What’s For Breakfast? Records hosts a two-day, fourteen-band showcase at Lamplighter Lounge this Friday and Saturday. (Photo: Victoria Marie Photography)
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.
Whet Thursdays return for the season at the Metal Museum. (Photo: Courtesy Metal Museum)
“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.
Yoga with goats at Marquette Park this Saturday. (Photo: Abigail Morici)
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.
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.
Gabriel Iglesias brings his comedy tour to Memphis this Friday. (Photo: Jose Guerrero)
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.
May the Fourth be with you. (Photo: Tommy van Kessel | Unsplash)
RiverBeat Music Festival Tom Lee Park Friday-Sunday, May 3-5 We got the beat. We got the beat. Yeah, the RiverBeat! The inaugural lineup has the Fugees, Odesza, and Jelly Roll, plus a bunch more including lots of local acts. Full lineup here. Purchase tickets here. Three-day pass is $249. Single-day pass is $99. (Before you go, read Alex Greene’s cover story from this week.)
Drink a Beer, Save a River Grind City Brewing Co. Friday, May 3, 6-10 p.m. Do something good with your life: Drink beer. Yes. Drink beer. For every beer you drink $1 will be donated to the Wolf River Conservancy. You can also enter a drawing for a chance to win an unforgettable paddle trip for you and a friend with the Wolf River Conservancy. AND attendees will get to meet Dale “Greybeard” Sanders, a true legend and Guinness World Record holder who conquered the entire length of the Mississippi River by canoe at the age of 87. RSVP here.
May the Fourth Be With You Black Lodge Saturday, May 4, 2 p.m. May the Fourth be with you. And also with you. Lift up for a Star Wars triple-header during the day and costume up for our all-night Star Wars Cantina Dance Party later that night. Screening for free are Solo: A Star Wars Story at 2:45 p.m., Revenge of the Sith at 5 p.m., and Rogue One at 7:30 p.m. Sabacc tournament starts at 7 p.m. as does the lightsaber dueling competition with Memphis Armored Fight Club. Pre-registration is encouraged at the ticket link for dueling. The dance party kicks off at 9:30 p.m. and will go till 3 a.m. You’ll enjoy an evening of cosplay, DJs, dancing, lightsaber duels, themed food and drinks, artist vendors, and more. It’s $10 for the dance party.
Beer Mile – Benefitting Spay Memphis and All 4s Rescue League Crosstown Concourse Sunday, May 5, 10 a.m. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in the most pawfect way by supporting Spay Memphis and All 4s Rescue League at Global Cafe’s Beer Mile, where you’ll drink a beer, run a quarter mile, and repeat that three more times. You must be 21 or older, and registration includes four beers and a coupon for a free Juan Margarita ($10 value). Register here for $40. Brunch will be available to purchase post-race at Global Cafe.
Libration Wiseacre Sunday, May 5, 2-5 p.m. Feel the libration. It’s such a good libration. It’s such a sweet sensation — to attend an event supporting the Memphis Public Libraries. Bring the family, friends, even the four-legged kids for live music by the Turnstyles, activities, games, giveaways, and more. Tickets include a beer or a premade cocktail. Early bird tickets are $30/one or $50/two. You only need to purchase tickets for those 21+.
Spring Flicker Fest Urban Earth Gardens, Nursery & Market Saturday, May 4, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Celebrate the spring with Urban Earth’s Spring Flicker Fest. Free sodas and beer will be provided by Memphis Made, and Amurica Photobooth will be available for free photos. There will be giveaways, free gardening-themed activities throughout the day for kids and adults alike, free face-painting and balloon-twisting (noon to 2 p.m.), live music from Lucky 7 Brass Band (1 to 3 p.m.), and meet-and-greets throughout the event with local community partners including The Memphis Native Tree Works and Experience Memphis Gardens. Lunch and snacks will be available for sale from Donna’s Taste of Love food truck.
“Summer Art Garden: Creatures of Paradise” Opening Celebration Memphis Brooks Museum of Art Wednesday, May 8, 6-8 p.m. The Brooks brings its Summer Art Garden, this year with featured artist Memphis-based duo Banana Plastik and their installation “Creatures of Paradise,” where monstrous bugs and tiny Thumbelinas relax in a fantasy landscape. Wednesday marks the opening, so celebrate with a party featuring DJ AD, drinks, and food by Feast & Graze. Teachers, who show their teacher ID, can get a free drink ticket.
There’s always something happening in Memphis. See a full calendar of events here.
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.
Go cray at Porter-Leath’s Rajun Cajun this Sunday, where crawfish, music, and fun come together to benefit over 40,000 local children, families, and early childhood educators. (Photo: Courtesy Porter-Leath)
Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library Friday, April 19, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Sunday, April 21, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. You better book it to the library this weekend because it’s time for its BIG semi-annual book and media sale benefiting Memphis Public Libraries. Hundreds of items, from books to magazines to vinyls to CDs to DVDs, will be for sale at great prices. Sunday is the bag sale, which means that you can take home a bag of books for just a few bucks.
Go Green or Go Home! In this instance, we’re talking about going green for the planet … not going green for 4/20, which is, in fact, this weekend and, like, sure go ahead and celebrate that too. But I wanna talk about plants, just not that plant.
Community Table Garden: Composting with Worms: Learn all about making your own rich fertile compost with your favorite garden friends — worms. Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, Friday, April 19, 2 p.m.
Plant Sale: Dixon Garden Fair: Offering rare, choice, and unusual plants, the sale will feature a wide range of difficult-to-find plants appropriate for the Memphis area. (List of plants for sale here.) Dixon Gallery & Gardens, Friday, April 19, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Saturday, April 20, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Spring Plant Sale at the Garden:Find a curated selection of plants well suited for the Mid-South including natives, trees and shrubs, vegetables, herbs, annual flowers, pollinator plants, woodland ephemerals, and more, plus a variety of houseplants and tropicals. (Full list here.) Memphis Botanic Garden, Friday-Saturday, April 19-20, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Regen Farm Festival: An afternoon of great music and local farm-raised food, and celebrate farms helping build a better Mid-South through regenerative agriculture. Wiseacre Brewery, Saturday, April 20, 1-4 p.m.
“Confusion” Medicine Factory Through Friday, April 19 Nick Canterucci’s show at the Medicine Factory closes this weekend. He’s known for his bold colors, collage elements, and chaos in his abstract works. Check out this article we wrote about his last show from 2023 before you check out “Confusion.”
Good Vibes Comedy Festival Hi Tone Friday-Saturday, April 19-20, 5 p.m. Thirty comedians, 13 shows, one venue. “Basically, a variety pack of stand-up comedy productions — raw stand-up comedy with headliner shows, podcast shows, a storytelling show, an improv show, and a roast,” says John Andrew Miller, who organized the festival along with fellow comedian Nate Jackson. Headliners are Renard Hirsch, Hannah Belmont, Jayson Acevedo, and the hosts of Night Classy, Katja “Kat” Barnhart and Hayley Madden, who I got to interview for this article before the fest. The other people who are performing are just too many for me to list here, okay? But you can find a full schedule of all the happenings on the event’s Facebook page, which, lucky for you, I’ve linked here. You can buy a Friday day pass here for $50 or a Saturday day pass here for $50 in advance. (Saturday day pass price will go up to $80 on Saturday at the door.) You can also buy a ticket to an individual show for $30 at the door.
Shell Daze Music Festival Overton Park Shell Friday, April 19, 5 p.m. | Saturday, April 20, 3:30 p.m. You’ll be dazed but not confused by this lineup of musical acts, headlined by JJ Grey & Mofro and Oteil & Friends. Friday night will have JJ Grey & Mofro and The Runaway Grooms performing. Purchase Day 1 tix here ($49.85/GA). Saturday will have Oteil & Friends (two sets) featuring Oteil Burbridge, Johnny and Steve Kimock, Jason Crosby, Lamar Williams Jr., and Tom Guarna, plus Kudzu Kings and Devil Train. Purchase Day 2 tix here ($60.15/GA). Purchase two-day general admission tickets here for $88.95. VIP Deck tickets are also available for purchase ($87.95/one-day, $148.65/two-day) and will include access to viewing deck, three free Wiseacre drink tickets per day, access to a private discounted bar, and an event poster. Reusable water bottles may be brought in to fill up at the Shell’s water fountains.
Rhythm of Care Comeback Coffee Friday, April 19, 7 p.m. Immerse yourself in the sounds of Memphis’ hottest local artists: Raneem Imam with Fergus Barnes on guitar, and QEMIST. Proceeds benefit Church Health. Tickets $10 can be purchased here.
Swiftie Saturday Novel Saturday, April 20, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. If you’re a Swiftie, keep reading. If you’re not, move on. I’m not about to get any haters here, but I’ll keep things short and sweet. Novel wants you to leave a blank space on your planner this Saturday as they have a whole-ass day of Swift-inspired events for all ages. Bring the kids to the Speak Now Teen Writing Workshop (ages 13+) at 9 to 10:15 a.m., $10; Swiftie Story Time (ages 0-5) at 10:30 to 11 a.m., $5; or Swiftie Story Time (ages 5-12) at 12:30-1:30 p.m., $5. Later in the day, show up to one of three Never Grow Up Bracelet Making (ages 18+) sessions, where you’ll make the friendship bracelets and enjoy a specialty Swiftie-themed cocktail (or mocktail). Tickets ($35) include two drink tickets, bracelet-making, and a copy of Taylor Swift Mad-Libs to take home. Never Grow Up Bracelet Making will take place at 2 to 4 p.m., 4 to 6 p.m., and 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets for all of these events can be purchased here.
Earth Day Festival Shelby Farms Park Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The way the Earth rotates makes my day, and it oughta make yours, too. So celebrate the Earth on its special day (Earth Day, duh) at Shelby Farms Park, where adults and kids alike will have opportunities to experience, explore, and learn different ways of going green in Memphis.
Spirit Fest Holistic, Metaphysical, & Crystal Expo Agricenter International Saturday-Sunday, April 20-21, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Get physical … er, I mean, metaphysical at this holistic, metaphysical, crystal expo with vendors, readers, authors, practitioners, speakers, and healers from across the country. A full schedule of speakers can be found here. (The Flyer’s own Metaphysical Connection columnist and Broom Closet owner Emily Guenther will give a talk on “The Goddess Archetype” at noon on Saturday.) Admission at the door is $12/day or $20/weekend, or buy tickets online in advance for $9/day or $14/weekend.
World Championship Hot Wing Contest & Fest River Garden Park at 51 Riverside Drive Saturday, April 20, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Wing, wing, wing, we have a winner. A winner, winner chicken-dinner. That’s what you’ll be hearing at this contest for the best wing. Oh and it’s supporting The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Memphis. Tickets are $20 and come with three Wing Bucks for redemption of three wings from competing teams. Please note that all other hot wing samples are provided by all participating hot wing teams in exchange for a small donation ($1-$2) to the Ronald McDonald House.
Cooper-Young Porchfest Cooper-Young Historic District Saturday, April 20, noon-6 p.m. Porches were made for more than Amazon deliveries and spying on your neighbors. They can be stages, too — at least that’s the case for this unique music festival of free concerts on, yes, the front porches of the homes in Cooper-Young. A full map and schedule of performances can be found here. Coupled with this event, the CYCA will also bring back their annual community yard sale that morning (8 a.m.-noon), and the after-party will kick off at 6 p.m. on Young Avenue between Philadelphia and Bruce with performances by Dead Soldiers, Sweet Darlin, and Speaker Girl on the Shell on Wheels stage. Oh, and a crawfish boil! Free to attend.
Taylor Swift Album Release Listening Party Chimes Square at Overton Square Saturday, April 20, 7 p.m. If you’re not all Swift-ed-out, join Overton Square for an album release listening party for Taylor Swift’s new album, The Tortured Poets Department. There’ll be a themed photo wall, friendship bracelet making station, Swiftie-themed giveaways, and drinks for purchase at the CFY Bar all while tuning into her brand-new album.
Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival Riverside Drive, between Jefferson and Union Sunday, April 21, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Let’s get cray. What’s the o-cajun, you ask? The Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival, supporting Porter-Leath. It’s a day of crawfish bobbing, eating, and racing, plus Louisiana zydeco music, vendors, and more. Crawfish meals — which include crawfish, shrimp, corn, and potatoes — are $40. Visit rajuncajunmemphis.org for more information. Admission is free!
There’s always something happening in Memphis. See a full calendar of events here.
Art in the Loop brings its annual juried artists market this weekend. (Photo: Courtesy Artworks Foundation)
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.
Streeeeeetch at Delta Groove Yoga Festival this weekend. (Photo: Courtesy Delta Groove Yoga)
Memphis Tattoo Festival Renasant Convention Center Friday-Sunday, April 5-7 Some tattoos aren’t meant to be seen, but at the Memphis Tattoo Festival you’re gonna see them all, whether you like it or not. The three-day tattoo extravaganza will have live tattooing from over 200 of the world’s best artists, plus merchandise, tattoo contests, and art-making. Many artists will book the festival in advance, but there will be opportunities each day to find artists that are taking walk up tattoos on a first come first serve basis. You must be 18+ to get tatted. Tickets are $55 for the weekend, and $25 for the day. If you like tattoos, check out U of M’s Tattoos Today: A Body Art Expo on Monday, April 8, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. It’s going to be a showcase and competition celebrating tattoos as artistic expression. Free to attend!
Grind City Music Festival Grind City Brewing Co. Friday-Saturday, April 5-6 Are you a little bit country? A little bit rock-and-roll? Well, this two-day festival of Americana, alternative country, and rock-and-roll music is just for you. The lineup on Friday is: Young Mister (3 p.m.), Drayton Farley (4 p.m.), Daniel Danto’s Cosmic Country (5 p.m.), Muscadine Bloodline (7:30 p.m.), and Charley Crockett (9 p.m.). Saturday: Raneem Imam (2 p.m.), Lucky 7 Brass Band & Friends (2:30 p.m.), Blackillac (3:50 p.m.), Ole 60 (5 p.m.), Nikki Lane (6:15 p.m.), The Red Clay Strays (7:30 p.m.), and Whiskey Myers (9 p.m.) Doors open at 2 p.m. on Friday and 1 p.m. and Saturday. Single-day tickets are $69 (yeah, they are), and weekend passes are sold out, sucka. VIP passes are $249, though. Get your tix here.
Central to the Arts Festival University of Memphis Saturday, April 6, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. For this artsy fest, University of Memphis campus along Central Avenue will be filled with live performances, film showings, installations, fashion shows, and interactive arts booths. Here’s a full schedule of all that’s going on. Oh, and it’s free to attend.
Delta Groove Yoga Festival Overton Square Saturday, April 6, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. It’s not that big of a stretch to say that this festival is for posers — yoga posers, of course. The day will feature lots of — you guessed it — yoga, with live music. On the schedule are slow flow yoga with multi-instrumentalist Sean Murphy, kundalini yoga with guitar, yin yoga with cello, and yoga nidra with a sound bath. You can get a full-day pass for $33 or drop-in for a class for $11. Tickets and full schedule can be found here.
Bookstock Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library Saturday, April 6, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. This fest is one for the books. Literally. Bookstock is the largest annual local authors festival in Memphis. Expect 60+ local author exhibits, cultural performances, book giveaways, keynote speakers (this year’s are Avery Cunningham and Sidney Thompson), lots for the kids to do, and so much more. Find a full schedule of events here.
Love Food Hate Waste Memphis Made Brewing Company Saturday, April 6, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Project Green Fork presents this free, family-friendly event featuring live chef demos, food-saving tips, games, prizes, and complimentary specialty beer.
Total Eclipse of the Heart Monday brings a friggin’ eclipse. An eclipse! Well, kinda. Here in Memphis We’re only getting a partial view, but still it’s a big deal. Big enough that everyone and their grandma has an event scheduled. Memphis will experience the eclipse at 98 percent totality at approximately 1:56 p.m. But don’t let it eclipse your workday. I’m sure that’s what the ol’ boss’ll be saying when everyone’s gone for a few hours to go look at the sky. (Oh, and have you checked out our cover story from last week on this very eclipse????)
Eclipse Preview Weekend: MoSH is here to teach you the science-y stuff behind the eclipse with a cool eclipse simulation in the planetarium plus some cool activities like making an eclipse viewer from a cereal box. Museum of Science & History, Saturday-Sunday, April 6-7, during, like, opening hours obv
Total Eclipse of the Park (Partial Eclipse Edition): Watch the celestial spectacle from the Greensward with free eclipse viewing glasses. Lunch options from Feast and Graze will be available for purchase. Register here. Overton Park, Monday, April 8, 12:30-3 p.m.
Solar Eclipse Rooftop Viewing Party: Get an eclipse-themed drink, music, and exclusive views. Beck & Call, Monday, April 8, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., $23.18
Solar Eclipse Drop-In Activity: Join Memphis Botanic Garden for an eclipse viewing on the lawn. Children can plant a moonflower or sunflower to take home. No registration is necessary. Eclipse glasses will be available for purchase. Free with garden admission. Memphis Botanic Garden, Monday, April 8, 1 p.m.
Solar Eclipse Preparty Moonpie & Beer Pairing: Three different flavors of moonpies paired with three beers and a pair of solar eclipse viewing glasses. Proceeds benefit The Dream Factory of Memphis. Meddlesome Brewing Company, Sunday, April 7, noon, $15
Solar Eclipse Viewing on the Mounds: Join a T.O. Fuller Park Ranger for a walk to the Chucalissa mounds to view the eclipse. Bring a lunch if you’d like and a blanket or chair and water. Solar eclipse glasses will be provided. Reserve your spot soon, there are only 10 spots available. T.O. Fuller State Park, Monday, April 8, 12:30 p.m.-2:30 p.m., $5
Pro Tip: You can get solar eclipse glasses for FREE at your local library branch. So far, they’re out of stock at Cordova, East Shelby Library, Frayser Library, and Raleigh Library.
Resident Artists Open Studios Crosstown Arts Tuesday, April 9, 6-8 p.m. Visit Crosstown Arts’ resident artists’ studios during the Open Studios night. Residency alumnus Nelson Gutierrez will present his installation A Journey into the Shadows spanning from the second-floor balcony to Crosstown Theater.
MAS Kitten Shower Memphis Animal Services Thursday, April 11, 5:30-7 p.m. Embrace your inner cat lady already and join MAS for the annual Kitten Shower to celebrate the start of kitten season with food, games, prizes, and fun. Consider making a donation. MAS is registered on Amazon. You can also buy many of these products locally and drop them off or have them delivered to MAS at 2350 Appling City Cove.
There’s always something happening in Memphis. See a full calendar of events here.
Grind City Music Festival (Photo: Courtesy Grind City Brewing Company)
Hello there, spring! We’ve been sorely missing you, and thank goodness you’re here because that means it’s time for the Flyer’s “Spring Fairs & Festivals” issue. From April all the way through the summer, you won’t want to miss any of these events.
APRIL
Cooper Young Night Out Restaurants, bars, retail, and service businesses will stay open late to offer live music, discounts on food and drink, sidewalk sales, trivia games, shuffleboard, and more. Cooper-Young, first Thursday of the month
First Fridays on Broad Shop from your favorite Broad Avenue businesses after hours, and enjoy discounts and special activities, often with a theme. Broad Ave. Arts District, first Friday of the month
South Main Trolley Night The longest-running street festival in the city has returned this spring for its 24th season. Catch it on the last Friday of every month through September. South Main, last Friday of the month
Grind City Music Festival Are you a little bit country? A little bit rock-and-roll? Well, this two-day festival of Americana, alternative country, and rock-and-roll music will hit that sweet spot. Grind City Brewing Co., April 5-6
Memphis Tattoo Festival Some tattoos aren’t meant to be seen, but at the Memphis Tattoo Festival you’re gonna see them all, whether or not you like it. The three-day tattoo spectacle will have live tattooing from over 200 of the world’s best artists, plus merchandise, tattoo contests, and art-making. Renasant Convention Center, April 5-7
Bookstock (Photo: Courtesy Memphis Public Libraries)
Bookstock This fest is one for the books. Literally. Bookstock is the largest annual local authors festival in Memphis. Expect local author exhibits, cultural performances, book giveaways, keynote speakers (this year’s are Avery Cunningham and Sidney Thompson), and so much more. Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, April 6
Delta Groove Yoga Festival (Photo: Courtesy Delta Groove Yoga)
Delta Groove Yoga Festival It’s not that big of a stretch to say that this festival is for posers — yoga posers, of course. The day will feature lots of — you guessed it — yoga, plus live music. Overton Square, April 6
Central to the Arts Festival For this artsy fest, the University of Memphis campus along Central Avenue will be filled with live performances, film showings, fashion shows, and interactive arts booths. University of Memphis, April 6
Art in the Loop (Photo: Courtesy Art in the Loop)
Art in the Loop Let me loop you in on this arts festival in East Memphis. It’s got an artists market, it’s got live music, it’s got food trucks, and it’s got demonstrations. What doesn’t it have? Beats me. Ridgeway Loop Road, April 12-14
Mid-South Poets & Writers Festival This literary-focused two-day extravaganza will have a neighborhood barbecue, workshops, mixers, showcases, and more. Various locations, April 13-14
Terry Bean at Juke Joint Festival (Photo: Lou Bopp)
Juke Joint Festival Be a juke joint hero, with stars in your eyes, at this fest that’ll keep on rockin’ (just can’t stop) with more than 100 blues performances and real-deal juke joints. Clarksdale, MS, April 13
Shelby Forest Spring Fest This year’s Shelby Forest Spring Fest goes back to the wildest decade — the ’70s — for the wildlife-forward day that has live music, food, arts and crafts vendors, wildlife and cultural exhibits, and more. It’s gonna be a hoot. Meeman Shelby Forest, April 13
Bluff City Fest This music fest presented by the University of Memphis Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music will bring some of the best music in Memphis: rap, contemporary rock and pop, blues, jazz, and classic rock. The Bluff, April 17
The Memphis Uke-N-Roll Jamboree, a ukulele festival put on by the Memphis Ukulele Flash Mob. Festival was at the convention center on April 24, 2022. (Photo: Karen Pulfer Focht)
Ukulele Festival Uke can expect all things ukulele at this festival — open mics, workshops, sing-alongs, vendors, and more. Tickets must be purchased ahead of time at memphisukenroll.com. Renasant Convention Center, April 18-21
Africa in April Africa in April has chosen to salute the Republic of Gambia for its family-friendly festival, filled with live performances, food and merchandise vendors, and the International Diversity Parade. Robert R. Church Park, April 19-21
Good Vibes Comedy Festival The vibes will be just right, good even, when Memphis’ largest comedy festival brings you talent from all over the country to participate in podcasts, roast battles, themed shows, and stand-up comedy. The 2024 headliners are Renard Hirsch, Jayson Acevedo, Hannah Belmont, and Night Classy podcast’s Kat Barnhart and Hayley Madden. Hi Tone, April 19-20
Shell Daze You’ll be dazed but not confused by this lineup of musical acts, headlined by JJ Grey & Mofro and Oteil & Friends. Overton Park Shell, April 19-20
Cooper-Young Porchfest Porches were made for more than Amazon deliveries and spying on your neighbors. They can be stages, too — at least that’s the case for this unique music festival of free concerts on, yes, the front porches of the homes in Cooper-Young. Cooper-Young Historic District, April 20
Earth Day Festival The way the Earth rotates makes my day, and it oughta make yours, too. So celebrate the Earth on its special day (Earth Day, duh) at Shelby Farms Park, where adults and kids alike will have opportunities to experience, explore, and learn different ways of going green in Memphis. Shelby Farms Park, April 20
Knowledge Is Flower Festival This festival’s mission is to promote local farmers, herbalists, artists, and entrepreneurs. The day will have workshops, installations, community engagement opportunities, and local vendors. Arkwings, April 20
Regen Farm Festival Join Riley Family Farms for an afternoon of music and local farm-raised food, and celebrate farms helping build a better Mid-South through regenerative agriculture. Wiseacre Brewery, April 20
Spirit Fest Holistic, Metaphysical, & Crystal Expo Get physical … er, I mean, metaphysical at this holistic, metaphysical, crystal expo with vendors, readers, and healers from across the country. Agricenter International, April 20-21
World Championship Hot Wing Contest & Fest Wing, wing, wing, we have a winner. A winner, winner chicken-dinner. That’s what you’ll be hearing at this contest for the best wing. Oh, and it’s supporting The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Memphis. River Garden Park, April 20
Mimosa Festival Feeling mimosional? It’s okay. You’re in a safe space where you can indulge in all the mimosas. Tom Lee Park, April 21
Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival Let’s get cray. What’s the o-cajun, you ask? The Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival, supporting Porter-Leath. It’s a day of crawfish bobbing, eating, and racing, plus music, vendors, and more. Riverside Drive, April 21
Wine, Food and Music Spring Festival Prepare your tastebuds for this annual festival, whose flagship event features all things wine and food — wine vendors, classes, chef demonstrations, and more. The Medicine Factory, FedEx Event Center, Sunday 20-21
Double Decker Arts Festival Take part in this two-day celebration of food, music, and the arts. Oxford Courthouse Square, April 26-27
Overton Square Crawfish Festival Heads, you suck. Tails, you pinch. But the Overton Square Crawfish Festival doesn’t leave anything up to a coin toss when it comes to serving good crawfish. Overton Square, April 27
OttoFest Enjoy artists, bands, food trucks, and a playground at this arts and music fest. Peabody Park, April 27-28
Taste the Rarity Beer gets weird at this event that features breweries from all over the country. Wiseacre Brewing Company, April 27
MAY
Memphis in May International Festival For the month of May, this festival every year brings the world to Memphis and Memphis to the world, and this year it is saluting France through cultural events and performances, educational experiences, museum and gallery exhibits, films, luncheons, and the Memphis in May International Festival Gala. Memphis, May 1-31
River Beat Music Festival We got the beat. We got the beat. Yeah, the River Beat! The inaugural lineup has the Fugees, Odesza, and Jelly Roll, plus a bunch more. Tom Lee Park, May 3-5
Cigar & Whiskey BBQ Festival Talk about a smoke show. Cigars, whiskey, and barbecue come together for this celebration of flavor and fun. Meddlesome Brewing Company, May 4
Ruby Bridges Reading Festival Children pre-K through elementary school can receive free books at the festival, and they’ll enjoy storytelling and entertainment, including a reading and signing with Ruby Bridges herself. National Civil Rights Museum, May 4
Sunset Jazz Jazz up your summer plans with this free family-friendly jazz concert series. Court Square, May 12, June 9, July 14,August 11, September 8, October 13
World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest (Photo: Courtesy Memphis in May)
SmokeSlam Cue another barbecue contest. The inaugural SmokeSlam will include a carnival with games and rides, a marketplace, and an interactive area where fans will be able to sample food and participate in fun food-related events. Tom Lee Park, May 16-18
Memphis Vegfest This is one of the few events where you can truly veg out in a family-friendly environment full of vegan food options and sustainable and cruelty-free products. Agricenter International, May 19
Bluff City Fair We aren’t bluffin’ when we say the Bluff City Fair is a quintessential fair. It’s got attractions and shows, all your favorite fair fare, carnival rides, and kiddie rides, and it’s just plain fun. Liberty Bowl Stadium, May 24-June 2
Memphis Italian Festival 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 is Italian.” Marquette Park, May 30-June 1
Memphis Pride Fest Weekend (Photo: Kevin Reed Photography)
Memphis Pride Fest Weekend June is the time for Pride, and Memphis Pride Fest does it best. Spanning four days, the celebration includes a Drag N Drive, complete with a movie screening and drag show; a dance party; the signature parade and festival with two stages, over 150 vendors, food trucks, and so much more; and a delightful brunch crawl. Various locations, May 30-June 2
JUNE
Memphis Margarita Festival Wasting away again in Margaritaville? Searching for a lost shaker of salt? The Memphis Margarita Festival, where you can sample from the city’s best margarita-makers, might be to blame. Overton Square, June 1
Memphis Dragon Boat Festival (Photo: Courtesy Memphis Dragon Boat Festival)
Memphis Dragon Boat Festival Dragon boat races, stage performances, arts and crafts, Asian street food — what more could you ask for? Hyde Lake at Shelby Farms Park, June 1
TriState Black Pride TriState Black Pride presents four days of fun, education, and community, with workshops, lectures, a drag show, stand-up comedy, and a free Community Appreciation Day to cap off the weekend with musical performances by national and local artists. Various locations, June 13-16
Memphis Juneteenth Festival The annual Memphis Juneteenth Festival celebrates African-American culture, food, entertainment, and the overall significance of the holiday. Health Sciences Park, June 14-15
Memphis Crafts & Drafts This event is no rough draft. It was perfectly crafted to fit all your summer market’s needs. Crosstown Concourse, June 15
Memphis Vegan Festival 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. Fourth Bluff Park, June 16
Memphis Summer Cocktail Festival Get your drink on at the hottest festival of the summer featuring seasonal sips, tasty eats, and throwback vibes. The Kent, July 12
Asian Night Market Enjoy authentic Asian street foods at this unique festival. Tiger Lane, July 20
AUGUST
Elvis Week Feel your temperature rising? Higher and higher? It’s not just the August heat. It’s your spidey (Elvis?) senses tingling, burning through to your soul ’cause here in Memphis we know that August means more than hot weather: It means Elvis Week. Graceland, August 9-17
Memphis Chicken & Beer Festival If you appreciate your chicken friend, a cold beer on a Saturday night, a pair of jeans that fit just right, and the radio up, you’ll appreciate the Memphis Chicken & Beer Fest where you can get all that — except the jeans, you’ll have to figure that out yourself. Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium Field, August 17
Shop Black Fest Connect with and shop from Black-owned small businesses at the Shop Black Fest. Riverside Dr., August 17
SEPTEMBER
Oxford Blues Festival This year’s Oxford Blues Festival promises unforgettable experiences with a lineup featuring Lurrie Bell, Libby Rae Watson, Anthony “Big A” Sherrod, Ra’Shad the Blues Kid, Randy Ferguson, Cricket and the Brim Hooks, Kenny Kimbrough & Davis Coen Duo, and DuWayne Burnside. A portion of profits will be donated to furthering the music education of Mississippi youths. Oxford, MS, September 13-14
Cooper-Young Festival There’s no need to stay cooped up in your house when you can join in on the fun at the Cooper-Young Festival, where art, music, and crafts come together to celebrate Memphis’ culture and heritage. Cooper Young Historic District, September 14
Gonerfest 21 Going, going, gone — that’s what they’re gonna say about Gonerfest tickets as soon as the lineup is announced. Already, the first batch of Gonerfest tickets have sold out, so keep your eyes peeled for when more tickets go on sale. Railgarten, September 26-29
