Happy Friday, Memphis! This is one of the busiest weekends aruond town that I have seen in a long time. This is the first weekend for Brewery Revival (read more here) as well as opening weekend for the Memphis Redbirds (read more here).

Overton Square Crawfish Fest is Saturday (go here to read the Insider's Guide to Memphis Crawfish Fests) and Midtown Opera Fest continues with performances tonight and Saturday (read details here), but all of that is only the beginning. Here are five more things you won't want to miss in Memphis this weekend.

1. Memphis Black Expo, Agricenter / Stax Museum / Minglewood Hall, April 9 – 13, $55 Four-Day Pass or individual tickets
This five-day celebration of African American culture features film screenings, fashion shows, parties, and more, all surrounding a daylong conference on Saturday. The conference features black-owned business vendor booths, workshops, and celebrity appearances at the Agricenter. Go here for a full list of Memphis Black Expo events.

2. MISOMI Benefit, Hi-Tone Cafe, Friday, 9 p.m., $10 minimum donation, 18 and up
If you want to see an all-star lineup of eight of Memphis' hottest local bands and support Memphians suffering from mental health issues, head to the second annual MISOMI benefit Friday night at the Hi-Tone. The "superbill" consists of: Jack Oblivon and the Sheiks, Dead Soliders, Devil Train, The Maitre D's, Graham Winchester, The Merry Mobile, Zigadoo Moneyclips, Highway Hi-Fi, and a debut set for new band Doctor Brown. All proceeds go to NAMI Memphis. 

3. Healthy Memphis Food Festival, Broad Avenue, Sat. and Sun., free, all ages/kid-friendly
Head to the Water Tower Pavilion for a gathering of local businesses and vendors who support healthy eating and lifestyle habits. The festival will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, April 11th and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on April 12th. There will be food, music, exercise classes, art, and free health screenings.

4. MEMFix: Pinch District, Saturday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., free, all ages
For one day in April, part of the Pinch District (along North Main between Jackson and Overton Avenues) will transform into a bustling, lively neighborhood during the next MEMFix event. Go there Saturday April 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. to check out pop-up shops, entertainment, and of course, food. Read more and see a list of vendors here.

5. Rock 'n' Romp, Mud Island River Park, Saturday, 2 p.m. - 5 p.m., $5 adults/kids free, all ages
Kick off this year's Rock 'n' Romp season at Mud Island in the grove by the concession stand. Put the kids in their bathing suits, bring blankets and chairs, and enjoy music from Short in the Sleeve, Buckles & Boots, and The Sheiks. Food from Central BBQ, Tom's Tiny Kitchen, Whole Foods, and beer from Yuengling will be available for free while supplies last. 

Also going on this weekend is the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center's annual Gandhi-King Conference at LeMoyne-Owen College all day Friday and Saturday. You can attend lectures and workshops on topics such as grassroots organizing, non violent protests, healthcare, civil rights, Memphis issues, and much more. Sessions are pay what you can and and childcare is provided. 

If you still don't have enough to do on Saturday, you can support St. Jude by attending Hops Into Spring beer and burger festival at The University of Memphis Holiday Inn, organized by U of M hospitality school students.

If you don't already, and you want to, you can follow me on:
–  Twitter
–  Facebook
– Instagram
– Pinterest 

Have a great weekend!