The Wolf River at Germantown Parkway on Sunday. Credit: Ian Ripple on X
Credit: Ward Archer
Last week’s storm affected Mississippi River towns differently, ranging from a mass rescue in West Memphis to “nothing happened at all” in Caruthersville, Missouri. The total damage, however, could cost $90 billion, according to one weather company.
The relentless bouts of severe weather began with tornado warnings on Wednesday, April 2nd. Lines of high wind threatened the Mid-South Thursday through Saturday. The storm finally moved on Sunday but not before dumping nearly 12 inches of rain in Memphis.
The storm fronts were wide, of course, and did not affect towns the same way. Mayors of towns up and down the Mississippi River gave highlights of their challenges and lucky misses during a news conference Monday by the Mississippi River Mayors Cities and Towns Initiative.
Memphis Mayor Paul Young said “the last few days have been a challenge.” He said the city had “historic levels of rainfall,” which created more than 600 tickets to the city’s 311 system. Also, wind and rain felled 109 trees that blocked roads, Young said. Traffic lights at intersections went out, too, and the massive amounts of water were a challenge for the city’s drainage system, he said.
“Thankfully, our teams worked really hard and they were very responsive and very prepared for the storms that took place,” Young said.
Across the river in West Memphis, teams in boats rescued nearly 100 people caught in the floodwaters created by nearly 13 inches of rain.
However, up the river in Alton, Illinois, Mayor David Goins said, “we’re doing fine.”
“I believe we dodged a bullet because most of the rain was south of us,” Goins said, noting Alton got between 3 inches to 5 inches of rain.
In Cape Girardeau, Missouri, though, limbs and trees were down all over town, said Mayor Stacy Kinder. Downtown buildings suffered roof and facade damage and blown-out windows. Flash flooding backed up sewage and water into basements in homes across town. In a typical few days, the city’s waste water treatment plant treats about 26 million gallons of water, Mayor Kinder said. Between April 2nd and 6th, the system treated 91 million gallons of water, she said.
Caruthersville, Missouri, Mayor Sue Grantham said “we got really lucky. The dear Lord was with us; we don’t have any flooding around us except at the river,” Grantham said. “Nothing happened at all. I did see one small car in a ditch. But by the time I got back around, it was gone.”
Experts at AccuWeather, a weather media company, projected Monday morning that the storm caused an estimated $80 billion to $90 billion in total damage and economic loss.
Credit: AccuWeather
”We’re heartbroken by the loss of life and destruction from this once-in-a-generation storm,” said AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter. “ Houses and businesses were destroyed by tornadoes. Homes and vehicles were swept away by fast-moving floodwaters. Bridges and roadways were washed out or destroyed in some areas. Travel, commerce and business operations were significantly disrupted. It will take years for some of the hardest-hit communities to recover.”
Memphis Mayor Young said his team is watching the Mississippi River now, though. The river is expected to peak here on April 14 at about 37 feet.
“For us, flood level is about 34 feet,” he said. “We do think we have enough things in place to manage [flooding] at that level, however. It is something that we’re going to be paying attention to.”
David Welsh, a senior hydrologist with the National Weather Service, said he anticipates a “long, broad crest” on the Mississippi that could last for up to two weeks. However, no rain fall is yet predicted for the next week, which might give the river a little bit of time to start coming down.
Images from previous Indie Memphis festivals (Photo: courtesy Indie Memphis).
In an email to filmmakers sent this morning, April 4, 2025, the arts nonprofit Indie Memphis announced an “intermission.”
“Starting today, Indie Memphis will pause all programming — including our annual film festival — as we explore strategic paths forward for the organization. This includes evaluating potential partnerships and organizational models that can sustain our mission and community impact long term,” read the email.
“This decision was not made lightly. It reflects both the challenges we’ve faced and our deep commitment to preserving the spirit of Indie Memphis. We remain proud of the filmmakers, artists, and stories we’ve supported — and we’ll be sharing more about what’s next in the weeks to come.”
In addition to the annual film festival, which has been a staple in the Memphis fall events calendar for 27 years, Indie Memphis has also presented Shoot & Splice, a monthly program which presents workshops and forums for filmmakers looking to hone their craft; Microcinema, a semi-regular program of short films from around the world; the Indie Memphis Youth Film Festival, which helps high schoolers get a start in the art; the IndieGrant program, which funded more than 20 short films by Memphis filmmakers in the last decade; and most recently the Black Creators Forum, an annual conclave which brings together African-American artists and filmmakers from all over the country. All of those programs are currently suspended.
Indie Memphis executive director Kimel Fryer says this is not the end for the organization. “Indie Memphis has been around for 27 years. This intermission is to make sure that we are around for another 27 years because we are being intentional and thoughtful about what we’re providing to the community.”
Artistic director Miriam Bale resigned from Indie Memphis in 2024, and Kayla Myers took over as head programmer for last year’s festival. Fryer confirms that Myers and operations manager Joseph Carr have left the organization this year. Marketing director Macon Wilson had previously taken a position with the Orpheum Theatre.
Film festivals nationwide have been struggling in the current economic and cultural environment. First, the Covid-19 pandemic shuttered theaters and prevented in-person gatherings for two years, beginning in March 2020. Buoyed by government relief funds, “We didn’t slow down programming. Indie Memphis actually increased programming during the pandemic,” says Fryer. The nonprofit embraced streaming films with the help of Memphis-based Eventive, which was itself a spinoff of the festival’s ticketing system. The 2020 festival was entirely virtual, and all editions of the festival since then have had a streaming component.
But just as Covid relief funding was drying up, dual strikes by the Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild (SAG/AFTRA) shut down film production for most of 2023. The resulting disruption of the production pipeline has put the industry under stress. “The film industry has changed a good three times since I’ve been here, and I haven’t even been here that long,” Fryer says. “But this is not film industry specific. … For all nonprofits across all industries, corporate sponsorship was down by 45 percent.”
The Trump administration’s draconian slashing of federal funding for arts nonprofits, plus the increasingly uncertain economic environment, has hit all arts nonprofits hard in the bottom line, says Fryer. “It’s not just federal grants but all grants — state grants, foundations, and federal grants are all a piece of our revenue, and there’s a lot of ambiguity as to how a lot of that’s gonna work out. So this is really a way for us to think about how we can get stronger, how we can really utilize strategic partnerships, maybe in ways we’ve never done before, or maybe in ways that we used to do, and we just haven’t in a long time.”
“We’re not just a film festival; we are a nonprofit, thinking about sustainable ways for us to continue to thrive,” says Fryer. “Regardless of what’s going on, regardless of what might be happening with grants or whatever, as a nonprofit leader, you always want to be able to be in a place of being able to plan and move forward with this. I think we know what we need to work on. We’ve got a strategic plan, and we’re looking at a lot of different things.”
Citing the festival’s longstanding relationships with Malco Theatres and Crosstown Arts, Fryer says she believes one way forward for Indie Memphis is through new partnerships. “This intermission is also for us to think about partnerships with a lot of different organizations, maybe organizations we’ve partnered with in the past and maybe some that we haven’t. It’s a time for us to think about how we can come back in a way that is sustainable, strong, and serves our community — and maybe introduces us to more community members that maybe want to be a part of Indie Memphis but don’t know it yet. So I wouldn’t be opposed to any partnership with anybody, but I wouldn’t say a particular name at this point.”
Even the flagship independent film festival in the United States, Sundance Film Festival, has had to rethink operations. Sundance recently announced a move from the festival’s longtime home in Park City, Utah, to Boulder, Colorado — a decision that the Sundance organization had been pondering for more than a year. “I know that a lot of people are gonna be nervous and maybe even sad, but I really do think that this is a really a good place for us to rethink about how things are gonna be in the future, especially when you think about how one of the biggest festivals in the world, Sundance, took the time to think about what made most sense for them as a location, even though they’ve been at Park City since forever and they actually are moving to Boulder because it’s just a better fit for them.”
(Fryer clarifies that Indie Memphis is not considering moving. “Memphis is in our name!”)
“Yes, we can be upset or sad that there’s not gonna be a film festival this year, but at the same time, [think about] what new possibilities that it opens for us. There are some things I can’t talk about, but I think that being able to take a pause, take a beat, and be intentional about your next steps, that’s one of the bravest things that you can do, and Sundance kind of did that first. There are a few other festivals that have paused and then came back in a stronger, more intentional way, and it’s worked out for them. Indie Memphis provided 27 years of programming, and I do hope that, after going 27 years straight, there is some grace given. I think that if we’re able to think about what could be next, I honestly think that it might be phenomenal; it might be so much better than if we were to just keep doing the same thing that we’re used to doing.”
This storm system has already caused five deaths in West Tennessee. It has dumped around 4 to 6 inches of rain on Memphis already.
Credit: National Weather Service Memphis
“Generational flooding” is expected in the area as the storm delivers more rain on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. This could deliver up to 10 inches of rain to areas along and north of I-40 through the weekend. If “generational flooding” was not enough to concern you, the NWS Memphis also predicts the storm could yield “catastrophic flooding.”
Credit: National Weather Service Memphis
However, Memphis fares better in the NWS outlook for Friday than other areas. The agency predicts moderate chances of severe weather, damaging winds, tornados, large hail, and excessive rainfall compared to other areas.
Saturday, though, brings an increased risk for all of those here, especially excessive rainfall.
Credit: National Weather Service Memphis
Even when the storm system moves on, its effects will remain in the Shelby County watershed. The briefing predicts an above moderate flood risk for the Wolf River. But it predicts an “above major flood” for the Loosahatchie River, which runs through Frayser and more.
Credit: National Weather Service Memphis
Water levels in the Mississippi River began rising Thursday and are expected to continue until April 15th. River levels had sunk to around five feet early Thursday morning. By Friday morning, levels climbed to nearly 13 feet. The NWS predicts river levels will rise continually, peaking at around 36 feet by mid-April.
Credit: National Weather Service Memphis
Gov. Lee Surveys West Tennessee storm damage
Credit: State of Tennessee
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee surveyed storm damage in McNairy County Thursday evening after severe storms ripped through part of West and Middle Tennessee.
Lee immediately issued an Emergency Declaration, which was quickly approved by the Trump Adminstration.
Crews in several Tennessee counties continued to survey storm damage Friday and search sites for evidence of tornadoes.
Body camera footage shows Tennessee troopers, McNairy County deputies, Selmer Police officers and firefighters searching the debris of a home for trapped or hurt survivors after severe storms battered West Tennessee in the early morning hours of April 3, 2025. (Photo: Tennessee Highway Patrol)
A chain of severe storms and a possible tornado killed at least five people across West Tennessee early Thursday.
The storms left a path of major damage in Fayette, Hardeman and McNairy counties, according to the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA). An EF-3 tornado struck the town of Selmer, Tennessee, according to preliminary surveys from crews deployed by the National Weather Service Memphis.
Residents of West and Middle Tennessee received multiple severe storm, tornado and flood warnings throughout Wednesday night into the early morning hours Thursday.
The National Weather Service issued more than 70 severe thunderstorm warnings, more than 50 tornado warnings and 21 flash flood warnings in the last 24 hours, TEMA reported Thursday afternoon.
NWS received reports of observed tornadoes and damage for seven of those tornado-warned storms.
State officials warn that “generational flooding” — flooding so severe it happens once a generation or once a lifetime — continues to pose a threat to multiple counties in Middle and West Tennessee as multiple rounds of heavy rain are forecast to stretch into Sunday.
Rain totals could reach at least 10 inches in areas of West Tennessee north of Interstate 40 by the end of the weekend, according to National Weather Service Memphis. The northwest corner of the state could see up to 15 total inches of rain.
Gov. Bill Lee requested an Emergency Declaration for Tennessee and TEMA Director Patrick Sheehan issued a State of Emergency Wednesday evening in anticipation of the severe storms and flooding.
Lee’s request includes federal assistance for debris removal, emergency protective measures and direct federal assistance.
President Donald Trump approved Lee’s request around 11 a.m. Thursday, making FEMA assistance available to all 95 Tennessee counties. Under the declaration, FEMA can provide equipment and resources to support emergency response, and direct federal assistance under the public assistance program will be provided at 75 percent federal funding, according to the agency.
The state remains under a level 3 State of Emergency status, which allows state resources to support local requests for assistance following severe weather while continuing to provide support for ongoing Tropical Storm Helene recovery efforts in East Tennessee.
Five deaths, multiple injuries reported
At least five people have been reported dead, state and local officials confirmed.
The Tennessee Department of Health confirmed one death each in McNairy County, Obion County and Carroll County.
A 48-year-old man was pronounced dead in Fayette County around 2 a.m. Thursday after the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call reporting a tornado had overturned a modular home, according to the Fayette County Emergency Management Agency.
Four other family members were transported to a nearby hospital, two in critical condition and two in stable condition. The man’s 16-year-old daughter later died at the hospital, the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office confirmed.
Tornado damage assessments begin
NWS Memphis does not yet have an exact number of confirmed tornadoes from Thursday morning’s severe weather event.
Teams are assessing tornado damage in Selmer, Tennessee and Lake City, Arkansas to confirm and classify the strength of tornadoes, according to NWS Memphis.
Selmer saw an EF-3 tornado with peak winds estimated at 160 miles per hour, according to preliminary survey results released by NWS Memphis Thursday afternoon. The agency suspended further surveys of the area out of concern for surveyors’ safety in ongoing storms.
In Arkansas, the preliminary survey shows Lake City also saw an EF-3 tornado with top winds around 150 miles per hour.
Ratings could change after surveys are complete, NWS Memphis stated.
The agency received additional reports of tornados in the region from spotters and radar but crews have not yet been able to survey damage or confirm.
Tennessee Highway Patrol deployed a strike team to McNairy County to support local officials, according to TEMA.
“My heart breaks for our city and county at this time,” Selmer Mayor Sherry Inman stated in a social media post expressing gratitude for those who have offered assistance or prayers. “Please continue to pray for all the families and homes that have been lost.”
State officials report power outages, roads blocked by water or debris
About 9,700 power outage reports remained active statewide as of 11:30 a.m. Thursday, according to TEMA. This is down from more than 15,400 outages reported as of 4 a.m.
Communications systems are experiencing problems in McNairy County and TEMA is working with local officials to remedy the situation.
Customers served by the Grand Junction Water Department in Hardeman County do not have water. The Henderson Water Department in Chester County is under a boil water advisory.
Multiple roads throughout Middle and West Tennessee have been impacted by downed trees and power lines and flooding, according to the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT). Crews are working to clean up debris.
Excessive rainfall to come
Excessive rainfall continued Thursday with the “bullseye” of enhanced risk storms encompassing most of West Tennessee from Memphis to Clarksville along Interstate 40. Widespread flash floods were expected, according to NWS Memphis.
Most areas of Middle and West Tennessee have seen between 3-5 inches of rain over the last 18 hours, with some areas nearing 7 inches, according to TEMA. Another 3-4 inches was forecast for Thursday evening, and 5-7 inches are projected on Saturday.
Severe weather forecasts also include continued tornado, large hail and damaging wind threats in addition to flood risks.
This is a developing story.
Tennessee Lookout is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Tennessee Lookout maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Holly McCall for questions: info@tennesseelookout.com.
Photo Credit: Memphis Public Libraries via Facebook
Thanks to a new grant, the Memphis Library Foundation will be able to further aid in workforce development by helping residents grow in fields such as entrepreneurship, culinary arts, and digital media. This is all part of the foundation’s Innovator-in-Residence program, which will expand as a result of funds from Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD).
Today, foundation officials announced they received a $300,000 grant from the department. This represents a portion of $167 million in grants TNECD has allocated across Tennessee for workforce advancement.
“This two-year grant will specifically enable the Foundation to expand upon successful Memphis Public Libraries programs and offer additional resources, expertise, and training to local community members seeking to enhance their digital skills and workforce development opportunities,” Memphis Library Foundation officials said in a statement.
As participants work to sharpen their skills, the program will connect them with professionals such as podcasters, chefs, lawyers, and more, who will help them “monetize their talents” while also contributing to growth in the city.
The Small Business & Entrepreneurship Industry Report 2024 by the Greater Memphis Chamber and Greater Memphis Economic Research Group found that as of 2021, small businesses accounted for 98.9 percent of businesses in the area.
“By providing access to professional guidance and resources, we aim to create a robust network of aspiring entrepreneurs, contributing to the overall economic growth in our city,” Christine Weinreich, executive director of Memphis Library Foundation, said.
Memphis has been referred to as a “hotbed for entrepreneurship” by Epicenter Memphis. The organization said the city has an advantage over places like San Francisco and New York, which tend to show “startup saturation.”
The Urban Libraries Council noted the opportunities this Innovators-in-Residence program opens to the city — specifically to African-American communities the library serves.
“Memphis Public Libraries provides access to resources, opportunity, and hope,” the Urban Libraries Council said. “Cossitt Library serves Downtown, where 52 percent of residents are African American and 14 percent live in poverty. The area faces economic disparities, with wealthy neighborhoods near some of the poorest. Raleigh Library patrons are 76 percent African American, and 26 percent live in poverty.”
The program is tailored to the offerings of each library branch. Cossitt Library was home to the initial pilot of the initiative, which led to Ena Esco’s podcast, Verbally Effective. Weinreich said the grant will allow them to expand to five different innovators as opposed to one.
Other libraries will be involved in the program, including Raleigh Library, which houses an “on-site kitchen” where they will focus on culinary skills and development. Officials said they plan to bring in local chefs to help advise participants on how to secure funding for a business and how to manage restaurants.
On Wednesday, April 9, Soul Coughing will play the Hi Tone. It will be only the second time the band has played Memphis. The first was in 1995, when they opened for Jeff Buckley at the New Daisy on Beale Street.
A lot has happened since then. After three innovative albums and a string of hits unlike anything else on the radio, the band broke up acrimoniously in the late 1990s. Bandleader Mike Doughty pursued a solo career which took him all over the world. Ten years ago, he moved to Memphis, where he still resides today.
Last year, the classic lineup of Soul Coughing patched up their differences and embarked on a modest comeback tour. To the surprise of everyone involved, the tour sold out in a matter of minutes.
Now, the band is headed out on the road again, and they’re kicking it off in Doughty’s adopted home town of Memphis. The Hi Tone will be the smallest venue on this leg of the tour, so this is a chance to see the 90s underground legends in an intimate setting.
On this week’s Memphis Flyer Podcast, Mike Doughty sat down with Chris McCoy for a wide-ranging conversation about music, Memphis, and life.
When Boshi Botanicals first opened in 2024, one of the questions that owner Becky Beloin repeatedly heard was “Is Memphis ready for-zero waste?”
Boshi is the city’s first zero-waste store. Located at 3092 Poplar Avenue, Suite 16, the shop offers a number of eco-conscious products, such as refillable bathroom cleaning kits, reusable feminine pads and liners, scrap-felt polish pads and more.
From an optic standpoint, Beloin said Memphis may not appear to be a sustainable city, since it is still common for people to use plastic bags when shopping, and many restaurants still use plastic straws and cutlery, as well as styrofoam to-go containers.
Such habits may indicate the city isn’t prepared to change to a zero-waste lifestyle, but it doesn’t mean there isn’t hope. Beloin said initiatives such as Project Green Fork and Clean Memphis show that efforts are being made to increase understanding of an eco-friendly way of living.
Boshi Botanicals’ goal is to amplify the resources needed for sustainability, while also making them accessible. Beloin said customer feedback has shown that Memphians want to move towards a waste-free way of living, but there hadn’t been a place locally that could sustain it.
Photo Credit: Boshi Botanicals
“We live in a society where it’s so easy to order from Amazon,” Beloin said. “You can order pick-up from Target and obviously [if you purchase from these retailers] you don’t have to remember to bring your bottles.”
Beloin’s store not only encourages customers to bring their refillable bottles and containers, they reward them for it.
The costs of zero-waste can also pose a barrier. The University of Memphis’ “2024 Poverty Fact Sheet” showed that the city’s poverty rate is 22.6 percent. Beloin noted that the standard cost of living has become increasingly expensive — with many thinking that a shift towards sustainability costing significantly more.
However, she explains, this is a misconception. Many of the items sold at Boshi are refillable and reduce costs, including as wool dryer balls, which can last three-to-five years.
“It may seem a little higher up-front, but when you actually end up breaking it down, it ends up saving you money,” Beloin said.
“There’s interest [in zero-waste],” Beloin added. “I think a lot of it is education and getting the information out that there are things that we can all do as individuals to be more sustainable, but I think the city government needs to do things that could increase sustainability as well.”
She acknowledges that individuals can take certain steps towards an eco-friendlier lifestyle, such as using reusable shopping bags. However, she said the city shares a responsibility as well. Beloin suggested that the city evaluate different aspects of non-sustainability that they’d like to eradicate, and look into passing legislation that prevents wastefulness.
“There’s a cost to everything,” Beloin said. “People may say ‘Well, the plastic bag is free’ or ‘styrofoam is free,” but it’s not. It’s built into the cost of your food and it’s also built into the cost of [an] individual’s health.”
Beloin said the Mid-South may not be known for its sustainability, but she thinks Memphis can pioneer a movement by getting rid of pollutants such as styrofoam and plastic.
MemphisForgotten’s Insta is an amazing Bluff City Wayback Machine. It features news clips and interviews, from Playa Fly to Mr. Chuck and from America’s Most Wanted to Germantown High School’s 1992 homecoming and prom.
Posted to Facebook by Re-Elect Melvin Burgess, Shelby County Assessor
Property Appraisals
Confusion and surprise roiled the MEMernet last week as property reappraisals from Melvin Burgess, assessor of property, landed in Shelby County mailboxes. First, many thought the slick, glossy mailer — largely featuring a photo of Burgess for some reason — looked like junk mail or a political ad. Many landed in trash cans, unopened. After fishing them out, property owners were surprised to find their appraisals rose by a lot.
Posted to Facebook by Taylor Berger
Railgarten
Taylor Berger, one of the forces behind the establishment of Railgarten back in 2016, made a bittersweet Facebook post last week, after news broke that the entertainment complex was closed and on the market.
“The best parts were the surprises,” Berger wrote. “People on skateboards, live band karaoke, drag before it was mainstream.”
April showers bring April festivals, and then there are May festivals, and June ones, and July and August. And we don’t even have time to get to September. That’s right, friends (may we call you that?): It’s time for the Spring Fairs & Festivals Guide.
April
Month of Jazz at Crosstown Arts A monthlong celebration of jazz. Crosstown Arts, various dates through April 30
Memphis Tattoo Festival (Photo: Courtesy Memphis Tattoo Festival)
Memphis Tattoo Festival If you can dream it, you can tat it. Renasant Convention Center, April 4-6
TrollFest Don’t be a troll; instead, learn how to take better care of the environment at this festival. Memphis Botanic Garden, April 5
Wine, Food and Music Spring Festival Wine all you want. Notice I said “wine,” not “whine.” Beale Street Landing, April 5
Foodees Food and Culture Festival Does it bother me that it’s not spelled “Foodies”? A little. Do I care? Not when the festival is bringing 70 food trucks and 100 crafters and makers. Riverside Drive, April 11-13
TrollFest (Photo: Abigail Morici)
Brewfest You’re cruising for a brewski. Mississippi Ale House, Olive Branch, MS, April 12
Cooper-Young Porchfest Get out of my head and onto my lawn (for free porch concerts, obviously). Cooper-Young Historic District, April 12
Juke Joint Festival No need to be a juke box hero when you can go to the Juke Joint Festival. Clarksdale, MS, April 12
Orbit Fest You’ll want this fest in your orbit: seltzers, vendors, music. It’ll be a blast. Crosstown Brewing Company, April 12
Cooper-Young Porch Fest (Photo: Brandon Dill)
Shelby Forest Spring Fest A Mardi Gras-themed fest with wildlife and cultural exhibits, plus music, food, arts and crafts, and more. Meeman Shelby Forest State Park, April 12
Shop Black Fest Black businesses for the win. Bass Pro Drive + Riverside Drive, April 12
The Mid-South Korean BBQ Festival A backyard cooking competition of traditional American barbecue and Korean barbecue. Grind City Brewing Company, April 12
Juke Joint Festival (Photo: Courtesy Juke Joint Festival)
Black Arts & Wine Festival Shop visual art by Black creatives and sample wines and liquors from Black brands. Pink Palace Museum & Mansion, April 13
Concerts in the Grove Enjoy an outdoor concert or two. Germantown Performing Arts Center, select Thursdays, April 17-June 26
Africa in April Salute the Republic of South Africa. Robert R. Church Park, April 18-20
Good Vibes Comedy Festival LOL IRL. Hi Tone, April 18-20
Earth Day Festival (Photo: Courtesy Shelby Farms Park)
Earth Day Festival Where fun meets sustainability, and sustainability meets you. Shelby Farms Park, April 19
Shell Daze Dazed and confused, more like dazed and I don’t know where I was going with this … so I guess I am confused. But this festival is not confusing! It’s all about music: Lettuce, Daniel Dato’s Cosmic Country, Grace Bowers & the Hodge Podge, and The Velvet Dog. Overton Park Shell, April 19
Art in the Loop Let me loop you in: It’s the art festival in East Memphis. Ridgeway Loop Road, April 25-27
Double Decker Arts Festival A two-day (a double-day?) celebration of food, music, and the arts. Oxford Courthouse Square, Oxford, MS, April 25-26
Trolley Night Explore galleries, restaurants, bars, and shops open late with activities on the street every month. South Main, last Friday of the month
23rd Annual World Championship Hot Wing Contest and Festival Wing, wing, wing, this festival is calling for you. River Garden Park on Riverside Drive, April 26
Spring Craft Fair Find crafts and one-of-a-kind treasures. Meddlesome Brewery, April 26
Taste the Rarity Get weird with beer. Wiseacre Brewing Company, April 26
Mimosa Festival (Photo: Courtesy Mimosa Festival)
Mimosa Festival Mimosa is a fun word to say, and this festival is even funner (and that’s a fun word). Autozone Park, April 27
32nd Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival Heads, you suck. Tails, you pinch. Riverside Drive, April 27
May
Experience Memphis Gardens Roses are red; violets are blue. I’d love to walk Memphis’ gardens with you. Various locations, May 1-June 15
Memphis in May International Festival Salute South Korea at this festival. Memphis, May 1-31
Mississippi Wildlife Heritage Festival Go wild with food, art, games, expos, contests, crawfish, and more. Downtown Leland, May 2-3
RiverBeat Music Festival This year’s headliners are Missy Elliot, The Killers, and Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals. Tom Lee Park, May 2-4
Cigar & Whiskey BBQ Festival Cigars, whiskeys, barbecue — it’s in the name. Agricenter International, May 3
Bookstock This fest is for the books. Literally. Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, May 3
Café du Memphis Beign-yay! (And shrimp and grits and café au lait. Yay for all!) Overton Park Shell, May 3
Overton Square Crawfish Festival Go cray for the crayfish. Overton Square, May 3
The Big Squeeze Food Truck Festival When life gives you lemonade, wash it down with food truck fare and music. Germantown Performing Arts Center, May 3
Memphis Greek Festival Say: Opa! And bring three cans of nonperishable food for free admission.
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, May 9-10
World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest Mind your Ps and ’cues — mostly your ’cues because I’m not sure how helpful those Ps will be. Liberty Park, May 14-17
SmokeSlam Talk about a smoke show. Tom Lee Park, May 15-17
DreamFest Weekend Sweet dreams are made of this: a weekend of Memphis music. Overton Park Shell, May 16-18
Ruby Bridges Reading Festival Enjoy book giveaways, children’s activities, and storytelling. National Civil Rights Museum, May 17
Trans-Fest A celebration of the trans community. Wiseacre Brewery, May 17
Uptown Arts Festival Expect art, music, beer, and a good time. Grind City Brewing Company, May 17
Bluff City Fair This fair isn’t bluffing when it comes to fair foods, carnival rides, and attractions. Tiger Lane at Liberty Park, May 23-June 1
Memphis Dragon Boat Festival Dragons will race. Well, dragon boats. Hyde Lake at Shelby Farms Park, May 31
Memphis Italian Festival Where everyone’s Italian. Marquette Park, May 29-31
Memphis Margarita Festival Some people claim there’s a festival to blame, and it’s this one. Wastin’ away again at the Memphis Margarita Festival … Overton Square, May 31
Memphis Vegan Festival No animals were harmed in the making of this festival. Fourth Bluff Park, May 31
June
Juneteenth Shop Black Festival Shop from 100 Black businesses. Fourth Bluff Park, June 1
Tupelo Elvis Festival Get ready to rock and roll. Downtown Tupelo, June 4-7
Memphis Pride Fest Weekend (Photo: Courtesy Mid-South Pride)
Memphis Pride Fest Weekend A four-day celebration embodying the spirit of the LGBTQ community. Various locations, June 5-8
Memphis Crafts & Drafts Festival Summer Market This event is no rough draft. It was perfectly crafted to fit all your summer market needs. It’s also put on by the Memphis Flyer, which I’ve heard is pretty awesome. Crosstown Concourse, June 7
Fried Chicken Fest Why did the chicken cross the road? To get to the Fried Chicken Fest? That doesn’t sound right. The fest is fun for humans though! It’s got fried chicken (with apologies to the chickens that crossed the road), music, and lawn games. Germantown Performing Arts Center, June 7
Craft Food & Wine Festival Delicious food, exquisite wines, and live music, all while supporting Church Health. The Columns, June 8
Betonia Blues Festival With a lineup with the likes of Nick Wade, Jimmy Duck Holmes, Chris Gill & Sole Shakers, and Bobby Rush featuring Mizz Loew, you know you’re in for a good time. Blue Front Cafe, Bentonia, MS
Memphis Brewfest Just brew it. Shelby Farms Park, June 21
Record Fair Girl, put your records on. Tell me your favorite songs from Goner Records, River City Records, and Shangri-La Records ’cause this is the place to buy all your music. Soul & Spirits, June 21
July
Delta Soule Picnic Festival Expect R&B and Southern soul music. Warfield Point Park, Greenville, MS, July 5
Memphis Summer Cocktail Festival Get your drink on. The Kent, July 12
August
Planted Rock Vegan Festival We will … we will … rock you (as long as you’re a plant). This fest promotes vegan foods and will give healthy living tips. Collage Dance Center, August 5
FedEx St. Jude Championship Here’s where I’d insert a golf pun, if I knew any. If you know about golf, I assume you know about this championship. TPC Southwind, August 6-10
Elvis Week (Photo: Courtesy Elvis Presley’s Graceland)
Elvis Week The Elvii are coming! The Elvii are coming! And they’re showing up for music, panels, contests, movies, fan meet-ups, tours, and more. Graceland, August 8-16
Skol-astic Book Fair Ah, book it. Book it real good. Soul & Spirits, August 9
Memphis Chicken & Beer Festival People like chicken; people like beer. Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium Field, August 16
The city of West Memphis has petitioned President Donald Trump to rename a portion of the Mississippi River, West Memphis River.
“We’re tired of Mississippi getting all the credit,” said Mayor [Marco] McClendon. “It’s time to put West Memphis on the map — literally.”
McClendon said the rebranding would come with new signage, tourism campaigns, and possibly a West Memphis River cruise port.
NAH! Those West Memphis folks were just having a laugh on April Fool’s Day. And they weren’t alone. The MEMernet was filled with all kinds of people, businesses, and organizations having a good time on social media Tuesday.
Here are a few:
Akbari what?!
Credit: Sen. Raumesh Akbari via Facebook
Zoo what?!
Posted to Facebook by Memphis Zoo
“ANNOUNCEMENT: We’re expanding our Memphis identity in a bold new way.
“Memphis Zoo. Memphis, Egypt. Memphis, Tennessee. A pyramid at our entrance. It only made sense. We’re (very unofficially) launching Bass Pro at the Zoo. A concept that would bring a satellite Bass Pro Shops location right into our front plaza.
The idea? A one-of-a-kind experience. Guests could grab a camping stove, pick out the perfect tackle box, and then stroll straight into the heart of the Zoo. Maybe even roll a few frames in a tiny bowling alley near the tortoises.
“We mentioned the idea to Bass Pro. They haven’t responded. At all. So, for now, it remains a vision. But we’re putting it out into the world… because it’s April 1, and that’s what visionaries do.”
Nacho what?!
Posted to Facebook by Memphis Made Brewing Co.
“You know we had to do it big for BBQ season! 🐷 Introducing “If You Smoke It, They Will Come.” A one-of-a-kind Imperial BBQ Nacho Stout, this is a creation that could only be Memphis Made!
“Brewed with corn chip malt and smoky pork shoulder puree, this porker of a stout packs a punch at 11.3 percent ABV (Be careful over the pit when you’re smashing these bad boys!) Available on tap every Tuesday at The Ravine and in 4-packs at all Memphis Publix locations, this conversation piece is sure to make a splash at one or both of our local May BBQ Competitions!
#memphisinmay #smokeslam #bbqfest #memphismade”
Sausage what?!
Posted to Instagram by Crosstown Concourse
“Before Monogram Foods even unpacks at Crosstown Concourse, they’re already bringing the heat — literally. To celebrate their upcoming move, they’ve teamed up with us to introduce a Circle B Smoked Sausage-Scented Candle inspired by the bold flavors of Memphis and the vibrant energy of Crosstown.
“Founded in Memphis in 2004, Monogram Foods is a leading producer of meat snacks, hot dogs, bacon, and other packaged foods, supplying some of America’s most beloved brands. Their move to Crosstown Concourse will bring their innovative spirit and hometown pride to the heart of our community.
Posted to Instagram by Crosstown Concourse
“🔥 The Circle B Smoked Sausage Candle – Smoky, savory, and guaranteed to make you crave a classic smoked sausage.
“This limited-edition candle will be available for purchase throughout Crosstown Concourse, including at @milisflowersandgifts
”Stay tuned for more updates as Monogram Foods settles into Crosstown!”
GTA what?!
Posted to Reddit by u/Legpistons
”Super pumped about the new GTA!”
Comment by u/readforhealth
“Side Quest Southaven Rendezvous
“Rico heads south of the border to grab 12kilos from the Chesteridge apartment complex. Little does he know, Brunnie B is also en route; and he hasn’t forgotten about the mess you made of his shop during the bust up. Meanwhile, Kitty Lee preps and wraps freshly packed powder for your arrival. This could get messy.
“Car 2018 Dodge Challenger Gauntlet
“Weapons Two Sig 365Ls and a sawed-off 12
”Objective Grab cargo and get back above the line by 5 O’clock”
Duck tour what?!
Posted to Facebook by Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
“Special April 1st Tour!
“Plunge into the silliness this April Fool’s Day with Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park’s one-of-a-kind, one day only, Submarine Tour of Poplar Tree Lake!
“Hop aboard with Ranger Chuckles as he steers through the stump-filled shallows in our cutting-edge, pedal-driven submarine — equipped with snorkels for quick getaways and a periscope that moonlights as a selfie stick.
“Be amazed by underwater spectacles like the rare migration of freshwater rubber ducks and the mysterious Poplar Tree Lake Kraken (spoiler alert: it’s just a giant bass).
“Secure your pretend tickets today for a laugh-out-loud journey that’ll leave you soaked in fun — metaphorically speaking!
“Stay tuned for more April Fool’s Day events that don’t really exist! 😂 “
River what?!
Credit: City of West Memphis via Facebook
“🚨 BIG ANNOUNCEMENT FROM MAYOR MCCLENDON 🚨
“Mayor McClendon has officially requested federal approval to rename a portion of the Mississippi River to…The West Memphis River.
“’We’re tired of Mississippi getting all the credit,’ said Mayor McClendon. ‘It’s time to put West Memphis on the map — literally.’”
The proposed section would span from the I-55 Bridge to the I-40 Bridge.
Posted to Facebook by City of West Memphis
“‘We’re not trying to take the whole river,’” Mayor McClendon said. “’Just the best part.’”
“The rebranding would come with new signage, tourism campaigns, and possibly West Memphis may soon be home to a West Memphis River cruise port! Passengers can board for scenic tours newly renamed West Memphis River, taking in the sights, and sounds of the Delta in style.
”The petition has been submitted to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names and is now in the hands of President Trump. Stay tuned.”
Sauce what?!
Posted to Facebook by Rotolo’s Craft & Crust – East Memphis, TN
“B.Y.O.B 🪣
“What’s the elite pizza dipping sauce? 🍕
Ranch lovers, this is your moment! For ONE DAY ONLY we’re filling up your bucket with our creamy ranch. No limits.”
Elwood’s what?!
Posted to Facebook by Elwood’s Shack
“All sandwiches buy one get 3 free. One day April special. Today Only.”
