Ultimate Memphis Fall Bucket List

1. Get Lost in the Mid-South Maze

September - October | Agricenter International
Kick off your fall adventures with a visit to the Mid-South Maze at Agricenter International! Wander through a massive corn maze, and if you’re feeling brave, try the haunted version at night. This is a Memphis fall tradition you won’t want to miss. This year's theme features a classic 80's arcade game.

Pro Tip: Wednesdays are family nights where you get a free hayride and bonfire with your admission.

2. Take a Stroll Through Elmwood Cemetery

Year-round | 824 S. Dudley Street
Get a dose of history and haunting beauty by visiting the historic Elmwood Cemetery. The cemetery is one of the oldest in the South and offers self-guided tours of its storied grounds, especially atmospheric during the fall season. Feeling extra spooky? Try one of their seasonal nighttime tours.

Best part: They host super fun fall events from a cemetery cinema movie night to the annual Soul of the City and more. Check out all the upcoming events. 

3. Visit Jones Orchard for Fall Fun

September - October | Millington, TN
Jones Orchard is a must-visit in the fall for its 10-acre maze and pumpkin patch. Visit the Jones Market & Cafe along Hwy 51 for fresh-picked options and there’s always a cute photo op with the pumpkins. The cafe serves fun treats like homemade ice cream. Unfortunately, the apple picking won’t be open this year. Jones Orchard said they lost too many apples from cold events.

Pro tip: For those looking for a fright, visit their Festival of Fear which features two haunted and scary attractions.

4. Hit the Pumpkin Patches

Fall Season | Various Locations
No fall is complete without a trip to the pumpkin patch! Whether you head to Jones Orchard, Cedar Hill Farm, or Priddy Farms, take the time to find the perfect pumpkin for carving. Be sure to snap some festive photos while you’re there. Here’s our full guide to area pumpkin patches.

Best part: Many local farms offer hayrides, corn mazes, and petting zoos.

5. Experience Zoo Boo at the Memphis Zoo

October | Memphis Zoo
Get ready for a month of spooky and family-friendly fun at Zoo Boo. This year, dinosaurs are taking over the Memphis Zoo with trick-or-treat stations, a monster creation studio, a Frankenstein blacklight disco, and more new Dinosaur themed areas like dino mini golf. Costumes are encouraged!

Must-do: Tickets are limited so you want to secure your time early.

6. Catch a Spooky Flick at Time Warp Drive-In

September - December | Malco Summer Drive-In
Nothing says fall like a night at the Time Warp Drive-In. On select weekends, Malco Summer Drive-In showcases classic horror and cult favorites for the ultimate spooky movie marathon. Load up your car with snacks, pile in with friends, and enjoy a nostalgic movie night with a creepy twist. The rest of the 2024 season features spooky good films.

Best feature: You get to watch multiple films back-to-back, so it’s a full night of entertainment.

7. Survive a Haunted House

September - October | Various Locations
Looking for a serious adrenaline rush? Memphis has no shortage of haunted houses, and they’re the perfect way to get your scare fix this fall. Check out Wicked Ways, Shadowlands of Fear, HauntedWeb of Horrors, and more in our haunted house guide for some spine-chilling experiences.

If you're up for a challenge: Many haunted attractions are offering haunted escape rooms too.

8. Enjoy a Fall Fest

September - November | Various Locations
Fall is festival season, the best season, in Memphis! There are so many things happening like RiverArtsFest, Mempho Music Festival, and Pink Palace Crafts Fair. There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy live music, local food, and art this autumn.

Pro tip: Check out our Huge List of 2024 Memphis Events, Festivals, and Shows for all the festival happenings. 

9. Celebrate Oktoberfest

September - October | Various Locations
Raise a stein and embrace the festive spirit of fall by attending an Oktoberfest celebration. Whether it’s at Soul & Spirit, Crosstown or Wiseacre Brewery, you can expect plenty of beer, brats, pretzels, and fun times. Many of the events feature live music, traditional German games, and beer stein-holding competitions. There are a ton of upcoming Oktoberfest celebrations.

Bonus: Fall is a great time for beer festivals like the Cooper Young Beerfest.

10. Explore Shelby Forest & Eat at the General Store

Fall Season | Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park
For a nature-filled day, head to Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park for some hiking and leaf-peeping. The cooler weather makes it the perfect time to explore the scenic trails. Afterward, stop by the Shelby Forest General Store for the burgers and corn nuggets–which are legendary.

Insider tip: Catch the foliage paddling at Poplar Tree Lake. Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park rents out canoes, kayaks, tandem kayaks, paddleboards, and pedal boats.

11. Tailgate at a Tigers Football Game

Fall Season | Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium
It wouldn’t be fall in Memphis without some Tigers football. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just there for the tailgating, you should make it a point to head to a game this season. Bring your team spirit, wear your blue, and don’t forget the BBQ. 

Tailgating tip: Don’t have a tailgate connection? Head to the Tiger Tailgate area on Tiger Lane where they have a large TV streaming games, food trucks, beer sales, seating, and more.

12. Visit the Pumpkin House

October | Dixon Gardens & Gallery
A visit to the Dixon Pumpkin House has become one of the most popular fall traditions. Set in the beautiful Dixon Gardens makes for fantastic photo opportunities. The Dixon Gardens & Gallery is free for visitors in 2024.

Insider tip: Be sure to explore the rest of the gardens and check out any fall exhibitions at the gallery while you're there.

13. Cozy Up by the Campfire at Loflin Yard

October - November | Downtown Memphis
For a cozy, laid-back evening, head to Loflin Yard for one of their campfire nights. Gather your friends, grab a cocktail, and relax by the fire pit under the stars. The rustic, outdoor vibe will get you in the fall spirit, especially paired with s’mores and hot drinks.

Pro tip: Go early for Loflin Yard’s great weekday happy hour from 4 p.m to 7 p.m.

14. Explore Victorian Village

Fall Season | Victorian Village, Memphis
Step back in time with a visit to Victorian Village, where you can explore the beautifully preserved 19th-century mansions that line Adams Avenue. The neighborhood is especially atmospheric in the fall, with its historic architecture and tree-lined streets creating the perfect autumn backdrop. Some homes, like the Woodruff-Fontaine House, offer twilight tours during the spooky season, adding an extra layer of intrigue to your visit.

Don’t miss: Tours are available for both Woodruff-Fontaine House and the Mallory-Neely House.

15. Take a Scenic Bike Ride

Fall Season | Greenline or Mississippi River
Memphis’ bike trails are beautiful in the fall. Hop on the Shelby Farms Greenline or ride along Big River Crossing for a scenic, leisurely bike ride without getting too sweaty.

Pro Tip: Don’t have a bike? You can rent one at Shelby Farms Park’s Hyde Lake Wheel House or rent an e-bike at one of the many Explore Bike Stations around the city.

16. Take a Ghost Tour in Memphis

October | Various Locations
Memphis is full of haunted history, and there’s no better time to explore it than in the fall. Whether you join the Historical Haunts Ghost Tour or the Backbeat Tours Haunted Memphis Walking Tour, you’ll hear spine-tingling stories of eerie encounters at some of the city’s most haunted locations. From historic homes to hidden alleyways, these tours offer a thrilling glimpse into Memphis’ ghostly past.

Spooky highlight: Some tours include stops at iconic places like the Orpheum Theatre and Earnestine & Hazel's, both known for their paranormal activity.