65+ Things to Do in Memphis in October 2026
Fall festivals, first-ever events, and plenty of frights: October 2026 in Memphis is packed.
Fall festivals, first-ever events, and plenty of frights: October 2026 in Memphis is packed.
From Mempho and the new Memphis Jazz Festival to DÃa de Muertos on Main Street and Halloween on the river, here's everything happening this month, in date order.
35th Annual Freedom Award
October 1, 2026 | Orpheum Theatre (Red Carpet Pre-Show Gala at the Halloran Centre)
In its 35th anniversary year, the National Civil Rights Museum honors civil rights attorney Fred D. Gray, NCNW president and CEO Shavon Arline-Bradley, attorney and commentator Bakari Sellers, and WNBA champion Nneka Ogwumike. Actor Larenz Tate hosts, and Grammy-winning gospel artist Tamela Mann performs. The night opens with a red carpet pre-show gala at the Halloran Centre. Tickets range from $236.75 (balcony) to $528.20 (orchestra).
Reharvest Memphis
October 1, 2026 | 5:30–8:30 p.m. | Crosstown Concourse
Project Green Fork and Clean Memphis turn food waste into a feast. More than a dozen local chefs, including Josh Mutchnick (JEM), Kevin Sullivan (Kitchen Laurel), Theresa Schuenke (Fawn), and Juan Viramontes (Global Café), create bites from surplus ingredients from the Mid-South Food Bank and Scott Street Tomato House. Expect complimentary drinks from Art Bar mixologist Spencer Fong, a silent auction, chef meet-and-greets, and a live "Chopped" challenge. 21+.
The Avett Brothers, Drive-By Truckers & More at Grind City Amp
October 1, 2 & 24, 2026 | Grind City Amp, Uptown riverfront
Memphis' newest music venue, a 4,500-capacity amphitheater on the Mississippi next to Grind City Brewing, keeps its inaugural season rolling. On Oct. 1, the Avett Brothers team up with Southern rock storytellers Drive-By Truckers (doors 5:30 p.m., show 7 p.m.). Then on Oct. 24, Ole 60 brings their mix of country, indie rock, and folk with Arcy Drive and Garret Elias. Grab a Grind City beer before the show.
Eraserhead with a Live Score by Artificer
October 1, 2026 | 6–9 p.m. (film at 7:15 p.m.) | Giant Screen Theater, Pink Palace Museum
David Lynch's surreal cult classic gets a brand-new soundtrack as Memphis experimental musician Artificer performs an original score live alongside the film. The night opens with lobby vendors and a set from Dinosauria at 6:25 p.m., and attendees get an exclusive Holtermonster movie poster. Hampline Brewing beer is available for purchase. Tickets are $18.
Mid-South Fair
October 1–11, 2026 | Weekdays from 4 p.m., weekends from 1 p.m. | Landers Center, Southaven
Funnel cakes, turkey legs, corn dogs, and candied apples, plus 50+ rides, pig races, a petting zoo, pony rides, and the Fearless Flores Circus. Save money on free admission days: Thursday, Oct. 1 (all day), Monday, Oct. 5 (with a Mississippi ID), and Wednesday, Oct. 7 (10 a.m.–4 p.m.). Otherwise, gate admission is $13–$15 for adults and $8–$10 for kids and seniors. Parking is $5, and the midway is cashless.
Bridging Worlds: An International Black Theatre Festival
October 2–November 8, 2026 | Hattiloo Theatre
Hattiloo kicks off its next 20 years by bringing the global Black stage to Memphis. Three acclaimed companies take up two-week residencies, each with a full production plus workshops, masterclasses, and public conversations: Norway's Nordic Black Theatre with the raw, funny Poverty Slaps, But We Slap Back Harder (Oct. 2–11); Nigeria's Jos Repertory Theatre with Sefi Atta's Death Road, honoring the Chibok schoolgirls (Oct. 16–25); and Johannesburg's Market Theatre with Amaxelegu, a provocative three-hander about love and non-monogamy (Oct. 30–Nov. 8, parental advisory).
Orion Financial Free Concert Series at the Overton Park Shell
October 2–11, 2026 | Overton Park Shell | Free
Grab a lawn chair for the final free shows of the Shell's 90th birthday season: Drivin N Cryin (Oct. 2, 7 p.m.), a Hispanic Heritage Celebration (Oct. 3, 6 p.m.), Opera Memphis (Oct. 10, 7 p.m.), and Shakespeare at the Shell's Love's Labor's Lost (Oct. 11, 5 p.m.).
Bartlett Festival, BBQ Contest & Car Show
October 2–3, 2026 | W.J. Freeman Park, Bartlett
Follow the smoke to Bartlett's fall festival, where pitmasters compete in an MBN-sanctioned patio BBQ contest alongside a classic car show, vendor rows, rides, and live music. It's easily the best-smelling festival of the season.
Lichterman Fall Native Plant Sale
October 3, 2026 | 10:30 a.m.–5 p.m. (Members' Night Oct. 2, 5–7 p.m.) | Lichterman Nature Center | Free admission
Fall is prime planting season, and Lichterman's sale is stocked with 150+ species of native plants that feed pollinators and thrive in Memphis soil. Parking and shopping are free, with plants typically $6–$25. MoSH members get first pick on Friday night.
Evergreen Street Fair
October 3, 2026 | 11 a.m.–3 p.m. | Overton Park Ave. between N. Willett St. and Avalon St. | Free
Overton Park Avenue goes car-free for this brand-new neighborhood block party celebrating the Evergreen Historic District. Expect local bands, the Shell on Wheels stage, food and drink vendors (including adult beverages), arts and community booths, and a kids' zone.
Paint Memphis 2026
October 3, 2026 | Noon–6 p.m. | Summer Ave. between National St. and N. Holmes St. | Free
Watch 50 artists turn Summer Avenue into an open-air gallery as they paint new murals around this year's theme, "Where the Light Gets In." The day also brings vendors, food, kids' crafts, and community activities.
V&E Greenline Artwalk
October 3, 2026 | 10 a.m.–4 p.m. (rain date Oct. 4) | Kirby Station Grounds, 1625 Tutwiler Ave. | Free
Stroll the Greenline and shop 60+ local and emerging artists at one of Midtown's favorite fall traditions. There's live music and kids' activities, plus specialty coffee, pastries, savory lunches, local beer, wine, and cocktails from the Tipsy Tumbler.
Screaming Vegan Food Festival
October 3, 2026 | 11 a.m.–6 p.m. | Pink Palace Museum | Free with RSVP
Vegan, veg-curious, or just hungry? This plant-based food fest brings bold flavors from local vendors, plus music and good vibes on the Pink Palace grounds. Come hungry and RSVP in advance.
15th Annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes
October 3, 2026 | Gather 10:30 a.m., rally 11:30 a.m. | Handy Park on Beale Street
Men and women walk together (high heels optional) through downtown to stand against domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and harassment. The route runs from Handy Park down Beale to Front, Talbot, and Main and back. Registration is $20, $10 for students, and free for those under 18.
Tom Lee's Gumption Revival Lantern Parade
October 3, 2026 | 5–8 p.m. (parade steps off at 7 p.m.) | Tom Lee Park | Free
In 1925, Tom Lee rowed into the Mississippi and rescued 32 people from a capsized steamboat, guided only by a small lantern. The second annual Gumption Revival honors him with music under the Sunset Canopy, then a glowing procession of handmade lanterns and giant lantern puppets led by the Lucky 7 Brass Band. March with a lantern you made yourself, or just watch from the park.
Campfires & Cocktails (21+)
October 3, 2026 | 6:30–9 p.m. | Memphis Botanic Garden
Kick off fall fireside with a grown-up campfire night: roast hot dogs, make s'mores, and sip spiked apple cider (bourbon or caramel vodka), local beer, or wine while local band Short in the Sleeve plays. Tickets ($25 for members, $35 for non-members) include two drinks, a hot dog with chips, and s'mores supplies. Vegan and vegetarian options available.
Fright and Flight 5K
October 4, 2026 | Kids' run 8:45 a.m., 5K 9 a.m. | Hyde Lake Pavilion, Shelby Farms Park
Run off some Halloween candy early at this 5K and kids' fun run benefiting the Dorothy Day House, which helps Memphis families experiencing homelessness stay together. 5K registration is $39.44 ($44.79 race day); the kids' fun run is $18.04.
Back to the 90s: A Soulful Murder Mystery Experience
October 4, 2026 | 3 p.m. & 7 p.m. | Halloran Centre
Grab your windbreaker and party like it's 1999. A family reunion takes a deadly turn over an inheritance, and it's up to the audience to solve the case in this interactive show packed with '90s music, comedy, and audience participation. Themed outfits encouraged. Tickets are $87.45.
Taste of Thornwood
October 4, 2026 | 5–8 p.m. | Thornwood, Germantown
Pull up a seat at a shared table for a three-course dinner with beverage pairings from Thornwood favorites JoJo's Espresso, Moondance Grill, The Overland, and Uncle Goyo's. The evening also includes a welcome cocktail, live music, and a photo booth. Ticket prices vary by restaurant.
Zoo Boo at the Memphis Zoo
Select nights through November 1, 2026 | 6–9:30 p.m. (last entry 9 p.m.) | Memphis Zoo
The zoo's completely reimagined Halloween night is back with spooky décor, a seven-foot-tall maze, and a costume contest (upload your photo ahead of time to enter). Come hungry: the seasonal menu includes Midnight Safari Nachos, Graveyard Dirt Parfaits, and Haunted Campfire S'mores Parfaits. Tickets are $20 for members and $23 for non-members, sold online only, with parking included. Ages 2 and up need a ticket.
The Mid-South Maze
Through October 31, 2026 | Haunted Maze: Fri. & Sat. nights 7–10 p.m. (Oct. 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 & 31) | The Mid-South Maze
Get lost in the Mid-South's favorite corn maze, open Wednesday through Sunday in October, then burn off the rest of your energy on the jumping pillow and corn cannon. When the sun goes down on October weekends, the Haunted Maze brings in costumed actors, eerie sounds, and things that go bump in the corn. Classic maze tickets are $12 for adults, $8 for kids 6–12, and free for ages 5 and under; Haunted Maze tickets are $25.
Visit a Memphis Area Pumpkin Patch
All month | Various locations
From quick pick-and-go stops to full-day farm outings, our pumpkin patch guide rounds up the best spots around Memphis for hayrides, corn mazes, photo ops, and finding the perfect pumpkin.
Celebrate 50 Years of the Dixon with Two New 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. Opening Oct. 4, 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.
Catch an Event at Hattiloo's Culture Box
Tuesdays–Saturdays all month | Culture Box at Hattiloo Theatre, Overton Square
Hattiloo's intimate performance lounge has something going almost every night. Tuesdays bring Toy Box, a pay-what-you-want karaoke and game night with chess, Connect Four, Jenga, and Mancala (21+). Wednesdays are Laugh Box comedy showcases ($12 advance), Thursdays are the Speaker Box Slam spoken word competition with a $200 prize for the champion ($10 advance), and Fridays and Saturdays bring Music Box concerts from Memphis jazz, soul, rock, blues, and folk artists ($20 advance).
Overton Square Fall Movie Nights
Thursdays in October | 7 p.m. | Overton Square | Free
Grab a blanket and a chair for free movies under the stars, with a lineup that gets spookier as Halloween gets closer: Knives Out (Oct. 1), Practical Magic (Oct. 8), Casper (Oct. 15), Us (Oct. 22), and the 1982 Poltergeist (Oct. 29). Outside food and drinks aren't allowed, but Overton Square's restaurants are steps away.
Concerts in The Grove
Thursdays, October 1–29, 2026 | 6:30–8 p.m. | The Grove at GPAC, Germantown
GPAC's outdoor fall concert series wraps up with a Thursday lineup: Southbound (Oct. 1), Alice Hasen & the Blaze (Oct. 8), the Beatles tribute One After 901 (Oct. 15), the Memphis Wind Symphony (Oct. 22), and Lina Beach (Oct. 29). Bring a chair or blanket, or reserve a table, and grab dinner from the food trucks. General admission is $13, with reserved table seats starting at $23.
Laugh It Up at The Pit Comedy Club's Thursday Showcase
Thursdays, October 1–22, 2026 | 8 p.m. | Flyway Brewing, Edge District
Pair a pint with a punchline at Flyway Brewing's weekly comedy night. October's headliners are Mo Alexander (Oct. 1), Blair Dawson (Oct. 8), Lamon (Oct. 15), and Derek Sheen with Andy Iwancio (Oct. 22).
Brave the Haunted Car Wash
Thursdays–Saturdays in October | 7–10 p.m. | Shine & Roll Car Wash, 3610 Centennial Dr.
This one's a drive-thru scare. Roll through a haunted tunnel packed with creepy characters and jump scares while the kids stay safely locked inside the car, and drive out with a clean ride, because your ticket includes a car wash. Tickets are limited, so book ahead.
Zootoberfest
Saturdays & Sundays, October 3–November 1, 2026 | 10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | Memphis Zoo
Sip seasonal brews from local breweries as you stroll the exhibits at the zoo's own Oktoberfest. Commemorative steins are $12, first beers are $12, and refills are just $8. Zoo admission is required and sold separately. 21+ to drink.
Fall 2026 Vesta Home Show
October 3–25, 2026 | Tue.–Sat. 10 a.m.–6 p.m., Sun. 1–6 p.m. (closed Mondays) | Piperton Preserve at RusDun Farms, Collierville
Tour five brand-new showcase homes from top local builders and gather ideas for architecture, interiors, and outdoor living. The show benefits Family Support Centers of Middle Tennessee.
Bryson Tiller Presents: The Neo Trapsoul Tour
October 6, 2026 | FedExForum
The man behind "Don't" and "Exchange" brings his R&B-meets-trap sound to FedExForum, and he's bringing friends: Majid Jordan, Ty Dolla $ign, and Austin Millz round out a stacked night of slow jams and bangers.
Taste of the District
October 6, 2026 | 4–6 p.m. | Medical District Park (Madison Ave. & S. Dunlap St.)
Eat your way through the Medical District with samples from dozens of local restaurants, food trucks, and bakeries while DJ Bizzle Bluebland, DJ Swan, and the Grizzlies Prep Boys Choir perform on the Shell on Wheels stage. GA includes food sampling; VIP adds exclusive vendor treats, a VIP area, and a custom gift. Proceeds support MMDC's Buy Local program.
Playhouse Pours
October 8, 2026 | 6–8 p.m. | Playhouse on the Square
Playhouse's "fun and funky" fundraiser pairs 10 wine and spirits tastings with 10 shows from the season. Costumed characters pour each drink and drop clues about their show, and theatre trivia buffs can win prizes.
Mempho Music Festival
October 9–11, 2026 | Radians Amphitheater at Memphis Botanic Garden
Mempho's ninth year brings two nights of Widespread Panic (Saturday and Sunday) plus a Friday lineup of Pretty Lights, Spoon, STS9, and Broken Social Scene. Also on the bill: Gary Clark Jr., De La Soul, Mike Campbell & The Dirty Knobs, Ziggy Marley, JJ Grey & Mofro, Fishbone, Dumpstaphunk, MonoNeon, and Sierra Hull. Three-day and single-day passes are available in GA, GA+, VIP, and Platinum tiers.
Memphis Jazz Festival
October 9–11, 2026 | Downtown Memphis | Free
Downtown launches its first-ever jazz festival, and it's free. Friday kicks off with Jazz After Hours at The Westin Memphis Beale Street. Saturday (1–7 p.m.) brings two stages to the Main Street Mall, followed by a late-night jam at Hotel Pontotoc. Sunday closes with Sunset Jazz in Court Square. Headliners Theo Croker and Dear Silas lead a lineup that also includes the Memphis Jazz Orchestra, Joe Restivo 4, Deborah Swiney, Henry Conerway III, and the Kenny Reed Quintet. RSVP encouraged.
Cheer on the Tigers in a Brand-New Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium
October 10, 22 & 31, 2026 | Kickoff times TBA | Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium
The Tigers' home looks completely different this year after a $226.5 million renovation. Look for massive new video boards, a 284-foot ribbon board that's one of the largest in the country, a stadium-wide sound system, color-changing lights, and the new Landers Plaza on the west side. Food trucks inside the gates and a new $7 meal option make game day easier on your wallet. Tailgate on Tiger Lane for three October home games: UAB (Oct. 10), a Thursday-night matchup with East Carolina (Oct. 22), and Army on Halloween (Oct. 31).
Edge Motorfest
October 10, 2026 | Edge Motor Museum | Free to attend
More than 150 cars roll into the Edge District to compete for awards, with live music and food trucks all day. Make a day of it and walk over to Edgetoberfest at Flyway afterward.
Edgetoberfest at Flyway Brewing
October 10, 2026 | Noon–8 p.m. | Flyway Brewing, Edge District
Flyway's Oktoberfest brings stein-holding competitions, keg relays, and plenty of beer to the Edge District, right after Edge Motorfest. Looking for more? October is packed with brewery Oktoberfests all over town. Find them all in our Memphis Oktoberfests and Fall Beer Fests guide.
Mutt Strut 5K
October 10, 2026 | Overton Park (Old Forest and Rainbow Lake Pavilion)
Bring your pup! This dog-friendly 5K through the Old Forest benefits local rescue Dogs 2nd Chance. Every finisher gets a medal, and strollers are welcome at the back of the pack.
Quietly Connecting: Silent Book Club & Silent Disco
October 10, 2026 | 3–6 p.m. | Cossitt Library | Free (18+)
An introvert's dream Saturday: mingle, read quietly for an hour, then swap recommendations. Wireless headphones offer three channels (fall rain sounds, lofi chillhop, or live sets from DJ Larry and JayXavaire), so you can read, chat, or dance. Talking and dancing are optional.
Elevation Nights Tour 2026
October 10, 2026 | 7 p.m. | FedExForum
Elevation Worship leads a night of worship with fan favorites and new releases, Pastor Steven Furtick delivers a message, and Elevation Rhythm opens the show.
Singalong Broadway
October 11, 2026 | 2 p.m. | Orpheum Theatre
Belt out showstoppers with a whole theater full of fellow musical fans at this high-energy sing-along, complete with medleys, solos, Broadway games, and comedy. Dressing as your favorite Broadway character is highly encouraged. Tickets are $35.55.
The CoLab Benefiting Music Export Memphis
October 16, 2026 | 7 p.m. | Overton Park Shell
Formerly the Tambourine Bash, The CoLab pairs Memphis artists into one-night-only collaborations: Keer + Dee GOAT + Demi Lowrell, Joybomb + Frank McLallen + Gia Welch, Dead Soldiers + Lukah + Nubia Yasin, Rodd Bland + Iris Collective + Keia Johnson, and Savannah Brister + Mac Mercury + Aidan Osias. The night closes with a finale led by Grammy-winning producer Boo Mitchell featuring three surprise Memphis classics.
Monster Market 2026
October 16–25, 2026 | The Medicine Factory | Free
Memphis' freakiest pop-up celebrates 10 years with 100+ local makers selling creepy-cool wares. Highlights include an Opening Night Party (Oct. 16), The Exorcist (Oct. 17) and Frankenstein (Oct. 18) screenings, Stage & Sketch: Monster Edition (Oct. 19), a Monster Collage Party (Oct. 21), and The Craft Crafty Cinema Night (Oct. 22). Free to shop; some special events are ticketed.
Ballet Memphis: Memphis Sounds
October 16–18, 2026 | Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 2 & 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. | Playhouse on the Square
Ballet Memphis celebrates its 40th anniversary with a love letter to the city's music. Trey McIntyre's In Dreams, set to Roy Orbison and performed at the Kennedy Center, returns alongside Steven McMahon's Unapologetic, danced to live musicians from a Memphis record label, plus a world premiere by rising choreographer Yusha-Marie Sorzano.
Fall Fest Memphis
October 16–17, 2026 | Fri. 5–10 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.–10 p.m. | Catholic Church of the Incarnation, Collierville
One of the last real midways of the season: carnival rides, eight bands from country to rock, a backyard BBQ cook-off, a car show, and 55+ vendors and food trucks. Don't miss the $10,000 cash raffle. Admission is $5.
Soul of the City: Elmwood Obscura
October 16–17, 2026 | Gates open 5 p.m. | Elmwood Cemetery
Elmwood's beloved evening of costumed storytelling turns strange this year. Wander the lantern-lit grounds as performers bring to life eight cryptic true tales of people buried there, including a murderer's last wish, a reverend's séance ambitions, and a lawyer's mummy mystery. More than 1,000 guests come every year, so get tickets early.
Boo at the Ballpark
October 17, 2026 | Noon–4 p.m. | AutoZone Park | Free
Bring the kids in costume for a free Halloween afternoon at the ballpark: trick-or-treating, pumpkin picking and decorating, hayrides around the field, costume contests, inflatables, face painting, and an LED dance party in the batting cages.
Cooper-Young Beerfest
October 17, 2026 | 1–5 p.m. | 769 Cooper St., Cooper-Young
The 16th annual Beerfest brings unlimited sampling from 30+ regional breweries, a souvenir mug, music from Goner Records, and food trucks. 21+. Tickets sell out every year, so grab yours early.
RiverArtsFest 2026
October 17–18, 2026 | 10 a.m.–5 p.m. | Riverside Drive (Jefferson Ave. to Beale St.)
RiverArtsFest turns 20 with 160+ juried artists, live demos in six mediums, free hands-on art activities, food, and live blues, jazz, Americana, bluegrass, and gospel along the river. New this year are an anniversary poster by muralist Birdcap and the FACE FORWARD community self-portrait project on the entrance towers. Tickets are $15 for one day, $20 for two days, $5 for ages 6–17, and free for ages 5 and under.
Junior League of Memphis Witches Run 5K/10K
October 17, 2026 | 5K/10K 9 a.m., 1-mile fun run 9:15 a.m. | Junior League of Memphis, 3475 Central Ave.
Grab your broom for this family-friendly Halloween run with costume prizes for adults and kids, children's games, candy, a silent auction, and a Boo-mosa bar at the finish. Registration is $34.09 for the 5K, $44.79 for the 10K, and $28.74 for the fun run, with proceeds supporting Junior League community programs.
The Heart & Soul of Magic
October 17, 2026 | 7:30 p.m. | Halloran Centre
Magician and comedian Ran'D Shine (Penn & Teller: Fool Us) leads the longest-running all-African American cast magic and variety show, mixing illusions, mentalism, and comedy with no video edits. Kids 10+ can also join a free magic workshop that afternoon (1–2 p.m., registration required). Tickets are $47.30.
Halloween Hike at the Memphis Boo-tanic Garden
October 17, 2026 | 9:30 a.m.–2 p.m. (timed entry, last slot 1–1:30 p.m.) | Memphis Botanic Garden
Swap door-to-door trick-or-treating for a not-so-spooky daytime hike through the Garden, with treats (no tricks), friendly characters, and hands-on activities from 30+ local groups, including the Children's Museum of Memphis, the Memphis Ghostbusters, the Metal Museum, the Humane Society, and Memphis Hustle. Pack a picnic lunch from the food trucks (Wings on the Fly, Flipside Asia, Ritziesbbq, and Nothing Bundt Cakes). Costumes encouraged! Tickets are $10 for members, $15 for non-members, and $18 same day; ages 2 and under are free. Entry times sell out, so book ahead.
Memphis Creativity Fest
October 17, 2026 | Noon–3 p.m. | Cossitt Library | Free with RSVP
The inaugural Creativity Fest is a free afternoon to make and play, no skills required. Bounce between a community poem with Memphis Poet Laureate Bria Saulsberry, a collab collage with Mary Jo Karimnia, creative embodiment yoga, an upcycled fashion station with Cari's Closet, and art play stations. Fuel up with pizza and paletas from Wapos plus coffee from Sabadito Café and Comeback Coffee.
YWCA's Sneaker Ball: Laced Up for Hope
October 17, 2026 | Reign Event Center, 3243 Players Club Cir.
Trade your formal footwear for your favorite kicks at YWCA Greater Memphis' annual fundraiser, a night of dancing and purpose with performances from Melvia "Chick" Rodgers, Danny Cosby, J. Buck, and the Devereau Williams Band. All proceeds benefit the YWCA's Domestic Violence Shelter, the largest all-inclusive shelter for victims of violence in Tennessee. Early bird tickets are $75.
Hot Off the Wall Art Sale
October 20–25, 2026 | During museum hours | Dixon Gallery & Gardens
The Dixon's annual art sale fills the galleries with original work from local and regional artists, all available to take home. Proceeds support the artists and the Dixon's art and horticulture education programs.
Tip Off the Season with the Grizzlies at FedExForum
October 21 & 31, 2026 | FedExForum
The Grizzlies open the 2026–27 season at home against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday, Oct. 21, with Big Memphis Nights Growl Towels for the first 10,000 fans. On Halloween, catch the Sacramento Kings on DÃa de los Muertos night with a Day of the Dead T-shirt giveaway.
Collage Dance Collective: ORIGINS
October 23–25, 2026 | Playhouse on the Square
Collage opens its 17th season with ORIGINS, a program of the works that shaped the company's artistic identity, by Darrell Grand Moultrie, Joshua Manculich, Kevin Iega Jeff, and Crystal Pite.
ArtoberFest
October 23–24, 2026 | 6–10 p.m. | Off The Walls, 360 Walnut St. | Free
This grassroots, nonprofit art festival celebrates independent Memphis artists across every genre and medium, from emerging creatives to established makers. Browse and buy art, shop local vendors, and meet the people behind Memphis' arts scene over two fall evenings. It's free, family-friendly, and a great date night.
Art on Fire: The Hottest Night of the Year
October 24, 2026 | 7–11 p.m. (VIP preview Oct. 23) | Dixon Gallery & Gardens
The Dixon's biggest fundraiser fires up with bites from 20+ local restaurants, drinks, live music, fire performers, acrobats, hula hoopers, and a roaring bonfire. Tickets are $75 for members and $95 for non-members. Proceeds support education programs that reach 100,000+ students each year. 21+
Chêne Fest 2026
October 24, 2026 | Radians Amphitheater at Memphis Botanic Garden | Free GA
Outdoor brand Chêne Gear celebrates storytelling, music, and conservation with exclusive outdoor film premieres and a country lineup featuring Nate Smith, Conner Smith, Cole Goodwin, and Will Moseley. Shop vendor booths and join live auctions and drawings. General admission is free, and VIP tables are available.
Oktoberfest at Overton Square
October 24, 2026 | Overton Square
Soul & Spirits takes over a closed-off Overton Square with beer, German food, and polka. For every other Oktoberfest happening this month, check out our full Oktoberfest and fall beer fest guide.
Spooky Skate
October 24, 2026 | Noon–3 p.m. | Tyre Nichols Sunset Canopy, Tom Lee Park | Free
Roll into spooky season on the riverfront with a live DJ from 88.5 FM, a free dance lesson from Step & Skate Movement, and giveaways. Costumes encouraged! Limited free 30-minute skate rentals are first-come, first-served, so bring your own skates and gear if you can.
Kroctoberfest: Rodeo Fall Fun Bash
October 24, 2026 | 11 a.m.–2 p.m. | Salvation Army Kroc Center, 800 E. Parkway S. | Free
Giddy up! The Kroc Center's annual Fall Fun Bash goes rodeo this year, so dust off your boots and cowboy hats for inflatables, games, devotions, photo ops, and food and concessions.
DÃa de Muertos Parade & Festival
October 24, 2026 | Parade 11 a.m.–noon, festival noon–3 p.m. | Court Square to the Halloran Centre, Downtown | Free
Cazateatro Bilingual Theatre Group's beloved Day of the Dead celebration moves downtown this year with a new parade route: Catrinas and Catrines, dancers, and floats march from Court Square straight down Main Street to the Halloran Centre. The festival that follows brings live music, folkloric dance troupes, hands-on art-making, face painting for all ages, local vendors, and community altars honoring loved ones. Presented with the Memphis Art Museum and the Orpheum Theatre Group.
5th Annual Candy-Coated Trunk or Treat
October 24, 2026 | 11 a.m.–3 p.m. | Juvenile Court of Memphis & Shelby County, 616 Adams Ave. (Washington Ave. side) | Free
Juvenile Court and the Chief Clarence Cash Foundation Jr. Firefighter Foundation host a free afternoon of trunk-or-treating, face painting, a bounce house, a petting zoo, games, and a firefighter simulator. Coats and other essentials are also available for children and families in need.
Fantasy Faire
October 24, 2026 | Noon–4:30 p.m. | Cordova Branch Library | Free
Shop a magical marketplace, watch a swordfighting demonstration, make spellbinding crafts, and win prizes in costume and trivia contests. Teens can join a 90-minute writing workshop with World Fantasy Award-winning Memphis author Sheree Renée Thomas (Black Panther: Panther's Rage, Nine Bar Blues). All ages welcome, no registration needed.
Bog Fest
October 25, 2026 | 11 a.m.–2 p.m. | Bog & Barley, 6150 Poplar Ave.
Bog & Barley's second annual family fall festival brings games and fun for the whole family. Last year's included food and drink specials, kid-friendly drinks, cornhole, pumpkin painting, and mummy wrapping.
Welcome to Memphis Pick Award Celebration
October 27, 2026 | 4–6 p.m. | FedExForum
Calling all hospitality pros: Welcome to Memphis honors the front-line staff, managers, and employers who deliver authentic Memphis hospitality to our visitors. Enjoy networking, drinks, heavy hors d'oeuvres, and music. Register ahead to confirm your spot.
Monty Python's Spamalot
October 27–November 1, 2026 | Orpheum Theatre
Flying cows, killer rabbits, and knights who say "Ni!" The Tony-winning musical "lovingly ripped off" from Monty Python and the Holy Grail gallops into the Orpheum. Tickets start at $46.70. Recommended for ages 8 and up.
Sip and Stroll (21+): Halloween in the Herb Garden
October 29, 2026 | 6–8 p.m. | Memphis Botanic Garden
The garden's monthly after-hours series gets spooky this month with a Halloween-themed tour of the Herb Garden. Tickets ($30 for members, $35 for non-members) include two themed cocktails or mocktails.
Memphis Halloween Nightmare on the River
October 31, 2026 | 6–11 p.m. | Beale Street Landing | 21+
Make it the Halloween night your group chat has been waiting for, with multiple DJ stages, roaming performers, Halloween cocktail gardens, pop-up surprises, and costume competitions with cash prizes. Come hungry for an oyster experience with live shucking and specialty oyster creations (VIP gets bottomless lemon drops and luxury lounges). The night ends with a costume and golf cart parade through downtown, with a cash prize for the best-decorated cart. Tickets start at $30.
