25+ Fun Things To Do In Memphis This August
August in Memphis is our last taste of summer. As the events gear up for fall and the temperatures fall, slowly, very, very slowly, here are 25+ ways to have some fun this month while making the most of what’s left of summer.
August in Memphis is our last taste of summer. As the events gear up for fall and the temperatures fall, slowly, very, very slowly, here are 25+ ways to have some fun this month while making the most of what’s left of summer.
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:
- Huge List of 2025 Memphis Events, Festivals, and Shows
- The weekend guide is updated each week with exciting things to do on Friday-Sunday
For even more events, just scroll though the blog's calendar.
Suffs at The Orpheum
August 1–2, 2026 | 7:30 p.m. | Orpheum Theatre
Last chance to see this Tony Award-winning Broadway musical before it leaves Memphis. Suffs — created by Shaina Taub, the first woman to independently win Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Score in the same season — follows the brilliant, passionate women who fought for the right to vote. August 1 and 2 are the final two performances. Tickets are $62.20–$162.20.
Hattiloo Season 20 Kickoff Block Party
August 1, 2026 | 2–6 p.m. | Overton Square
Hattiloo is celebrating 20 seasons of Black theatre in Memphis with a free block party at Overton Square. Expect live music, food, giveaways, and performances — plus a Youth Talent Show open to kids ages 6–16 competing for a $100 cash prize. Free for all ages.
Feast on the Farm Gala
August 1, 2026 | Agricenter International
The annual country-chic fundraiser at Agricenter International returns for another season of local cuisine, live music, and a silent auction. Proceeds support Agricenter's agriculture and STEM education programs, which reach over 10,000 Mid-South students annually.
Memphis Classic Championship Weekend
August 1–2, 2026 | Leftwich Tennis Center
Professional women's tennis is back in Memphis with the inaugural Memphis Classic, a new WTA 250 tournament at Leftwich Tennis Center. The championship weekend — semifinals Saturday, finals Sunday — closes out eight days of top-tier competition. Single session, championship weekend, courtside box, and weeklong premium ticket packages are all available.
Live at the Garden: Deep Purple + Kansas
August 6, 2026 | Gates 5:30 p.m., Show 7:30 p.m. | Radians Amphitheater, Memphis Botanic Garden
Two rock legends, one lawn. Deep Purple and Kansas share the Radians Amphitheater stage on August 6 for one of the biggest Live at the Garden bookings in the series' 20-year history. Open lawn seating — bring chairs or blankets, outside food and drinks are welcome. Grab tickets early.
Peabody Rooftop Parties
August 6 & 13, 2026 | Doors 6 p.m., Bands 7–10 p.m. | The Peabody
The final two Thursdays of the summer rooftop season close things out with Third Coast on August 6 and Neon Mooners on August 13. Sky-high views, cool drinks, live bands through 10 p.m. General admission is $15, VIP is $40. 21+ only.
Bubble Run
August 8, 2026 | 8–11 a.m. | Shelby Farms Park
A non-competitive, untimed 5K through foam bogs and colorful bubble clouds at Shelby Farms Park. Registration is free, all ages and fitness levels are welcome, and it's exactly as fun as it sounds. Bring the whole crew.
Elvis Week
August 8–16, 2026 | Graceland
The world's most devoted Elvis fans descend on Memphis for eight days of concerts, competitions, panel discussions, dance parties, and more. The Candlelight Vigil — the cornerstone of Elvis Week — takes place on August 15, the anniversary of Elvis's passing. See the full schedule at graceland.com.
Memphis Chicken & Beer Festival
August 8, 2026 | 6–10 p.m. | Tiger Lane
Now in its 8th year, the Memphis Chicken & Beer Festival takes over Tiger Lane with 90+ beer samples, live music, interactive games, and local restaurants serving up chicken dishes all night. GA tickets are $45 and include a souvenir tasting glass and all beverage samples; VIP is $80 with early entry at 5:30 p.m. and access to the VIP lounge. Proceeds benefit Merge Memphis. 21+ only.
8/8 Lion's Gate Portal Metaphysical Market
August 8, 2026 | Noon–6 p.m. | Hi-Tone
The first-ever Lion's Gate Portal Metaphysical Market lands at Hi-Tone on 8/8 — one of the most energetically charged dates on the calendar, when the Sun in Leo aligns with the star Sirius. Browse crystals, tarot decks, handcrafted ritual tools, natural stone jewelry, stained glass, pottery, and more from local and regional vendors. Tarot and oracle readings available, plus specialty drinks and gourmet homemade desserts. Free entry.
My Big Backyard Jam Session
August 8, 2026 | 6–8 p.m. | Memphis Botanic Garden
Memphis Botanic Garden celebrates the opening of Fun Studio — its newest imaginative play space inside My Big Backyard — with a live music party for families on August 8. The Fun Studio Band features Graham Winchester, Jeff Hulett, the Church Brothers, and Frank McClallen, with special guests TBA. Hands-on activities, community partners, and outdoor fun all evening. Tickets are $20; food available for purchase.
FedEx St. Jude Championship
August 12–16, 2026 | TPC Southwind
The world's top 70 golfers come to Memphis for the FedEx St. Jude Championship, the opening event of the FedExCup Playoffs at TPC Southwind. One of the biggest sporting events the city hosts all year — and one of the most underrated. Beyond the golf, there's plenty to eat, drink, and explore on the grounds all week.
Sip and Stroll (21+) at Memphis Botanic Garden
August 13, 2026 | 6–8 p.m. | Memphis Botanic Garden
The monthly after-hours walking tour at Memphis Botanic Garden continues in August with a guided stroll through a specialty garden and two themed cocktails or mocktails included with your ticket. Members $30, non-members $35. Advance registration required.
Speak, Salvation, Speak at Hattiloo Theatre
August 13–September 6, 2026 | Hattiloo Theatre
Hattiloo opens its milestone 20th season with a gripping family drama written by Ekundayo Bandele and starring Harry Lennix (The Blacklist, Man of Steel). Paul is a devoted Pentecostal husband and father; his son Ohun has chosen a different spiritual path rooted in ancestral tradition; and between them stands Mae, holding the family together as it strains under everything that can't be said out loud. A haunting recurring dream pulls father and son toward a reckoning where devotion, legacy, and survival collide. Opening night is August 13 ($75); general admission $60, students/seniors/military $55.
Live at the Garden: John Legend
August 14, 2026 | Gates 5:30 p.m., Show 8 p.m. | Radians Amphitheater, Memphis Botanic Garden
John Legend brings his intimate Songs & Stories format to the Radians Amphitheater on August 14 — a storytelling-meets-performance show weaving the music and the memories behind it. Open lawn seating, outside food and drinks welcome.
Bluey's Big Play
August 15–16, 2026 | Orpheum Theatre
Bluey and Bingo hit the Orpheum stage in their first-ever live theatre show, and this one was made just for the little ones. When Dad just wants five minutes on the bean bag, the Heeler kids have other plans — featuring brilliantly crafted puppets, an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm, and new music by composer Joff Bush. Based on the Emmy Award-winning series.
Bingo Loco
August 15, 2026 | Minglewood Hall
The global interactive comedy rave sensation returns to Memphis, and it is three full hours of beautiful chaos. Bingo Loco flips traditional bingo on its head with booming stadium anthems, throwback rave rounds, confetti cannons, dance-offs, lip-sync battles, and prizes ranging from air fryers to international vacations. Come ready to participate.
Mean Girls at Playhouse on the Square
August 21–September 13, 2026 | Playhouse on the Square
Tina Fey's hit musical hits the Playhouse stage for a summer run. Cady Heron, freshly transferred to North Shore High after a childhood homeschooled in Africa, gets pulled into the glamorous, treacherous world of The Plastics. Packed with laughs, heart, and unforgettable numbers. Book by Tina Fey, music by Jeff Richmond, lyrics by Nell Benjamin
Agave & Ash Festival
August 23, 2026 | 1–6 p.m. | Shelby Farms Park
A sophisticated afternoon of premium tequila, fine cigars, live music, art, and culture at Shelby Farms Park. Agave & Ash is dedicated to celebrating Memphis through the lens of craft and community, bringing together tradition and good taste in one place.
Summer Sizzler Memphis
August 23, 2026 | 7 a.m. | Greenbelt Park, Mud Island
A chip-timed 5K, 10K, or 15K along the river, plus a 1-mile untimed option and a kids' dash for ages 10 and under. Every registration comes with a designer shirt, custom finisher medal, free photos, and Kona Ice at the finish. Adult entry starts at $25.98; kids 12 and under run the 5K/10K for $17.
19th Annual Forrest Spence 5K
August 29, 2026 | 8 a.m. | Shelby Farms Park
The Forrest Spence Fund's 5K returns to Shelby Farms Park for its 19th year, bringing together runners, families, and community to support families of critically or chronically ill children across the Mid-South. The fund has assisted over 143,000 families. Race morning also includes a 100-yard dash for kids 8 and under, a 1-mile fun run for kids 12 and under, bounce houses, games, and food. Registration starts at $34.
Recess Reloaded
August 29, 2026 | 11 a.m.–6 p.m. | Mud Island River Park
Adult field day, 901 Day Weekend edition. Recess Reloaded takes over Mud Island with mechanical bull contests, an obstacle course, rock climbing, slip-and-slide relays, giant water slides, gladiator jousting, bubble ball, and live music and DJs keeping the energy up all day. 21+ event.
Memphis Redbirds
August 2026 | AutoZone Park
The Redbirds close out the home stretch of the season with games at AutoZone Park. Fireworks shows run every Saturday night, and the usual weekly deals — $2 PBR Thursdays, $5 Fiesta Fridays — are back. Check the full promotions schedule for giveaway nights and special events.
Canoes + Cocktails at Shelby Farms Park
Every Friday in August | 6 p.m. | Shelby Farms Park
Guided sunset paddles on Hyde Lake followed by Old Dominick craft cocktails, snacks from Feast & Graze, yard games, and music under the stars. Pick your vessel — canoe, kayak, or SUP — or grab a cocktails-only ticket and keep your feet dry. 21+ event; tickets sell out fast.
Café Society: Art and Sociability in Paris, 1855–1914
Through September 6, 2026 | Dixon Gallery and Gardens
August is your last full month to catch this one. More than 50 works from public and private collections in the U.S. and Europe trace the rise of Parisian café culture — how those smoky, sociable spaces transformed daily life, brought together artists and ordinary Parisians alike, and ultimately became a subject of the art itself. On view Tuesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; the exhibition closes September 6.
Free Outdoor Workouts on the Riverfront
All Month | Tom Lee Park & Beale Street Landing
Memphis River Parks Partnership keeps the free fitness classes going all August with Pilates, yoga, HIIT, Zumba Gold, step, and kids' programming spread across the week. See the full schedule at memphisriverparks.org.
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