From concerts to foodie feasts, Memphis has a year full of signature festivals, where locals and visitors alike can come together and celebrate the best the city has to offer. Plan your next vacation around one of our signature festivals described below, and if you're specifically interested in food, music or cultural fests, we've got details on all the best fests in Memphis!
From concerts to foodie feasts, Memphis has a year full of signature festivals, where locals and visitors alike can come together and celebrate the best the city has to offer. Plan your next vacation around one of our signature festivals described below, and if you're specifically interested in food, music or cultural fests, we've got details on all the best fests in Memphis!
January - April
January - April
Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Weekend
March 7-9, 2025
Join Graceland for a weekend of jumpsuits, blue suede shoes and black leather as the Ultimates return to the Graceland Soundstage for a very special weekend of concerts, conversations, photo ops, and more.
Memphis Tattoo Festival
April 4-6, 2025
Ink lovers and top tattoo artists from around the world will converge on Memphis for a 3-day event packed with artistry, competitions, and community. From walk-up sessions to competitions, the Memphis Tattoo Festival will be a celebration of creativity and community.
World Championship Hot Wing Contest & Festival
April 26, 2025
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.
Shell Daze Music Festival
April 19, 2025
Shell Daze Music Festival brings a day of incredible performances to the Overton Park Shell, featuring Lettuce, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, Grace Bowers & The Hodge Podge, and The Velvet Dogs in a vibrant outdoor setting filled with great music and good vibes.
Memphis in May
- World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest
May 14-17, 2025
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 24, 2025
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 South Korea
May 2025
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 France, 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 2-4, 2025
Get ready to groove to the rhythm of the Mississippi River at the RiverBeat Music Festival. Last year's inaugural fest featured headliners like The Fugees, Odesza, and Jelly Roll, and more! Stay tuned for the 2025 lineup that will welcome 50 bands to the great Mississippi Riverfront at Tom Lee Park. Get tickets for all three-days or individual days here.
- SmokeSlam: The World's Ultimate BBQ Showdown
May 15-17, 2025
SmokeSlam is Memphis' newest BBQ competition taking place along the Mississippi River at Tom Lee Park. This three-day showdown is serious about competition and the experience with live music, carnival with a ferris wheel overlooking the riverfront, and a celebration of all things 'que with an interactive area to sample food.
Mid-South Pride Parade & Festival
June 2025
The Memphis Pride Parade is the most colorful and exciting celebration ever to roll down Beale Street.
JUNETEENTH
June 2025
Come together with vendors, entertainment, food and fun in Health Sciences Park in Downtown Memphis.
Elvis Week
August 8-16, 2025
Thousands of fans from around the world come together at Graceland to celebrate Elvis' life and career. The week-long festival brings live music performances, a 5k run, the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest and more.
Delta Fair & Music Festival
September 2025
Carnival rides, games, live music and delicious fair food come together in East Memphis for the annual Delta Fair & Music Festival at the Agricenter.
Southern Heritage Classic Weekend
September 11-13, 2025
Thousands cheer on this showdown between Tennessee State University and University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. Come for the game and experience the lively tailgate parties, special events and live music.
Germantown Festival
September 11-13, 2025
Bring the whole family to this free weekend festival in Germantown featuring artisans, kiddie rides, games, live music, a “Weenie Dog Race” and a car show.
Cooper-Young Festival
September 2025
The trendy Cooper-Young neighborhood transforms into an all-out festival with live music, food vendors, maker booths and more.
Mid-South Fair
September 25 - October 5, 2025
Count on thrill rides, funnel cakes, live music and family-friendly shows at the Landers Center in Southaven, Mississippi.
Pink Palace Crafts Fair
September 2025
Browse creations by 150 artists from around the country at this annual tradition at Audubon Park in East Memphis.
Mempho Music Festival
October 3-5, 2025
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.
OCTOBER
RiverArts Fest
October 18-19, 2025
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 2025
One of the best craft beer festivals in Memphis featuring 30+ craft breweries pouring their beers for unlimited sampling in the Cooper-Young neighborhood.
NOVEMBER
Broad Ave Art Walk
November 2025
A fun-filled fall festival taking 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 2025
Get your holiday shopping 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.
Indie Memphis Film Festival
November 2025
Center yourself in the Overton Square Performing Arts District for this showcase of local, national, and international films.
DECEMBER
Raised by Sound Fest
December 2025
An intimate celebration of music with unique performances at Crosstown Concourse. Last year, J. Spaceman & John Coxon, of Spiritualized, performed a live score to William Eggleston's "Stranded in Canton" and the after party featured a DJ set by The Black Keys and performances by Tommy Wright III and Lil Noid.
