Memphis in November 2026: 40+ Things to Do, From Fall Fests to Holiday Lights
November in Memphis is the best of both seasons.
November in Memphis is the best of both seasons.
The month opens with fall festivals like the Memphis Japan Festival and a Renaissance faire in Overton Park, Indie Memphis returns for its 28th year, and Downtown Dining Week serves up deals at nearly 40 restaurants. By the end of the month, the holidays have officially arrived: the Lantern Festival at the Memphis Zoo, Graceland's Holiday Lighting Weekend, Starry Nights, and Holiday Wonders at the Garden all light up the city. Here's everything worth planning around this November, in date order.
For even more events, just scroll through the blog's calendar. Have an event you'd like to promote? Submit it to our blog's calendar!
MemRen: Memphis Renaissance Faire
October 31–November 1, 2026 | Overton Park Greensward
Huzzah! As the veil thins on All Hallow's Eve, two rival queens hold court in Overton Park, and you have to pick a side. Join your queen's court for feats of strength, games of skill, and tricks of the mind, then wander among roaming characters, musicians, magicians, tarot readers, and dancers. There's an artisan market of handmade goods, specialty food and drink, and themed extras like tea with the fairies and supper with the queens.
Million Dollar Quartet at Theatre Memphis
Through November 7, 2026 (Nov. 1, 5, 6 & 7) | Lohrey Stage, Theatre Memphis
Seventy years ago this December, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins jammed together at Sun Studio for the first and only time. This Tony-nominated musical recreates that legendary night, packed with hits like "Great Balls of Fire" and "Folsom Prison Blues." Catch it in its final week before it closes Nov. 7.
Memphis Japan Festival
November 1, 2026 | 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m. | Memphis Botanic Garden
Spend a Sunday in Japan without leaving Memphis. The Garden fills with a full day of music, dance, and martial arts performances, a Cosplay & Lolita Fashion Show, sumo suit wrestling, and a Taste of Japan food area. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $7 for students and kids 2–12, and free for Garden members and kids under 2. Admission is cashless, and parking is free.
LOCOmotion Community Block Party
November 1, 2026 | 1–5 p.m. | Off the Walls Arts, 360 Walnut St. | Free
Celebrate the artist in everyone along the Off the Rails Art Line, a 1.5-mile former railroad corridor being turned into a walking trail between South Memphis and Downtown. Take a walking tour of the trail's brand-new community murals, catch live music from Marcella Simien & Her Lovers, let the kids loose at craft workshops, and check out an exhibition of work from this fall's art workshops. Dress for the weather and wear comfy shoes.
Indie Memphis Film Festival
November 5–8, 2026 (encore screenings Nov. 9–10) | Halloran Centre & Malco Powerhouse, South Main
Indie Memphis returns to the big screen for its 28th festival, taking over the South Main Arts District with festival-circuit favorites, comedies, documentaries, dramas, and "hometowner" films made right here. The lineup closes with The Man I Love from Memphis native Ira Sachs, with Sachs, actor Seth Green, and Memphis production designer Vivian Gray expected to attend. Single tickets are $15, Festival Passes are $140, and VIP Passes are $275. Missed something? Encore screenings run Nov. 9–10 at Malco Studio on the Square.
Cheer On the Grizzlies at FedExForum
Eight home games in November | FedExForum
Catch the Grizzlies at home against the Pelicans (Nov. 2), Pacers (Nov. 4), Thunder (Nov. 6, NBA Cup), Nuggets (Nov. 11), Nets (Nov. 14), Warriors (Nov. 19), and Clippers (Nov. 25, NBA Cup), all at 7 p.m. Then cap off Thanksgiving weekend with a 3 p.m. Sunday matchup against the Lakers on Nov. 29.
Memphis Tigers Games
Dates vary | Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, FedExForum & Elma Roane Fieldhouse
Men's basketball hosts VCU (Nov. 7, 2 p.m.), Louisville (Nov. 15, noon), and Evansville (Nov. 22, 1 p.m.) at FedExForum. The women's team plays five home games: LeMoyne-Owen (Nov. 2), Middle Tennessee (Nov. 6), Little Rock (Nov. 9), Alabama (Nov. 12), and South Alabama (Nov. 19). Football closes the regular season against Temple on Senior Day over Thanksgiving weekend in the newly renovated Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.
Celebrate 50 Years of the Dixon with Two Free Exhibitions
Through January 10, 2027 | Dixon Gallery & Gardens | Free
The Dixon caps its 50th anniversary with a pair of free exhibitions. An Investment in Pleasure: Fifty Years of the Dixon Gallery and Gardens Collection (through Jan. 10) traces how a small but choice group of European and American paintings from Margaret and Hugo Dixon grew into a collection of about 2,000 objects. Mallory/Wurtzburger: 80 Exhibitions, 18 Years (through Jan. 3) brings back recent paintings, photography, sculpture, textiles, and installations from Memphis-area artists featured in the galleries' series since 2008, a series that has given more than 100 local artists a museum-scale show.
Overton Square Fall Movie Nights
Thursdays, November 5 & 12, 2026 | 7 p.m. | Overton Square | Free
The free outdoor movie series wraps up its fall season with two feel-good picks: Last Holiday (Nov. 5) and The Grinch (Nov. 12) to get you in the holiday spirit. Bring a blanket and chairs; outside food and drinks aren't allowed, but Overton Square's restaurants are steps away.
Laugh It Up at The Pit Comedy Club's Thursday Showcase
Thursdays in November | Doors 7 p.m., show 8 p.m. | Flyway Brewing, Edge District
Pair a pint with a punchline at this weekly pop-up comedy club in the back of Flyway Brewing, featuring nationally touring and local comedians, some straight from national TV. Early-bird tickets are $10, and general admission is $17.
Memphis Home & Lifestyle Show
November 6–8, 2026 | Fri. noon–6 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. | Agricenter International Expo Center | Free
Planning a remodel, a refresh, or just looking for ideas? Meet local contractors, designers, and remodelers in one place, catch live product demos, and score show-only deals and giveaways all weekend.
Fire Pit Fridays at Tom Lee Park
November 6 & 20, 2026 (plus Dec. 4 & 18) | 4–6 p.m. | Visionary Grove, Tom Lee Park | Free
Cozy up by the fire on the riverfront with holiday music, festive treats, and free s'mores (while they last; bring your own and they'll supply the skewers). Nov. 6 is Cocoa & Crafts with hot chocolate and holiday coloring, and Nov. 20 brings a fireside Storytime with Santa and Cossitt Library, with Santa photos starting at 4:15 p.m. Weather permitting.
Memphis Crafts & Drafts Holiday Market
November 7, 2026 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. | Crosstown Concourse | Free
Get a head start on holiday shopping at the 11th annual Crafts & Drafts Holiday Market, packed with handmade goods from Mid-South artists, makers, and crafters. Sip a local craft beer while you shop, and bring the kids: Crosstown's restaurants, shops, and activities are right there too.
Shop Gifts of Green at Memphis Botanic Garden
November 7–December 30, 2026 | 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | Memphis Botanic Garden | Free to shop
The Garden's seasonal holiday shop is stocked with tropical and unusual plants, pottery, botanical gifts, ornaments, and stocking stuffers for the plant lovers on your list (or yourself). The selection rotates all season, so every visit turns up something new.
901 Hot Wing Festival
November 7, 2026 | 11 a.m.–6 p.m. | Grind City Brewing Company | Free admission
Twenty teams fire up their best wings, and you get to taste them for a $1–$2 donation per wing, with every dollar going to the Memphis Child Advocacy Center. Wash them down with a Grind City beer and vote for your favorite in the People's Choice competition.
901 Wrestling Classic Finals
November 8, 2026 | Doors 4 p.m., bell time 5 p.m. | Minglewood Hall
Memphis wrestling is alive and well. The 901 Classic tournament wraps up with its semifinals and finals, and the winner earns a guaranteed shot at the 901 Wrestling Championship. In the main event, Jack "The Veteran" Vaughn challenges reigning champ Chris "The Merc" Evans for the title. General admission is $9 ($12 front row), and kids 12 and under get in free with each paid GA ticket.
The Great Congregational Cook-Off
November 8, 2026 | 4–6 p.m. | WKNO Digital Media Center, Cordova
WKNO and Kroger invite congregations across Memphis to throw down their best barbecue, smoked ribs, sides, desserts, and family recipes in a friendly cook-off that doubles as a food drive. Bring canned goods or other food to donate.
Downtown Dining Week
November 9–15, 2026 | 38 Downtown restaurants
Downtown's tastiest week is back with specials at 38 restaurants from South Main to the Edge District, including Felicia Suzanne's ($50 three-course dinner), the Arcade, Majestic Grille, Rendezvous, Blues City Cafe, and the rooftop Terrace at the River Inn. Save your receipts: turn in three or more for a chance to win a hotel stay, a spa day, and dining gift cards.
America the Beautiful on the Giant Screen
November 11–25, 2026 | Giant Screen Theater, Pink Palace Museum | $14.75
Premiering on Veterans Day, this giant-screen film narrated by Kelsey Grammer celebrates America's natural beauty in sweeping large-format cinematography as the country marks its 250th year. It's a limited two-week engagement.
The Green House Party
November 12, 2026 | 6–9 p.m. | Overton Park Greenhouse, 281 E. Parkway N. | $55.20
Sip and support the arts at this evening in the Overton Park Greenhouse, with an art installation by Bertram Williams, live music from Shell on Wheels with Music Export Memphis musicians, interactive art pop-ups, cooking demos, and fire pits. Your ticket includes two drinks (cocktails, mocktails, wine, or local beer), and all proceeds benefit ARTSmemphis and Overton Park Conservancy.
The Great Soirée: An Orpheum Fundraiser
November 13, 2026 | 7 p.m. | Orpheum Theatre | $150 | 21+
Party like Gatsby, give like a star. The Orpheum's arts education fundraiser goes full Roaring '20s with cocktails and bites from Memphis culinary partners, a silent disco on the Orpheum stage, a dockside outdoor area, live entertainment, a photo booth, and a live auction.
Memphis Zoo Lantern Festival
Select nights, November 13, 2026–February 14, 2027 | 5–9:30 p.m. | Memphis Zoo
The lantern festival that USA Today nominated for Best Zoo Lights is back, lighting up the zoo with larger-than-life animal lanterns and glowing pathways. New this year: snow at the front of the zoo and an interactive Christmas maze. Brave a 130-foot zipline for an aerial view (extra fee), then warm up with holiday treats and hot chocolate.
Streetdog Foundation's 14th Annual Howl at the Moon
November 14, 2026 | The Warehouse, 36 E. G.E. Patterson Ave. | $100 | 21+
Streetdog Foundation's biggest party of the year has grown from 250 guests to more than 1,000, and it funds about 80% of the rescue's annual budget. Your all-inclusive ticket covers food from local restaurants, drinks, live bands, and live and silent auctions, plus a new heated outdoor tent this year. Since the food, entertainment, and venue are all donated, 100% of what's raised goes to the dogs.
Bingo Loco
November 14, 2026 | 7 p.m. | Minglewood Hall | 21+
This is not your grandma's bingo. Bingo Loco is a three-hour rave-meets-game-show with club bangers, confetti drops, CO2 cannon blasts, lip-sync battles, and dance-offs. Prizes range from trips and even cars to lawnmowers, giant stuffed animals, and kitchen appliances.
Colonial Park UMC Fall Festival
November 14, 2026 | 11 a.m.–3 p.m. | Colonial Park UMC, 5330 Park Ave. | Free
Bring the family for arts and crafts vendors, bounce houses, food trucks, and live music from Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band Play Me Some Skynyrd.
Chickasaw Oaks Holiday Market
November 14, 2026 | Noon–4 p.m. | Chickasaw Oaks, 3092 Poplar Ave. | Free
Check some names off your list at Chickasaw Oaks' annual holiday market, with local artists, holiday sales at the shops, and live music. Bring a friend and make an afternoon of it.
Solace Awakening Variety Show
November 14–15, 2026 | Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. | Off the Walls Arts, 360 Walnut St.
Cirque troupe Nava Sanctum returns after nearly a decade with a show about moving through darkness and coming out transformed, told through partner acrobatics, aerial arts, fire, and belly dance. General admission is $25, and front-row premium seats are $35.
Graceland Holiday Lighting Weekend
November 19–21, 2026 | Graceland
Christmas at Graceland kicks off with a free Holiday Lighting Ceremony on Graceland Plaza Green (Nov. 19, 6 p.m.), followed by free Santa photos and kids' crafts. The weekend also brings the Jingle Jam Holiday Party ($35, Nov. 20), Dean Z's Rockin' Christmas show (from $43.50, Nov. 21), and afternoon Christmas mansion tours. New this year, Graceland Unwrapped: After Dark offers a rare evening look at the mansion dressed the way it was when Elvis was home for the holidays. Can't make the weekend? Graceland's guided Christmas tours run through the holiday season, with blue lights lining the driveway, a life-size nativity, and Presley family holiday treasures inside the decorated mansion.
Elf the Musical Jr. at Hattiloo
November 20–December 6, 2026 | Hattiloo Theatre (no performance on Thanksgiving)
Buddy the Elf makes his way from the North Pole to New York City in this family-friendly holiday musical, performed by the young artists of Hattiloo Youth Theatre.
University of Memphis Opera: The Marriage of Figaro
November 20 & 22, 2026 | Fri. 7 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. | Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center
Mozart's beloved comic opera packs a whole day of schemes, disguises, and mix-ups into one gloriously tuneful evening, performed by the rising young singers of University of Memphis Opera.
Memphis Whiskey Festival
November 21, 2026 | 5–8 p.m. (VIP hour 5–6 p.m.) | The Kent | 21+
Sample about 40 whiskeys, bourbons, and scotches while a bluegrass band plays, then step into the cigar lounge. Local food vendors and a cash bar keep the night going, and VIP ticket holders get an early hour of exclusive pours and light bites. Proceeds benefit Volunteer Memphis. Enter the discount code LOVEMEMPHIS for 15% off GA and/or VIP tickets.
Memphis Monster Con
November 21–22, 2026 | Agricenter International (Hall B)
Horror fans, this one's for you. Meet the faces behind the masks, including Douglas Tait (Michael Myers in Halloween Kills), Warrington Gillette and Ari Lehman (Jason Voorhees in the Friday the 13th films), and Walter Phelan (Dr. Satan in House of 1000 Corpses). Shop 100+ vendors and artists, show off your cosplay, and grab lunch from the food trucks. Single-day tickets start at $23.66, and parking is free.
New Ballet Ensemble's NutRemix
November 21–22, 2026 | Sat. 2:30 & 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. | Germantown Performing Arts Centre
The Nutcracker goes to Beale Street. New Ballet's Memphis remix blends hip-hop, Memphis jookin, flamenco, and West African dance, with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and Memphis Jazz Workshop playing Duke Ellington, Booker T. & the M.G.'s, and a reimagined Tchaikovsky score. It moves to GPAC this year, and tickets run $25–$60.
Deck the Diamond at AutoZone Park
Select dates, November 21, 2026–January 3, 2027 | AutoZone Park
The Redbirds turn AutoZone Park into a holiday wonderland with a 9,600-square-foot outdoor ice rink (about 2.5 times bigger than the 2023 rink), a walk-through light display along the concourse, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Kids can decorate cookies, make ornaments, and write letters to Santa, and everyone can warm up with specialty hot cocoa or rent a fire pit with s'mores for the group.
The Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees
November 21–December 27, 2026 | Tue.–Sun. 10:30 a.m.–5 p.m. | Pink Palace Museum
This Memphis holiday tradition is back with decorated trees, animated winter bears, elves, and penguins in a snowy forest, model trains, singing reindeer, a gingerbread village, and a snow globe selfie station. Say hi to Santa (photo packages from $10). Admission is $7 for adults and $6 for seniors and kids 3–12, and proceeds benefit Le Bonheur Children's Hospital. Weekend time slots sell out, so book ahead.
All Aboard! Holiday Kick-Off at Saddle Creek
November 22, 2026 | Saddle Creek South, Germantown
Saddle Creek rings in the season with its annual holiday kick-off. In past years that's meant an outdoor screening of The Polar Express, photos with Santa, and beignets and hot chocolate, so bring a blanket and the whole family.
Turkey Trails Memphis
November 22, 2026 | 8 a.m. | Shelby Farms Park
Pick your distance, from a kids' dash and 1-mile fun run to a 5K, 10K, or half marathon, and earn your pie, literally: every finisher gets a medal, a custom shirt, and a free pie at the finish. Registration runs about $21–$68, and kids 12 and under can do the 5K or 10K for $17.
Central Gardens Wreath Run
November 22, 2026 | 1–5 p.m. | Central Gardens (Peabody Ave. & S. Belvedere Blvd.)
Run, walk, or cheer along a 5K that winds past historic Central Gardens homes decked out in hundreds of wreaths and holiday decorations. There's also a Youth Fun Run, plus live music and refreshments on Belvedere afterward. Costumes and holiday attire are encouraged. Registration is $20–$40.
Tennessee Bridal & Wedding Expo
November 22, 2026 | 1:30–5 p.m. | Renasant Convention Center
Newly engaged? Knock out a big chunk of wedding planning in one afternoon, meeting vendors for gowns, venues, invitations, photography, music, catering, and honeymoon destinations all under one roof.
Drive Through Starry Nights
Select nights, late November 2026–January 3, 2027 | Shelby Farms Park
Forbes named it the best drive-through holiday light show in the country, and this year Shelby Farms is transforming the light display, so even longtime fans will see something new. Expect millions of lights and 500+ animated displays synced to music. Tickets are timed and sold online only. On BuffaGLO Night (Nov. 24) you can walk the route, and the Afterglow area adds igloos, the Glow Grove, a holiday market, and a lounge. Grab hot chocolate and kettle corn for the drive.
Run (or Walk!) the Memphis Turkey Trot
November 26, 2026 (Thanksgiving Day) | 9 a.m. | Shelby Farms Park
Earn your Thanksgiving plate with a 4-mile run or walk through Shelby Farms, or split it as a 2-mile relay with a friend. Registration is $50.14 for the 4-miler and $39.44 per relay runner, with a virtual option available. Proceeds benefit the Campbell Clinic Foundation.
Holiday Wonders at the Garden
Select nights, November 27–December 30, 2026 | 5–8:30 p.m. | Memphis Botanic Garden
The Garden lights up for the holidays, and this year Holiday Wonders expands into the Herb Garden, with Polar Passage returning in the Woodland. Opening night (Nov. 27) brings Santa, and December adds themed nights from Cozy Campfires with s'mores to a pet-friendly Paw-liday Wonders and Ugly Sweater Night. Advance tickets are $15 for members and $17 for non-members ($20 same day); kids under 2 are free.
