35+ Things To Do This Weekend
DECEMBER 12 - DECEMBER 14
DECEMBER 12 - DECEMBER 14
- Your Essential Guide to Memphis Holiday Events
- Dine at a festive holiday pop-up to get in the spirit
- Get your Holiday shopping done at local shops
- Take the kiddos to see Santa at these spots around town
- Love live music? Here's the full live music calendar
- Want more Memphis love? Sign up for our emails
I Love Memphis Blog updates:
To be considered for the Things To Do This Weekend list, please submit AT LEAST 2 weeks in advance to the calendar. Thank you!
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THINGS TO DO ON ALL WEEKEND
Haunted X-Mas, Haunted Web Scream Park, All Weekend, $30
For one weekend only, HauntedWeb transforms into a Christmas Haunted House—a twisted winter wonderland filled with terrifying elves, sinister snowmen, and holiday spirits that DON’T bring cheer.
Winter Wonderland Opening Weekend, Agricenter, All Weekend, $26/adult, $15/child
Experience this magical holiday experience perfect for the whole family. You’ll see a 20 foot slide, bumper tubes, picture stations, petting zoo, vendors, festive food & drinks, and so much more. Dates are Dec 12-21, so get your tickets now!
Ballet Memphis’ The Nutcracker, Orpheum Theatre, All Weekend, $35-$99
Ballet Memphis' version of The Nutcracker returns to the Orpheum stage! Young Clara learns that the world is much larger and more splendid than she ever imagined after an unexpected adventure takes her to a fantasy world of dueling mice, magic Christmas trees, candy dreams, and beautiful dance. Featuring live music from the Memphis Symphony Orchestra playing the iconic Tchaikovsky score and exquisite sets and costumes, this show brings people together through an uplifting classic tale told in a new way.
Porter-Leath Toy Truck, WMC-TV Action News 5, Friday and Saturday, donation encouraged
Porter-Leath is rallying the Mid-South to help brighten the holidays for local children through its annual Toy Truck collection drive. Community members can support the effort by bringing new, unwrapped toys or making financial contributions. Donated toys should be developmentally appropriate for young children, including items such as puzzles, dolls, trucks, and building blocks. Supporters can also give by texting TOY to 50155. The first $50,000 of monetary gifts will be matched by a Secret Santa in the community.
Black Christmas Expo, Ikea Memphis, Saturday and Sunday, free to attend
Enjoy a weekend of Christmas shopping from 30 Black Businesses under one roof! Featuring soulful Christmas classics and free photos with Black Santa for kids of all ages to enjoy!
THINGS TO DO ON FRIDAY
Allen Stone & Ripe- The Get Sweet Tour, Minglewood Hall, 7 p.m., $42-$51
Allen Stone and Ripe bring The Get Sweet Tour to Memphis for a high-energy night at Minglewood Hall. Fans can expect soulful vocals, vibrant grooves, and an unforgettable atmosphere. Special guests Post Sex Nachos will kick things off with their signature indie-funk flair.
KP Hawthorn & Caitlin Cannon Live, South Main Sounds, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
KP Hawthorne returns to the stage on the heels of her latest release “fool’s gold” that is burning up the Sirius XM Outlaw Country airwaves. Caitlin returns after a very well-received show at Central Station’s “Live at The Tracks” music series a month or so ago.
THINGS TO DO ON SATURDAY
Super Saturday- Zines, Brooks Museum, 10 a.m. - Noon, free to attend
Zines, scenes, and self-expression—this Super Saturday invites you to dive into the creative world of DIY publishing. Inspired by the museum’s permanent collection, this hands-on art-making session in the Education Studio is perfect for all ages. Use paper, markers, collage materials, stickers, and more to craft your very own zine—whether it's a mini comic, a visual journal, or a poetry booklet, it's all about your unique voice.
Artist Market, Metal Museum, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., free to attend
Shop one-of-a-kind art, jewelry, home décor, and more—perfect for holiday gifting or a special treat for yourself. Enjoy live metal demonstrations, hands-on activities, and delicious bites from a local food truck while exploring the Museum grounds. Bring your friends and family for a joyful time of local talent and holiday spirit!
901 Wrestling presents Saturday Morning Live, 901 Studios @ Minglewood, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., $10
LIVE Saturday Morning wrestling returns to Memphis! 901 Wrestling brings back the excitement of Memphis style Professional Wrestling, with a huge announcement and giveaways planned.
Hot Chocolate Floats & Pictures with Santa, Kaye’s Pints & Scoops, Noon - 4 p.m., $11
Get ready to enjoy delicious hot chocolate floats and have your picture taken with a Soulful Santa. It's the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit with friends and family. The ticket includes hot chocolate or ice cream and a printed picture. Don't miss out on this special event!
Hops & Holly Holiday Market, Grind City Brewing Co., Noon - 6 p.m., free to attend
The Memphis Farmers Market is heading to Grind City to host the ultimate holiday hangout: craft brews, good food, games, live music, farmers & local makers.
Memphis Holiday Parade & Market, Beale Street, Noon - 4 p.m., free to attend
Celebrate the season on iconic Beale Street. Browse more than 30 local vendors at the Holiday Market in Handy Park from Noon - 4 p.m., then catch the Memphis Holiday Parade at 1 p.m. with bands, dancers, and festive floats. After the festivities, enjoy a meal at one of Beale Street’s classic restaurants to round out the day.
Memphis Youth Symphony Holiday Performance, Brooks Museum, 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m., $20
Enjoy a spirited performance of holiday classics by the Memphis Youth Symphony. This one-hour concert will feature Memphis’ most talented young musicians, bringing warmth, cheer, and musical magic to the galleries.
Soulful Holiday Classics with Kenneth Jackson, Orange Mound Library, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m., free to attend
Enjoy the soulful music of Kenneth Jackson as he returns to usher in the 2025 holiday season in Orange Mound. A very special holiday treat! Kenneth Jackson has performed worldwide with renowned artists such as Ray Charles, Solomon Burke, Sam and Dave, The Dells, as well as many other greats! His vocal style is reminiscent of Lou Rawls and Barry White. His guitar playing can be described as a combination of the soulful intonations of B.B. King with the technical finesse of Calvin Newborn.
Frosty Fest & Pop Local Finalist Showcase Day, Carriage Crossing, 2 p.m. - 5 p.m., free to attend
Santa Claus is coming to town! Kick off the holiday season with us for free photos with Santa at Kre8ions Photography Studio (Suite 850), free carriage rides, pet photos at SPCA, music with the School of Rock Germantown and more festive fun.
Memphis Listening Lab presents: Prabay Records– Label Focus, Memphis Listening Lab, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m., free to attend
Dive deep into the sounds and stories of Prabay Records, one of Memphis’s most remarkable gospel labels. Join us for an intimate session featuring a conversation with a Prabay artist, exploring the history, influence, and community behind the label. Afterward, enjoy a curated listening experience, spotlighting rare tracks, label classics, and hidden gems that defined the Prabay sound.
Silent Book Club & Silent Disco, Cossitt Library, 3 p.m. - 6 p.m., registration required, 18+
Enjoy Quietly Connecting, where the Cossitt Library - Silent Book Club transforms the library performance space into a sensory-friendly social space with many ways to unwind. Cozy up with your favorite book (or grab one here!) and enjoy peaceful, shared reading time. Or slip on wireless headphones and move to beats from a lineup of local DJs spinning on their own channel. You can also pass on the gift of reading to a fellow booklover at the "Bookswap and Blind Date Book" table.
Christmas Ghosts and Tea: A Victorian Tradition, Woodruff Fontaine House Museum, 4 p.m. - 7 p.m., $60
The event will begin with a proper afternoon tea, followed by an evening of Yuletide ghost stories! Guests will be served a lovely assortment of holiday savories and sweets, including scones and clotted cream, warm cider, hot cocoa and an array of teas. Afterward, we will gather in the grand ballroom to listen as the lore of ancient Christmas legends come to life.
Brush with the Wild: Benefit Art Show by Memphis Zoo Animals & Local Artists, Minglewood Hall, 6 p.m. - 9 p.m., $10/Free for zoo members
This fundraiser features collaborative works of art by Memphis artists and zoo animals who love to paint, benefitting the American Association of Zoo Keepers. Purchase archival-quality paintings by animals and local artists, meet the zookeepers and artists behind the project, and enjoy light hors d'oeuvres and drinks.
Holiday Dinner & Music Cruise, Memphis Riverboats, 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., $74
Come aboard the Christmas Dinner Cruise for a beautiful Christmas experience. Ticket prices include a 2-hour Cruise with Dinner down the Mississippi River and their live Blues & Jazz Band for your entertainment. This is a great way to celebrate the Holidays with your Significant Other, Friends, Family, or Co-Workers!
Germantown Symphony Orchestra: Holiday Concert, GPAC, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m., $35
Join in the magic of winter — opening with “Let it Snow,” this program will travel through musical celebrations of sleigh rides, ice skating, and other seasonal amusements.
THINGS TO DO ON SUNDAY
Grind City Rumble ft. The Good Brothers & Home Town Man, Memphis Wrestling WrestleCenter, 1:30 p.m. - 4:15 p.m., ticket prices vary
The road to SuperBout starts at the Grind City Rumble! Who will go on to headline the biggest event of the year? 30 Memphis Wrestling superstars, both male & female, enter the ring at timed intervals, with the first two participants starting the match. A wrestler is eliminated when they are thrown over the top rope and both feet touch the floor. The final 2 competitors in the end will square off immediately in a 1 on 1 match to determine the winner. The winner receives a Championship opportunity of their choosing at the annual SUPERBOUT.
HappiDog Bingo Bash, Wally Hatchet’s, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m., $40
The ticket package includes a meal (details coming), and assorted desserts, 2 drink tickets (wine, beer, soda, or tea), 10 bingo sheets (each sheet contains 3 cards per game), and 1 ink dauber. Extra bingo sheets (3 cards per game), and t-shirts will be available for purchase at the event, as well as a Split the Pot-50/50 raffle.
Kafe Kirk: Kirk Whalum with special guest Kandace Springs, Crosstown Theater, 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., $68
Join Grammy-winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum for Kafé Kirk, an ongoing jazz series in Crosstown Theater featuring musical and spiritual collaborations with special guest artists. This concert will feature jazz pianist and singer, Kandace Springs!
Wheel of Fortune Live!, Minglewood Hall, 8 p.m., $33-$92
Wheel of Fortune Live is spinning its way into Memphis for a high-energy, in-person version of America’s favorite game show. Fans will have the chance to step onstage, solve puzzles, and win fantastic prizes—just like on TV. Get ready for an unforgettable night of excitement, laughs, and big winnings when the wheel lands in the Bluff City!
ONGOING SHOWS AND EVENTS
- Junie B. Jones The Musical at The Circuit Playhouse til Dec 20
- Winter Wonderland at Agricenter til Dec 21
- A Christmas Carol at Theatre Memphis til Dec 23
- FREE Photos with Santa at Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid til Dec 24
- The Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees at the Pink Palace til Dec 28
- Holiday Wonders at the Garden at Memphis Botanic Garden til Dec 28
- Hattiloo Presents: If Scrooge Was A Brother at Hattiloo Theatre til Dec 30
- Starry Nights at Shelby Farms Park til Jan 3
- Holiday Season + Christmas at Graceland til Jan 11
- Lantern Festival at Memphis Zoo til Feb 1
About the Author
veena
Michelle
Wondering if most restaurants downtown are open? Specifically Itta Bena or Majestic?
Coming from an hour away just wanting to know if things are open?
Is there music on the street on Beale?
Is Wet Willies back open?
Holly Whitfield
Hi Michelle,
Almost everything is open all over town, including Itta Bena, Majestic, and Wet Willy's. I strongly suggest making reservations and calling ahead because while places are open, they may have limited space or hours. I can't say if they will have music literally outside on the street, many clubs on Beale will have live music inside.
Cheryl
Thanks for telling us about the free kayak rental with kayakmemphistours downtown! First time to kayak on the Mississippi. Nice cool weather today and great pictures!
Courtney Fly
Hi!
We’ve got free Halloween movies screening all through October every Saturday at Crosstown Concourse starting October 2nd! A matinee for kids at 2pm and a feature for adults at 7! Also the Crosstown Arts Film Series has spooky features programmed for October , including a live score/silent film screening of THE CABINET OF DR CALIGARI along with a performance by the local industrial goth/pop band, THE POP RITUAL on October 28th!
Alexandra Lowe…
What is happening this week at the Iconic Woman’s Exchange of Memphis?
Tennessee Crafts Southwest show, “Gail Laughlin Tribute; gardening, food and Fashion” Tuesday, October 5-15. Open M-F 10-4. 88 Racine Street, Memphis 38111.
James
I love this sight, it ALWAYS has what's going on around Memphis. This is a lifesaver with my parents coming in town this weekend and planning what we're going to do!
Cathe Wiese
A friend sent me one of your emails. I'm moving to Memphis in August, SO EXCITED!! Thank you for helping me find all the fun and exciting things to do in my new hometown!
Nicole
I love coming to your page to get up to date with what to do in my city!
Stephen Payne
It's Spring Time in Memphis trying to find some new adventures...
Betty Chester-Tamayo
Thank You for all you do.
Alcenias’s has a Patio now, with Horse Shoes in the back??????
Judy Posner
Great job of listing fun activities for a wide cross section of people of different ages and interests !
Thank you !!!
shahzad
Thank you for sharing this exciting lineup of events in Memphis! There's something for everyone, from the Bluff City Fair to concerts, markets, and even yoga and axe throwing. It's great to see the vibrant and diverse activities happening in the city. Keep up the fantastic work in keeping us informed!
Deborah Presley
Since my son is going to be working in Memphis next week, I decided to look up what was happening there and I just want to say that I hope the people of Memphis realize how BLESSED they are to have all these community activities and things going on because that doesn’t happen everywhere! I’ve never been to Memphis, but after reading this event calendar, I’m adding it to my bucket list!! thank you for all the information! ???Thank you for all the information
Wayne Darnell …
I really enjoy receiving updates in terms of what is going on in the city and weekends. Please keep up the great work.
Gloria Perry
I was born on Pope Creek country road outside of Norman, Arkansas about 30 minutes southwest of Hot Springs in 1945 the month after WWIi ended. My father was in the Army serving in the Philippines and came home when I was just two months old. He picked up my mom and I at where we staying with my grandparents in Arkansas and headed to Memphis to live and ended up buying a home on Prescott St. in 1948 where my parents lived until my Mom passed away in 1963 and my Dad in 2011. I lived with my parents until marrying in 1966 leaving Memphis with my husband who was in the Air Force until 1969, living in Gulfport, MS for two months, then living in Clarksville, TN. until my husband went on tour to Thailand returning to move us to Mt. Clements, MI where we were for nine months and then returning to Memphis after his release from the Air Force in 1969. We lived here until he became an air traffic controller. Then we moved to Maryville, TN where he worked at the Knoxville Airport and then transferred to Greenville, MS airport where we bought our first home. We got to come back to Memphis in 1977 where we bought our second home. We raised our precious children in Memphis. Our son lives in Cordova now and our daughter lives in Oakland getting to move to Eads where they built a new home. So, they have stayed close to home (Memphis). My husband passed away in 2020 and I stayed here in Memphis until I became ill and moved to a nursing home in Somerville, TN. Now what I am building up to say (took a rather long time building, I see..sorry!!!) is that no matter where I was born or where we had to move until finally getting to come back here, I have always been PROUD to declare I love this precious ole town of Memphis, Praise my Precious Lord❣️❣️❣️. Just wanted someone to know how I LOVE MEMPHIS?
Elice Howard
Love this blog it’s very informative❤️I can map out things to do before I arrive in Memphis so we don’t wast time trying to figure it out.
L'Tanya Clegg
I love Memphis but it's been a while since I visited. Headed there this weekend on a girl's trip and so excited!
Beverly
Fairly new to Memphis so want to learn about what is going on—things to do and places to go
Lea Stage
I just saw your segment on this morning’s news and this is exactly what I’ve been looking for. I am also also a Memphis native I grew up here I moved away and just moved back after a few years and I’m always looking for a new things for me and my family of six to do. I’m always looking for new things and I love that you have included activities That are occurring at Elmwood. I have always been in love with that beautiful cemetery. Thank you so much for doing this, making it easier for all of us to fall back in love with Memphis
JULIE W
Thank you so much for your I Love Memphis Blog! I’m always looking for fun things to do—
Bridgette
I love this blog for all my Memphis events updates. Thanks for keeping us in the know for all these years.
Catherine Swearengen
Where was the photo by Sean fisher taken in this weekends things to do?
Terri Lynn Ben…
Great Memphis morning! So glad I saw you on Live at 9 and I enjoy your “I Love Memphis Blog”! I can’t believe that I am just now signing up for updates, better late than never…
Cynthia
Very informative when you want to know what’s going on in Memphis!
Angie Marie
I really love your blogs, they keep me informed! I usually do not leave comments as I type too slow for my own liking lol. I just wanted to say thanks for keeping things simple. It was so easy to navigate and find what I was looking for without getting overwhelmed. I look forward to sharing all these ideas with my husband this weekend!
Thanks so much
Lateryka
Just moved back to Memphis after 7 years (left for college at 17 and stayed). Finally back and wow never knew how active and vibrant my city was. So happy this organisation exist! Thank you for your hard work and motivation to show people despite the media, Memphis is the place to be!
Deborah Swiney
Hello,
Can you change the time of the Sunset Jazz concert on 10/12 to 5-7pm? The last two concerts are 5-7pm due to it getting dark earlier.
Also, I don't see Sunset Jazz @ Court Square listed anywhere on this huge events list. How can the series get included? This is the 6th year of the event.
https://ilovememphisblog.com/a-huge-list-of-memphis-festivals-events
Thank you,
Deborah Swiney, SSJ Founder
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