Tag: events

Twelfth Night
Tennessee Shakespeare Company
Through December 22
A “holiday tradition.” “Shakespeare’s most charming comedy, cast in a topsy-turvy world of cross-dressing lovers, yellow cross-garters, and crossed identities.” Fine, yes, I’m quoting from Tennessee Shakespeare Company’s website and they might be trying to sell tickets to their latest production but they’ve never let anyone down. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. through December 22nd. Tickets ($22-$44) can be purchased here. 

Fire Pit Friday
Tom Lee Park, Visionary Grove
Friday, December 13, 4:30-6:30 p.m. 
Get s’more time with the family on Fridays this December at Memphis River Parks Partnership’s Fire Pit Fridays. Each week features a fun new twist; this week is Salsa by the Fire! Enjoy a salsa lesson and lively performance beginning at 5:30 p.m., and Saqnta pics starting at 4:45 p.m. Limited free s’mores will be available at the first three events, so arrive early to enjoy this treat. Guests are welcome to bring (and share) their own s’more ingredients — skewers will be provided. On Friday, 13th, and 20th, Jasper Float & Spa brings the ultimate Dream Zone experience to the riverfront, featuring relaxing samples, sleep essentials, and a chance to win a 60-minute relaxation massage. 

South Main Songwriter Night
South Main Sounds
Friday, December 13, 7-9 p.m.
Kim Garmon-Hummel and Delta Joe Sanders return to South Main Sound’s stage and Lindsey Hinkle makes her long-awaited debut for South Main Songwriter Night.

Rachel Maxann’s Holiday Spirits: A Christmas Special with Friends
The Green Room at Crosstown Arts
Friday, December 13, 7:30 p.m.
Join singer-songwriter Rachel Maxann for a soulful Christmas celebration featuring heartfelt performances of holiday classics, original tunes, and special guests from the local music scene. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. 

The Nutcracker
Orpheum Theatre
Friday, December 13, 7:30 p.m. | Saturday, December 14, 2 p.m. | Saturday, December 14, 7: 30 p.m. Sunday, December 15, 2 p.m.
As someone who takes beginner ballet classes at Ballet Memphis and is firmly a beginner as my mom likes to remind me whenever I show off my skillz, I might be a bit biased, but The Nutcracker sounds like a perfect way to spend an evening this weekend. This year’s production features the new costumes and Memphis-twist that debuted last season. Performances last approximately two hours, and tickets ($16-$91) can be purchased here. 

Christmas Fiesta
The Dixon Gallery and Gardens
Saturday, December 14, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
Learn about Christmas traditions of Latin American and the Caribbean at the Christmas Fiesta, presented by Cazateatro Bilingual Theater Group, Opera Memphis, and Dixon Gallery and Gardens. Visitors will enjoy the Christmas traditions of Latin America and the Caribbean, and learn about parrandas, posadas, piñatas, and more. Enjoy traditional Christmas music in Spanish, Latin food, crafts, and activities. Admission is free!

2024 Memphis Tubachristmas
Crosstown Concourse
Saturday, December 14, 1 p.m.
Watch a bunch of tuba players come together in Christmas cheer. That’s what makes a Tubachristmas. (If you want to participate, find out more here.)

Memphis Holiday Parade
Beale Street
Saturday, December 14, 2 p.m.
Memphis will be alight with holiday cheer at the annual Memphis Holiday Parade down Beale Street, with marching bands, steppers, twirlers, floats, and all sorts of sights on Saturday afternoon. You can also get your picture taken with Santa Claus for free on Friday the 13th, 5 to 7 p.m. on Beale. The pictures will be available on Facebook the next day here.

Sheet Cake First Birthday
Sheet Cake
Saturday, December 14, 5-7:30 p.m.
Celebrate Sheet Cake’s first trip around the sun, with two new exhibitions openings, cake (of course), DJ Bizzle Bluebland, and more. The two exhibits are “Loose Ends” with work by Brittney Boyd Bullock and “Back for Seconds” with work by Roger Allan Cleaves, Melissa Dunn, Stephanie Howard, and Clare Torina. 

Time Warp Drive-In: Strange Christmas Vol. 11 – Holly Jolly Holiday Horror
Malco Summer 4 Drive-In
Saturday, December 14, 7 p.m.
Explore the demented side of the holidays with a thrilling and disturbing fright fest screening Christmas Bloody Christmas (2022) and Troll Hunter (2010). Tickets are $25 per carload. 

HoHoHo Burlesque Show & Silent Auction
Hi Tone
Saturday, December 14, 9:30 p.m.
Memphis Roller Derby presents its largest fundraiser of the year and so much fun. They’ll have burlesque performances, a silent auction (holiday shopping, anyone?), and a skate raffle. Admission to the amazing acts and local items is $15. 

Acoustic Sunday Live
First Congregational Church
Sunday, December 15, 7 p.m.
If you like music, you might want to check out the Acoustic Sunday Live concert, or you could just go for the sake of a good cause, that being to support Protect Our Aquifer. This year’s lineup features legendary folk singer Tom Rush, celebrated singer-songwriter Steve Forbert, acclaimed Canadian blues singer Shakura S’aida, and Nashville-based Americana songwriter Tim Easton, with special guests Memphis’ own Marcella Simien, as well as violinist Anne Harris, hailing from Chicago. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased here. 

Steve-O: The Super Dummy Tour
Minglewood Hall
Sunday, December 15, 7 p.m.
Television personality and YouTuber Stephen Glover, popularly known as Steve O, will perform live. Tickets ($65-$80) can be purchased here. 18+. 

Drew & Ellie Holcomb’s Neighborly Christmas
Orpheum Theatre
Wednesday, December 18, 7:30 p.m.
Catch a neighborly Christmas concert with Drew and Ellie Holcomb. Drew’s a Memphis native and Ellie’s from Nashville, and together they’ve achieved over 1 billion streams. Drew and Ellie Holcomb’s Neighborly Christmas is a special engagement event, allowing the couple to collaborate. Tickets ($39.50-$99.50) can be purchased here. 

Lindsey Stirling – The Snow Waltz Tour
Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
Monday, December 16, 8 p.m.
Lindsey Stirling brings her Snow Waltz Tour to Memphis, complete with holiday staples and originals, dance and acrobatics, and more. Tickets ($52-$199) can be purchased here. 

Cookies and Caroling
Abe Goodman Golf Clubhouse
Tuesday, December 17, 5-7 p.m.
Join the Overton Park Conservancy and Opera Memphis for an evening of holiday cheer with a caroling singalong, delicious treats, and time with your loved ones. Beverages and bites will be from 5 to 6 p.m., and the singalong will start at 6 p.m. RSVP here.

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

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

Fire Pit Friday
Tom Lee Park, Visionary Grove
Friday, December 6, 4:30-6:30 p.m. 
Get s’more time with the family on Fridays this December at Memphis River Parks Partnership’s Fire Pit Fridays, starting this Friday (how many times can I say Friday in one sentence?). Each week will feature a fun new twist; this week is story time and photos with Santa! Limited free s’mores will be available at the first three events, so arrive early to enjoy this treat. Guests are welcome to bring (and share) their own s’more ingredients — skewers will be provided. On Friday, December 6th, 13th, and 20th, Jasper Float & Spa brings the ultimate Dream Zone experience to the riverfront, featuring relaxing samples, sleep essentials, and a chance to win a 60-minute relaxation massage. 

Season of Delight
Crosstown Concourse
Friday, December 6, 5-8 p.m.
Deck the halls with boughs of holly! Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la! ’Tis the Season of Delight! Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la! Go we now to Crosstown Concourse! Fa-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la! That’s right, you can kick off the holiday season at Crosstown with a night of festivities at the Crosstown Concourse’s annual atrium lighting complete with live music, hot chocolate, seasonal cocktails, holiday-themed games, crafts, family photos, and more. Plus Crosstown Arts will screen A Christmas Story for free and will open its residency studios for its Open Studio event. Fa-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la! 

Cabaret Noel 9 
TheatreWorks @ The Square
Friday, December 6, 8 p.m. | Saturday, December 7, 8 p.m. | Sunday, December 8, 2 p.m. 
Life is a cabaret, old chum, so head to the Cabaret Noel 9, presented by Emerald Theatre Company. Expect an evening of classic and modern Christmas- and winter-themed songs, hilarious slapstick humor, and the bringing together some of Memphis’ finest entertainers. Get your tickets here. 

Holiday Sip + Shop
Metal Museum
Saturday, December 7, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Last Christmas I gave you my heart, and I’m afraid I can’t top that this year. I’m pretty sure I’ll be able to find something at the Metal Museum’s Holiday Sip + Shop, where there’s a curated selection of handcrafted gifts and unique treasures from talented artisans. Even if I can’t find anything, I can enjoy a complimentary glass of bubbly cava and delicious cookies while I browse. (P.S. Don’t forget about the St. Jude Marathon that might affect your driving path. You’ll be able to access the museum via the highway and Crump Blvd.)

Raised by Sound Fest
Crosstown Concourse
Saturday, December 7, 1-11 p.m.
The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear. And there will be lots of singing — and just plain-old sound — at the Raised by Sound Fest this Saturday. Starting at 1 p.m., you can expect a lineup of free music from Blue Tom Records (revue), fosterfalls, HeartBreak Hill Trio, Cut Worms, and Hurray for the Riff Raff (solo). Then there’s the main event — J Spaceman & John Coxon of Spiritualized doing a live score to William Eggleston’s Stranded in Canton — but it’s sold out, so unless you already have tickets, you snooze, you lose, baby. There is a ticketed after-party with a DJ set by the Black Keys and performances by Lil Noid and Tommy Wright III. You can still get tix ($65.87) here.

A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live On Stage
Orpheum Theatre
Saturday, December 7, 2 p.m., 5 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
Christmas time is here. … I’m singing the song from A Charlie Brown Christmas if you can’t tell, not just making a statement. It’s also the only part of the song that I know. I usually just mumble the other lyrics. I never bothered to learn the song, or really most Christmas songs. Oh well. That’s not the point. The point is that A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live On Stage is coming to Memphis, bringing my mom’s second-favorite animated Christmas movie to the stage. Tickets ($30-$60) can be purchased here.

It’s a Bestie Silent Book Club Pajama Party!
Novel
Saturday, December 7, 2-5 p.m. 
Already tired of holiday parties? Or, at the very least, tired of adding them to your calendar? Here’s one that just might relieve your stress because all it calls for is a book and silence (you don’t even have to bring a book; you can buy one at the store if you so please). And pajamas if you’re bold enough to wear them in public. This event is free — no registration required, with complimentary hot cocoa. 

Autumn Art Party
Urevbu Contemporary
Saturday, December 7, 4-8 p.m. 
Urevbu presents this evening filled with art, music, food, drinks, and connections. This is more than an event — it’s an experience. Expect an intimate evening surrounded by inspiring art and passionate people. Dress to impress and prepare for a night of memorable connections and culture. General admission (free) and VIP tickets ($25) are available online only.

Christmas Ghosts: A Victorian Tradition
Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum
Saturday, December 7, 4 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum welcomes ghosts of Christmas past — just past, no future and present; this isn’t A Christmas Carol (you can see that at Theatre Memphis now through December 23rd). In 19th century England, Christmas tradition was to huddle around the fire with the family and tell tales of spirits and spooks while celebrating the holiday season. Relive that tradition this weekend with Woodruff-Fontaine’s ghost experts. Refreshments, including warm cider and hot cocoa, will be served prior to storytelling and there will be a stroll through the mansion afterward to view all of her festive grandeur and trimmings of the season. 

Stumbling Santa Holiday Pub Crawl
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
Saturday, December 7, 7-11 p.m.
You better watch out, you better not cry, better not pout, I’m telling you why: Stumbling Santas are comin’ Downtown. They’re donating toys, heading to bars, spreading lots of Christmas joy at all of their stops. Join the Stumbling Santas Downtown. All you have to do is bring an unwrapped toy donation appropriate for a preschool-age child under 5 or a cash donation for Porter-Leath, and dress in your best festive attire! Planned stops include Rum Boogie Café, King’s Palace Café Tap Room, Silky O’Sullivan’s, The Absinthe Room, Blues Hall Juke Joint, Alfred’s, Courtside Grill, and Tin Roof. Those who can’t make it to the Stumbling Santa event can still donate online or by dropping off toys at Poplar Plaza (corner of Highland and Poplar) on Thursday to Saturday, December 5th to 7th; WMC Action News 5 (1960 Union) on Friday to Saturday, December 13th to 14th; or IKEA (7900 IKEA Way) on Friday to Saturday, December 20th to 21st. For more information and to view Porter-Leath’s wish list, visit here. 

Medical District Holiday Market
Memphis Made Brewing & Flyway Brewing Company (formerly High Cotton Brewing Company) 
Sunday, December 8, noon-3 p.m. 
Shop, shop, shop till you drop at this holiday market, presented by Memphis Medical District Collaborative at BOTH Flyway Brewing Company (formerly High Cotton Brewing Company) and Memphis Made Brewing Co. (For reference, the two venues are a three-or-so-minute walk from each other.) The full vendor list is here. I am far too lazy to type it all out; I hope you’re not too lazy to click on the link. But also I don’t care as long as you’re not too lazy to support local artists and businesses. 

Sippin’ with Santa Paws benefiting Streetdog Foundation 
Loflin Yard
Sunday, December 8, noon-4 p.m. 
Santa Paws has made a list and all the good boys and girls are on it. They might not all know how to sit or stay. Some of them may lick you; some may drool; some may demand constant attention. But they’re all good boys and girls. That’s just how Streetdog Foundation rolls. Your $25 donation at this event will get you a picture with Santa Paws (featuring you and your 4-legged bestie and/or your human kiddos), a Santa Paws cup, access to the free dessert table, and a wristband to enjoy drinks discounted to $5 each. Plus, there will be live music, adoptable dogs, a silent auction, and a pup costume contest. Purchase tickets at the door (cash, card, or Venmo). 

Holiday Spirits: A Christmas Cocktail Affair
The Kent
Friday, November 22, 6 p.m.
Have yourself a merry little cocktail this weekend at a holly, jolly cocktail festival. You’ll enjoy sweet treats and jingle along to holiday tunes. Each ticket includes 12 sample-sized signature cocktails. Food and full-sized drinks will be available for purchase as well. This event supports Volunteer Memphis, so every sip gets you closer to the nice list. Purchase your ticket(s) here for $54. Door tickets are $65 and are not guaranteed.

Starry Bazaar
Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
Saturday, November 23, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
To celebrate the newest temporary addition to the Brooks’ landscape — Greely Myatt’s Winter Art Garden installation — the museum is hosting a Starry Bazaar where art and culture meet seasonal charm. This enchanting event transforms the museum into a winter wonderland filled with local artisans, handcrafted goods, and unique treasures. Enjoy music, warm beverages, and holiday-themed activities for the whole family. Register here for this free event.

On The Street: Memphis. A Streetwear Vendor Market Experience
Renasant Convention Center
Saturday, November 23, noon-6 p.m.
Shop the hottest trends from top clothing vendors while enjoying live DJ sets in a vibrant atmosphere where fashion meets music and community. Admission is free. 

NutRemix
Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
Saturday, November 23, 5:30 p.m. | Sunday, November 24, 2:30 p.m.
New Ballet Ensemble’s NutRemix returns to the stage this weekend, bringing its take on Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker. With a story set on Beale Street, this performance, presented by Nike, blends ballet, hip-hop, flamenco, Memphis jookin, and West African dance. For it, the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and Big Band puts a fresh spin on the original score, mixing in Duke Ellington’s and Booker T. and the M.G.’s classics. Since its conception in 2002, the show has become a beloved tradition for Memphis. Get your tickets ($29-$64) for the show here.

Nikki Glaser – Alive and Unwell Tour
Orpheum Theatre
Saturday, November 23, 7 p.m.
The host of FBoy Island comes to Memphis. She’s known for other stuff, too. But you know a woman who can come up with the catchphrase “FBoy, FBye” has a good stand-up show in store. Tickets are $39.75 to $69.75. Get them here.

Marcella Simien ft. Infinity Stairs
Off the Walls Arts
Saturday, November 23, 7 p.m.
Get a sneak peek at the new live experience built around Simien’s new album To Bend to the Will of a Dream That’s Being Fulfilled. Video synth artist Graham Burks immerses you in visual delights while Marcella performs the songs live. (Oh, and read about the album in Alex Greene’s column this week.) Get your tickets ($28.52) here.

Justin Timberlake – Forget Tomorrow World Tour
FedExForum
Saturday, November 23, 7:30 p.m.
He brought sexy back when it apparently went missing. He didn’t cry a river. He just wants to rock your body. He can’t stop the feeling. It’s Justin Timberlake if you haven’t caught on yet. Tickets to his show can be purchased here. It ain’t no lie.

Sweet Tea Social: Gratitude Edition
Ugly Art Co.
Sunday, November 24, 3-8 p.m.
Enter the season of gratitude with this Sweet Tea Social. Here’s what’s on the agenda: bottomless sweet teas (no additional cost), live DJs (Chief Rifa, SOUTHMEMPHISJEFF, and NyceLyfe), a botanical bar (non-alcoholic, adaptogenic, herb-infused beverages crafted for wellness, available for purchase), art viewing (duh, it’s at a gallery), flower bar (build your own floral arrangement, courtesy of Mama’s Sundry), and flash tattoos (Lana’s Lines and Ink Therapy will offer flash tattoos for purchase). Tickets are $13.73.

Memphis Turkey Trot
First Horizon Foundation Visitor Center at Shelby Farms Park
Thursday, November 28, 9 a.m.
Trot like a turkey at Start 2 Finish and Campbell Clinic Foundation’s Turkey Trot, where 2,000 participants of all ages can complete a 4-mile course or a 2-mile relay. Runners can expect stunning views of Shelby Farms Park, complimentary coffee from Biggby Coffee, a finisher medal, post-race snacks, a T-shirt, and more. Sign up here.

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

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

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.

Pink Pony Club: Chappell Roan Night
Growlers
Friday, November 8, 10 p.m.
I’m having wicked dreams of leaving Tennessee … for no particular reason … nothing big happened this week. Nope. I’m just singing Chappell Roan. I’m gonna keep on dancing at the Pink Pony Club, which is apparently Growlers this weekend, where boys and girls can all be queens every single day. The DJs will be spinning vibrant, eclectic dance hits all night long. Tickets ($15-$25) can be purchased here. 18+. (Also, something must be in the water at Growlers because they’re having a Shrek Rave on Saturday, so there’s that.)

Memphis Monster Con
Pipkin Building
Saturday, November 9, 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m. | Sunday, November 10, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Horror seems to be the theme of the week, so why not continue it with Memphis’ first-ever horror con? The convention will have more than 15 celebrity guests, more than 100 vendors and artists, food trucks, cosplay and cosplay contests, panels, photo ops, and more. Find out more about it here. Tickets are $25/Saturday pass, $20/Sunday pass, $40/weekend pass, $40/weekend pass, and $100/VIP Weekend Pass. 

Memphis Crafts & Drafts Holiday Market 2024
Crosstown Concourse
Saturday, November 9, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
This festival crafted the perfect experience; no, this isn’t a rough draft. Crafts & Drafts showcases more than 85 local artists and makers for you to shop from for all your holiday gifting needs. This year it’s going to be inside ’cause of the weather — that means three floors of the best local artmakers. Not to mention cold tasty draft beers, Santa, and live music. (And if you’re really ready to shop till you drop, check out the Blue Suede Vintage Market across the street, where you can shop from 20-plus vintage vendors from across the MidSouth.) (And another parenthetical, Alex Paulus will be hosting an Artist Trading Cards event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Crosstown Arts galleries, so check that out while you’re at the Concourse, too.)

Artist Market
Metal Museum
Saturday, November 9, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
We’re not the only artist market in town this weekend. The Metal Museum is hosting one, too, with a selection of art, jewelry, home decor, and more.

India Fest
Agricenter International
Saturday, November 9, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Celebrate the culture of India at this extravaganza featuring Indian food, music, performances, vendors, and more. Tickets are $12/adults, $6/kids (12-18), and free/kids (11 and under).

Brass Note for Tina Turner
Alfred’s on Beale
Saturday, November 9, 3 p.m.
What’s love got to do with it? Everything if you’re talking about love for Tina Turner, who’s getting a Brass Note on Beale this weekend. Sonia Outlaw-Clark, director of the Tina Tuner Museum in Brownsville, and Rev. Charles Hodges will speak at the ceremony, and Elevation Memphis will perform a 25-minute tribute set. (Michael Donahue wrote up a great piece on the band this week. Read it here.)

Downtown Dining Week
Sunday, November 10
It’s Downtown Dining Week! Celebrate the Downtown restaurant scene by eating out on its final day, Sunday. Parking is made easy with special discounts on Sunday (and only Sunday this weekend). Use code 901DINE2 for up to two hours at $2, or 901DINE4 for up to for hours at $4 between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. at these Premium Parking locations:

• Huling Lot: 395 S. Main St.
• First Park Place Garage: 21 S. 2nd St.
• Shoppers Garage: 85 N. Front St.
• Gus Lot: 316 S. Front St.
• Mobility Center: 60 Beale St.

These codes are valid exclusively on the Premium Parking Platform channels: Web, App, CameraPay, or TextPay.

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

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

Torches, Tales, and Trails
C.H. Nash Museum at Chucalissa
Friday, October 4, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
Last month, Chris McCoy wrote a Memphis Magazine cover story on the first Bluff City, the community that thrived here many centuries before European settlers arrived (if you haven’t read it, I’ve done you a favor and linked it here; I expect half a million emails in my inbox thanking me for this kind favor, and another half a million in Chris’ praising him for writing this story). This is relevant because a) we at Memphis Magazine — our sister publication — like to talk about ourselves and b) because I’d like to talk about the Torches, Tales, and Trails (try saying that fives times fast) happening at Chucalissa, the prehistoric site that Chris spends quite a bit talking about. At this Torches, Tales, and Trails, guests will stroll under the night sky guided by the light of a candle and a park ranger who likes to tell tales long forgotten. Yes, you’ll be given old-timey candle-lanterns to borrow as you make your way through Chucalissa on a 1.5 mile walk as a ranger shares Southern folktales. Bring our own water and bug spray because you don’t have to live old-timey if you don’t want to. And you can bring a flashlight. Register for the event here. It’s $20 to attend. If you have any questions, feel free to call Ranger Daulton at (901) 607-7008. Don’t tell him I sent you. He doesn’t know me, and quite frankly, you don’t either. 

De Aquí y de Allá
Halloran Centre
Friday, October 4, 7:30 p.m. | Saturday, October 5, 7:30 p.m.
Don Quixote is considered the first modern novel. I know this because for some reason it was on many of my history tests back in my grade school and even high school days. I don’t know why. It’s a handy fact though. Well, not really, since I don’t often think about Don Quixote nor do I know anything about Don Quixote other than he’s the hero of the first modern novel. But it is handy that Cazateatro Bilingual Theatre Group is putting on De Aquí y de Allá, which is all about the courageous Don Quixote of La Mancha, so now I have a reason to pull out my handy fun fact AND I can actually learn about the guy. During this play performed in Englsih and Spanish, Don Quixote and his trusty sidekick, Sancho Panza, go on an adventure full of fun, music, dance, culture and more through Latin America including Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and Argentina. Tickets ($25) can be purchased here. 

Alice Hasen Dream of Rain EP Release Show with Savannah Brister
The Green Room at Crosstown Arts
Friday, October 4, 7:30 p.m.
Alice Hasen celebrates the release of Dream of Rain, which Alex Greene wrote about a few weeks ago (read it here). The project explores themes of climate change and mental health and will be performed live by a string quartet and guest flutist. Opening on piano will be Savannah Brister. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Purchase them here. 

Mempho Festival
Radians Amphitheater At Memphis Botanic Garden
Friday-Sunday, October 4-6
Are you a Memphomaniac? Am I allowed to say that? Eh. That’s the best pun I came up with all day, and I don’t really feel like pushing my brain anymore. Mempho has returned, this year with headliners Jack White, Trey Anastasio, and Cody Jinks. Also on the lineup are The Roots, Digable Planets, Goose, Sublime with Rome, Marcus King, Charles Wesley Godwin, Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors, Cory Wong, Warren Haynes Band, and The Kills. Other artists will fill in the roster as well, including some of this city’s finest artists. Three-day and single-day tickets to the Mempho Music Festival can be purchased here. 

Hi Tone 25th Anniversary
Hi Tone
Friday-Sunday, October 4-6
Michael Donahue wrote the following. People seem to listen to him more than me, so here are his golden words from his golden mouth, or to be precise, the golden words from his golden email address. Any errors are not my own, but it’s probably perfect because Michael Donahue is perfect. “Hi Tone is turning 25. WHAT???!!!!! And owner Brian ‘Skinny’ McCabe is throwing a three-day festival October 4th through 6th at 282-284 North Cleveland to commemorate the occasion. Fifteen bands plus special secret guests will perform. Among the bands are Lucero, Dead Soldiers, and Heels, which will perform October 4th; and Pezz and Subteens on October 5th. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show begins at 9 p.m. October 4th and 5th. Doors open at 3 p.m. and the show begins at 4 p.m. October 6th. Admission is $20 in advance and $25 the day of the show. Tickets and more information at hitonecafe.com.”

V&E Greenline Artwalk
V&E Greenline’s Kirby Station House Grounds
Saturday, October 5, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
You can talk the talk, but can you walk the Artwalk? Yeah, you can! I mean, it’s less of a walk and more of a stroll. Honestly, it’s less of a stroll and more of a stop and stare, chat, drink, eat, take a few steps, repeat. More than 50 artists and craftspeople from across the local area will set up in artists booths, showing off and selling a variety of media including painting, sculpture, jewelry design, fine glass, ceramics, woodwork, mixed media, photography, fiber arts, and more. The day will be complete with all your favorite food trucks, a full bar with beer, wine, and cocktails, a silent auction, V&E Greenline merchandise, a kids activity area, and a lineup of local-favorite music throughout the day. Admission is free, and all profits benefit the V&E Greenline General Fund which covers maintenance of the trail and its amenities as well as “behind the scenes” expenses such as insurance. 

Fuller Festival
T.O. Fuller State Park
Saturday, October 5, noon-5 p.m.
You know what makes a weekend full? Live music. You know what makes it even fuller? A whole day of live music. Make that free and title it the Fuller Festival, and I don’t think you can get any fuller than that. On the Fuller Festival’s lineup are Gerald Richardson, the Bogard’s of Memphis, Just Groovin band, Sarah Smilez, and more, with MC Towanna Murphy. Plus, Memphis Concrete will present a special album release picnic for the experimental music group Nonconnah at 2:30 p.m. with guest performances by Stupid Lepton and Fosterfalls. 

901 World Hoop Day
Memphis Made Brewery
Saturday, October 5, 2-10 p.m.
Hoop there it is! That was my alternate title for this week’s “We Recommend” column that I also write. Did you know that I do more than just write this here “On the Fly”? It’s crazy that they let me write a whole column. I literally almost typed out “right” instead of “write” and I’m supposed to be a righter — I mean, writer. Anyways, if you haven’t read it yet, this week’s “We Recommend” (actually titled “Hoop That Trick”) is about 901 World Hoop Day, a day dedicated to the world of hula hooping. It’s a whole culture. Who knew? The event will have hula hooping, pole dancing, aerial, and fire dancing. OMG. There are workshops, some for beginners and most for those in the scene. Again, who knew? Those are $15 to attend. Details here. If you just want to see some folks doing some cool tricks with hula hoops, poles, silks, and fire, it’s free to look (but not in a creepy way), so grab a beer and show your support. (Also, Memphis Made happens to be doing a donation drive for Hurricane Helene relief, so do with that what you will.)

Master Metalsmith: Preston Jackson | “A Hidden Culture”
Metal Museum
On display through January 26, 2025
This week, the Metal Museum opened its latest exhibition, “A Hidden Culture.” To quote the museum: “We proudly recognize Preston Jackson as our 38th Master Metalsmith. In Jackson’s words, the exhibition ‘reveals history that has been buried, forgotten, or deemed unimportant by society.’ The exhibition brings together sixteen freestanding sculptures in cast bronze and four paintings by the prolific and esteemed Preston Jackson that give voice to perspectives previously overlooked by history books. In addition, a monumental cast bronze triptych will be displayed at the Memphis Botanic Garden.” Jackson will give an artist’s talk at the Memphis Botanic Garden on Thursday, October 16, 5 p.m., and at the Metal Museum on Saturday, October 19, 4 p.m.

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

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

Southern Heritage Classic Cultural Celebration
Various Locations
Through Saturday, September 14
Kick off the season with the Southern Heritage Classic Cultural Celebration. Sure, there’s the rivalry football game between Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Tennessee State, but there’s also a ton of non-football events to check out, from the parade to an exhibit at the National Civil Rights Museum. More info here.

Mighty Roots Music Festival
Stovall, MS
Friday-Saturday, September 13-14
Might I interest you in a mighty good time? This music fest’s lineup has Joe Austin & the Tallahatchies, Alex Jade and the Gemstones, Dogpark, and Happy Landing on Friday, and Reed Brake, Alice Hasen and the Blaze, Chinese Connection Dub Embassy, hey nothing, Hans Williams, flipturn, Easy Honey, Trey Gardo, and Terry “Big T” Williams on Saturday. General admission is $75. Tickets and more info can be found at mightyrootsmusicfestival.com. 

Cooper-Young Festival 
Cooper-Young Historic District 
Saturday, September 14, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
At the corner of Happy and Healthy — wait this isn’t Walgreens — at the corner of Cooper and Young is the festival where happiness and a healthy amount of art, music, and crafts flourishes. This year’s headliner is Carla Thomas, with The Stax Academy Alumni Band. She’ll perform at 5:15 p.m. Also on the lineup are Rachel Maxann, Oakwalker, Tennessee Screamers, Jombi, Salo Pallini, Cameron Bethany, Turnstyles, General Labor, Late Night Cardigan, Black Cream, and Steve Selvidge Band.

Mid-Autumn Festival
Crosstown Concourse
Saturday, September 14, 6-9 p.m.
Celebrate the beauty of Asian culture with live music, traditional lion dance performances, and fun for the whole family with face painting and a fashion show. Savor the sweet taste of tradition with free mooncakes and explore the rich heritage of four local temples. 

Memphis Yoga Festival
Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
Sunday, September 15, noon-5 p.m.
It’s not a stretch to say that this festival will have all the yoga you could ever dream of. You can take a variety of classes from a variety of instructors in just one day — from learning about the power of the breath to Pilates fusion to a forest walk. There will also be vendors, food trucks, and kids classes. General admission is $45 and day of admission is $55. More information here.

MJ
Orpheum Theatre
Tuesday, September 17-September 22
Michael and Jackson happen to be two of our writers on staff, but when you put them together, you get Michael Jackson, one of the most famous entertainers of all time. Michael and Jackson also seem to be the most famous writers on our staff. Is this a coincidence? Maybe. Or do the names Michael and Jackson carry some super power? These are the things to think about. Anyways, I don’t need to tell you who Michael Jackson is, but there’s a musical about him coming to the Orpheum next week. Get your tickets for the show here. 

Latin Dance
Tom Lee Park
Thursday, September 19, 6 p.m.
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with free Latin dance lessons each Thursday from September 19th to October 10th at AutoZone Plaza in Tom Lee Park. Each week, you’ll learn a different style of dance. Up first is salsa, followed by bachata (September 26), cumbia (October 3), and merengue (October 10). 

Alex Warble Art Show
West Memorials
Friday, September 6, 5-8 p.m.
While Broad Ave. is hosting its Sidewalk Sale as part of its First Fridays on Broad, Alex Warble will have an art opening of new works. Warble, who finds inspiration from nature, Memphis, and pop culture, is known for his pictograms with teeny tiny characters lined up on the canvas.

Nick Black 
Halloran Centre
Friday, September 6, 7:30 p.m.
Remember when that guy was walking around with a mattress on his back and posting it on the ’gram? Well, he’s having a show to release his newest album, THE MAD ALBUM. We’re not sure how necessary the all caps are, but whatever. We’ll let him do his thing. Tickets are $25, and you can get them here. 

10 Minute Play Festival 
TheatreWorks
Friday-Saturday, September 6-7, 8 p.m. | Sunday, September 8, 2 p.m.
A lot can happen in 10 minutes. That’s 600 seconds. For Emerald Theatre Company (ETC), 10 minutes is all it will take for one vignette to be performed in the 7th Annual 10 Minute Play Festival, which will have 10 vignettes total. For this year’s festival, all the one-scene plays adhere to a theme, “Remember When,” with each one set in a moment of historical significance. Get tickets here.

Clutter from the Crypt Halloween Market
Hi Tone
Saturday, September 7, 5-10 p.m.
Shop till your jaw drops at this market ’cause goodness knows what you’ll find among all the hard-to-find vintage Halloween and utterly spooky art. Entry is free and this is an all ages event!

Cyrena Wages 
Overton Park Shell
Saturday, September 7, 7 p.m.
Music is more than a vanity project for Cyrena Wages. (You’ll get that pun in just a second.) This May, she released her debut album Vanity Project (read about it here), and now she’ll be performing at the Shell for the Orion Free Concert Series. 

“MANE” and “Hidden Gems”
Crosstown Arts
Closes Sunday, September 8
Crosstown Arts presents “MANE” and “Hidden Gems” curated by Najee Strickland and Kiara Sally in the Galleries at Crosstown Arts. “MANE” explores 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. This is your last chance to see the shows, so hurry fast.

Baking in the American South: 200 Recipes and Their Untold Stories
Novel
Tuesday, September 10, 6 p.m.
Get baked at Novel as bestselling food writer and Nashvillian Anne Byrn celebrates the release of her new book Baking in the American South: 200 Recipes and Their Untold Stories, filled with Southern  recipes and the stories behind them. Byrn will be in conversation with Kat Gordon, owner of Muddy’s Bake Shop. 

Spillit: Life Is a Festival
Theatre South at First Congo
Thursday, September 12, 7-9 p.m.
Spill the tea at Spillit’s Life Is a Festival — except you only have seven minutes to tell your story AND it has to be about a festival, celebration, or gathering of some kind. AND if you have the best story, you win the night! That’s how Spillit works. Don’t want to talk? Then bring your listening ears. One, two, three, eyes not on you. Admission is $10. 

The Crosstown Arts Film Series Presents Mama’s Sundry
Crosstown Theater at Crosstown Arts
Thursday, September 12, 7 p.m.
Crosstown Arts presents a special screening of the new documentary Mama’s Sundry, made by filmmakers Brody Kuhar and Joshua Cannon. The 15-minute film is about Bertram Williams and Talibah Safiya’s collaborative garden that produces not just food but also education and service initiatives. A panel discussion moderated by Tom Shadyac will follow. Admission is $5. 

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

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