Memphis in Tennessee, USA, is one of those cities that enjoy near-mythical cult status. And it’s easy to see why that is when it was home to the likes of B.B. King, Johnny Cash, and Elvis Presley. Indeed, this the home of legendary performers of rock and soul music. So it comes as no surprise that this city has an almost limitless supply of festivals throughout the year to keep art, music, and even food lovers engaged and entertained. Beale Street Music Festival attracts headline acts from around the country, RiverArts Fest allows urban artists and art lovers to congregate in the same space, and Southern Hot Wings Food Festival is where competitors prepare some of the most delicious chicken wings. Check out our awesome list of popular festivals in Memphis, Tennessee, and plan your trip accordingly!
1. Silky O’Sullivan’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Posted by Carnival Memphis on Thursday, 14 March 2019
One of the biggest and most popular events in Memphis is none other than St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Beale Street. Young and old individuals from diverse backgrounds congregate on the streets to commemorate the patron saint of Ireland. Thus, everyone dresses in green and watches the exciting parade featuring bands, cars, dancers, floats, and performers, to name a few. All attendees must remain behind the erected barricades for their safety and enjoyment.
Silky O’Sullivan’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Address: Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103, United States
Website: Silky O’Sullivan’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Takes place: March
2. Memphis Fashion Week
Memphis Fashion Week 2019 Runway Night 2 — www.fomoloop.com
Posted by Arrow Creative on Wednesday, 8 May 2019
Notable fashion shows don’t occur only in Milan, Pairs, and New York. They also happen in Memphis, Tennessee. If you enjoy following the latest fashion trends, then you’re going to love Memphis Fashion Week. Here, the organizers showcase the very best local designers and runway models to wow attendees. Also, various stalls sell accessories, such as bags, jewelry, and unique items that are only available at this event. You’ll have an opportunity to meet other fashionistas, chat with designers, and admire the runway models.
Memphis Fashion Week
Address: Arrow Creative, 2535 Broad Ave, Memphis, TN 38112, United States
Website: Memphis Fashion Week
Takes place: Usually held in April
3. Beale Street Music Festival
If you’re heading to Memphis during May, then you shouldn’t miss Beale Street Music Festival. This three-day event offers visitors the opportunity to watch over 60 leading artists perform live. A few of these artists include Cardi B, Chvrches, Dave Matthews Band, G-Eazy, Ludacris, Shinedown, The Flaming Lips, Trippie Redd, and Wheezer. For the 2020 event, you can expect a few neat surprises such as Great American River Run, International Salute to Ghana, and World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest.
Beale Street Music Festival
Address: Tom Lee Park, 357 Riverside Dr, Memphis, TN 38103, United States
Website: Beale Street Music Festival
Takes place: Usually held in May
Price: 125 - 799 USD
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4. Delta Fair and Music Festival
It’s still a liiiiittle warm outside, but we’re makin’ it work! Come on down and close out your Labor Day Weekend with...
Posted by Delta Fair & Music Festival on Monday, 2 September 2019
It seems like there’s no end to attractions and festivals in Memphis, and that’s a good thing! So if you can’t get enough of all these amazing festivals, then head over to this vibrant city in September for Delta Fair and Musical Festival. Bring the whole family along to experience the amazing carnival rides, dancing events, demolition derby, wrestling matches, and live music performances, to name a few. Furthermore, there are art competitions, beauty pageants, and even livestock competitions so that nobody gets bored.
Delta Fair and Music Festival
Address: 7777 Walnut Grove Rd, Memphis, TN 38120, United States
Website: Delta Fair and Music Festival
Takes place: September
Price: 5 - 64 USD
5. Gonerfest
If you’re a music aficionado, you may have heard of Goner Records—a label and record store based in Memphis, Tennessee. The company has released records from notable artists such as Angry Angles, Aquarian Blood, Bloodshot Bill, Cobra Man, Giorgio Murderer, Golden Pelicans, NOTS, Sector Zero, Sick Thoughts, and The Limes. So if you like your music cool and edgy, then you should check out Gonerfest, which is organized by Goner Records, to watch some of these artists perform live.
Gonerfest
Address: Cooper-Young Gazebo, 2120 Young Ave, Memphis, TN 38104, United States
Website: Gonerfest
Takes place: September
Price: 10 - 25 USD
6. RiverArts Fest
Posted by RiverArtsFest on Saturday, 26 October 2013
Creative people love expressing themselves, and there’s hardly a better place for that than Memphis. The city’s picturesque riverside is where artists and live performers congregate every October for RiverArts Fest. Furthermore, urban artists are allowed to showcase their works, and art collectors can admire and purchase these artworks. But that’s not all. Funds raised at this event go toward uplifting the local community through art scholarships and individual investments. Indeed, the festival is worth attending for this noble cause alone.
RiverArts Fest
Address: Between Jefferson & Beale Sts, Memphis, TN 38103, United States
Website: RiverArts Fest
Takes place: October
7. Indie Memphis Film Festival
We all love a good movie, especially if it’s the kind that pushes boundaries. That’s what art and indie films excel at, and that’s why Indie Memphis Film Festival is worth attending. Here, independent filmmakers showcase their works, which engage and excite film buffs. Many of these films are from up-and-coming creators who put a lot of heart and soul into their craft. Thus, the festival organizers have wisely initiated artist development and workshop programs to help these budding moviemakers reach for the skies.
Indie Memphis Film Festival
Address: Crosstown Arts, 1350 Concourse Ave #280, Memphis, TN 38104, United States
Website: Indie Memphis Film Festival
Takes place: Usually held in November
Price: 10 - 250 USD
8. MEMPHO Music Festival
: Aaron Bradley Photo
Posted by Mempho Music Festival on Tuesday, 5 November 2019
MEMPHO Music Festival offers attendees a unique experience since it’s held at Shelby Farms Park. Due to the expansive and open nature of the venue, everyone has an opportunity to roam around and enjoy a bit of outdoor lounging. But for most visitors, they’re here for the headline acts such as Brandi Carlile, Amy Lavere, DJ Graflin, Seth Moody, The Revivalists, Graham Winchester, and Wu-Tang Clan, to name a few. The festival lasts for two days, and since it falls on the weekend, you can stay till late to watch the very last act.
MEMPHO Music Festival
Address: Shelby Farms Park, 6903 Great View Drive N, Memphis, TN 38120, United States
Website: MEMPHO Music Festival
Takes place: October
Price: 109 USD
9. Southern Hot Wings Food Festival
If you’re a foodie, then you need to check out Southern Hot Wings Food Festival. Here, you’ll have an opportunity to watch several competitors prepare mighty delicious chicken wings. You’ll likely want to purchase several of these crispy delicacies from the stalls to bring home to friends and family. But this festival isn’t just about delicious food, as there will be live performances and fundraising initiatives to keep things interesting.
Southern Hot Wings Food Festival
Address: Tiger Ln, Memphis, TN 38104, United States
Website: Southern Hot Wings Food Festival
Takes place: Usually held in April
Price: 15 USD
10. Craft Food and Wine Festival
And that’s a wrap! Thank you to everyone who joined us for a day filled with craft foods, booze and fun! Who had a...
Posted by Craft Food & Wine Festival on Monday, 24 June 2019
Do you enjoy good food and wine? If that’s the case, then head over to Craft Food and Wine Festival if you’re visiting Memphis during June. This awesome festival will expose you to a variety of artisanal bread, cheeses, and meats to ignite your taste buds. You’ll also sample a variety of beers, ciders, and wines that complement the food that you’ll be tasting. Experts from local restaurants will be available to explain the finer details of all these treats and drinks at the festival.
Craft Food and Wine Festival
Address: 750 Cherry Rd, Memphis, TN 38117, United States
Website: Craft Food and Wine Festival
Takes place: Usually held in June
A music lover’s wonderland
It’s no secret that Memphis boasts an enviable musical heritage and that there are few comparable cities around the world in this regard. That’s why it’s worth visiting Memphis to discover its contributions to blues, rock, and soul music—and for its many exciting music festivals. Also, look out for the art, cultural, and food festivals organized throughout the year.
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