Looking for things to do in Memphis this spring? Here is a list of more than 40 Memphis events, festivals, and things to do with kids this spring and early summer.
These events are listed in chronological order. For event series (i.e., the Peabody Rooftop Parties, Redbirds season) I’ve used the start date to determine where this goes int eh list. Got something to add? Tweet at me @ilovememphis and I’ll give you a RT, or add to the blog’s calendar here.
I love that there’s something for everyone on this big list – families, music lovers, art aficionados, sports fans, outdoors enthusiasts, foodies. Plus, there are plenty of free and affordable things to do in Memphis we’ve included here.
Here’s your 2019 Memphis Spring Events Guide:
– Cooper Young Community Farmers Market, First Congo Parking Lot, every Saturday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., free entry, all ages/kid-friendly
Cooper Young Community Farmer’s Market meets every Saturday – even in the winter – with local produce, food, handmade goods, coffee, baked goods, and more. Winter hours are from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
– MusliMeMFest, Agricenter International, March 30, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., free, all ages/kid-friendly
This annual one-day festival, hosted by Muslims in Memphis, features food, shopping, exhibits, entertainment, and children’s activities.
– Faux Fest / Fool Fest, Shangri-La Records, March 30, noon – 6 p.m., free to attend, all ages
Buy cheap 45s, CDS, and more, plus free live music starting at 2 p.m., including The Faux Killas who release their vinyl album Chiquita on this very day.
– Memphis Express v. Orlando Apollos, Liberty Bowl, March 30, kickoff at 1 p.m., $20, all ages, kid-friendly
Our very own Association of American Football team plays at home on Saturday, March 30 in an afternoon game. For this matchup, there’s an Express Challenge fitness competition at 10 a.m., pre-game paint party at noon, and a Celebration of Faith during the game.
– Condomonium, The Columns, March 30, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m., $55, 21 and up
Local designers create stunning fashion pieces made of condoms as a fundraiser for CHOICES. Check out the living art show, live music, food and cocktails.
– Memphis Redbirds 2019 Season, AutoZone Park, starts April 4, prices vary, all ages/kid-friendly
The World Championship Winning Redbirds start off the 2019 season on April 4 with a home series against Omaha. Regular season games continue through early September. Go here for the full season schedule.
– Memphis Comedy Festival 2019, Various Locations, April 4-7, $10+, 18 or 21+
Dulcé Sloan (The Daily Show With Trevor Noah, E! News Daily) headlines the annual Memphis Comedy Festival, a showcase of standup, improv, games, and more. It’s $60 for an all-access pass, $10 for standup showcases and other shows, and $45 for everything but the headliner.
– Broad Avenue Spring Artist Pop-Up, Broad Avenue, April 5, 5 p.m. – 8 p.m., free to attend, all ages/kid-friendly
A special First Friday on Broad for April means new spring merch and art at all the local shops and galleries on the street. Check out the new skatepark, Society Memphis, plus live jazz guitar at Maximo’s, and more.
– Food Truck Fridays, Dixon Galley & Gardens, April 5 – September 27, free, all ages/kid-friendly
Enjoy the spring spectacle of 125,000 bulbs all in bloom at the Dixon Galley & Gardens in late March, and don’t forget Tuesdays are PWYC and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon are free. On Fridays from April through September, there will be food trucks from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and the gardens are free during that time. See the food truck schedule here.
– Midtown Opera Festival 2019, Playhouse on the Square, April 6-14, $10 per event, all ages
Opera Memphis’ festival returns to Playhouse on the Square this year with a new featured opera, “The Falling And The Rising”, and whole slate of other events during this annual celebration of opera – pre-show dinners, Broadway brunch, aerialist performances, Cartoons & Cereal, and much more.
– Memphis Farmers Market Opening Day 2019, G.E. Patterson and S. Front St., April 6, 7 a.m. – 1 p.m., free to enter, all ages/kid-friendly
Memphis’ largest farmers market kicks off the season with Opening Day on Saturday, April 6 with food vendors, food trucks, and entertainment. The market happens every Saturday through October.
– River Series, Harbor Town Amphitheater, April 7, April 28, May 19, 3 p.m., $5, all ages/kid-friendly
This series of shows, curated by Goner Records, bringing Memphians together to see and celebrate live music in an intimate riverfront venue. Grownups can enjoy great music and beer in an environment where the little ones are welcome. Proceeds benefit The Maria Montessori School.
– Memphis 901 FC v. Atlanta United 2, AutoZone Park, April 10, 7 p.m., $10+, all ages/kid-friendly
Come one, come all to this highly anticipated soccer matchup downtown. Yes, it’s on a Wednesday, but it’s the ESPN USL Championship Game of the Week, so we need to have full stands and look good for the TVs. Plaza gates will open at 4:30 p.m. for the Plaza Party Happy Hour ($3 Bud Heavy and Bud Light).
– Memphis Fashion Week, Various Locations, April 11-13, prices vary, 18+
Memphis Fashion Week brings together local and regional designers, models, photographers, artists, and other fashion industry types for days of exciting runway shows, parties, and boutique events.
– Rooftop Parties at Peabody Hotel, April 11 through August, $15, 21 +
The season kicks off April 11 with Almost Famous. Dance to live music and enjoy drinks and snacks while partying on the roof of the Downtown hotel. The parties are Thursdays from April through August, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Read more here.
– Bookstock Memphis Author’sFestival, Memphis Central Library, April 13, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., free to enter
The annual local author’s festival celebrates the talent we have in the Mid-South and gives you a chance to meet Memphis writers and buy their books. There’s a keynote speech by Lisa Patton and plenty of activities for everyone. Food trucks!
– Southern Hot Wing Festival, Tiger Lane, April 13, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., $17 online / $25 at the gate, kids 12 and under free, all ages
Cooking teams compete for $5,000 in prize money for the best hot wings in Memphis, and most teams will give out samples for a $1 or $2 donation to Ronald McDonald House. Expect live music, a wing eating contest, a cornhole tourney, and more. Buy tickets online ahead of time and save $8. Vets and military get in free, as do kids 12 and under – there’s a Kids Zone, too. This year, you can get a combo ticket for $30 (!!) that gets you in to both the Hot Wing Fest, and the Memphis Express v. Atlanta Legends game at the Liberty Bowl at 7 p.m.
– Memphis Express v. Atlanta Legends, Liberty Bowl, April 13, 7 p.m., $20+, all ages/kid-friendly
For this extra special final Express home game of the season, you can get combo tickets that include admission to the Southern Hot Wing Festival (11 a.m. – 6 p.m.) and the game (kickoff at 7 p.m.). It’s also Pride Night at the Liberty Bowl.
– V&E Greenline Art Walk, V&E Greenline, April 13, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., free, all ages
Local artists and vendors will line the V&E Greenline in Midtown for the 8th annual V&E Art Walk. In addition to dozens of local artist booths, the festival will have food vendors, kids’ activities, live music and a silent auction. If you’ve never been there, the V&E Greenline is an unpaved trail that starts at Cleveland and North Parkway and runs to Rhodes College.
– Overton Square Crawfish Festival, Overton Square, April 13, noon – 6 p.m., free to attend, all ages
The annual Overton Square Crawfish Festival is so big that it takes over the whole square, shutting down Madison Ave. for an afternoon of eating, drinking, shopping and live music. Prices for crawfish and drinks vary.
– Lucero Family Block Party, Minglewood Hall, April 13, 2 p.m. – 10 p.m., $33+, kids 10 and under free, all ages
This is one serious Memphis throw-down. (It’s okay for kids early on, though.) Lucero, plus Will Hoge, Mighty Souls Brass Band, BlackBerry Smoke, and more, plus vendors like Wiseacre and Central BBQ.
– Beale Street Wine Race, Beale Street, April 14, 1 p.m., free, 21+
Cheer on your favorite Memphis restaurant workers as they compete in a decidely adult version of elementary school field day, complete with relay races (involving carrying wine over hurdles), a beauty pageant / dance off, and grape-stomping competition. It’s weird and wonderful. Leave the kids at home for this one.
– Africa in April, Robert Church Park, April 19 – 21, $5, all ages
Enjoy a fun cultural celebration in Robert Church Park during Africa in April. The park will be packed with vendors, food, cultural activities, a parade, live music, and workshops on diversity, entrepreneurship, and health and wellness. This year’s honored country is the Republic of Nigeria. Check out the full schedule here.
– Time-Warp Drive-In, Summer Drive-In, April 20, May 18, June 22, dusk to dawn, $10 per person, all ages (parental discretion strongly advised)
Black Lodge Video and Malco Theatres present the 6th annual Time Warp Drive In series. April’s movie night is John Hughes themed (Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, The Breakfast Club, Weird Science). May’s movie night is on May 18 and 90s Fantasy themed (Jumanji, Hook, and Small Soliders), and June 22 is weird animated movie night including Heavy Metal, A Scanner Darkly, and more. Do notbring your kids to that one, trust me.
– Hopped Festival, Memphis Made Brewing, April 20, 1– 10 p.m., free to enter, 21+ to drink
It’s time for the 5th annual celebration of hoppy, springy beers from Memphis Made. If it’s anything like past years, expect a free glass for first few customers, live music, food trucks, and more – and it’s all family and pup friendly.
– Kaleidoscope Food Festival, Wiseacre Brewing Co, April 21, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., free, all ages/kid-friendly
The 3rd annual Kaleidoscope Festival in Binghampton is a chance to sample food from the multicultural chefs from the neighborhood – including AROMA Kitchen’s East African cuisine, Ibti’s Soup and Catering Sudanese food, Indra’s South Asian Dumplings, and Inspire Community Cafe. Enjoy Wiseacre beer, of course, plus more vendors and dance and cultural performances. It’s free to attend (food + beer for sale) and kids and pets are welcome.
Dining Out For Life Week, Various Locations, April 22 – 28, Prices Vary, all ages
Support Friends for Life by dining out at different local restaurants, when 25 percent of proceeds will be donated to their mission of supporting those affected by AIDS/HIV. There are 15 restaurants (and counting) including Beauty Shop, Gray Canary, Dru’s Place, Hog and Hominy, Iris, and more. You mustcheck the schedule, though, it’s not every place very day. Fratelli’s Cafe inside the Botanic Gardens willdonate 75 percent of proceeds every day, all week!
– Botanical Bars, Memphis Botanic Garden, April 25, 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., $30 members/$40 non-members/21 and up
Stop and sip the rosé this summer, while you learn about your rose garden. Enjoy sparkling wine, a “Rosé-rita”, and more, plus speak with experts from the Memphis Rose Society. Botanical Bars continues with other themed nights (cocktails, beer) throughout the year; see the schedule here.
– Spirits & Soul Fest, South Main/Old Dominick, April 26 – 27, $100, 21 and up
Thirty distilleries from across Tennessee are heading to the South Main Historic Arts District in downtown Memphis for two days of rare spirits tastings, food, live music, and more. Friday night gets you liquor samples at Trolley Night and access to rare bottles for sale. Saturday is a Block Party at Old Dominick with cocktails, music, and food truck food for sale. Read more here.
– Roar and Pour, Memphis Zoo, April 26, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m., $125, 21+
This is an exclusive night of dining and drinking with Memphis’ best chefs and mixologists, plus live music. There’s a VIP option that includes hand-rolled Cuban cigars and select bourbons.
– Cooper Young Saturday Shop Hop, April 27, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., free to attend, all ages/kid-friendly
Local restaurants and shops in the neighborhood will offer discounts, giveaways, and refreshments all day in honor of Independent Bookstore Day.
– Overton Park Field Day, Overton Park, April 27, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., free, all ages/kid-friendly
Overton Park Conservancy invites you to a day of sun, fun, and games on the Greensward. This event is free to enter and includes field day games, beer, food trucks including MEMPopS, Let’s Be Frank, and Firecracker Grille Foodtruck, live music, Overton Park merch for sale, and a raffle with prizes from local businesses. Plus, guided nature walks every hour on the hour ($10, kids under 12 are free).
– Down To Earth Festival, Shelby Farms Park, April 27, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., $5 parking, all ages/kid-friendly
Celebrate Earth Day at one of the country’s largest urban parks on Saturday, April 27. They’ll have live music, kids’ activities, crafts, eco-friendly vendors, artisans, and more. Rain date is April 28.
– Arlington In April, Depot Square in Arlington, April 27, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., free, all ages/kid-friendly
Vendors from around the Mid-South will display and sell handmade crafts and boutique items. They’ll have lots of activities, great music, and entertainment.
– East Buntyn Art Walk, Midland Avenue, April 27, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., free, all ages
Head to Midland Ave between Prescott Street and Reese Street for the 9th annual East Buntyn Art Walk, where residents will turn their front yards into galleries for local and regional artists. Mingle with the neighbors at this kid, people, and pet-friendly event. (Rain date is April 28 from 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.)
– Mid-South Food Truck Festival, Liberty Bowl Stadium, April 27, 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. $8 adults/$3 gate, all ages/kid-friendly
The Food Truck Festival at Tiger Lane features dozens of regional trucks (each are serving one $5 item plus their regular menu) and DeAngelo Williams Foundation’s ‘Throw-in for a Cure’” Cornhole Tournament. Tickets are just to get in/parking. You have to buy your food and drink.
– Edge Motor Fest, 645 Marshall Avenue, April 27, noon – 6 p.m, free, all ages/kid-friendly
The new Edge Motor Museum opens on April 27 with a festival celebrating the neighborhood’s automotive history with tons of classic cars, live music, vendors, food trucks, and more.
– Taste the Rarity, Wiseacre Brewing, April 27, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., $65 + fees, 21 and up
Taste rare craft beers from breweries around the country and celebrate the release of the annual Unicornicopia 2019, with music from the Mighty Souls Brass Band, Griz Line, circus acts, food, games, commemorative taster glass and more. Expect this one to sell out, so get your tix asap. Rain or shine, no dogs.
– Grind City Flow Festival Showcase, Memphis Botanic Garden, April 27, 6 p.m. – midnight., $10 adv./ $15 gate, all ages
The Grind City Flow Festival Showcase is selection of performances with hula hoopers, acrobats, aerialists, jugglers, fire twirlers, dancing, and more, with food trucks, vendors, and live music for the whole family. After 10 p.m., the event becomes 18+. So take the kids home at 10 p.m. Earlier that day, Grind City Flow Fest will host workshops for 18+ in flow aerial, yoga, dance, and more. Thosetickets are 75 and that starts at 9 a.m.
– 27th Annual Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival, Wagner Place, April 28, 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., free, all ages
The Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival is the city’s largest, at least by amount of crawfish: during the single day festival, they’ll serve 15,000 pounds. There will also be live music, a gumbo cooking contest, and all manner of crawfish-related activities. Bring a lawn chair and set up camp along the trolley tracks while you eat. Proceeds from the festival benefit Porter-Leath.
– Twilight Thursdays, Memphis Botanic Garden, May – September, until sunset, $10 adults/$8 seniors, $5 kids, all ages/kid-friendly
Enjoy extended hours at the Gardens this summer, included with regular admission or free for members. Each week will have a different theme, i.e., plant spotlights or pet-friendly night, so stay tuned for that schedule.
– Memphis in May International Festival, Tom Lee Park/Other Locations, May 2019, various prices, all ages
A few things in Memphis are certain: summers are sticky, basketball is awesome, and the Memphis in May International Festival is the city’s biggest party. This year, it starts on May 3-5 with the Beale Street Music Festival (check out the band lineup here) and continues throughout the month, including the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest (May 15 – 18), Celebrate Memphis (May 25) and the Great American River Run (May 25). This year’s honored country is actually a city, our very own Memphis, Tennessee, in honor of our bicentennial.
– 40th Annual Blues Music Awards, Halloran Center, May 9, 5:30 p.m., $150+, 21 and up
This event brings together Blues performers, industry reps, and fans from all over the world to celebrate the best in Blues music.
– Memphis Brewfest, Liberty Bowl Stadium, May 11, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m., $48 gen. admission/$100 VIP, 21 and up
Try more than 40 local, regional, and national beers at the annual Memphis Brewfest on the field at the Liberty Bowl. They’ll have food trucks, vendors, specialty releases, and Belgian beers from Flying Saucer.
– Annual Memphis Greek Festival, Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, May 10-11, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. $2 (or canned food donation, all ages/kid-friendly
Vendors from around the Mid-South will display and sell handmade crafts and boutique items. They’ll have lots of activities, great music and entertainment. Take a trip to the “little Greek island on Highland” for dancing (don’t worry, there are lessons), a marketplace, tours of the church sanctuary, live music and yes, tons of food. If you can’t stay for dinner, you can always get food in the drive-thru.
– 4th Annual Cooper Young Garden Walk, May 18 – May 19, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. $15 before May 5, all ages
More than 50 totally unique gardens are on display at homes and businesses in Cooper Young for the fourth annual garden walk on Saturday and Sunday. There will be live gardening demos, educational booths, and garden experts on hand to help you start your own garden. Tickets go up to $20 after May 5. Ticket holders get discounts at select restaurants, too.
– Memphis Italian Festival, Marquette Park, May 30 – June 1, all day, $8-$10, all ages
Celebrate Memphis’ Italian community with food, games, a cooking contest and more at the Memphis Italian Festival. Similar to BBQ Fest, you have to have an inside connection or be a part of a cooking team in order to eat most of the food or be allowed in a tent. You can also play bocce ball and cornhole and hear live music.