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 19-21, 2024
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 2024
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 2024, the honored country is France. Plan your visit.
Memphis Italian Festival
May 30-June 1, 2024
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 2024
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 celebrations around town.
Memphis Greek Festival
Sept. 20-21, 2024
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.
Latin Fest
September 2024
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 2024
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.
