š Fat Ham
The Circuit Playhouse
Performances through October 8
To go or not to go? Ha! Thereās no question when it comes to Playhouse on the Squareās latest production. Fat Ham is a deliciously funny retelling of Shakespeareās Hamlet set in the American South, where William returns home after his fatherās death and must confront corruption and betrayal, deciding whether to seek revenge or forge a new path. The DRAMA! Catch a performance on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m., through October 8th. For tickets ($25), go here, or if youāre brave enough to pick up the phone, call 901-726-4656.
š” Mid-South Fair at Landers Center
Landers Center
Thursday, September 21-October 1
Come one, come all to the Mid-South Fair! Since 1856, the fair has been serving up great food, great times, and even greater memories. Enjoy an array of family-fun activities from over 50 rides and a wide array of ground acts stationed around the property. More information here and purchase tickets here.
šThe Wasp
First Congo Theater in Cooper-Young
Performances September 22-October 8
Thanks to Quark Theatre, Memphis is about to be home to the American debut of The Wasp, the critically acclaimed play written by London native Morgan Lloyd Malcolm in 2015. A psychological thriller, The Wasp unravels the relationship between once-childhood friends Heather and Carla, who have lost touch since school where a bully incident tore the two apart. At the start of the play, the women reunite 20 years later over tea at a cafe, where one offers the other a significant amount of cash and an unexpected proposition. What ensues is a dark exploration of how trauma shapes us. The DRAMA! Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at quarktheatre.com. Performances will run September 22nd through October 8th, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. with Sunday matinƩes at 2 p.m. (Oh, and if you wanna be in the know before you go, check out this Flyer article.)
š¼ļø 51st Annual Pink Palace Crafts Fair
Audubon Park
Friday-Saturday, September 22-23, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday, September 24, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
The annual Pink Palace Crafts Fair benefiting the Museum of Science & History returns for its 51st anniversary. The three-day affair will have nearly 150 artists from around the country showing off and selling a variety of eclectic pottery, jewelry, paintings, woodwork, leatherwork, sculpture, woven goods, and so much more. Attendees can marvel at demonstrations by master craftsmen, enjoy a cool beverage and a bite to eat from food/drink vendors, kick back and enjoy live music, and entertain the kiddos at the petting zoo and with a ride on the popular choo-choo train, plus wall climbing and pony rides. Early bird tickets are $8/adult, $6/seniors and military, $3/children 5-12, and under 5 free. Best get your tix here.
š Reading and Book Signing with Michael Kiggins
Burkeās Book Store
Friday, September 22, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Michael Kiggins is coming to Memphis to sign his debut novel, And the Train Kept Moving. The book is about Bryan Meigs, a gay alcoholic with OCD who struggles with the aftermath of getting date-raped and potentially infected with HIV. Oh, and the story is set in Memphis. Find out more here.Ā
šØ 2023 New Public Artist Fellowship Exhibition
Urban Art Commission
Friday, September 22, 6-9 p.m.
This exciting event offers visitors the opportunity to experience more traditional works created by UAC current fellows while eagerly anticipating the completion of their sculptural projects. The evening’s opening reception will include light hors d’oeuvres and drinks during the first hour, followed by remarks from fellows, where they will share insights about their experiences in the program so far. UACās fellows are Ethan James McVay, Kong Wee Pang, Brandon Scott, Pam McDonnell, Kendrick Pendelton, and Justin Bowles. RSVP for the free event here.
šŖMeet the Author: Chloe Joy Sexton
Restaurant Iris
Friday, September 22, 6:30 p.m.
Join Novel at Restaurant Iris for a live cooking demonstration with dinner to celebrate Chloe Joy Sexton in honor of her book Big Yum: Supersized Cookies for Over-the-Top Cravings. The chefs at Iris will offer an intimate two-course dinner, and Sexton will do a live cooking demonstration, preparing a vanilla cheesecake with a berry compote. Tickets ($75) are required for this event and include a copy of Big Yum and the opportunity to meet the author and have your book signed. A virtual option is available for $23.99 and includes a signed copy of Big Yum and a link to watch the live cooking demonstration. Find more information about the event and purchase tickets here. And, hey, we got to talk to Sexton about her book, so why not give this Flyer piece a read?
š The Barbie Rave!
Black Lodge
Friday, September 22, 9:30 p.m.
Come on, Barbie, letās go party! If youāre a Barbie girl in the Barbie world, great news: Youāre invited to get plastic and throw down on the dreamhouse dance floor, as Black Lodge goes pink for a Barbie-themed rave. DJs will keep the music going all night, and catch Barbie visual insanity on the big screens. Thereāll also be a special photo booth and specialty drinks. Youāll definitely want to get dolled up for the event in your best Barbie-esque outfit. Tickets are $10, and the event is 18+. Life in plastic, it’s fantastic!
š„ Memphis Comic Expo
Agricenter International
Saturday, September 23, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sunday, September 24, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Memphis Comic Expo is one of the few remaining creator-focused conventions that shines a spotlight on artists and writers in the world of comics. Bringing you the best in local & regional talent, up-and-coming creators, and of course, the big names, this expo has one of the best comic-creator lineups in the South, a cosplay contest, panels, vendors, voice actors, artists and writers, food, drinks, and more. This year Kevin Eastman, co-creator of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, will make a special appearance. Find more information on the two-day extravaganza here. Tickets are $40 for Saturday general admission and $35 for Sunday general admission. Kids (12 and under) get in free.
šLatin Fest 901
Overton Square
Saturday, September 23, noon-6 p.m.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with Cazateatro Theatre Group at this free, family-oriented festival, where family and friends can gather to listen and dance to live Latin music, taste some Latin food and drinks, and enjoy vendors and crafts for kids. Prior to the fest, catch Cazateatoās Roja, a Colombian take on the story of Little Red Riding Hood. The performance is free and will take place 11-11:30 a.m. at TheatreWorks. RSVP here.
š¶ Memphis Country Blues Festival
Overton Park Shell
Saturday, September 23, 7 p.m.
The annual Country Blues festival is returning to Overton Park Shell this year with some additional programming. The evening starts with the sounds of Alvin Youngblood Hart followed by the official presentation of the Shellās blues marker. Then stick around because the night will only grow in energy as the North Mississippi Allstars make their way to the stage to honor the history of this Shell event. Admission is free. Read this article for an inside scoop.
šļø Intro to Graffiti and Basics of Using Spray Cans Workshop
Ravine
Sunday, September 24, noon-3 p.m.
Unleash your inner artist and join David Yancy III for a thrilling team-building workshop. Starting with a fascinating introduction to graffiti and the basics of using spray cans, this workshop will guide you through the process of creating your own masterpiece on the wall. Youāll learn how to structure letters, apply traditional graffiti techniques, and fill them in with captivating colors. But donāt worry if youāre an absolute beginner; this workshop is suitable for all levels and ages, and there will be an instructor there to offer expert guidance and support. All funds help support the artists of Paint Memphis. The class is $30/adults and $15/kids.
Thereās always something happening in Memphis. See a full calendar of events here.
Submit events here or by emailing calendar@memphisflyer.com.
