Indie Memphis Film Festival
Midtown Memphis
Thursday-Sunday, November 14-17
Let’s go to the movies! Let’s go see the stars! Cowboy heroes, cops and robbers, glamor and strife, bigger than life! It’s time for the Indie Memphis Film Festival! Enjoy premieres, Q&As with filmmakers, film workshops, and parties at Crosstown Theater and Studio on the Square, before hitting up encore screenings at Malco Paradiso on Monday and Tuesday, November 18th and 19th. A full schedule can be found here. Festival passes are $130, VIP passes are $240, virtual passes are $30, and single tickets are $15 — all of which can be purchased here.
Trans Awareness Week
Through Tuesday, November 20
Transgender Awareness Week (November 13-20) is a time to uplift and support the transgender community. It’s a week to raise awareness about the challenges, rights, and experiences of trans and gender non-conforming individuals. Here’s what’s on this week’s agenda:
- Queering Masculinity: A Panel on Transmasc Experiences: This panel will feature Jasper Joyner, Malachi Allen, Phoenix Powell, and Will Ryder; moderated by Jessie Claudio | 4159 Willow Blvd., Friday, November 15, 11 a.m.
- Mid-South Trans Nation Trans Fest: Trans Fest 2024 will celebrate the transgender community by promoting awareness and providing resources to the transgender community. The event will feature a range of activities including keynote speeches, resources, vendor booths, and music. | Lichterman Nature Center, Sunday, November 17, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Trans Girls Rock: Celebrate the strength, resilience, and unique contributions of transgender women. | Timeless Event Center, Sunday, November 17, 6-9 p.m.
- “I AM” TRANS Empowerment Summit: Enjoy an evening of celebration and storytelling with Mariah DaGoat and Symone Lyons, plus refreshments, music, and vendors. | Crosstown Concourse, Atrium Room, Monday, November 18, 3-7 p.m.
- Voices of Resilience: Transgender Day of Remembrance: Mourn the lives lost and take collective action to protect transgender lives. You’ll also get a chance to be the first to see a new short film, exploring how My Sistah’s House creates a safe, affirming world through advocacy and tiny houses in Memphis. | National Civil Rights Museum, Wednesday, November 20, 7 p.m.
Science of Spirits
Lichterman Nature Center
Friday, November 15, 6-9 p.m.
Michael Donahue has already dashed any hope that this event will be an exploration of the supernatural world when he wrote about the Science of Spirits earlier this week. Fine. We can handle it. Especially because these “spirits” are the drinkable kind. At the Science of Spirits, guests will enjoy spirits tasting, food pairing, and fun activities that explore the science of making spirits. This inaugural event will feature caterer Bain BBQ, Huey’s, and Graz’n and distillers to help guests discover and appreciate the science and art behind their pairings. The event will also include live music by Mark Edgar Stuart. Tickets ($100) can be purchased here.
The Wizard of Oz
Playhouse on the Square
November 15-December 22
Before there was a Wicked movie for celebrities to promote, there was The Wizard of Oz. You know it, you love it, and you can see it at Playhouse on the Square, starting Friday. Performances will run through December 22nd, Friday nights at 7 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. The last weekday of performances, December 19th and 20th, will offer evening public performances with a 7 p.m. curtain. General admission tickets are $25, senior citizens, military, and first responders are $20, and children under 18 are only $15. Purchase them here.
Grind City Coffee Xpo ’24
Crosstown Arts
Saturday, November 16, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Full steam ahead! It’s time to wake up and smell the coffee. Literally. The Grind City Coffee Xpo (GCX) is back and ready to celebrate coffee culture. During the GCX, attendees will be able to sample various brewing and roasting methods as well as food from local restaurants and bakers. Attendees will be able to meet with 25-plus coffee-centric vendors, attend three discussion panels (“Cupping with Sustain Coffee,” “Cooking with Coffee,” and “Ask a Barista”), and watch three coffee and cocktails demos. Tickets are $44.52 and can be purchased here. The Xpo will also have a Warm Up at Archer Recording on Friday, 6 p.m., where guests can enjoy Byway coffee and Grind City beer ($5/general admission). To wrap up the weekend, on Saturday at 6:30 p.m., the Xpo will host the Grind City Throwdown, which will have a latte art competition and Brewer’s Cup (sign up to participate in those here). Proceeds benefit Protect Our Aquifer. Cool beans, right?
Time Warp Drive-In: Deliciously Deranged – A Hannibal Lecter Double Feature
Malco Summer Drive-In
Saturday, November 16, 7 p.m.
Hannibal Lecter has been mentioned in our paper several times this year … for reasons. So why not mention him once more? This weekend, the Time Warp Drive-In is putting on a double feature of Hannibal Lecter films, screening The Silence of the Lambs and Hannibal. Tickets are $25/carload.
Spillit Grand Slam: Make or Break
Memphis Made Brewing
Saturday, November 16, 7 p.m.
Spill the tea at Spillit Grand Slam: Make or Break — except, actually, for this Spillit you won’t be spilling your guts. It’s the Grand Slam, which means all the Spillit winners from this year are coming back to find out who will be crowned the Grand Slam Champion. Tickets are $20 and are available to purchase here or at the door on the day of the show. Bring your listening ears. One, two, three, eyes not on you.
Bluff City Fest
Crosstown Arts
Wednesday, November 20, 7:30 p.m.
Memphis’ musical heartbeat comes alive at this festival, celebrating the city’s legendary music scene with a dynamic mix of genres — from rap and contemporary rock to pop, blues, jazz, and classic rock. Eight killer bands from the University of Memphis Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music will light up the stage. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door, and $5 for students.
There’s always something happening in Memphis. See a full calendar of events here.
Submit events here or by emailing calendar@memphisflyer.com.
