25+ Exciting Things To Do In July In Memphis

Things are heating up this month in Memphis!

Whether you're outside this month or trying to keep it cool and lowkey, here are lots of fun ways to enjoy July! 

fireworks over Memphis skyline with lit up bridge
Credit: Phillip Van Zandt

1.Celebrate the 4th of July at a Fireworks Show

Cue the sparklers ‘cause it’s time to celebrate! Firework shows will be popping up all over the Mid-South including the return of fireworks at downtown's riverfront on July 4th,  the Liberty For All Festival & Fireworks at Liberty Park on July 3, Memphis Redbirds on July 3-4, and Graceland's All-American July 4th Weekend on July 4-6. See all the firework displays plus parades and more in our 4th of July event guide.

 

splash pad
Alex Shansky

 


2. Beat the heat at a splash park in Memphis

A Memphis summer is no joke. When you're not escaping into air-conditioning, put on your suit, grab a towel and cool off at one of Memphis's splash parks, splash pads, or water playgrounds. The Memphis Zoo and CMOM have great splash parks for kids but there are plenty of choices around the city that don't cost anything to enjoy too. 


3. Head to the amphitheater for Parker McCollum at Live at the Garden

Country singer-songwriter Parker McCollum hits the stage on July 18.  At the time of writing this, there are only lawn tickets available plus a few resale options. 
 


4. Take a sip or two at Memphis Summer Cocktail Festival

This is one of the hottests festival of the summer with seasonal sips, tasty eats, and ALL the throwback vibes. Your ticket includes 10 fun-size summer cocktails, plus access to all the fun and entertainment on July 12. Tickets start at $49.

sunset skate
Julian Harper

 

5. Find your balance and roll out at Sunset Skate

Groove and glide down Riverside Drive at free skate nights on the last Thursday of July (& August too!). Perfect your skate dance moves with lessons from Step & Skate, cruise to the DJ or enjoy the local food vendors. Free 30-minute skate rentals provided by Cordova Skating Center are first come first served. Protective gear is not provided, please bring your own pads, wrist guards or helmets. 
 

asian night market event graphic


6. Celebrate Asian Culture at the Asian Night Market

Only in its third year, the Asian Night Market has blossomed into one of the premier foodie events in Memphis. On July 19, 50+ asian food vendors will spread across the Agricenter International Outdoor area. Eat your way through street eats, sweets, and more. There will also be cultural performances, kids zone, eating contest, and more. Tickets are $15 if you purchase early.
 


7. Ease on Down to The Wiz Broadway Show at The Orpheum

The Tony Award-winning Best Musical, The Wiz, hits The Orpheum Theatre from July 22-27 and we expect seats to go quick for this one.  The Wiz brings a fresh, funky twist to the classic tale of Oz creating a dynamite infusion of ballet, jazz, and modern pop brings a whole new groove to easing on down the road.
 


8. Sing Karaoke on the Bluff at Whet Thursday

This month's Whet Thursday, a monthly free community event at the Metal Museum, is all about singing your heart out. They'll be hosting karaoke on July 31 in one of Memphis' most beautiful riverfront locations with prizes for the best performances. There will be a food truck on-site, drinks available from The Tipsy Tumbler and hands-on activities or wire wrapped guitar pick jewelry and beaded hair pins.
 


9. Scoot your Boots down to Beale for  Free Country Concerts

Grab your boots and head down to Beale Street for the Kix on Beale free music series. There will be two free shows on Thursdays this month. Preston Cooper performs July 10 with Chase McDaniel opening. LANCO takes the stage on July 17 with KC Johns. Kix on Beale takes place at Handy Park.
 


10. Step Into the Soulful Story of the Jubilee Singers

Hattiloo's 19th season begins with the stirring story of the Fisk Jubilee Singers, a world-renowned group that shatted racial barrier. This production is a cappella musical packed with soul-stirring spirituals and rich history and graces the stage from July 25 to August 24.
 


11. Take yourself out to the ball game with the Memphis Redbirds

It's easy to forget that you're in the middle of a city during a Redbird's game this month. July boasts 15 home games including 4 firework nights, Sunday brunches, $2 beer nights, and more. And hey, look. We get it. July is hot and maybe baseball doesn't sound super appealing in the heat. The stadium is breezy and quiet, the food is awesome, and relatively inexpensive with in-field tickets starting at $18. Be sure to check out special promotions and themed game days. Plus, check out the air-conditioned Coors Light Chill Zone for your next game. It also have an all-you-can-eat buffet.
 


12. Catch World-Class Speed at the Ed Murphey Classic

The 9th Annual Ed Murphey Classic on July 11 brings elite track & field back to the Bluff City complete with music, food trucks, beer, and a fan zone. Proceeds support local youth programs, so every cheer goes the distance!  

13. Rep Memphis at GloRilla’s 1st Annual GLO BASH

GloRilla reps Memphis hard. It's time to give that love back to her. GloRilla returns home in a major way with the first-ever GLO BASH at FedExForum on July 25 bringing star power, surprise guests, and straight-up Memphis pride. Don’t miss this full-circle moment with one of the city’s biggest rap icons. GO GLO!


14. Buy, Sell, and Flex at SneakFest Sneaker Expo

Lace up for one of the South’s biggest sneaker events where kicks, culture, and collectors collide. Bring your freshest pairs to buy, sell, or trade with vendors and sneakerheads from across the country at SneakFest on July 26. Tickets are $20. 

15. Get Spooky at SummerWeen

Halloween comes early at SummerWeen, Memphis’ hottest costume party of the summer. On July 12, The Cadre transforms into a haunted dance haven with DJs, lasers, spooky drink specials, projection art, and even free pizza. Dress up, show out, and party like it's October if October had 90-degree nights and glowsticks. Tickets are $15-$25.


16. Groove Through the Decades for a Cause

Celebrate 15 years of South Side Wildcats excellence with a grown-up night of soul, style, and impact at the Stax Museum on July 18. Enjoy live music, art, food, and a powerful community panel all while dressed in your best 70s, 80s, or 90s throwback fit. Tickets are $75. Proceeds support youth programs in South Memphis.


17. Open Your Arms Wide for Creed’s Summer of ‘99 Tour

Creed brings their Summer of ‘99 Tour to FedExForum on July 27, joined by Daughtry and Mammoth WVH. Get ready for a night of throwback anthems, soaring vocals, and full-on nostalgia.

 


18. Sip and Stroll at the Memphis Botanic Garden (21+)

Kick off your first Thursday nights this summer with a relaxed walking tour on July 3 through Memphis’ Urban Home Garden at MBG. Enjoy two themed cocktails or mocktails as you explore sustainable gardening tips, from beekeeping to composting, with expert insights and good vibes. 

19. Don't Forget about the Peabody Rooftop Parties!

The hottest rooftop party is still going strong through July with five more Peabody Rooftop Parties. Plus, a bonus one on 4th of July with DJ Bizzle Bluebland to catch in the surrounding firework displays. This month's rooftop parties feature Grit & Grind Music Machine, DJ A.D. and the Vibe Tribe, Seeing Red, DJ Sledro and the M-80s, and the Neon Mooners.


20. Choose Your Path at A Bronx Tale

Playhouse on the Square closes out its 56th season with A Bronx Tale, a gripping coming-of-age musical set in the streets of 1960s New York. With a soulful score and a story packed with heart, it’s a tale of family, loyalty, and the choices that shape us. The show runs through July 13.

21. Step Into Style at the Sundress Soirée

Celebrate summer in style at this 25+ riverside soirée on July 5, complete with DJs, curated bites, craft cocktails, and unforgettable sunset views. Dress to impress! This elevated evening at Beale Street Landing is where fashion meets good vibes. Tickets start at $40. 

22. Place Your Bets at the Incognito Art Auction

Browse over 100 mysterious, unsigned works by Mid-South artists at Memphis Botanic Garden then bid on your favorites without knowing who created them. The artwork is on view beginning July 5 with bidding opening on July 15. The fun peaks at the in-person auction party on August 1 with music, drinks, and final bids. Costumes encouraged!

23. Sip, Learn, and Unwind at Adult Summer Camp

Level up your wine game every Tuesday this summer with five weeks of tastings and expert-led education. Join Norbert Mede at the Woman’s Exchange to explore six wines per session, perfect for beginners and seasoned sippers alike. This "adult summer camp" runs July 8 through August 5.


24. Take on the Ninja 901 Adult Challenge

Ready to test your strength, speed, and ninja skills? Compete in this 18+ showdown at the Ninja 901 Adventure Course inside the Memphis Sports and Events Center and race through intense obstacles for a shot at cash, bragging rights, and ultimate glory. $25 to enter and only the fastest will win the jackpot! 


25. Paddle Into Golden Hour at Canoes + Cocktails

Unwind with a guided sunset paddle on Hyde Lake, then kick back with craft cocktails, firepits, and tunes under the stars. Happening most Friday nights at Shelby Farms Park, this 21+ event sells out fast. Reserve your spot for the party (with or without the paddle)! 

26. Catch Live Music + Lasers at MoSH’s Laser Live

MoSH’s Planetarium transforms into Memphis’ most cosmic concert venue with the return of Laser Live! Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind show featuring live performances, dazzling laser displays, and drinks from Crosstown Brewing. The series kicks off July 26 with the Walt Phelan Band but come early for a WYXR DJ set at 6pm!

 

& of course, that's not all! Our Event Calendar is packed with more events happening all month long with more being added every day!

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About the Author

Hello! I'm Jalyn Souchek, the Director of Content for I Love Memphis Blog! I love calling the 901 home. When I'm not running the blog you can find me cheering on the Grizzlies, at a concert, exploring a new restaurant or kicking back at one of our breweries. I hope you'll love experiencing Memphis with me.

Build your perfect Memphis meal:

I love to eat so if I were to have only one meal left.. I’m going all out. I’d start with an app of Gumbo Fries from Blue City Cafe or Bayou Fries from Chef Tam, wings from Good Fortune or Central’s (honey gold and Jamaican Jerk), potato salad from Fat Larry’s, side of bbq spaghetti from Bar-B-Q Shop, and fried okra from Soul Fish. All paired with a Beale Street Brewing Space Age Sippin’.

Your most memorable Memphis moment:

College GameDay on Beale Street. That was an electric and perfect morning. I was still working in news then and was able to take it in up close and on the stage at some points. The fun and joy of everyone down there that morning is unbeatable.

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Ms. IE

I’m so glad to see so many positive things being showcased in Memphis. 
Much Respect,

Ms. IE 

The Message Songwriting Singer

🧡🎶🧡

July 13, 2024 11:03pm