The Ultimate Guide to Festivals in Memphis: 2026 Edition

Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Weekend
March 6–8, 2026
The ultimate Elvis tribute artists are returning to Graceland for a special weekend of concerts, quiz shows, photo ops, karaoke, a Blue Suede BBQ dinner, an excursion to Elvis' childhood home in Tupelo and more as part of the 2026 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Weekend. 

Tattoo Fest Memphis
April 10–12, 2026
More than 200 tattoo artists from around the globe are headed to Memphis this April for the Memphis Tattoo Festival. Ink lovers can expect three days of competitions, live tattooing, walk-up sessions and more. 

Taste the Rarity
April 11, 2026
Each year, nearly 30 local and national breweries come together for a can't-miss beer fest at Wiseacre Brewing Company on Broad Ave. Get your wristband for food trucks, live music and four hours of unlimited beer tastings.

Shell Daze Music Festival
April 17–18, 2026
Shell Daze Music Festival brings two days of incredible performances to the Overton Park Shell, featuring Old Crow Medicine Show, Greensky Bluegrass, Molly Tuttle, Sam Grisman Project, The Last Revel and Bailey Bigger in a vibrant outdoor setting filled with great music and good vibes.

Cooper-Young Porchfest
April 18, 2026
Cooper-Young Porchfest is back, bringing a day full of local live music to one of our favorite neighborhoods. Stop by Cooper-Young to see dozens of bands playing from the front porches of the neighborhood's historic homes. 

World Championship Hot Wing Contest & Festival
April 18, 2026
The World Championship Hot Wing Contest & Festival offers mouthwatering wings, live Memphis music, contests and family-friendly fun, with top teams serving creative hot wing recipes in a vibrant festival atmosphere.

Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival 
April 19, 2026
Head downtown to Riverside Drive, where you can eat your fill of crawfish at the Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival. This free spring fest features live music, contests, a kids' area, food trucks and lots of crawfish. 

Memphis in May

• World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest
  May 13–16, 2026
  Pitmasters from around the world come to this annual event in Midtown Memphis to show off their skills at one of the country’s most prestigious barbecue cooking competitions. Head to Liberty Park to stroll past wildly decorated booths and rigs, where teams compete in tasty categories for big prize money. General admission grants you entrance, but add on a Kingsford Tour of Champions or BBQ Alley experience to sample the goods. Or, splurge on a VIPit pass to get behind-the-scenes access to competitor cooking spaces, demonstrations, a judging class and more. View all ticket options here.
• Great American River Run
  May 23, 2026
  Set a goal and make it happen, whether it’s running a 5k, 10k or a half-marathon. Not into running? Come to cheer on the racers. With a course that begins on Beale Street and progresses past some of Memphis' most beloved Downtown Memphis landmarks, the Great American River Run is a memorable experience whether you run, walk or cheer! 
• Memphis In May International Salute To Ireland
  May 2026
  You know about the concerts and competitions, but did you know that Memphis in May was designed as a cultural exchange between the city and a different honored country every year? This year's honored country is Ireland, so check back for a schedule of exhibits, luncheons, lectures and other activities connecting Memphians and visitors with speakers, artists and celebrities from the honored country.

More May Fun

• RiverBeat Music Festival
  May 1–3, 2026
  Get ready to groove to the rhythm of the Mississippi River at the RiverBeat Music Festival. Last year's fest welcomed 50 bands, including Missy Elliot, The Killers, Benson Boone and Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals, to the great Mississippi Riverfront at Tom Lee Park. Stay tuned for the 2026 lineup announcement. You can go ahead and get tickets for all three days or individual days here.
• Memphis Greek Festival
  May 8–9, 2026
  Celebrate Greek heritage with traditional recipes, dancing, music, vendors and more at the 67th annual Memphis Greek Festival in May.  
• Overton Square Crawfish Fest
  May 2026
  If you can't make the Rajun Cajun Crawfish Fest, no worries. There's more crawfish to go 'round! Overton Square Crawfish Fest is another local favorite. Guests can expect live music, local vendors and more crawfish! 

OCTOBER 

Mempho Music Festival
October 9–11, 2026
One of the city’s biggest music events, Mempho is three days of national touring acts and local superstars on stage at Radians Amphitheater at Memphis Botanic Garden.

RiverArts Fest
October 17–18, 2026
Make your way Downtown for this annual arts festival, where nearly 200 artists from around the U.S. will be showcasing their works.

14th Annual Cooper-Young Beerfest
October 2026
Don't miss one of the best craft beer festivals in Memphis, featuring 30+ craft breweries pouring their beers for unlimited sampling in the Cooper-Young neighborhood.

Edge Motorfest
October 2026
Car lovers should circle this one on their calendars, as Edge Motor Museum hosts food trucks, music and more than 150 classic cars competing for different awards — all in The Edge District. 

NOVEMBER

Broad Ave Art Walk
November 2026
This fun-filled fall festival takes over the Broad Ave Arts District with 60+ local artists and makers, live music, kids' crafts, food, and drinks.

Memphis Crafts & Drafts Festival Holiday Market
November 7, 2026
Go holiday shopping for one-of-a-kind items from the areas best artists and crafters, plus enjoy a specially curated Crafts & Drafts Beer Garden and all kinds of family fun at Crosstown Concourse.

DECEMBER

Raised by Sound Fest
December 2026
An intimate celebration of music with unique performances at Crosstown Concourse. Last year, a free lineup included Jay Som, Melinda, Deonna Sirod, Jake Xerxes Fussell and Blue Tom Revue, before Kurt Vile and Stephen Malkmus took the stage in the ticketed show. The after party featured Mr. Fingers, Kid Millions and Coudland Canyon.

Note: Memphis celebrates the holidays in big, sparkly ways throughout November and December every year. Keep your eye here for all of our holiday happenings.