to offer than just amazingly great BBQ, the Southern Hot Wing festival has become a staple event each April. Happening at Tiger Lane this year, the Hot Wing Festival will feature a wing cooking contest, wing eating contest, live bands, silent auction, free kids corner, cornhole contest and more. All to benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Memphis.

• April 22 – 27 – Taste of Science Festival

The Taste of Science Fest is returning to Memphis! They will be hosting simultaneous events throughout the week at Growlers, Cafe Eclectic, and Belle Tavern starting at 7 pm, with topics ranging from cancer immunotherapy to the science of beer and pollution. Check out the complete list of events here!

• April 28 – Down to Earth Festival 

Celebrate Earth Day with Shelby Farms Park during the Down to Earth Festival where you can enjoy outdoor adventure, eco-friendly exhibitors, the Go Ape Treetop Ropes Course, live music, food trucks, and more. All proceeds help keep Shelby Farms Park and Shelby Farms Greenline clean and safe.

• April 28 – Bookstock Memphis Area Authors’ Festival – 11am to 3pm

The 8th annual Memphis Area Authors’ Festival will feature the theme “Open Access to All.” Keynotes include: Michael Baisden, Nationally-renowned radio personality, author of “Raise Your Hand if You Have Issues” and host of The Michael Baisden Show; Wayne Weigand, Author of the Desegregation of Public Libraries in the Jim Crow South: Civil Rights and Local Activism”; Emily Yellin, Author of “Your Call is (Not That) Important to Us,” “Our Mothers’ War,” and the Striking Voices project. Activities for all ages include: 50 local authors & authors scavenger hunt, Striking Voices Exhibit at Goodwyn Gallery, Local choirs and dance performances, live music, food trucks, face painting, balloon artist, bilingual story times, arts and crafts, CLOUD901 teen adventures, and more.

• April 29 – Arlington in April Festival – 10am-4pm – Free

The annual Arlington in April Festival will be 10:00 am to 4:00 pm in the town’s historic Depot Square. Vendors from around the Mid-South will display handmade crafts and boutique items. Other attractions include live music and entertainment, carnival-style food vendors, kids’ activities, and more.

May

• May 11 – 12 – Memphis Greek Festival 

This two-day annual Greek Festival offers a unique opportunity to enjoy traditional food and marketplace items, sanctuary tours, live Greek music and traditional Greek dancing. Free Greek dance lessons are available. Advance tickets include a Greek meal and are available at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church and other locations.

• TBA – Ruby Bridges Reading Festival – Free

The Ruby Bridges Reading Festival celebrates Bridges’ legacy of passionately advocating for equal rights, education and tolerance by bringing together families across racial, economic and educational backgrounds around reading.

• May 4th – May 6th – Memphis in May Beale Street Music Festival 

Beale Street Music Festival returns for another jam-packed 3 days of music. Stay tuned for the full lineup announcement on February 21st.

• Saturday, May 5th – Cafe du Memphis for Dorothy Day House – $10 to $20

Join the Memphis Rotary Club when they host their annual New Orleans-style party to help raise money for the Dorothy Day House of Hospitality. Shrimp & grits, cafe au lait, beignets, mimosas, and more!

• Saturday, May 12th – GRRL Fest 2 – $15

Taking place at the HiTone Cafe, GRRL Fest is about celebrating women within the Memphis community! Each band that plays will have at least one member that identifies as a female. The event is also a benefit show for the Southern Girls Rock Camp! Check out the lineup here.

• Saturday, May 12th – 2nd Annual Local Music Fest – Free

Brinson’s Downtown Chicken Lounge Local Music Festival is free to the public! Enjoy beer, food, and local artists all day long. Lineup TBA.

• May 16th – 19th – Memphis in May’s World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest

The World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest attracts hundreds of guests every year who come to celebrate all things barbecue. Teams grill and smoke to compete for a chance at winning over $110,000 in prizes and bragging rights. Aside from the competition itself, guests can witness the popular Ms. Piggie Idol, a singing contest where participants can show off their vocal talents.

• May 19 – The Bridge’s 5th Annual Music Festival – 3pm to 9:30pm – $10

The Social Exchange presents their first April music festival with art for sale, food, games, and a long list of musical acts. Suggested donation of $10 to attend the festival.

• Friday, May 25th – 2018 Memphis Zombie Walk

The Zombie walk is fun for everyone, and also benefits the Memphis Food Bank! For those looking to go all out but do not have the supplies, make up and staging artists will be in Handy Park starting at 3:30 pm.

• May 25th to 26th –  Annual Memphis Children’s Theatre Festival

The Memphis Children’s Theatre Festival is the only family festival focused on the full breadth of the regional arts community. Theatre performances will also be presented by Theatre Memphis, Children’s Ballet Theatre, Cazateatro​ and Arkansas’ Momandpop Troupe. From dance based movement, aerial acrobats and music petting zoo to drawing, kid karaoke and storytelling breaks, the left side of the brain is engaged for whole child development. A Family Arts Corridor introduces attendees to community arts groups. The tented sector provides an opportunity for parents to explore summer programs while their children visit different craft stations. Every child exits with original artwork and activities to continue through the summer. First 1,000 children will receive a Children’s Theatre Festival backpack.

• Saturday, May 26th – 901Fest – 3pm – Family friendly

This 3rd annual celebration focuses on all things local! This festival will include local performers on multiple stages, locals artists, local vendors, local food and beverages, and local merchants. An airshow will take place as well as a fireworks show over the Mississippi River. Full lineup to come.

• May 31st to June 2nd – Covington BBQ Festival 

Head out to Covington’s 46th annual BBQ fest to enjoy great food, a cornhole tournament, an aircraft flyover, and other various live entertainment!

• May 31st to June 2nd – Memphis Italian Festival – $10 to $15

Bring a blanket, take a seat on the lawn, visit with friends, listen to outstanding musical entertainment, enjoy the food, beverages and all around good time.  Enjoy Italian culture right here in Memphis.

June

• June 3 –  A Day of Merrymaking in Overton Park – 10am to 3pm – Free

It’s back! For the sixth year, A Day of Merrymaking in Overton Park brings food, art, music, and fun for families (and dogs!) to the Greensward. The hot air balloon will be returning, and they’ll be announcing other entertainment and activities in the coming weeks.

• June 2nd – Memphis Flyer’s Margarita Festival 

• June 4th – 10th – FedEx St. Jude Classic – Prices TBA

The premier golf tournament in Memphis returns once again to the greens of TPC Southwind. Competitors and prices TBA.

• June 5th – 9th – Germantown Charity Horse Show – $5 ($250 for VIP)

Benefiting the Exchange Club Family Center, the Germantown Charity Horse Show is proud to be hosting its 70th Annual show! This event, as always, will showcase top breeds as well as having fun exhibits and tasty food for the whole family to enjoy.

• June 15 – 17 – Juneteenth Urban Music Festival

Juneteenth commemorates African American freedom and emphasizes education and achievement. It is a day, a week, and in some areas a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future. There will be arts and crafts exhibitors, a car show, a kids zone, an entertainment stage, food, and more.

• June 15 – 16 – Memphis Literary Arts Festival

A benefit dinner will take place on June 15 with an all day festival on June 16 that will be free and open to the public. Appearances by more than twenty authors and artists including Kiese Laymon, Eloisa Amezcua, Hanif Abdurraqib, Sam Sax, Jenny Johnson, Kaitlyn Greenidge, Alice Bolin, Heather Dobbins, Alice Faye Duncan, Andrea Morales, Siphne Aaye, Arthur Flowers, Maurice Carlos Ruffin, Christina Oliveras, Osayi Endolyn, Ashanté M. Reese, and more to be announced. This festival is presented in partnership with Literacy Mid-South, hosts of the original Mid-South Book Festival. Programming partners include Chalkbeat Tennessee, the Southern Foodways Alliance, official booksellers Novel Memphis, and more to be announced.

• June 29th – July 1st – Anime Blues Con – $25 to $70

For fans of anime, this is the top festival in Memphis, and it returns once again for a weekend of cosplay, gaming, and much more!

July

• TBA – Women’s Theatre Festival of Memphis – $60

The Women’s Theatre Festival of Memphis will be held in the Midtown Theatre District of Memphis, TN at Hattiloo Theatre. The festival is designed to highlight and award the contributions of women in theatre arts and showcase theatrical productions. Audiences are invited from all over the world to West Tennessee to enjoy quality theatrical performances written by women, directed by women and about women at the 4th bi-annual Women’s Theatre Festival of Memphis. It includes a red-carpet reception and ceremony, which is then followed by a play on the main stage.

• July 21st – Taste of Memphis Vegan Food & Drink Festival

An event highlighting the best vegan chefs and restaurants from the Mid-South and the surrounding areas. Any thing and everything imaginable in the vegan culinary world will be there. These vegan vendors will be there ready to please your taste-buds on your journey through the infinite possibilities of the vegan world.

• July 21st – R&B Bar Crawl

Head downtown or the ultimate R&B party in Memphis. Great music and discounts at all of the participating locations all night long!

• July 22nd – Butcher Board Festival

This July you’ll be able to experience the first ever Butcher Board Festival. Upon entry to the event, you are granted a butcher board and a sample glass, which are yours to keep. Then, you will be able to walk around at your own pace, sampling all of the great food and drinks available from the various vendors on site. Taking place at the South Main Market, the festival will offer the best local meats, pickled items, fruits, sweets, and cheeses available. You’ll also be able to pair them with wine, beer, and cider. A portion of proceeds will also benefit the Mid-South Food Bank.

• July 26th to 29th – Our Scene United Festival

Celebrating local talent, every single band playing is from the Memphis area. Each daily lineup features various diverse genres, so come with an open mind and you just may discover some new favorites. Check out the full line up here.

• July 28th – 30th Annual WEVL Blues on the Bluff

Bring your chairs and blankets and celebrate years of fun on the bluffs of the Mississippi River in a beautiful park-like setting. Enjoy live music, bbq, drinks, beer, a silent auction, and more. All proceeds go to benefit WEVL.

• Saturday, July 28th – Memphis Urban Arts Festival – 3 pm – Early bird tickets $7 – Reg. admission $15 (including meal ticket)

The mission of this two day fair is to empower young artists and educate the community on the different forms of art. The festival features live cooking demos, food trucks, vendors, and more.

August

• TBA – Rock For Love

December

• Holiday/NYE events TBA in November

Got something to add to this list? Let us know here.