In a city that offers an abundance of soul and appreciation for authenticity, it's no surprise that we host some of the world’s finest cultural festivals. Celebrate history and heritage at some of our most popular festivals.
In a city that offers an abundance of soul and appreciation for authenticity, it's no surprise that we host some of the world’s finest cultural festivals. Celebrate history and heritage at some of our most popular festivals.
AFRICA IN APRIL
April 2026
For over 30 years, thousands of people have gathered in Robert Church Park just off Beale Street in Downtown Memphis to celebrate African culture. With a marketplace filled with African attire, foods, skincare and other wares, plus arts and crafts, concessions, kids' activities and live music, the event is lively for all ages. Each year, an African country is selected to be highlighted throughout the event; that was the Republic of South Africa in 2025.
Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival
April 19, 2026
Join a sea of thousands in Downtown Memphis for a celebration of Cajun culture at the 33rd annual Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival. The fest is packed with live zydeco music, kids' games, vendors and contests, like crawfish eating, crawfish racing and crawfish bobbing. Get Swamp VIP for all-you-can-eat crawfish.
Memphis In May International Festival
May 2026
Starting in the early 1970s, the city created the Memphis In May International Festival as an umbrella for signature events, including the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. In 1977, the festival presented its first salute to Japan and has since honored a different country each year with educational events, a tribute at the annual World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest (WCBCC), cultural exhibits and performances throughout the month. Teams from around the world will compete during WCBCC. In 2026, the honored country is Ireland. Plan your visit.
Memphis Greek Festival
May 8–9, 2026
Over 15,000 people come together for the annual festival that began as a small pastry sale. Attendees are encouraged to “be Greek for the day” as you immerse yourself in Greek culture, experience Greek food and desserts and help celebrate the heritage, culture and love of the Greek people.
Memphis Italian Festival
May 28–30, 2026
For over 25 years, families have met at Marquette Park in East Memphis for a fun celebration of Italian-American heritage. Delicious food, live music, games for kids, a spaghetti "gravy" cooking competition, bocce tournament, grape stomping and more offer “a little taste of Italy, right here in Memphis.”
Memphis is the home of the blues, soul and rock 'n' roll, so you know we've got all kinds of music festivals throughout the year. Plan your trip around an upcoming fest to see your favorite bands and performers on stage.
Memphis Pride Fest
June 4–7, 2026
"The Most Colorful Weekend of the Year" is back this June in honor of Pride Month. Join the city and region's LGBTQIA+ community for a four-day celebration, including live music, drag performances, a parade, dance parties, local food, vendors and more.
JUNETEENTH
June 2026
Memphis tells critical chapters of the U.S. Civil Rights story, which makes the city a vibrant place to celebrate Juneteenth. The Memphis Juneteenth Festival is a free two-day cultural celebration in Medical District Park, featuring live music, performances, speeches, local food trucks and vendors. Stay tuned for updates from organizers on celebrations around town.
Asian Night Market
July 2026
Celebrate diverse Asian cuisine and culture at the 4th annual Asian Night Market this summer. With more than 80 food vendors, cultural performances and family entertainment, you won't want to miss this street food fest at Agricenter International.
Southern Heritage Classic
September 11–12, 2026
Don't miss Memphis' annual HBCU tradition, the Southern Heritage Classic. Fans of Alcorn State University and University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff flock to the Bluff City for a weekend filled with a golf classic, a parade, a fashion show, a battle of the bands, tailgating and the big football game at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.
Latin Fest 901
September 2026
Head to Overton Square for Latin music, food and drinks, plus crafts and other stations that invite interactive fun. This day-long celebration of Latin culture in Memphis makes a nice prelude to the Dia De Los Muertos activities in October (which also kick off in Overton Square) . . . more on that below.
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS
October 2026
Gather in Overton Park to watch the procession of floats decorated with colorful skulls, skeletons and paper flowers celebrating the deceased in the Mexican tradition. The parade starts in Overton Square and ends at the nearby Brooks Museum, where free art-making activities and demonstrations introduce you to the holiday's traditions, from dance to creating colorful altars commemorating the dead.
RiverArtsFest
October 17–18, 2026
Head down to the Mississippi Riverfront at Riverside Dr. for a weekend of arts, culture and live music at the annual RiverArtsFest. The city welcomes more than 150 artists from around the country for an artists market, hands-on activities and demonstrations. Guests will find a variety of disciplines, from paintings and sculptures to wood carvings and metal works.
Visit Memphis during one of our favorite local food festivals. Some of Memphis' best restaurants, chefs, mixologists, brewers and distillers come together to put on these foodie feasts, so be sure to bring your appetite!
