Tag: Mid-South Fair

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Feelin’ Festive

Cooper-Young Festival (Photo: Courtesy Cooper-Young Festival)

As you flip your wall calendars to the fresh, crisp September page, after Memphis’ humid, boiling August, you can exhale: It’s almost fall. And that means it’s time for more fairs and festivals, so crack open your planners, pull up your calendar app, tape a sticky note to your head, do whatever you gotta do to make sure you have these fairs and festivals tapped into your autumn plans.

SEPTEMBER

Southern Heritage Classic Cultural Celebration

Can I tell you what a yellow card is or what a running back does? No, but I can tell you that the Southern Heritage Classic, a premier sports and entertainment event, will be a good time. And if you don’t believe me, just take a look at the agenda: The O’Jays are putting on a concert, Landers Center is hosting a Classic Funk Fest, the Classic Parade will roll through Park Avenue, and so much more, including, of course, the Southern Heritage Classic football game featuring Jackson State vs. Tennessee State at the Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.

Various locations, September 8-10

Germantown Festival (Photo: Courtesy Germantown Festival)

Germantown Festival

Some might say weenies aren’t cool by definition, but at this festival, the weenies will prove you otherwise as they gear up for the annual Running of the Weenies at 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 10th. So don’t be a weenie! Go show your support at this festival of arts that, in addition to the famed race, offers children’s activities, rides and games, entertainment, a car exhibit, community displays, and more.

Germantown Civic Club Complex, September 10-11

Goat Days Festival

Bah-bah-bah, Bah-Barbara Ann, you got me rockin’ and a-rollin’, rockin’ and a-reelin’ from too long without goats. But take my hand and bring me to the Goats Days Festival and I’m yours. Starting at 7 a.m. with the much-beloved pancake breakfast, the day features goat yoga, live music all day, local vendors, food galore, a car show, an antique tractor show, a barbecue contest, an all-day kids zone, and so much more.

Millington Sports Complex, September 10

Memphis Rox Yoga Festival

This festival is yogalicious, definition makes yogis go crazy. (It’s hot, hot.) With more than 15 yoga classes, from acro yoga to handstand workshops, this festival also boasts a kids’ zone, live music, and lectures, including topics ranging from nutrition to personalizing yoga through astrology.

Memphis Botanic Garden, September 10

Collierville Balloon Festival (Photo: Courtesy Collierville Balloon Festival)

Collierville Balloon Festival

Enjoy the Wizard of Oz’s preferred mode of transportation at this festival all about the whimsical hot air balloon. Each morning will begin with a breathtaking release of the balloons into the sky, which the family can witness for free before the festival’s activities commence in the afternoon. The day will include a kids’ zone, food trucks, vendors, carnival rides and games, and of course some hot air ballooning. Once the sun goes down, the balloons will light up the sky with an evening balloon glow.

Maynard Way, Collierville, September 17-18

Cooper-Young Festival

Whether you’re young or young at heart, when you’re in Cooper-Young, you’re in for some fun with this festival all about celebrating the arts, people, culture, and heritage of Memphis. Bailey Bigger will headline a lineup of great local, original music, and a slew of artisans from Memphis and across the U.S. will be selling handmade, unique, and quirky art.

Cooper-Young, September 17

Mint Cream Market: Fall Fest

Shop from vintage collectors, craft goods, and unique art at this fest with live entertainment and food trucks.

Arrow Creative, September 17

Orion Free Concert Series

If you press your ear to a shell, you’ll hear the ocean for free. If you press your ear to the Shell, you might be too close to the stage, but you might also hear some country blues or powerpop, depending on the weekend, also for free.

Overton Park Shell, Country Blues Festival, September 17

Memphis Powerpop Festival, September 24

Gonerfest 19

Going, going, gone off to Gonerfest 19 for four days of rocking music, courtesy of Goner Records. The caliber of these artists is too hard to describe in a mere few sentences, which is why I urge you to read our cover story next week because it’s going to be all about Gonerfest.

Railgarten, September 22-25

Mid-South Fair (Photo: Courtesy Mid-South Fair)

Mid-South Fair

If you fancy yourself an old soul, perhaps reincarnated from bygone times, you’ll feel at home at this festival which has been a must-do event since 1856. Fair-goers can enjoy more than 50 rides, a wide array of ground acts, and of course favorite fair fare — funnel cakes, turkey legs, candied apples — you name it, they’ve perfected it.

Landers Center, September 22-October 2

50th Annual Pink Palace Crafts Fair (Photo: Courtesy Pink Palace Crafts Fair)

50th Annual Pink Palace Crafts Fair

Lots of things are celebrating their 50th this year. I mean, 50 years ago, The Godfather premiered its first installment in theaters, Watergate began to unfold, Jennifer Garner was born, and right here in Memphis, the Pink Palace Crafts Fair took place for the first time. And now, 150 artists in various mediums are coming from around the country to celebrate the fair’s big 5-0. Attendees can marvel at craft demonstrations, enjoy live music, and entertain the kiddos at the petting zoo and with a ride on the choo-choo train, some rock climbing, and pony rides.

Audubon Park, September 23-25

Mighty Roots Music Festival

We root for music, the mighty, mighty roots music. No longer a rookie, this music fest is back for year two, taking place at the same spot the famous blues singer-songwriter Muddy Waters began his love of blues music.

Stovall, MS, September 23-24

Aquatseli Bluegrass Festival

“Aquatseli” is Cherokee for “our,” so make this bluegrass extravaganza yours and check out the instrument workshops, open jams, square dancing, clogging, vendors, and more.

Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, September 24

Latin Fest

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Cazateatro Bilingual Theatre Group’s Latin Fest, where friends and families can listen to and dance to live Latin music, taste Latin food and drinks, enjoy activities for kids, and shop from vendors.

Overton Square, September 24

Memphis Comic Expo

The Mid-South’s largest comic-creator con has answered the Bat-Signal and is back in Memphis to celebrate your favorite creators, with over 100 artists and writers, a cosplay contest, more than 50 vendors, panels, and more. It’s going to be a marvel.

Agricenter International, September 24-25

Wiseacre Oktoberfest

Zicke zacke, zicke zacke, hoi hoi hoi! Oktoberfest is back, boy oh boy. So dust off your steins and snap on your lederhosen for a day with food trucks, Mighty Souls Brass Band, the Grizzline, and more.

Wiseacre Brewing Company, September 24

Soulful Food Truck Festival

Saddle up your picnic blankets and lawn chairs for this journey to the center of your stomach and your soul as you enjoy food from food trucks and vendors, shop from local artisans, and take in music by Carmen Hicks, Angie P. Holmes, and Courtney Little, plus DJs Zoom and Swagg.

Tiger Lane, September 25

Bartlett Festival

With the Judge Freeman Marr Panther Pride 5K to kick things off, this festival boasts local music, arts and crafts, a car show, children’s activities, a barbecue cooking contest, concessions, and so much more.

W.J. Freeman Park, September 30-October 1

Mempho Music Festival

Mempho Music Festival (Photo: Courtesy Mempho Music Festival/Joshua Timmermans)

You know it, I know, the music at Mempho always hits the right note. I mean, how could it not with The Black Keys, Portugal. The Man, Bobby Rush, Amy LaVere, Elizabeth King, and so many more on the lineup?

Radians Amphitheater, Memphis Botanic Garden, September 30-October 2

OCTOBER

Wine on the River Memphis

You don’t have to be Carmen Sandiego and glide around the globe and flimflam every nation just to get a taste of the world. Instead, take your taste buds on a global journey as you sample wine from national and international vineyards along with bites of food from each cultural region.

Riverside Drive, October 1

King Biscuit Blues Festival (Photo: Courtesy King Biscuit Blues Festival)

King Biscuit Blues Festival

Hear ye, hear ye, King Biscuit Blues Festival is back for its annual three-day event, complete with the Flour Power 5K, the Tour da Delta bicycle race, and a Kansas City-sanctioned barbecue contest, all in historic Downtown Helena. Oh, and of course, there’ll be blues music — lots of blues music — on five stages.

Helena, AR, October 5-8

Soul of the City

Rock around the clock as Elmwood Cemetery’s residents take you through Memphis music history. You’ll meet Sister Thea Bowman, Grammy Award-winners, rock-and-roll stars, blues crooners, and more.

Elmwood Cemetery, October 6-8

Memphis Bacon & Bourbon Festival (Photo: Courtesty Memphis Bacon & Bourbon Festival)

Memphis Bacon & Bourbon Festival

Bacon? Good. Bourbon? Good. Memphis Bacon & Bourbon Festival? Good. That’s all you need to know.

Metal Museum, October 7

Big River Fit Fest

Let’s get physical in an HR-approved way. For the love of all things good and pure, this fitness fest is designed to expose (again in an HR-approved way) and educate the Mid-South community of all ages and skill levels on fitness, wellness, and health.

Mud Island Park, October 8

Edge Motorfest

If Cars taught me anything, it’s that life is a highway, and I wanna ride it all night long, and if you’re goin’ my way, well, we’re driving to the Edge, for a day to check out over 150 cool cars, food trucks, vendor booths, and more. Ka-chow, am I right?

Edge Motor Museum, October 8

Shell Daze Fall Music Festival

The music doesn’t stop when it comes to the folks at Mempho. Hardly a week after the big shebang, they are putting on a two-day mini fest, with a lineup featuring Moon Taxi, Tab Benoit, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Daniel Donato, Star & Micey, and Garrison Starr.

Overton Park Shell, October 8-9

Southern Soul Music Festival

Jam to your favorite soulful hits and songs by Tucka, Calvin Richardson, Sir Charles Jones, Ronnie Bell, Theodis Ealey, Karen Wolfe, and FatDaddy.

The Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, October 8

Deep Blues Festival

Of all the shades of blue, deep blues are my favorite, and you can bet the Deep Blues Festival will be just the right shade of fun as it celebrates traditional and alternative blues with musicians from all over the world.

Clarksdale, MS, October 13-16

Mississippi Delta Tennessee Williams Festival

Are you a streetcar? ’Cause you look like your name should be Desire. Oh, is your name Tennessee? ’Cause you’re the only 10 I see. I promise I’m not a player, just a play-lover, and if you are too, meet me at the Tennessee Williams Festival, where we can enjoy screenings, lectures, and performances.

Clarksdale, MS, October 13-15

Fall Fest at the Nest

Soar like an eagle right over to Fall Fest at the Nest and enjoy food, fun, family, music and free admission. Shop vendors, enjoy a car show, chili cook-off, cornhole tournament, rides, food trucks, music fest, $10,000 cash raffle, and more.

St. Benedict at Auburndale, October 14-15

Memphis Brewfest

Fifty-something bottles of beer on the wall, 50-something bottles of beer, take one down, pass it around, and you’ll still have 50-something breweries and cideries to sample from. That’s right, at the Memphis Brewfest, you can get unlimited samples from more than 50 breweries and cideries from around the world.

Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, October 15

Memphis Food & Wine Festival

It’s wine o’clock somewhere. Sorry. I know what you’re thinking — that’s so cheesy, borderline offensive. If you’re of a certain age, you might even invoke the word cheugy. But I bet you’ll quit your whining when you get to wining and dining at this festival which not only benefits the FedExFamilyHouse but also showcases local chefs alongside acclaimed national chefs and top global vineyards.

Memphis Botanic Garden, October 15

Shop Black Fest

Support more than 50 local Black-owned businesses of all types at this festival of fun vibes, music, and food.

Downtown Memphis, October 15

Soulsville USA Festival

Treat your soul to a day of music, food, educational activities, games for kids, and free admission to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, all to honor the city’s rich spiritual heritage and its roots in soul music.

Soulsville USA District at College and McLemore, October 15

Indie Memphis Film Festival

Why Netflix and chill when you could be less run-of-the-mill at an independent film festival? The Indie Memphis Film Festival will screen a range of features, documentaries, and short films from all over the world. Plus, festival-goers can enjoy live music, parties, free panels, meet-and-greets with special guests, and the Black Creators Forum. For more information, be sure to check out our Flyer cover story on October 19th.

Various locations, October 19-24

Cooper-Young Beerfest

I don’t know if you’ve heard but Taylor Swift is releasing a new album on October 21st, which is worth raising a beer mug to and downing a couple more after. And there’s no better place than the Cooper-Young Beerfest the next day.

Midtown Autowerks, October 22

RiverArtsFest

The Mid-South runneth over with art, and the Mississippi River floweth with inspiration — two phenomena that merge only once a year to create RiverArtsFest, where more than 180 artists from around the country can show off and sell their fine arts. As an added bonus, the festival features artist demonstrations, hands-on art activities for all ages, and local music.

Downtown Memphis, October 22-23

World Championship Hot Wing Fest

Wing wing wing! Sorry the old chicken can’t come to the phone right now. Why? ’Cause she’s dead. But that’s okay. She died a winner — a winner, winner chicken dinner — well, depending on how things shake up at the World Championship Hot Wing Fest. So don’t let the old chicken’s death be in vain and head on over to sample the competing wings, all while supporting The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Memphis. As always, the contest will kick off with the Memphis Second Line Jazz Band leading a flock of chickens in a parade through Tiger Lane and across the main stage to the tune of “When the Saints Go Marching In.”

Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, October 22

Dia de Los Muertos Parade and Festival (Photo: Courtesy Dia de Los Muertos Parade and Festival)

Dia de Los Muertos Parade and Festival

Dia de Los Muertos is deadicated to celebrating and honoring ancestors who lived before us. On this day, enjoy a parade beginning in Overton Square with floats and performers making their way to the plaza at the Brooks Museum, where you can enjoy art-making activities, face painting, music, costumed performers, dance performances, and more.

Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, October 29

Hambone Festival

Presented by artist and musician Stan Street, this music festival features a stellar lineup, a jam night, street parties, and Cruisin’ the Crossroads Car & Truck Show.

Hambone Art Gallery & the Shack Up Inn, Clarksdale, MS, October 29-November 1

NOVEMBER

Fieldaze Memphis

Unlike other fields during autumn harvests, Fieldaze doesn’t have any crop circles (or fields for that matter), but it will have UFOs — Unadulterated Fun Outside — with fitness classes, music, food, entertainment, a half marathon, a bike race, a kayak race, and more.

Downtown Memphis, November 4-6

Memphis Tequila Festival

Da-DA-dada-DA-da-da-da … Tequila! Da-DA-dada-DA-da-da-da … Tastings! Da-DA-dada-DA-da-da-da … Music! Da-DA-dada-DA-da-da-da … Photobooth (and more)!

Overton Square, November 4

Fall Beale Street Artcrawl Festival

Call me a 6- to 12-month-old baby ’cause I’m gonna be crawling down Beale for this artcrawl that welcomes artists of all mediums and styles from Memphis, Nashville, and surrounding areas.

Beale Street, Downtown Memphis, November 5

Memphis Japan Festival

Celebrate the history, culture, and people of Japan at this festival featuring food, entertainment, games, crafts, vendors, exhibitors, and more.

Memphis Botanic Garden, November 6

Memphis Crafts & Drafts Festival (Photo: Courtesy Memphis Crafts & Drafts Festival)

Memphis Crafts & Drafts Festival: Holiday Market

Draft your friends and family to the only sporting event that matters — holiday shopping. There are no fantasy leagues, only the real deal, and if you can get it done before Thanksgiving, the glory is legendary. So get a head start and do it all in one stop at the Memphis Crafts & Drafts Festival where local vendors will show off their goods, and local craft beers will make the experience all the more enjoyable.

Crosstown Concourse, November 12-13

DECEMBER

Holiday Spirits: A Christmas Cocktail Festival

This holly, jolly cocktail festival is sure to get you in the Christmas spirit, with its festive … er … spirits, plus the big man in red himself.

The Kent, December 9

Categories
Cover Feature News

The Return of Fairs & Festivals

Photo: Blake Billings | Dreamstime.com

If the upcoming festival season was a road sign, it would read “Road Work Ahead.” After the year we’ve all endured, reconstruction of public events is underway. Some annual fairs and festivals are putting the brakes on events until 2022. Others are proceeding with caution by announcing a TBA festival date. Still, others that were to be inaugural 2020 events are pulling out of the parking lot in 2021.

This list of those that gave the green light should help with planning. Buckle up, you’re now in the fairs and festivals carpool lane. Full speed ahead!

If you like that new car smell, you won’t want to miss a couple of breakout festivals this year. The Mighty Roots Music Festival in unincorporated Stovall, Mississippi, near Clarksdale, is one of them. Though the festival is just sprouting, the roots are deep, according to festival producer Howard Stovall.

And not just the roots of the Delta region’s music, but the roots in the soil, too. That’s one of the unique features of this festival: It’s agri-centric. In fact, the festival is taking place at a long-defunct cotton gin.

“We’ve spent a year and a half converting an old cotton gin on 18 acres of land for this festival,” says Stovall. “There hasn’t been power in that gin for 40 years.”

Stovall has invited 150 young farmers from the Delta Council’s Future Delta group. They’ll meet near the main stage before the first act performs and stay for the entertainment.

It’s also the only festival that has a reading list. Check out the website, mightyrootsmusicfestival.com, and you’ll find not only a suggested reading list highlighting the music, art, and culture of the Delta, but also the history of the Stovall Cotton Gin, the Stovall Store, and former tenant Muddy Waters.

Waters lived on the property for nearly 30 years. The house, in which he lived with his grandmother, is where his music was first recorded in 1941 by Alan Lomax for the Library of Congress. Long after Waters moved, the house was restored and resides at the Delta Blues Museum to this day.

The festival is not just blues music; it’s roots music: reggae, bluegrass, country, and Americana, as well blues. In fact, when Stovall calls his production partner the “ambassador of music in Mississippi,” he’s not kidding. Co-producer Steve Azar was appointed by Governor Phil Bryant as Music and Culture Ambassador of Mississippi in 2017. Azar is a country-music singer and songwriter with a dozen albums under his belt. He also founded the Mighty Mississippi Music Festival in his hometown of Greenville in 2013.

According to Stovall, Azar’s festival had all the right components except for the location. It was just too far from Clarksdale, and way too far from Memphis. Once that fact sunk in, Stovall and Azar worked together to produce a similar concept for Mighty Roots. This time they think they’ve hit the right note with timing and location. It’s sure to be a hit. Check them out.

$30-$65. Friday-Saturday, October 1-2.
Stovall Gin Company, mightyrootsmusicfestival.com.

Another breakout fest that should be on your radar: the Carnival of Creativity.

Organizer and founder Yvonne Bobo refers to it as an “innovative art experience.” She promises “big and crazy” events from some of the most creative minds in Memphis. In addition, the carnival is a community builder. Off the Walls Arts has partnered with some familiar South Memphis neighbors — Girls Inc., Vance Youth Development Center, and Streets Ministries.

The artist incubator and exhibition space already hosts workshops from STEAM projects with Dunbar Elementary and Girls Inc. to continuing education and creativity classes for all ages. The carnival is just another way for the collaborating artists to showcase their talents. One of the most interesting features will be a parade of puppets — Second Line-style. Lucky 7 Brass Band will perform. There will be dancing, art exhibits, and classes. The carnival is a free, family-friendly event.

Saturday, October 2, noon-5 p.m.
Off the Walls Arts, offthewallsarts.org

While some festivals are just getting started, others are well into their journey. It’s time to set the cruise control and let those drive themselves.

Gonerfest is a fun festival if you like music on the edgy side. The music lineup describes every dude in the ’80s at the Antenna Club — Spits, Nots, Cool Jerks. Fans of punk, garage rock, the bizarre, and unconventional should find their way to this music festival that is old enough to join the armed forces but not old enough to drink.

30 bands in four days, streaming or in-person. $30, $100 for four-day festival pass. Thursday-Sunday, September 23-September 26.
Railgarten, goner-records.com

River Arts Fest (Photo: Mike Baber)

Did you know that River Arts Fest began under another name in 1984? At its inception, River Arts Fest was called Arts in the Park and held in Overton Park. I happened to be a vendor in one of the last years the festival operated under the old name. I even won an award for the best decorated booth. I also got a slap on the wrist from code enforcement because part of my winning decorations were hay bales. Something about how someone could drop a cigarette and catch the whole park on fire. Arts in the Park made its way to South Main with a new name in 2006.

A street celebration of the visual, performing, and culinary arts with attractions and activities for all ages. Saturday-Sunday, October 23-24.
Riverside Drive along the bluffs,
riverartsmemphis.org

The Pink Palace Crafts Fair is the largest fundraising event for the Museum of Science & History and one of the largest volunteer-run events in Memphis. Funds from the fair support museum exhibits, planetarium shows, Mallory-Neely tours, and the Lichterman Nature Center. The crafts fair started nearly 50 years ago in 1973. It’s grown from about 30 craftsmen to more than 200.

Shop for arts and crafts including woodwork, leatherwork, pottery, jewelry, paintings, sculpture, woven goods, and more. $10, $20 for weekend pass. Friday-Sunday, September 24-26, 10 a.m.
Audubon Park, memphismuseums.org

Mid-South Fair (Photo: Courtesy of Obsidian Public Relations)

A lot of fairs and festivals in Memphis have staying power, though most haven’t exceeded the 50-year mark. Two come to mind: the Memphis Greek Festival, in its 62nd year; and the longest-running celebration by a mile — the Mid-South Fair.

In its 165th year, it might not surprise you that the Mid-South Fair was created for business networking purposes. Long before the internet or even phones, farmers and merchants struggled to find ways to communicate and meet one another. The first fair in 1856 was held so that the best in agricultural produce and the latest in machinery and inventions could be showcased to the public.

Shortly after the success of the first fair, fun and games were added for more appeal. The event weathered the Civil War, the yellow fever epidemic, the Depression, and two world wars. At the Centennial Fair celebration in 1956, Elvis made a surprise appearance. A time capsule was buried, to be opened in 2056.

Featuring a petting zoo, fair food, rides, attractions, contests, and more. $10. September 23-October 3.
Landers Center, midsouthfair.com

Though it’s been a rough road this past year for festivals, it’s in our rearview mirror. Let’s take the rest of the year to celebrate the things that matter most — art, culture, music, heritage, history, and each other.

AUGUST

Memphis Film Prize

A film festival and contest featuring 10 short films made by filmmakers in and around Memphis. Audience votes for the winner of the $5K cash prize. Friday-Saturday, August 6-7. $30.

Malco Studio on the Square, memphisfilmprize.com

Elvis Week 2021

A lineup of events to celebrate the music, movies, and legacy of the King of Rock-and-Roll. August 11-17.

Graceland, graceland.com

Memphis Summer Cocktail Festival

Enjoy summer-inspired cocktails from more than 30 of your favorite spirits, local food, an epic dance party, and more. $39. Friday, August 13, 6-9 p.m.

Overton Square, memphisfestivals.com

Sunflower River Blues & Gospel Festival

A celebration of blues and gospel music in the Delta. Headliner James “Super Chikan” Johnson opens the festival. VIP tickets include food and beverages. Free. Friday-Sunday, August 13-15.

Clarksdale, Mississippi, sunflowerfest.org

Live at the Garden (Photo: Mike Baber)

Live at the Garden

• Brad Paisley, Friday, August 13, 7:30 p.m.

• REO Speedwagon, Friday, August 27, 8 p.m.

• Sheryl Crow, Friday, September 17, 8 p.m.

• Earth, Wind & Fire, Thursday, October 21, 7:30 p.m.

Summer music series featuring country, rock, pop, and soul-funk superstars. $55-$131.

Memphis Botanic Garden, radiansamp.com

Memphis Chicken & Beer Festival

Chicken, beer, yard games, live entertainment, and more. Benefiting Dorothy Day House. $40. Saturday, August 14, 6-10 p.m.

Liberty Bowl Stadium, memphischickenandbeer.com

Beale Street Artcrawl Festival

Family-friendly event featuring artists on Beale Street. Free. Saturday, August 21, 1-7 p.m.

Beale Street, dearmusicnonprofit.org

Memphis Fashion Week

Take a tour of Arrow Creative’s new Midtown space, join a class for fashionistas, meet designers and local makers, and watch a runway show. $50-$150. Wednesday-Saturday, August 25-28.

Arrow Creative, arrowcreative.org/memphisfashionweek

World Championship Hot Wing Contest & Festival

Sample wings from more than 70 competition teams vying for the hot wing world championship title. Benefiting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Memphis. $15. Saturday, August 28, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Liberty Bowl Stadium, worldwingfest.com

SEPTEMBER

901 Day: Exposure

City-wide celebration featuring live entertainment, giveaways, local bites, and several organizations representing the Memphis landscape of social, civic, recreational, and entertainment offerings. Wednesday, September 1, 5-6:30 p.m.

FedExForum, newmemphis.org

Delta Fair & Music Festival

Features carnival rides, fair food, live music, attractions, vendors, livestock shows, cooking contests, and more. $10. Friday, September 3-12.

Agricenter International, deltafest.com

River City Jazz & Music Festival

Features Damien Escobar, Karyn White, Con Funk Shun, Kenny Lattimore, and Julian Vaughn. $60. Sunday, September 5, 6:30 p.m.

Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, thecannoncenter.com

Memphis Chevy Show (Photo: Mike Baber)

Memphis Chevy Show

The largest car show in the Mid-South region and a thrilling Pro Show featuring Larry Dixon’s Top Fuel Experience, fire-breathing Jet Funny Cars, and Open Outlaw Racing. $20. Friday-Saturday, September 10-11, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Memphis International Raceway, racemir.com

Memphis Rox Yoga Festival

Features a variety of local and regional studios and vendors, lectures, workshops, film screenings, yoga classes, live music, food trucks, and kids activities. $35-$55. Saturday, September 11, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Memphis Botanic Garden, memphisroxyogafestival.com

Rendezoo

This ’80s-themed event features live entertainment and fare from Mid-South restaurants, bars, and eateries. $250. Saturday, September 11, 7 p.m.

Memphis Zoo, memphiszoo.org

Memphis Tequila Festival

Features more than 30 types of tequila, local DJs, face painting, a costume photo booth, and more. $39. Friday, September 17, 6-9 p.m.

Overton Square, memphisfestivals.com

Cooper-Young Festival

A celebration of the arts, people, culture, and Memphis heritage. Free. Saturday, September 18, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Cooper-Young Historic District, cooperyoungfestival.com

Memphis Bacon & Bourbon Festival

Featuring bacon-inspired dishes from Memphis restaurants, plus an array of distilled spirits. $39. Friday, September 24, 6-9 p.m.

Metal Museum, memphisbaconandbourbon.com

Latin Fest

Kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month with a family-oriented festival featuring live Latin music, Latin food and drinks, crafts for kids, and vendors. Free. Saturday, September 25, noon-6 p.m.

Overton Square, cazateatro.org

Soulful Food Truck Festival

Featuring more than 100 vendors, 35 food trucks, game zone, and music by J. Buck, Keia Johnson, Courtney Little, DJ Zoom, and DJ Alpha Whiskey. $5. Sunday, September 26, noon-6 p.m.

Tiger Lane, cdcoevents.com

OCTOBER

Mempho Music Festival

Three days of performances, Pronto Pups, art pop-ups, and tunes. $80, $185 for three-day pass. Friday-Sunday, October 1-3.

Memphis Botanic Garden, memphofest.com

King Biscuit Blues Festival

Featuring blues legends and up-and-coming acts to preserve and promote the music of the Delta. $45, $85 for three-day pass. Thursday-Saturday, October 6-9.

Downtown Helena, Arkansas, kingbiscuitfestival.com

Memphis Greek Festival

Features Greek food, entertainment, dancing, fun, and games. $3. Friday-Saturday, October 8-9.

Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, memphisgreekfestival.com

Cooper-Young Beerfest

Featuring the 2021 Beerfest mug, unlimited samples of beer, and local food trucks. Saturday, October 9, 1-5 p.m.

Midtown Autowerks Inc., cybeerfest.org

Harvest Festival (Photo: Courtesy of Agricenter)

Harvest Festival

Pumpkin-painting, kid’s activities, arts and crafts, hayrides, and educational stations. Saturday, October 9, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Agricenter International, agricenter.org

The Tambourine Bash

Featuring 30+ musicians performing for the benefit of Music Export Memphis. Funds go directly to the artists. $25. Thursday, October 14, 7 p.m.

Levitt Shell, musicexportmemphis.org

Mississippi Delta Tennessee Williams Festival

Highlights stories of the people, music, and history along the Mississippi River through discussion, performances, and presentations. Thursday-Saturday, October 14-16.

Various locations and online from Clarksdale, Mississippi, deltawilliamsfestival.com

Brewfest and Brunchfest

Local food trucks, live music, games, vendors, and unlimited beer samples from 40+ breweries from around the world. $45. Saturday-Sunday, October 16-17.

Liberty Bowl Stadium, facebook.com/memphisbrewfest

Indie Memphis Film Festival

Brings a range of independent features, documentaries, and short films to Memphis from all corners of the world. Wednesday, October 20-25.

Playhouse on the Square, indiememphis.org

Mushroom Festival

Camping festival dedicated to mushrooms. Features classes and demonstrations, live music, tastings, wild food forays and dinners, identification tents, guided hikes, and more. Thursday-Sunday, October 21-24.

Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, memphismushroomfest.com

Dia de los Muertos Parade and Festival

Enjoy a reverse parade where families are invited to honor ancestors and celebrate the cycle of life and death. Free. Saturday, October 23, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Memphis Brooks Museum, cazateatro.org

Vegan BBQ Cook-off & Festival

This Halloween edition will feature a cooking contest, food samples, fitness information, and costume contest, plus candy for the kids. Free-$20. Saturday, October 30, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Tiger Lane, missfitnessdiva.com

Crafts & Drafts Holiday Market

Showcases independent local artists, makers, and crafters. Enjoy shopping, family activities, and local brews. Thursday, November 11, 10 a.m.

Crosstown Concourse, memphiscraftsanddrafts.com

Whiskey Warmer

Features 40 labels of whiskey, bourbon, and Scotch, plus local food trucks, a cigar lounge, and bluegrass music. Benefiting Volunteer Memphis. $39. Friday, November 12, 6-9 p.m.

Overton Square, whiskeywarmer.com

Craft Food & Wine Festival

Celebrate culinary magic, benefiting Church Health. $65. Sunday, November 21, 3 p.m.

The Columns, craftfoodandwinefest.com

DECEMBER

Memphis Israel Festival

Enjoy all things Israel, including food, culture, market goods, and activities. Sunday, December 5.

Agricenter International, memphisfoi.org

Holiday Spirits Cocktail Festival

Sip cocktails, listen to music, and wave to the big man in red himself. Each ticket includes 12 sample-sized yuletide cocktails. Food and full-sized drinks will be available for purchase. $39. Friday, December 10, 6-9 p.m.

Cadre Building, memphisfestivals.com

Categories
News News Blog

Mid-South Fair Announces Postponement

CREDIT: Mid-South Fair/Facebook

Mid-South Fair/Facebook

The Mid-South Fair, originally scheduled for September 24-October 4, today announced the event will be postponed until late October.

In a press release, Todd Mastry, executive director of the Mid-South Fair, stated:

“It is and always will be our goal to provide a safe and healthy environment for all employees and guests of the Mid-South Fair, which is why we felt this postponement was necessary. We’re communicating regularly with government officials and our midway provider to stay abreast of developments that will shape the safety precautions we’ll have in place at the Fair.”

The 161st Mid-South Fair is now scheduled for October 23-November 1 at Landers Center in Southaven, Mississippi.

Categories
Music Music Blog

September Brings Cool Outdoor Music Galore

CREDIT: Michael Donahue

On good nights, the cool air of autumn is already whistling in. And other tones are floating in the air as well, with the fall outdoor concert season, already underway, really hitting its stride this weekend. Not only do we still have the Delta Fair & Music Festival, this weekend will see the launch of the fall season’s River Series at the Harbor Town Amphitheater and the Levitt Shell Orion Free Music Concert Series.

Of course, it all pales before tonight and tomorrow’s International Goat Days in Millington. There will be a classic “battle of the bands” and other live music, along with other family fair fun…plus goats! Meanwhile, if you really want to see dancing in the streets, check out the Orange Mound Parade, this Saturday morning at 8:00, where marching bands give it their all  from Melrose High School to the Lamar-Airways Shopping Center. It’s the grandest preamble that the Southern Heritage Classic could hope for. 

Memphis Pride Fest

Other fairs and parades ensue through the month, culminating in the 15th Annual Memphis Pride Fest, sure to bring a host of bands out to Tom Lee Park. For even more music with that street carnival flair, check out the diverse lineup of the Mid South Fair, September 20-30, now held at Landers Center in Southaven.

Los Kumbia Brothers

This year’s fair boasts a special celebration of Latino music, presented by Radio Ambiente, with six bands playing from noon til 10:00. And let’s not forget Memphis legends 8 Ball and MJG. That show, like most others, comes free with your fair admission.  

Meta and the Cornerstones

Meanwhile, back to the present, the weekend is exploding with sit-down outdoor shows. Not long ago, we gave you a rundown of the full fall lineup at the queen of outdoor venues, the Levitt Shell. If you missed last night’s Devon Gilfillian, there’s still time to plan on this weekend’s especially international sounds, with Havana’s Orquesta Akokán tonight and the Afro-pop/reggae/soul blend of Meta and the Cornerstones tomorrow. Reba Russell closes down the weekend on Sunday.

Earlier that day, there’s even more music, including a special pop-up sunset jazz event at Court Square with the Bill Hurd Jazz Ensemble. Meanwhile, the River Series at the Harbor Town Amphitheater, aside from being smartly curated, also boasts one of the most beautiful vistas of any outdoor music experience. Perched on the steps of an amphitheater in the style of Ancient Greece, you gaze on shores of the city and the hyper-reality of our gigantic metallic pyramid.

Harlan T. Bobo

Both of the artists jump-starting the River Series season on Sunday, Harlan T. Bobo and Paul Taylor, evoke the city very specifically in their music. Bobo, who recently captivated an audience at the Memphis Music Mansion, might even sing his instant classic, “Must Be in Memphis,” as the city floats out in the night; and Taylor may treat audiences to his new, and very groovy, Old Forest Loop music. The River series then continues with Cameron Bethany & Kid Maestro on September 23, and Teardrop City and the Limes on October 14.

Elsewhere around the city, the Live at the Garden series continues tonight, with the big, rich tones of Big & Rich echoing through the sublime environs of the Memphis Botanic Garden. Although that show will mark the end of the summer series, look for CMT Music Award winners Dan + Shay with special guest Michael Ray at the end of the month.

Of course, Midtowners are already readying for next weekend’s Cooper-Young Festival, and the event’s three stages will feature some choice performers. Highlights on the main stage include FreeWorld with the legendary Dr. Herman Green, followed by Fuzzie Jefferies. The other stages are great ways to check out the many and diverse sounds coming out of Memphis these days, from Laramie to the Switchblade Kid to the current
kings of Memphis hardcore, Negro Terror.
Michael Donahue

Negro Terror at Our Scene United

And finally, we can’t forget Gonerfest 15. While much of the music will happen in clubs around town, the festival does offer some choice opportunities for open air listening. Indeed, it’s bookended with performances at the Cooper-Young Gazebo, with D.M. Bob on Thursday, Sept. 27, and R.L. Boyce on Sunday, September 30. And, as usual, both the Murphy’s Bar interior and patio will be hopping with far out sounds all afternoon on September 29, culminating with a show by Robyn Hitchcock.
Laura E. Partain

Robyn Hitchcock

Fast on the heels of Gonerfest, of course, we’ll wake up and it’ll be October. Check the Flyer that week for a special report on the Mempho Music Festival, which will play host to the likes of Beck, Post Malone, Phoenix, Nas, and Janelle Monáe. But heck, that’s a whole month away. For now, dust off your camping chairs, pack your coolers, break out the bug spray, and get ready. The nights grow cool and the musical creatures are coming out to play.
 

Categories
Special Sections

Ella Carver — 73-Year-Old Fire Diver!

Ella Carver in 1961

  • Ella Carver in 1961

Memphis has always attracted our share of unusual entertainers. Some of them are born here, and some come from other places. But few have such a distinctive specialty as Ella Carver, the “World-Famous Fire Diver,” who performed here several times in the early 1960s, at Lakeland and the Mid-South Fair.

Judging from old newspaper articles that I discovered, Ella clambered to the top of a 90-foot platform wearing a special bathing suit. She somehow set herself ON FIRE, then leaped from the tower and splashed into a shallow pool below, which was also ON FIRE.

Ella, who called Miami home when she wasn’t on the road, traveled the country in an old truck (shown below) with brightly painted signs on the side that proclaimed that she was “the only high swan diver in the world ‘on fire into fire.'” Another sign said that her diving act is “the one that never fails the public.”

And what makes this even more amazing? Ella was doing this act when she was 73 years old!