We’ve been hearing a lot about plans to reimagine the city’s riverfront and make it a world-class destination.
Some cool things have already happened toward accomplishing that goal.
The new River Garden park (Riverside between Court and Jefferson) opened last fall with inviting features like fire pits, hammock swings, and a tree house to climb around in.
And Mud Island is getting a mini makeover complete with a spiffy new Memphis sign by @youngbloodstudio that should be on everyone’s Instagram to-do list.
With more upgrades to our river parks on the way, the Memphis River Parks Partnership is adding in a full summer of programming to give you more reasons than ever to go play on the riverfront.
NEW EVENT SERIES
Presented by We Are Memphis & Memphis Slim Collaboratory, Soulin’ on the River is curated by Tonya Dyson and highlights the new sound of Memphis soul in a live music series taking place in the Grove on Mud Island. All events 6-8PM.
- June 7 – Tonya Dyson
- June 21 – Nick Black
- July 12 – Black Cream
- July 26 –Katrina Anderson
- August 9 – Lucky 7 Brass Band
A Vibe on the Island is curated by Bertram Williams and will feature original music makers from Memphis from a range of genres. A full lineup of artists will be confirmed soon. All events 6-8 PM.
- This Friday, May 24 – Bicentennial celebration DJ night with DJ Chandler Blingg and DJ Nya
- June 15
- July 4
- August 24
- September 14
- October 12
FULL PROGRAM SCHEDULE
DAILY
Kayak Rentals – Rent from the 4th Cup Café in River Garden, 9AM-5PM every day; final rental check-out at 4 PM.
WEEKLY
Our Yoga Downtown – Free yoga classes every Tuesday at 6 PM in River Garden
SUP Yoga on the Gulf – Every Sunday in June from 10AM-11.30AM on the Gulf of Mexico in Mud Island Park. Mimosas included!
EVERY OTHER WEEK
Soulin’ on the River – The sound of new Memphis soul on Mud Island Park every other week from 6-8PM June 7 to August 9.
MONTHLY EVENTS
Skate Night – Free skate rental and DJs at RiverPlay in Tom Lee Park in June, July, and August.
ONE-OFF HAPPENINGS
Pop-up Library – River Garden, May 31, 10AM-1PM
Pick up your books for the summer from the pop-up mobile library in River Garden.
Outdoors Inc. Canoe and Kayak Race – Greenbelt Park and River Garden, June 1, 10 AM
Join the largest canoe and kayak race in the southeast. More than 500 expert-to-recreational level paddlers will gather in Memphis to compete.
Summer Night Market – River Garden, June 14, 4.30-7.30 PM
Shop with 20+ local vendors and enjoy local drinks and eats in River Garden.
Join bikers of all ages riding across the Big River Crossing and through Arkansas to raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Independence Day Celebration – Mud Island Park, July 4, 6 PM
Join the city’s largest free celebration and enjoy music and fireworks from Mud Island Park.