Category: On the Fly

Memphis Summer Cocktail Festival
The Kent
Friday, July 12, 6-9 p.m.
Get your drink on at the hottest festival of the summer featuring seasonal sips, tasty eats, and throwback vibes. Your ticket includes 12 fun-size summer cocktails, plus access to all the fun and entertainment. Put on your freshest throwback threads and chillax this event supporting Volunteer Memphis. Tickets can be purchased here in advance for $54/general admission and $85/early entry (which gets you early admission and a welcome cocktail). General admission tickets will be sold at the door for $65 if they are not sold out. Check social media for the sold-out notification.

Two-Day Pickleball 901 Party at Wiseacre
Wiseacre Brewing Company HQ – Little Bettie
Saturday, July 13, noon-8 p.m. | Sunday, July 14, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Don’t get yourself in a pickle when it comes to your weekend plans. Just go and play pickleball (and enjoy food and beer and music and vendors and friends and family). Wiseacre hosts two days of pickleball and more, including four premium pickleball courts and beginner clinics if you are new to the game. Free pickleball will be happening in the Wiseacre back lot from noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. 

Goo Goo Dolls
Radians Amphitheater At Memphis Botanic Garden
Friday, July 12, 8 p.m.
I don’t care if you go goo goo or ga ga for the Goo Goo Dolls this weekend. But I’m here to inform you that they’ll be playing at The Live at the Garden Summer Concert Series. Lawn tickets are $84.35 and can be purchased here. The lawn is always first come, first served; there are no assigned seats on the lawn. Chairs are not provided but guests can bring their own. Food and drinks will be available for purchase, and attendees are also allowed to bring their own outside food and beverages including coolers. For more information, go here.

Puppy Gala
Crosstown Brewing Company
Saturday, July 13, 2-5 p.m.
The dog days are here! It’s time for Crosstown Brewing’s second annual Puppy Gala, where dogs of all ages can walk the red carpet and strut their stuff. Categories will include: Best Dressed, Most Like Owner, Best Pet Trick, Cutest Puppy, Best Senior Dog, and Best in Show. There will be plenty of water to drink and play in as well as small treats for the puppies who participate. The event will coincide with the return of the brewery’s pink lemonade shandy, Dog Days (we see what they did there). 

Puppy Yoga
Sana Yoga Downtown
Saturday, July 13, 3:30 p.m.
I will never pass up an opportunity to talk about puppy yoga. So lemme tell you about puppy yoga. It’s happening. Be there this Saturday. Admission is $30. Sign up here.

Always Sunny in Philadelphia Brunch
Black Lodge
Sunday, July 14, 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Black Lodge brings what you’ve all been waiting for: Always Sunny Brunch, a monthly brunch screening the best of the best episodes of your favorite gang of dysfunctional degenerates. The theme for this first one is the Best of the Gang, so think: any episodes that revolve around all five characters. Next month Lodge will screen the best of Dennis. Audience suggestions will be taken for episodes screened after 1 p.m. The day will feature $3 mimosas/$20 mimosa pitchers and the food special will be Mac’s Breakfast Chimichanga, a large fried flour tortilla stuffed with chorizo, eggs, shredded cheese, and potatoes, topped with fresh pico de gallo and sour cream, served on a plate with a side of crispy tater tots.

V&E Greenline’s Ice Cream Social
Idlewild Sun Garden at V&E Greenline
Sunday, July 14, 2-4 p.m.
I scream, you scream, the V&E screams, we all scream for ICE CREAM! Head to the V&E Greenline for a sundae funday with ice cream galore. Chill out in our kiddie pools, make your own sundae, and cone-plete with games for all ages. There will be toppings available, but feel free to BYOT (bring your own toppings). The cherry on top: All proceeds go towards the development and maintenance of our community trail. Admission is free, ice cream is $2 per scoop.

There’s always something happening in Memphis. See a full calendar of events here.

Submit events here or by emailing calendar@memphisflyer.com.

Goner 20th Birthday Cruise
Memphis Riverboats
Friday, June 28, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Going, going, gone down the river for Goner Records special 20th birthday party cruise. Goner DJs will get the party started, and New Orleans’ Quintron and Miss Pussycat will perform live on the boat. Drinks and Wiseacre beers will be available on board. Your ticket also includes a Memphis-style barbecue dinner. Tickets ($60) must be purchased in advance here. Boarding begins at 5:30 p.m., with the boat departing at 6:30 p.m. Afterwards, head to B-Side for the Post-Quintron Cruise show with New Orleans’ DJ Matty and Jack Oblivian & The Sheiks. Cover is $10. 

Mid-Summer Jam at The Ravine
Memphis Made at The Ravine
Saturday, June 29, 5:30 p.m.
It’s not really a jelly, but it sure is a jam — the Mid-Summer Jam that’s coming to the Ravine in the Edge District, featuring After the Rain, the Contradictions, and Macrophonics, all to support Clean Memphis. These bands are hard-rocking homages to grunge and alt-punk from the ’90s featuring local young musicians from the emerging Memphis rock music scene. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. and music starts around 6 p.m. Good Groceries Mobile Diner will be parked in the Ravine and Memphis Made will handle the beer. It’s a $10 cover benefitting Clean Memphis

Queer Prom: A Night Out with OUTMemphis
Crosstown Arts at The Concourse
Saturday, June 29, 6-11 p.m.
Celebrate queer resilience and Pride by joining OUTMemphis for an evening of drinks and dancing. Queer Prom is for anyone 18+ that considers themselves a part of or an ally to the LGBTQ community, however you define it. Bring your joy, your looks, and your dance moves to benefit the nonprofit’s life-saving services for LGBTQ youth and adults. Tickets are $35 in advance and $50 at the door. Purchase here. But the celebration doesn’t stop when Queer Prom ends — the official Queer Prom Afterparty will take place at Black Lodge, 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. Cover charge is $10 (Queer Prom wristband holders get $5 off!).

The 24 Hour Plays: Memphis
TheatreWorks at the Evergreen
Saturday, June 29, 7-9 p.m. 
We all have the same 24 hours in a day to work with — which is a trite and completely not at all nuanced take on life — and for some of us, those 24 hours are just enough time to create and perform a full-on play. That’s right: This Saturday, you can watch as 24 actors perform in six different plays, which they, along with six directors and six writers, only had 24 hours to write, direct, and rehearse. This is a one-night-only event, and tickets are only $15. Musician and composer Eileen Kuo will perform for the crowd before the show and between the plays. Arrive early and buy a beer, wine, or soda at the bar, and there’ll be fresh popcorn and cotton candy available just for you.

Glam Rock Picnic: Fundraiser, Art Market, & Interactive Sculpture Party
Off The Walls Arts
Sunday, June 30, noon-5 p.m.
Few things are more noteworthy than seeing a photo of your coworker in the crotch of a 10-foot, papier-mache sculpture of David Bowie in progress. That coworker is, of course, Michael Donahue, one of our writers here at the Flyer. In fact, Mike McCarthy, creator of the sculpture, has covered Bowie in Flyers. We’re honored to say the least, but this sculpture is not in honor of us, but rather of David Bowie’s visit to Memphis in 1973. This Sunday, McCarthy invites the public to start the process of covering Ziggy in clay at what he’s calling the Glam Rock Picnic.  The day will also have DJ Kitschy Kat spinning entire Bowie albums, a Bowie bar, Eat at Eric’s food truck, face painting by Kasey Dees, and vendors curated by Jana Wilson of Vintagia. Entry free is $10, and kids get in free. Read more about the project here.

Wednesday Wellness 
Art Museum University of Memphis
Wednesday, July 3, 5:15-6:15 p.m.
Inspired by its current exhibition “Becoming More Myself: Reclamation Through Tattoo Art,” The Art Museum of the University of Memphis (AMUM) has been hosting free yoga classes as part of its first Wednesday Wellness series. Sign up for the last one-hour yoga class taught by local instructor Tedra Smothers here. Space is limited with a max of 25 participants per session and registration is required to participate. Bring your own yoga mat, closed bottle of water, and any props that you might like to use during the yoga class (i.e. straps, blocks, etc.) For questions, contact Adriana Dunn at ardunn@memphis.edu. Also read about the exhibit here.

Fourth of July 
Hear ye, hear ye, it’s Independence Day. Here are some of the events happening around town for the holiday:

• Memphis’ Largest Fireworks Festival: Take in an Independence Day festival and the official City fireworks show in Liberty Park. This event is free with free parking and will have a DJ and live music, kids’ inflatables, face painting, carnival games, family-friendly movie showing, local food trucks, and biggest fireworks show in town starting at dusk.  Liberty Park Memphis, Wednesday, July 3, 5-9 p.m.
• Red, White & Boom Celebration: What’s more American than baseball, barbecue, and fireworks? Join the Memphis Redbirds for patriotic bucket hat giveaways for the first 1,500 fans, free inflatables and face-painters, and fireworks. The Redbirds are playing the Nashville Sounds. AutoZone Park, Wednesday, July 3, 6:05 p.m.
• All-American Weekend: Join Graceland to celebrate America’s independence and 70 years of rock-and-roll with music, food, fun and fireworks. Graceland, Thursday-Saturday, July 4-6
• Cooper-Young 4th of July Parade: Join the Cooper-Young Community Association for a very chill 4th of July block party and mini parade around the block. Bring your kiddos, their little wheels, and enjoy frozen treats, music, face-painting, and a special appearance by the Memphis Fire Department. Peabody Elementary, Thursday, July 4, 10 a.m.

There’s always something happening in Memphis. See a full calendar of events here.

Submit events here or by emailing calendar@memphisflyer.com.

Juneteenth
As Alice Faye Duncan writes in her piece with the Flyer this week about Opal Lee, the Grandmother of Juneteenth, “Juneteenth is freedom rising, and freedom is for everyone.” And this weekend is about celebrating. Check out just some of what’s going on in Memphis:

• Juneteenth Douglass Freedom & Heritage Festival: This year marks 31 of celebrating Juneteenth in Douglass Park. Friday is Youth Day, complete with youth performers, youth vendors, and a youth host and DJ. Saturday will feature National Jookin League and Marcus.901, and Sunday will feature Ekpe Abioto. The festival is free, parking is free, you are free to bring your grills, coolers, tents, tables, and chairs. Douglass Park, Friday, June 14, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Saturday-Sunday, June 15-16, 3-8 p.m.
• Juneteenth Family Reunion: Tone will host a weekend-long celebration in honor of Juneteenth. Things kick off with the Spades Tournament on Friday. Then folks can get dressed up for the Juneteenth Gala on Saturday. And then it’ll be time for the Juneteenth Festival on Sunday, where the lineup features Curren$y, Juicy J, Hitkidd, and Erykah Badu. Our writer Chris McCoy wrote all about what’s happening in this week’s cover story. Read that here. Tone, Friday-Saturday, June 14-16
• Memphis Juneteenth Festival: This festival is all about education, entertainment, food, and fun. It will feature a car exhibition, Greek Yard Show, Health and Wellness Tent, and a Freedom Run + Walk. Health Sciences Park, Friday-Saturday, June 14-15, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.
• Juneteenth Shop Black Festival: The 4th Annual Juneteenth Shop Black Festival features live entertainment, 100 Black businesses, food trucks, and food vendors. RSVP for free here. Fourth Bluff Park, Saturday, June 15, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
• The Color Purple Movie Screening: In partnership with Dr. Telisa Franklin and Memphis Juneteenth, the Orpheum Theatre Group is hosting a free screening of the 2023 movie musical The Color Purple in celebration of Juneteenth. Orpheum Theatre, Monday, June 17, 6:30 p.m.
• Juneteenth Community Day: The National Civil Rights Museum is celebrating with free museum admission. The Juneteenth Community Day will also feature a health equity focus and a range of health-related services, resources and activities, plus the opportunity to donate blood. National Civil Rights Museum, Wednesday, June 19, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Ben Bailey
Black Lodge
Friday, June 14, 8 p.m.
There are 13,000 taxicabs on the streets of New York. But only one of them pays you. Well, paid. Cash Cab — the cab that paid you (only if you answer trivia questions correctly) — is no longer in production, but that doesn’t mean my dad doesn’t watch the show every time his channel surfing lands on it. But even though it’s Father’s Day this weekend, we’re not here to talk about my dad. We’re here to talk about Ben Bailey, former host of Cash Cab, who is coming to do his stand-up at Black Lodge this Friday. Tickets for Bailey’s show at Black Lodge are $35 in advance and $38 day of show. VIP tickets, which include seats in the first four rows and a meet-and-greet, cost $60 in advance and $65 day of show. Purchase tickets in advance here. Oh, and not to brag but I got to interview Ben Bailey ahead of the show. Read more here. (Ben Bailey says hi, Dad! If you’re not my dad, too bad.)

Crafts & Drafts
Crosstown Concourse
Saturday, June 15, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
This event is no rough draft. After all, it’s put on by the spectacular folks at the Memphis Flyer, this very paper. It was perfectly crafted to fit all your summer market’s needs. Join us and enjoy a beautiful day in midtown Memphis, shop local makers and artists, and featuring delicious local craft beers.

Philippine Fiesta
Agricenter International
Saturday, June 15, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Memphis’ first Philippine Fiesta will have Filipino cuisine, dances, and a parade of Fiesta Queens in costumes that represent specific festivals held in the Philippines. Kids can enjoy activities like face-painting, and adults can partake in an open mic session with karaoke. Admission is free. Read more about the event here.

Record Fair
Soul & Spirits
Saturday, June 15, 1-7 p.m.
Girl, put your records on. Or, rather, get your shopping on for records at Soul & Spirits’ Record Fair. Goner Records, River City Records, and Shangri-La Records will come together to bring all your favorite places to buy music in one spot. STAX Soul Mobile, Mobile Memphis Listening Lab, Memphis Record Pressing, local collections, and art vendors will also be on site, and so will food trucks Hot n Heavy Dogs and Sno Junt. The Subteens will cap off the day with a performance. (Hey, did you read Alex Greene’s piece on their re-release of Burn Your Cardigan? Go on, get to reading it.)

Memphis Vegan Festival
Fourth Bluff Park
Sunday, June 16, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
On the veg (of glory)? This festival is for you. It’s a day full of vegan food, live entertainment, and a marketplace featuring local businesses, plant-based health and beauty products, clothing, and accessories. RSVP for free here.

Forum: Who is running for the Memphis Shelby County Schools board?
Idlewild Presbyterian Church
Monday, June 17, 6-8 p.m.
Get to know candidates running for the Memphis-Shelby County Schools board before the August elections. Students and Chalkbeat journalists will ask candidates about how and why they want to guide the school district for the next four years. The event is free to attend, but RSVP here. There will be food and childcare provided. The panel will be livestreamed here if you can’t make it. 

Overton Square Movie Series: Sweet Home Alabama
Chimes Square at Overton Square
Thursday, June 20, 6 p.m.
Alabama might not be sweet or home to most of us (have you read the news?). But there’s something about Sweet Home Alabama that just makes rom-com lovers melt. A little bit of Reese Witherspoon. A little bit of that guy whose name I’ll never learn but can easily Google but won’t so every time he comes on my screen I go that’s the guy from Sweet Home Alabama. What more could you want? I mean, Overton Square is even screening it for free on Thursday.  Blankets and folding chairs welcome; no outside alcoholic beverages. 

There’s always something happening in Memphis. See a full calendar of events here.

Submit events here or by emailing calendar@memphisflyer.com.

Strong + Safe Self-Defense Class
Crosstown Plaza at the Concourse
Friday, June 7, 4-6 p.m.
What happens in fight club stays in fight club — I think. I’ve never seen the movie, nor have I been in a fight club. I’m a lover, not a fighter. Fight, flight, or freeze? Sign me up for flight or freeze. But, hey, even lovers, flighters, and freezers need to learn how to defend themselves every now and then, so join Hospitality Hub for a free self-defense class led by Josh Metcalf, owner and head instructor at Midtown Krav Maga & Jiu Jitsu. You’ll learn basic self-defense tactics that are practical for your everyday life. Registration is required. The class is free, but there is a suggested donation of $25. Class will be followed by the Hub Day celebration, 5-6 p.m., with live music, dancing, refreshments, and fun. 

Puppies! Puppies!! Puppies!!!
It’s the dog days of summer, and Memphis knows it. The city’s got three pup-centric events this weekend. Three! At least three, that is. 

• Pup Party- First Friday on Broad: Put your pups first on Broad Avenue’s First Friday this month, where there’ll be treats, games, and lots of fun “pup-tivities” like paw painting, a dog and owner look-alike contest, puppy snacks, pupcakes, pup cups, discounts on dog merchandise, and pups available for adoption. Broad Avenue, Friday, June 7, 5-8 p.m.
• Walk Me, Mane: Walk (or run) with shelter dogs at Memphis Animal Services. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just enjoy a leisurely walk, your time will help our furry friends stay happy and healthy. Sign up to volunteer at the kickoff event for the Bluff City Canine Crew here. There will be refreshments and coffee for volunteers along with treats for the dogs to get the day started. Memphis Animal Services, Saturday, June 8, 8-10 a.m.
• Summer Sundays: Puppies on the Plaza!: Head to the Brooks for a dog-friendly event, where you can craft pawprint ornaments, groove to DJ Sledro’s sounds, and meet adorable adoptable dogs from Tails of Hope Rescue, Alive Rescue, and Team Memphis Rescue. There’ll be refreshments and more. Register for the free event here. Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, Sunday, June 9, 2-4 p.m.

Liars’ Ball
TheatreWorks
Friday, June 7, 8 p.m. | Saturday, June 8, 8 p.m.
Improv can be fun. I’m not bluffing. Just ask the Bluff City Liars, who’s hosting a two-night Liars’ Ball where all the improv will be to music by Louise Page (Friday) and Rosey (Saturday). Tickets are $12 in advance (purchase here) and $15 at the door. 

Cemetery Cinema presents Ghost
Elmwood Cemetery
Friday, June 7, 8:30 p.m.
Woah, my love, my darling … I’ve hungered for your touch … A long … lonely time … so is now the time to admit that I’ve never seen Ghost? I know, I know, a sin against Patrick Swayze. But this weekend is my chance — and everyone’s chance — to see Ghost on the big screen. Elmwood’s Cemetery Cinema will project the 1990 classic on the roof of the historic cottage as the last light of the day washes away. The movie is outside, so don’t bundle up. Bring lawn chairs and picnic baskets, and don’t forget about the food truck The Best of the Wurst. Tickets are $17.85. Get ’em here. You in danger, girl!

Chris Bell’s “I Am the Cosmos” 50th Anniversary Tribute Concert
Maria Montessori School Amphitheater
Saturday, June 8, 5 p.m.
Chris Bell’s “I Am the Cosmos” turns 50, and to celebrate, Maria Montessori School Amphitheater’s River Series is putting on a tribute concert, which you can read more about in this week’s music column by Rich Tupica. Tickets for the show are $20/adults and $8/kids and can be purchased here. Wiseacre and ChiPhi food truck will be on site. Doors open at 4 p.m.

Project Green Fork Presents: Loving Local 2024
Grind City Brewing Co.
Sunday, June 9, 2-5 p.m.
Eating your greens doesn’t sound nearly as fun as eating green. Project Green Fork (PGF) has been bringing sustainability into the food space for a while now, and you can see the results at its Loving Local this weekend. Experience dishes from PGF-certified chefs and partners: Lulu’s Cafe, Good Fortune Co., Biscuits & Jams, Shroomlicious Meals, and Mempops. You can also enjoy beer for purchase from Grind City Brewing as well as samples and shopping experiences for eco-friendly products from Boshi Botanicals, Tiny Human Skin Care, and SAMILIA. The event is free, but registration is encouraged. 

Wyly Bigger & the Coyotes
Lafayette’s Music Room
Sunday, June 9, 7 p.m.
Our very own Michael Donahue recently wrote about Wyly Bigger, and Donahue always has his finger on the pulse. So check out Bigger’s show this weekend at Lafayette’s because, let’s face it, if Donahue is a fan, we should all be. 

LoCash and Runaway June
Handy Park
Thursday, June 13, 7:30 p.m.
Kix on Beale celebrates 20 years of bringing music to historic Beale Street. This season will bring six free country acts to Beale Street’s Handy Park. All ages are welcome and all shows start at 7:30 p.m. The series kicks off with duo LoCash and openers Runaway June. Upcoming acts include George Birge and Ryan Larkins on June 20th, Frank Ray and Annie Bosko on June 27th, Elvie Shane and Kylie Morgan on July 11th, and Chris Lane and Hailey Whitters on July 25th. 

There’s always something happening in Memphis. See a full calendar of events here.

Submit events here or by emailing calendar@memphisflyer.com.

Memphis Italian Festival
Marquette Park
Thursday, May 30, 3-11 p.m. | Friday-Saturday, May 31-June 1, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that’s amore. When the world seems to shine like you’ve had too much wine, that’s just the Memphis Italian Festival, “where everyone’s Italian.” There are several events going on throughout the day including bocce, grape stomping, wine races, live music, face painting, and cooking demonstrations from local chefs. This is a family-friendly festival with games and rides your kids will love. Tickets are $15 for Thursday and Friday, and $20 for Saturday. Purchase ahead here or at the gate. Kids 10 and under get in free, and so do active military with ID.

Trolley Night
South Main
Friday, May 31, 6-10 p.m.
Visitors will be able to stroll South Main and explore the many galleries, shops, restaurants, and bars in the neighborhood. Doors will be open and featuring an assortment of live music, performances, complimentary drinks/appetizers, and more.⁠⁠

Brek Fest Memphis Showcase
Lamplighter Lounge
Friday-Saturday, May 31-June 1, 7 p.m.
They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but sometimes it’s just too early to be making decisions on what to eat. What’s for breakfast? I don’t know. Now, if you were to ask who’s What’s For Breakfast?, I’d tell you it’s Dan Staggs’s Chicago/Memphis-based record label and it’s hosting a two-day, 14-band showcase this weekend, with six Memphis-based artists and eight traveling bands from around the Rust Belt and Mid-South. Friday night features Pity Invite, Big Whoop, Grimey, Snørkler, Mr. Clit and the Pink Cigarettes, and Lollygagger. Saturday night features Opossums, Bluff City Vice, Pet Mosquito, NightFreak, Deady, Wesley & the Boys, and Little Baby Tendencies. Admission is $20 at the door each night. Limited presales are available online at wfbr.bandcamp.com/merch. Doors open at 7 p.m. and music will run from approximately 8 p.m. to approximately 1 a.m. 

Shelarious
Rumba Room
Friday, June 31, 7 p.m.
Hehehe … or shesheshe? ’Cause this night of comedy is led by comedians who just so happen to be women. Tickets are $13.73 and can be purchased here.

WYXR DJ Night
Bar DKDC
Friday, May 31, 8 p.m.
WYXR stacks the deck for a hip-shakin’ sensation with DJ Bizzle Bluebland and DJ DY3. $10 cover.

Dragon Boat Festival
Hyde Lake at Shelby Farms Park
Saturday, June 1, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Enjoy a fantastic and memorable time with family and friends at the 2024 Memphis Dragon Boat Festival. In addition to electric boat racing, the festival will also have stage performances, art crafts, Asian street food, and other vendors. Admission is free.

Memphis Pride Festival and Parade 
Robert Church Park and Beale Street
Saturday, June 1, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
June, if you can imagine, is already here, and that means it’s time for Pride. This year’s Memphis Pride Fest, which bills itself as the largest gathering of LGBTQ people in the Mid-South, promises to be bigger and better than ever before, with a theme of “Embrace Your Story,” a celebration of diversity, strength, and unity. Headlining the event organized by Mid-South Pride is Kornbread “The Snack” Jeté, a fan-favorite from season 14 of RuPaul’s Drag Race, and 37 local drag entertainers and four local bands will join the lineup across two stages. The festival will also host over 175 booths, providing a wide array of activities. Admission to the festival starts at $1. Kicking off the day, of course, is the annual parade which starts at Fourth and Beale before making its way through the historic Beale Street Entertainment District. The procession features over 100 units with 2,500+ participants from myriad organizations. The weekend also includes a Drag N Drive on Thursday, Big Gay Dance Party on Friday, and Grand Marshal Drag Brunch on Sunday. For more information on all that’s happening this weekend and to purchase tickets to any of these events, visit midsouthpride.org.

Headspace IPA & Sour Festival
Grind City Brewing Company
Saturday, June 1, noon-10 p.m.
Grind City is grinding out four one-day-only IPAs and four one-day-only sours. (Flavors are influenced by the summer season and will include some local farm ingredients. This is where you oooh and ahhh.) There will be food trucks (Albee’s at noon to 6 p.m. and Champ’s BBQ at 2 to 8 p.m.) and live music (Joe Downing at 1 to 4 p.m. and Flirting with Sincerity at 4 p.m.)

“Threaded Legacies” Opening Reception
Cossitt Library
Saturday, June 1, 3 p.m.
Celebrate the artistry of Black women quilters at the opening reception for “Threaded Legacies.” Join the library for an evening of culture and creativity honoring the remarkable contributions of the Orange Mound Community Service Center quilters. Hear their inspiring stories firsthand during an engaging artist talk, and immerse yourself in the beauty of their craft. 

Beginner Sushi Class
Memphis Made Brewing Co.
Sunday, June 2, 5-7 p.m.
Learn how to roll a big fat one — by that we mean the perfect roll of sushi. In this beginner class, learn how to make perfect sushi rice and all of the sauces you love (from eel sauce to BangBang), where to shop/what to buy, and how to safely serve raw fish at home and save a lot of money. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased here. 

Showboats 
Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium
Sunday, May 2, 6 p.m.
The Showboats are playing the Houston Roughnecks. I don’t know anything about football, nor do I really care. But here’s the link for tickets if that’s the lifestyle you choose. They start at $14, which isn’t that bad even if you don’t like football.

Samara Joy
Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
Monday, June 3, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Cultural Arts For Everyone is bringing the incredible Samara Joy to Memphis to kickoff Black Music Month. To hear acclaimed vocalist Samara Joy perform live is to feel the emotional resonance of every lyric. With her Grammy award-winning Verve Records debut, Linger Awhile, the 23-year-old Bronx native has already earned her millions of likes on TikTok, cementing her status as perhaps the first Gen Z jazz singing star. Tickets ($35-$119) can be purchased here.

There’s always something happening in Memphis. See a full calendar of events here.

Submit events here or by emailing calendar@memphisflyer.com.

“MANE” and “Hidden Gems” Opening Reception
Crosstown Arts
Friday, May 24, 6 p.m.
Crosstown Arts presents an opening reception for “MANE” and “Hidden Gems” curated by Najee Strickland and Kiara Sally in the Galleries at Crosstown Arts. “MANE” will explore how Southern speech has shaped Memphis artists’ view of community and themselves while “Hidden Gems” includes artists with modest visibility and offers them an opportunity to show up and be uncovered. The opening will feature a performance from Keeping It P, a special menu by Chef Bo Zou of Petals of a Peony, and more. The event is free and open to the public

BrewHaHa: A Night of Comedy
Hampline Brewing Company
Friday, May 24, 7:30 p.m.
Keeley Allison hosts a free night of laughs with a lineup of local comedians: headliner Rob Love, then Ryan Bush, and Ben Pierce. 

Cooper-York Fest
Memphis Made Brewing Co.
Saturday, May 25, 1 p.m.
Cooper-York Fest returns this spring with tons of beer, vendors, face painting, and more. Emporio’s Table and Emo Flamingo food trucks will be there, and Owlbear, Kitty Dearing & the Dagnabbits, and San Salida will provide the music. 

Harbert Avenue Porch Show: Pinky’s and Tyler Keith & the Apostles
1858 Harbert 
Saturday, May 25, 5-8 p.m.
Music begins at 5:30 p.m. with Pinky’s followed by Tyler Keith & the Apostles at 6:15 p.m. Let’s Be Frank! food truck will be on the street an hour before the music starts.  Beer is provided by Memphis Made Brewing. T-shirts designed by Mike McCarthy will be sold at the event and in the Black & Wyatt Web Store with all profits going to the bands. There is no charge for the event, but donations to the bands will be accepted and are appreciated.

Shroomlicious Vegan Cookout
394 N. Watkins
Monday, May 27, 12 p.m.
Calling all fungi, fungals, and funpals! Shroomlicious Meals is hosting its first-ever cookout this Memorial Day with meals all centered around the mushroom. That means each plate ($20) will be packed with grilled mushrooms, tasty sides, and mouthwatering sauces that’ll have you coming back for seconds (and thirds)! RSVP now and read Michael Donahue’s story on the vegan eatery before you go.

Nature Journaling at Overton Park
Overton Park
Tuesday, May 28, 4 p.m.
Join Overton Park Conservancy at the East Parkway Old Forest gateway to learn the basics of nature journaling. Bring your own notebook and writing materials, and there will be limited art supplies to share. This program is free and no RSVP is required.

Whet Thursday
Metal Museum
May 30, 5-8 p.m.
The Metal Museum’s Whet Thursdays are back! That means the last Thursday of the month from May to August you can enjoy live demonstrations by skilled blacksmiths, free admission to the galleries, and more. This Whet Thursday, Corey Lou & DaVillage will bring Memphis Soul music Smurfey’s Smokehouse will be the featured food truck with the Tipsy Tumbler serving up the beverages.

Megan Thee Stallion: Hot Girl Summer Tour
FedExForum
Thursday, May 30, 8 p.m.
Every summer is hot girl summer, but we’re talking about capital Hot Girl Summer from Megan Thee Stallion as she brings her Hot Girl Summer Tour to Memphis with special guest Memphis’ own GloRilla. Tickets start at $51, but it’s Megan Thee Stallion and GloRilla, so get on it. 

There’s always something happening in Memphis. See a full calendar of events here.

Submit events here or by emailing calendar@memphisflyer.com.

Barbecue Weekend
May means barbecue in Memphis, and this year we have two whole barbecue festivals on the same weekend: Memphis in May’s World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest and the new SmokeSlam. Read about what to expect from the two festivals in our barbecue cover story here.

• World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, Liberty Park, Wednesday-Saturday, May 15-May 18, $15.00-$549
• SmokeSlam, Tom Lee Park, Thursday-Saturday, May 16-May 18, $15.13-$544.74

DreamFest Weekend 13
Minglewood Hall | Friday, May 17, 6 p.m.
Overton Park Shell | Saturday-Sunday, May 18-19, 6 p.m.
A dream is a wish your heart makes, and if your heart wished for a weekend dedicated to music, music, and more music, well, you’re in luck: This weekend is DreamFest Weekend, which means three days of free music for the whole family. Find out more here.

The ’Vous
Museum of Science & History
Friday, May 17, 7 p.m.
Catch a screening of The ’Vous documentary about the world-famous Memphis barbecue institution and celebrity attraction The Rendezvous as it faces unprecedented change as the legendary waiters retire and family business moves into a third generation. A Q&A and tasting will follow the screening. Tickets are $12/adults, $10/seniors (60+), and $10/youth (3-12). Purchase tickets here. (Read more about the film in Chris McCoy’s article here.)

Experience Memphis Gardens: Cooper-Young Garden Walk
Cooper-Young Historic District
Saturday-Sunday, May 18-19, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Embark on the first garden tours of the Experience Memphis Gardens citywide garden walk with the Cooper-Young Garden Walk. The two-day event will feature over 100 gardens, speakers, musicians, and garden vendors throughout the vibrant, historic neighborhood. Tickets for the CY Garden Walk will also get you into the other 250-plus amazing gardens throughout the Greater Memphis area that are a part of the monthlong Experience Memphis Gardens tour. And they cost only $26 for 26 days of fun. Learn more about the event here.

AAPI Heritage Month Celebration
Bert Ferguson Community Center
Saturday, May 18, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. 
May is Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, so explore the rich and diverse cultures of Memphis’ local Asian ethnic communities. Enjoy live performances, cultural activities, and food. This event highlights the diversity of Memphis with representation from Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Indian, Indonesian, Malaysian, Filipino, Vietnamese, and Pakistani communities.

Comic Con
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library
Saturday, May 18, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Fans of comics, movies, anime, manga, video games and pop culture in general will want to check out Memphis Public Libraries’ second annual Comic Con, where you can meet Matt Wagner and Gene Ha as well as more than 50 local vendors selling art, comics, toys, prints, graphic novels, art supplies, knickknacks, and more. There will also be free graphic novels for the first 200 in attendance — we’re talking Grendel, Mae, Superman, Spider-Man, Batman, One Punch Man, Demon Slayer, Heartstopper, Hilo, Nimona and My Hero Academia, to name just a few. There will also be arts and crafts, face painting for the little ones, and food trucks. Trivia will take place at 11 a.m. as will a children’s story time, followed by a Super Smash Bros. Tournament at noon. Matt Wagner and Gene Ha will participate in a panel discussion at 1 p.m., and you can register for a cosplay contest at 2 p.m.

Uptown Arts Festival
Grind City Brewing Company
Saturday, May 18, noon-7 p.m.
Grind City’s yard will transform into Uptown’s very own art festival. Local artists and businesses from and near the neighborhood will be selling food, goods, and high-quality art. Experience the Uptown neighborhood, local artists, live music, local food and dry goods, games, freebies, and beer of course. It’s free to enter, $10 to park.

Goat Yoga in the Park
Marquette Park
Saturday, May 18, 1-3 p.m.
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon of yoga and cute goats from 901Goats from Walkapony Goat Ranch at this fun, free event hosted by Play Your Park. There are two time slots for Goat Yoga in the Park: 1 to 2 p.m. and 2 to 3 p.m. No pre-registration is required. Slots are first come, first served to the first 80 people at the event. This event is for ages 10 and up.

City of Memphis’ 205th Birthday Celebration
Overton Square
Wednesday, May 22, 6 p.m.
Happy birthday to you, Memphis! That’s right: Overton Square is celebrating Memphis’ 205th birthday with a performance by jazz and blues artist Jeremy Shrader, an Elvis impersonator, plus a birthday balloon photo opp and Memphis themed treats for sale at 17 Berkshire.

Concerts in The Grove: Chinese Connection Dub Embassy
The Grove at Germantown Performing Arts Center
Thursday, May 23, 6:30 p.m.
GPAC will have music, food trucks, and corn hole, all in the beautiful, park-like setting of the TruGreen Lawn. Cocktails and drink specials are available on the First Horizon Foundation Plaza. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets. Outside food and drinks are permitted at Concerts in The Grove. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Admission is free.

There’s always something happening in Memphis. See a full calendar of events here. Submit events here or by emailing calendar@memphisflyer.com.

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month’s Hungry Tiger Tour
Various locations
Select dates in the month of May
This May take a delicious food journey highlighting Memphis’s Asian ethnic communities. Joining the tour is simple! No pre-registration required: Just grab some friends for lunch/dinner — or make some new ones along the way — and get ready to taste the best of Memphis eats. The schedule is as follows: Friday, May 10, 12:30 p.m., at Casarap; Monday, May 13, 7 p.m., at Petals of a Peony; Friday, May 17, 12:30 p.m., Mochi & Mi (inside Rio Grande Market); Monday, May 20, 6:30 p.m., at Sen Trang; Friday, May 24, 12:30 p.m., at Ryu Sushi & Pho; and Friday, May 31, 12:30 p.m., at Mosa Asian Bistro. Find out more about AAPI Heritage Month in Memphis at aapiheritagemonthmemphis.com/2024.

A Picture of Home: Chalk Drawing Competition
Crosstown Concourse
Friday, May 10, 4-6 p.m.
Join Hospitality Hub for a short conversation about the complexities of chronic homelessness and the Hub’s work with encampments, then flex your creativity by creating a chalk drawing of what “home” means to you. Winners will be announced the following week. The Hub will be at the Crosstown Plaza in May raising awareness about Hub Village, which will serve as an innovative solution for emergency shelter and transitional housing for those experiencing homelessness. See the full calendar for programming here. 

Gabriel Iglesias
FedExForum 
Friday, May 10, 8 p.m.
He’s so fluffy I’m gonna die. And that’s a compliment. And I’m talking about Fluffy, aka Gabriel Iglesias, who’s bringing his Don’t Worry Be Fluffy Tour to the FedExForum. Tickets start at $47 and can be purchased here.

Pickleball Street Party
Edge District, 400 Monroe
Saturday, May 11, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Don’t put yourself in a pickle this weekend. Play pickleball. Following the Orion 5k, which benefits MIFA Meals on Wheels (sign up here), Pickleball 901 will host the Pickleball Street Party for pickleball newbies and oldies. There will be FOUR pickleball courts along the street, along with great music, food, and local beer all day! All you have to do is show up, sign up, and choose an available court time. First come, first served.

Art For All Festival
Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
Saturday, May 11, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
You might have an art-attack at the Art For All Festival, a free celebration of all things art. You can expect free admission to the Brooks; musical and theatrical performances from Stax Music Academy, Opera Memphis, New Ballet Ensemble, and more; pop-up galleries and art-making stations from Arrow Creative, Opera Memphis, Metal Museum, UrbanArt Commission, RiverArtsFest, and more; traveling exhibit “I AM” presented by Historic Clayborn Temple; art and culture activations from Orpheum Theatre and Stax Museum; and so much more (seriously, like so much more). Again, this is a free event, but make sure you register here. 

Sunset Jazz: Ted Ludwig
Court Square
Sunday, May 12, 6 p.m.
Jazz up your weekend with, well, some jazz. And free jazz at that, thanks to the Sunset Jazz at Court Square concert series. This weekend’s performance will be by Ted Ludwig. Lawn chairs and blankets are welcomed. Oh, and did you see Alex Greene’s article all about the series this week? Go on and get to reading if you haven’t!

Spring Fling: Afrobeats and Island Rhythms 
The Ravine
Saturday, May 11, 5-7:30 p.m.
You may have been to Zumba in the Park with David Quarles, but this time he’s brought serious back up — Catherine Marte and Michelle Primiano! Enjoy an extra long dance session with a group of pro instructors plus healthy vendors and music by DJ Sledro to keep you moving all evening in the Medical District’s newest event space, The Ravine!

Mother’s Day
Yo mama’s so great, they dedicated a whole day to her. And I bet you forgot. Shame on you. So, lucky for you, here are some things you can do this Mother’s Day, so you can act like you remembered all along. No need to thank me or anything. Just thank your mother. Or don’t if she’s, like, evil or something. I don’t know your life.

• Baby Day at the Zoo: Meet the newest members of the zoo family this Mother’s Day weekend, with baby keeper chats. Memphis Zoo, Saturday, May 11, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Blooms & Brunch: A Mother’s Day Weekend Pop Up: Treat the human moms, dog moms, and mother figures in your life to a day they won’t forget with a delightful build-your-own bouquet cart from Hosanna’s Floral Co., delicious brunch from Hustle & Dough, and mimosa and Bloody Mary specials from Bar Hustle. Bar Hustle at ARRIVE Memphis, Saturday, May 11, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Mother’s Day at Memphis Botanic Garden: Treat mom to a libation from the cash bar. Enjoy the Picnic Grove or bring a blanket to pick your perfect setting. Children can plant a flower for mom. Memphis Botanic Garden, Sunday, May 12, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., free with admission. 
• Mother’s Day on the River: Surprise your mom, mother, meemaw, or granny with a memorable trip down the Wolf River. Wolf River Conservancy, Sunday, May 12, 12:30-5 p.m.
• Mother’s Day Brunch at The Guest House at Graceland: Elvis Presley famously cherished his mother, calling her “the most wonderful person in the world.” Show the mother in your life the same love and affection by treating her to a special Mother’s Day experience with great food and live music at The Guest House at Graceland. Guest House at Graceland, Sunday, May 12, $55
• Symphony in the Gardens: Celebrate Mother’s Day with Big Band music performed by the Memphis Symphony Orchestra on the Dixon South Lawn. Dixon Gallery & Gardens, Sunday, May 12, 5-7 p.m.

Mississippi Moon Festival Presents: Artist Showcase Preview
The Green Room at Crosstown Arts
Thursday, May 16, 7 p.m.
Hear a sampling of 11 musicians performing acoustic Americana music before the bigger Mississippi Moon Festival happens in June in Olive Branch, Mississippi, where 29 local, regional, and national musicians and songwriters make the two-day camping and arts festival a truly unique experience on June 7th and 8th. Thursday’s performance includes Alice Hasen, Josh Thelkeld, Jake Keegan, Lily Brown, Rachel Maxann, Kelly Hunt, Wyly Bigger, Alexis Jade, Sarah Spain, Amber Rae Dunn, and Anna Sharpe. Tickets ($18.54) for the showcase can be purchased here.

There’s always something happening in Memphis. See a full calendar of events here.

Submit events here or by emailing calendar@memphisflyer.com.

International Santa Celebration Conference
Renasant Convention Center
Thursday-Sunday, April 25-28
Santa Claus is comin’ to town! Okay, you busted me. It’s April. And Santa Claus isn’t coming to Memphis — a lot of Santa Clauses are coming to Memphis. And Mrs. Clauses. And Ms. Clauses. And elves. And reindeer handlers. It’s a whole thing (read about it in Jon W. Sparks’ story this week). And I’m not saying you oughta attend the conference (or that you can ’cause, like, some secrets are meant to be kept to the North Pole, you know?), but the International Santa Celebration Conference will have a vendors market open to the public and a Christmas in April Parade down Beale on Sunday, April 28th, at noon.

Memphis Recycling Roundup
University of Memphis, 3711 Poplar
Saturday, April 27, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Sometimes I wish I could just recycle these weekly “On the Fly”s, but I’m told that reusing material from last week and reducing my work hours will leave me with less green in my wallet. So instead, I’ll tell you to recycle, reuse, reduce, go green, whatever. In fact, this weekend you can go hardcore and get rid of those hard-to-recycle items like tires, mattresses, scrap metal, and Styrofoam to be recycled, free of charge. The Tennessee Environmental Council (TEC) partners with mostly local vendors to recycle these items and keep them out of landfills, so many materials are refurbished, processed into new materials, or downgraded into other materials like rags and carpet padding. For a full list of items that are being collected, go here ’cause I sure as heck am not gonna list them all out.

City Nature Challenge
Various Locations
Friday, April 26, 12:01 a.m.-Monday, April 29, 11:59 p.m. 
Take part in a global event as a community scientist! Memphians of all ages and education backgrounds are called to observe and submit pictures of wild plants, animals, and fungi using the free mobile app iNaturalist as part of the City Nature Challenge. While anyone can participate on their own, multiple community partners are hosting events open to the public to encourage spending time in nature among our neighbors. Find out more about the challenge and how to participate here.

Brick Convention (LEGO Fan Event)
Landers Center
Saturday-Sunday, April 27-28
The Brick Convention is a different kind of block party — a LEGO block party — bringing all of the creative hands-on, minds-on fun of LEGO building and experiences in one place.  Patrick Durham, half of the fan-favorite Grandpappies team on the hit series LEGO Masters, will be coming, and so will master LEGO artist Tom Jacobsen and other LEGO artists. There’s gonna be LEGO retail, an architecture zone, brick pits, meet-and-greets, and a fan zone, featuring LEGO creations built by local fan builders. Tickets are $14.99 and can be purchased here. You will be asked to choose one of two sessions: Session I (10 a.m.-1 p.m.) and Session II (2-5 p.m.).

Chalkfest
Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Chalk it up to a good time at the Brooks’ annual Chalkfest, where you can join local artists — Craig Thompson, Sumo the Artist, Amy-Beth Rice, and Kaylyn Webster — and transform the museum’s plaza into the most colorful work of art and even recreate favorites from the art collection. Throughout the day, you’ll explore the galleries for free, dance to music from the Soul Shockers and DJ Siphne, enjoy art activities and face painting, and eat grilled hot dogs and snacks on the plaza and Feast & Graze in the MBMA Cafe. Register for the free event here.

Taste & Create
Belltower Coffeehouse at Shelby Farms Park
Saturday, April 27, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Belltower introduces this free community event where you can sip, savor, and create. The day will have live painting, pottery, and more from local artists; food, coffee, and wine from local restaurants; opportunities to get involved with local nonprofits; and face painting, bounce houses, and balloon animals for kids.

Paint & Picnic
Formal Gardens at Overton Park
Saturday, April 27, 2-4 p.m.
Paint your own nature-inspired birdhouse at a picnic. (How delightful!) All materials are provided. Tickets are $20-$30 and can be purchased here.

Independent Bookstore Day
Burke’s Book Store & Novel
Saturday, April 27, store hours
Mark your calendars, Saturday, April 27th is Independent Bookstore Day! Burke’s and Novel will have giveaways, exclusive Independent Bookstore Day items for sale, and more. Burke’s will have cookies, and Novel will have storytimes at 10:30 and 11 a.m., a raffle, and a Golden Ticket hunt. (Last year I got a free book and bumper sticker from Burke’s!)

There’s always something happening in Memphis. See a full calendar of events here.

Submit events here or by emailing calendar@memphisflyer.com.

Plant Sale 
Lichterman Nature Center
Friday, April 12, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Saturday, April 13, 9 a.m.
Got a green thumb? You should probably get that checked out by a doctor. Might be infected. Now, if you have a metaphorical green thumb, you should probably check out the Lichterman Nature Center’s plant sale, featuring milkweeds, ferns, and an abundant selection of butterfly favorites such as blazing star, ironweed, salvia, phlox, sunflowers, bergamot, blanketflower and coneflowers. Find a full list of plants for sale here. The plant sale is also a great time to drop off empty pots for the Nature Center to recycle. Oh, and it’s going to coincide with the Discovery Forest Opening! This newest addition is an interactive and unstructured children’s play area created with natural materials, water, and objects that shape the local landscape.
(P.S. If you’re looking for even more plant sales because you’re OBSESSED with plants (you weirdo), the Dixon will have one next weekend and so will the Memphis Botanic Garden. Just to plant an idea for your plans next weekend.)

Art in the Loop
Ridgeway Loop between Briarcrest Avenue and Ridge Bend Rd.
Friday, April 12, 12:30-6 p.m.; Saturday, April 13, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, April 14, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
ArtWorks Foundation presents this annual arts festival in East Memphis, featuring works of all mediums in a juried artists market that you can peruse and shop from. (A full list of participating artists can be found here.) In addition to the artists market, you can enjoy demonstrations and musical performances from such groups as the Magnolia Wind Quintet, Lorraine String Quartet, and Prizm Ensemble. (A full schedule of performances can be found here.) Admission is free and food will be available for purchase from food trucks (VooDoo Cafe, MemPops, Eat at Eric’s, Pok Cha’s Egg Rolls, and Peace Love Quesadillas).

Memphis Flower Show: Rhythm & Hues
The Dixon Gallery & Gardens
Saturday, April 13, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Sunday, April 14, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The Memphis Flower Show is ready to stun as one of the most cutting-edge flower shows in the entire country. For this year’s show, titled “Rhythm & Hues,” participating floral designers have selected, to interpret in their arrangements, a piece of art from the Dixon’s latest exhibition, “Memphis 2024,” which solely features Memphis artists. In addition to floral design, the show will highlight conservation, horticulture and natural compositions, photography, and jewelry and accessories embellished with botanical life. Free to attend. 

Rachel Edelman: Dear Memphis
Novel | Friday, April 12, 6 p.m.
Temple Israel | Saturday, April 13, 6:30 p.m.
Rachel Edelman addresses her debut collection of poetry to Memphis, though her relationship to the city is fraught. Find out what compelled her to excavate her “ancestry, inheritance, and the ecological possibility of imagining a future” as she discusses (and signs) Dear Memphis at Novel this Friday. Edelman will also discuss and sign her book at Temple Israel at Crosstown. Register here for the Temple Israel event. Oh, and you can read this article by moi about Edelman and her poetry.

Shelby County Star Trek
Black Lodge
Saturday, April 13, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
In its most exciting incarnation yet, Shelby County Star Trek Day returns for its ninth year with a bona fide on-screen star of a Star Trek series — we’re talking about John Billingsley, aka Dr. Phlox in Star Trek Enterprise, who will be beamed in via Zoom for a live Q&A on Trek and Trektivism. The day will also have all the fun you’d expect: merch swap, vendors, trivia, costumes, themed drinks and food, activities, etc.

Puppy Palooza 2024
Crosstown Concourse
Saturday, April 13, noon-3 p.m.
Crosstown’s letting the dogs out at this free event open to you and your dogs. The afternoon will have a DJ, vendors, yard games (for dogs), a costume contest (for dogs) with prizes (for dogs), custom caricature portraits (for dogs), a blessing (of dogs) by Church Health, free nail-clipping services (for dogs), and more (for dogs). You can even adopt a new pet from a local rescue organization while there. 

Artist Talks at Crosstown Arts
Crosstown Arts 
Saturday, April 13, 1-3 p.m.
Hey, do you like art? YEAH, you do. Go see this artist talk at Crosstown Arts where the current exhibiting artists will talk about their work, processes, and influences. That means you’ll hear from Melissa Dunn, Michael “Birdcap” Roy, and Kevin Brooks, the subject of Michael Donahue’s Flyer cover story this week.

Kevin McDonald: Superstar
Black Lodge
Saturday, April 13, 8 p.m.
Kevin McDonald returns to the Bluff City once more, this time with his rock opera Kevin McDonald: Superstar with support from the Bluff City Liars and music by HEELS. Our writer Chris McCoy talked to the Kid in the Hall in anticipation of the show, and you can read about it here. Tickets for the show can be purchased here for $25. McDonald will also be teaching two sketch-writing workshops the mornings of April 13th (Squeezing Comedy from Improv, $130) and April 14th (One-Line Premise, $130).

SANA Yoga Free Yoga 
Comeback Coffee
Tuesday, April 16, 11-11:45 a.m.
Find your glow and fuel your soul with a FREE all-levels yoga class every Tuesday at Comeback Coffee. Bring a friend and a yoga mat and get a 10 percent discount on a beverage of your choice afterwards.

Bluff City Fest
The Bluff
Wednesday, April 17, 6:30-9 p.m.
Bluff City Fest embraces the vibrant music scene and cultural heritage of Memphis and features music from multiple genres including rap, contemporary rock and pop, to blues, jazz, and classic rock. The festival offers something for everyone and showcases the top-talent musical groups from the University of Memphis Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music. Free admission.

Memphis Rhythms: Two Local Authors Celebrate Our City
Elmwood Cemetery
Thursday, April 18, 6-7 p.m.
Two local authors share their stories and insights on what makes Memphis unique: Holly Whitfield and Stacey Williams-Ng. Whitfield, previously the helm of the I Love Memphis blog, is releasing an updated edition of 100 Things To Do in Memphis Before You Die, while artist Stacey Williams-Ng will preview her latest and greatest tarot deck, Rhythm & Soul. Register for the free event here. Signed books and tarot decks will be available for purchase.

There’s always something happening in Memphis. See a full calendar of events here.

Submit events here or by emailing calendar@memphisflyer.com.