In a city that offers an abundance of soul and appreciation for authenticity, there’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, there’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 19-23, 2023
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's Rwanda for 2023.
Memphis In May International Festival
May 2023
Starting in the early 1970s, the city created the Memphis In May International Festival as an umbrella for signature events including Beale Street Music Festival (BSMF) and 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. In 2023, the honored country is Malaysia, teams from around the world will compete during WCBCC and an epic line-up is scheduled for BSMF. Plan your visit.
Memphis Greek Festival
May 12-13, 2023
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
June 1-3, 2023
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 cooking competition, bocce tournament, grape stomping and more offer “a little taste of Italy, right here in Memphis.”
JUNETEENTH
June 2023
Memphis tells critical chapters of the U.S. civil rights story, which makes the city a vibrant place to celebrate Juneteenth. Stay tuned for updates from organizers on this event that takes place in Health Sciences Park.
Latin Fest
September 23, 2023
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.
SOULSVILLE USA FESTIVAL
October 2023
Memphis' Soulsville neighborhood is ground zero for music heritage. This festival unfolds around the heart of the neighborhood, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, with entertainment and activities for the whole family.
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS
October 2023
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.
