30+ Events to Spring into Fun this April in the 901

Spring is here in Memphis, bringing a lineup of festivals, events, and seasonal food to enjoy. April is the perfect time to get outside and experience Memphis’s vibrant food scene, live music, and outdoor events.

Have an event you'd like to promote? Submit it to the blog's calendar!

Of course this guide doesn't account for every single thing happening in Memphis this month. For even more events, consult these guides we update weekly:

 

1. Get ready to sizzle at Some Like It Hot at Orpheum Theatre

This Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical is a high-energy, tap-dancing spectacle packed with comedy, romance, and show-stopping numbers. Set during Prohibition, two musicians go on the run after witnessing a mob hit, leading to a wild, life-changing adventure. Don’t miss this razzle-dazzling Broadway hit which runs from April 8-13! Recommended for ages 12+. Get your tickets here or check out all the upcoming Broadway shows coming to Memphis.

Also! In anticipation of the show, I Love Memphis Blog partnered with Orpheum for a Some Like It Hot.. Wings! contest. Memphians nominated their favorite wing spots and now it's time to crown a winner! Vote by commenting on this post!

2. Slurp on some crawfish at a boil or festival

Crawfish season is in full swing, and Memphis has the hook up for a good boil. From crawfish events to restaurants around town, you can dig in just about anywhere. Our guide helps you find upcoming events and places to buy mudbugs. Check it out here.

3. Get your laugh on at Memphis comedy festival

From April 11-13, the Good Vibes Comedy Festival returns for its second year, bringing top comedians from across the country to Memphis. Enjoy live podcasts, roast battles, themed shows, and stand-up performances for a weekend packed with nonstop laughs. Don’t miss out on the good times, great jokes, and unforgettable performances.

4. Watch some spring ball with the Memphis Showboats or at the University of Memphis spring game

If you are missing football season, the good news is you can tune in during April to our very own UFL team or watch our Memphis Tigers on April 26th at their annual spring game. 

5. Hit one of Memphis' fun and unique festivals

Celebrate the season with a mix of fun and unique festivals happening throughout April! Sip and savor at Vintage 901 (April 5-6), explore incredible ink at the Memphis Tattoo Festival (April 4-6), and support Black-owned businesses at Shop Black Fest (April 12) or hit a festival dedicated to two favorites at the Memphis Tacos & Tequila Festival (April 12).

5. Learn about Bayard Rustin at the newest exhibit at the National Civil Right’s Museum

Explore the legacy of Bayard Rustin, a key architect of the Civil Rights Movement, in this powerful new exhibit at the National Civil Rights Museum. Running from March 28 to December 31, Speaking Truth to Power showcases 500+ artifacts, including Rustin’s personal letters, passports, and memorabilia. Don’t miss this inspiring look at a pivotal activist who fought for nonviolence, equality, and justice. 


6. Try some tasty wings and donate to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Memphis at the Annual World Championship Hot Wing Contest and Festival

Get ready for a finger-lickin’ good time at the World Championship Hot Wing Contest & Festival on April 26 in Downtown Memphis! Enjoy mouthwatering wings, live music, and family-friendly fun—all while supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities of Memphis. Don’t miss this spicy showdown of the best wings in the world.

7. Try a new food truck at the Dixon Gallery on Food Truck Friday

Enjoy lunch in the beautiful Dixon gardens with Food Truck Fridays all month long! Each Friday features a different local favorite—Pok Cha’s Egg Rolls (April 4), Say Cheese (April 11), Green Beetle (April 18), and Flipside Asia (April 25). Plus, Park + Cherry will be serving up its spring menu, including beer and wine. 

8. Jam out at Porchfest in Cooper-Young

Celebrate spring with live music and community vibes at the return of Cooper-Young Porchfest on April 12! Enjoy an eclectic mix of bands performing on the historic neighborhood’s front porches, plus a community yard sale to kick off the day. This all-volunteer, grassroots event is the perfect way to experience the heart of Cooper-Young.

9. Sip, savor, and support at the Memphis Craft Cocktail Festival

Happening this weekend at Minglewood Hall, this 21+ event showcases handcrafted cocktails from top Memphis mixologists, featuring unique tastings, live music, and a good time. Tickets include cocktail samples and there will be food trucks with items available for purchase. Plus, 5% of all ticket sales will be donated to Give901. 

10. Hit a Peabody Rooftop Party

Kicking off on April 17th, you can party rooftop style at the historic Peabody hotel. Every April through August, the weekend kicks off on Thursday nights with hot bands, cool drinks, and sky-high views of the sun setting over the Mississippi River. Read more about the rooftop parties here.  


11. Try all the wines at Vintage 901’s two-day festival

This 8th annual festival spans two days, April 20-21, celebrating wine, food, and music. The two events include The Grand Tasting and The Sparkling Brunch. The Grand Tasting, is the flagship event featuring an array of wine vendors to sample from. Read our blog on what Vintage 901 is all about.

 

12. Catch a Memphis Redbirds Game

April is the first month of games for the Memphis Redbirds bringing back beloved promotions like fireworks, Bark in the Park, and more. There are 14 games at AutoZone Park to catch in April. Check out our guide to the Redbirds season that includes themed nights and giveaways to know.

 13. Enjoy breakfast festival style at Brnchlla Memphis

Kick off the spring with this event. Brnchlla is bigger and better than ever. This year they have partnered with Big Bad Breakfast to present the city the most unique and fun Brunch experience available. Buy tickets here.

14. See a concert coming to Memphis this month

There’s always live music in Memphis. Don’t miss the incoming tours this month and there are A LOT from your favorite 2000s artists at The Millennium Tour to a free Lucero concert and more. We pull a list of some of the best concerts coming through each month. Find a show to see here.


15. Support local farmers and vendors at the Memphis Farmers Market

Opening day of MFM is Saturday, April 5, from 8 AM to 1 PM in the historic South Main Neighborhood. You can shop fresh produce, local meats, and handcrafted goods while enjoying live music and connecting with the community. The market happens every Saturday April-October. 

16. Check out a Grizzlies home game before playoffs

The regular season hasn't wound down like we hoped but here's to hoping we can still end it on a high note! Only three home games remain in the regular season before playoffs. Catch the Grizz in action April 1 (vs. Golden State), April 10 (vs. Minnesota), and April 13 (vs. Dallas).

17. Enjoy a day full of music at Shell Daze Music Festival

Brought to you by Mempho Presents, Shell Daze Music Fest features artists, Lettuce, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, Grace Bowers & The Hodge Podge, and The Velvet Dogs. Happening at the Overton Park Shell, this festival is a great way to kick off spring. VIP and general admission tickets are available.

18. Do some good and volunteer this month

Volunteer Odyssey is always in great need of volunteers to help with various events and efforts. Every month, they put together this volunteer guide of worthy causes in need of a helping hand. Spread some extra love this month. It'll do your heart some good! 

19. Spend your Sunday at the spring edition of Mimosa Fest

Experience the ultimate Sunday Funday at the Memphis Mimosa Festival in Downtown Memphis. With multiple ticket options available, you can enjoy different kinds of  mimosas, try tasty food from local food trucks, and sip crafted cocktails from the premium bar. More info here.

20. Connect with your community at Coffee + Connections

If you are looking to flourish this year, Kimberlee Deneice Richards of the Flourishing Agency is ready to help through her monthly event, Coffee + Connection. Join her on April 9th to learn, connect, and feel empowered to make change right here in the 901.

21. Check out local vintage sellers at Memphis Vintage Market

The Memphis Vintage Market is back on April 19 with a brand-new location at Memphis Made Brewing (16 S. Lauderdale)! Shop from 30+ vintage vendors, sip on craft brews, and enjoy great music from 12-6 p.m. Whether you're hunting for unique finds or just soaking in the vibes, this is a can't-miss event.

22. Experience the cultural celebration that is Africa in April

Africa In April is four days of fun, festivities, and food with a different theme each day. The festival, now in its 38th year, will take place April 18-20. They’ll showcase the Republic of South Africa from an international perspective through education, economics, culture, fashions, arts/crafts, music, history, and cuisines. 

23. Grow your green thumb at Memphis Botanic Garden’s Spring Plant Sale

Visit the Botanic Gardens during the Spring Plant Sale. Their team is ready to help you choose the perfect plants for your garden. Explore a carefully curated selection of plants ideal for the Mid-South, including native species, trees and shrubs, vegetables, herbs, annuals, pollinator-friendly plants, woodland ephemerals, and more. They will also have a variety of houseplants and tropicals available.  

 

24. Sample all the beers at Wiseacre's Taste The Rarity

Happening  on Saturday, April 26, 2025,  the 10th year of Taste the Rarity. This event will have a bunch of different craft beers from breweries across the country. From 3 PM to 7 PM, your ticket includes a wristband, a taster glass, and unlimited access to all the beers on offer. In addition to the drinks, enjoy live music, food trucks, and more. Follow them on Instagram for updates. 

 25. Celebrate Huey’s 55th anniversary with a free block party 

We all know Huey’s is a Memphis staple. 2025 marks their 55th anniversary and they are celebrating with a big ole party with live music headlined by Lucero, Sons of Mudboy, and John Nemeth & The Blue Dreamers. Happening on April 13th, at the OG location on Madison, you will find live music, vendors and much more. You can find more info here.

26. Hunt for eggs at the Dixon

Happening on April 19th, the Dixon’s annual egg hunt will be fun for the whole family. There is an Easter Bunny meet and greet. Ages 3 and under will begin promptly at 9:30 am, and ages 4-8 will follow. Plus juice and healthy snacks will be provided.

27. Eat brunch in style for Easter

Start thinking about your Easter brunch plans! Easter is on April 20th this year. Our annual Easter brunch guide details all the best special brunches planned around Memphis. 2025 guide is loading soon!

28. Hit Beale Street if you're a car or bike fanatic

In April, both Hot Rods on Beale (April 22) and Bike Nights on Beale (April 23) make their return. Hot Rods is on the 4th Tuesday of the month through September. Bike Night is the 4th Wednesday of the month. This month, Beale will also host the Show Your Ride Car Show on Beale (April 12) hosted by International Council of Corvette Club.

29. Stay on Beale for the Stax Music Academy Free Concert Series

Experience the next generation of Memphis music at the Stax Music Academy Free Concert Series on Beale Street! Every Friday in April, these talented young artists will bring the sounds of soul, R&B, blues, and more to one of the city’s most iconic stages. This family-friendly event is a must-see celebration of music, history, and the future of Memphis talent. 

 30. Prep for Memphis in May at the Korean BBQ Festival

Kick off Memphis in May’s celebration of South Korea with a sizzling showdown at the Mid-South Korean BBQ Festivalon April 12 at Grind City Brewing! This one-of-a-kind cook-off blends Memphis’ world-famous BBQ culture with bold, flavorful Korean techniques, featuring pork, beef, and dumpling competitions. Enjoy samples (while they last!), Korean cultural performances, and a full day of food and fun before the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest in May.

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About the Author

Cecilia Fay is a native Memphian, entrepreneur and creative. She graduated from the University of Memphis in 2021 with a degree in Public Relations and has since worked with a diverse mix of restaurants, entrepreneurs, and organizations to help them find their voice and connect with their audiences. She owns Cecilia Fay Creative, a creative agency for small businesses. 

When she’s not working on creative projects or with her clients, you can find Cecilia checking out the latest restaurant, sipping a tasty cocktail, or indulging in a classic Huey’s burger with her family . She’s a die-hard Tiger football fan, a dedicated supporter of local businesses, and an enthusiastic reader of the I Love Memphis Blog.

What is one thing every Memphian should do at least once?

Visit Earnestine & Hazel's on a Friday night.

Describe your perfect day in Memphis.

In a perfect world, crawfish season and football season would overlap, so I could start my day at Max’s Sports Bar with a bunch of boiled crawfish, then head straight to a Tigers game. After that, I’d wrap up the night with dinner and drinks at Huey’s or The Green Beetle—probably with a rooftop pink cocktail somewhere in the mix. That day would be a 10/10! 

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Yas

Great post! Enjoy reading it. 

April 26, 2024 1:01pm