20+ 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 20 ways to have some fun this month while making the most of what’s left of summer.

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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:

For even more events, just scroll though the blog's calendar.

people watch golfers compete at FedEx St. Jude Championship
Credit: Julian Harper

 

Tee Up at the FedEx St. Jude Golf Championship

Four days of the world’s best golfers taking center stage in Memphis for the FedEx St. Jude Golf Championship at TPC Southwind on August 14-18, 2024–this includes a bonus day of practice you can catch. It’s not just about seeing the top 70 players compete on one of the toughest courses. There’s lots to eat, see, and do! An underrated must-attend Memphis event. Our latest blog details everything you need to know.

elvis tribute artist performs on stage
Credit: Andrea Zucker

Celebrate Elvis’ life, music, and legacy during Elvis Week

Head to Graceland for an immersive and in-depth celebration of the King. Elvis Week, August 9-17, offers a lineup of live concerts and competitions to panel discussions, dance parties, and much more. The Candlelight Vigil, the cornerstone of Elvis Week, is on August 15Check out the full schedule of events.

Credit: iLM Blog
Memphis 15th anniversary flyer

Come Celebrate 15 Years of I Love Memphis Blog at our 15th Birthday Party

We're thrilled to invite you to the I Love Memphis Blog's 15th birthday bash! Come celebrate with us on August 22nd from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at The Ravine in the Edge District and Memphis Made's new taproom. We'll have a DJ and music keeping the vibes flowing, delicious beer from Memphis Made, giveaways, food trucks, vendors, and more. Let's celebrate together! RSVP HERE!

Grab your lawn chair or blanket and head to the Overton Park Shell for live music

The 2024 Orion Free Concert Series returns at the end of August with more Memphis legends and notable traveling acts. While the majority of the fall shows are in September, catch the first two this month! Sit back in the grass or in your lawn chair and enjoy Mononeon and Matthew Sweet (Memphis Powerpop Festival). Here’s the full schedule!

exterior of hattiloo theatre, rainbow crosswalk leading into building
Credit: Alex Shansky

Choose between two Hattiloo Theatre plays this month

Or better yet–catch both! The celebrated Hattiloo Theatre has two plays this month as part of the 18th season. Carmen Jones, a heated and dramatic musical that raises questions about the nature of love and freedom, runs July 26 to August 18. Coconut Cake, a heartwarming story about friendship, secrets, and the unexpected ways life can surprise us runs August 9 - September 8.

dj paul performs at mempho music festival
Credit: Adarryll Jackson

Want more live entertainment? Catch a concert this month

There’s always live music in Memphis. Don’t miss the incoming tours this month. This list pulls some of the best concerts coming through each month. Find a show to see here. 

event graphic for Philippines Fest

Hit a Two-Day Philippines Fest

Experience the Philippines without leaving Memphis during the two-day Philippines Fest on August 3-4. This event is all about celebrating the rich culture, vibrant traditions and delicious cuisine of the Philippines, Enjoy live music, traditional dance, food, cultural exhibits and much more.

 

Get all Shook Up at a Blue Christmas Pop Up

Move over, Christmas in July. We’re all about Christmas in August with this Elvis-themed pop up at Bar Hustle, located inside the Arrive Hotel. This rock ‘n’ roll wonderland runs August 1-17. Expect themed food and drinks, festive door, and a twist of Elvis-inspired fun.

 

Experience the final Live at the Lorraine music series

The series finale of Live at the Lorraine series features artist Tonya Dyson on August 3. Live at the Lorraine is a quarterly music series that pays homage to the enduring legacy of the historic Lorraine Motel, the once epicenter to meet black excellence in culture, art, and music, which this event represents. Tickets include open bar and catered food experience.

 

 

Go to the Orpheum for a historic showing of Phantom of the Opera

For those that love a spooky vibe, this event is for you! See the 1925 silent horror film The Phantom of the Opera at the Orpheum on August 16. The experience won't be a silent one! Organist Tony Thomas and the Mighty Wurlitzer organ will provide live accompaniment to the film showing. Bonus: this is free to attend!
 

Credit: Andrea Zucker

Kick off the first Memphis Tigers Football Game of the Season

Can you feel it? That cool air that symbolizes the start of fall and football season? Who am I kidding, it’s Memphis. Fall isn’t close but football is! The Tigers will be at home for game one at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium on August 31 at 6 p.m. against North Alabama. This 901 Game will be a celebration of all things Memphis

 

Go to a Festival Dedicated to Drinking Beer and Eating Chicken

It’s almost Memphis Chicken & Beer Festival time! On August 10, this festival will take over Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. A ticket includes admission, a souvenir tasting cup, all beverage samples, and a portion to benefit Merge Memphis. 21+ only event.

 

Go Farm to Table at the Feast on the Farm Gala

The 10th annual Feast on the Farm Gala will also be held on August 3. This event, held at Agricenter International, is all about savoring delicious local cuisine. Enjoy live music and participate in exciting auctions. This event supports Agricenter's STEM and agriculture education programs, impacting over 18,000 Mid-South students annually. 

astronaut exhibit at MoSH
Credit Kelsey Lawrence

Immerse yourself in astronaut training at MoSH’s Mission: Astronaut

Mission: Astronaut is an interactive journey designed to give visitors a taste of life as an astronaut. Each section presents tasks that require an astronaut’s mindset to solve, using skills like engineering, physics, teamwork, and most importantly for young minds – fun! The exhibit runs now til September 2.

crowd of people at radians amphitheater concert
Credit: James Wessels

Head to the amphitheater for the two Live at the Garden Shows

Live at the Garden will be rocking with two shows in August. Creedence Clearwater Revival lead vocalist turned soloist John Fogerty will take the stage on August 9 with country singer Sam Hunt following on August 23. There are only pit and lawn tickets available, so hurry and grab those tickets!

 

Find your balance and roll out at Sunset Skate

Groove and glide down Riverside Drive at free skate nights on the last Thursday of August. 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. 

901 fc soccer fans march to stadium through alley
Credit: Craig Thompson

Cheer on Memphis 901 FC 

The Beale Street boys will be back with two home games this month on August 3 (College Night) and August 17. To make the most out of your game-day experience. Join the Bluff City Mafia, a crew of independent supporters, at The Brass Door around the corner from AutoZone Park. After enjoying a few pints of Guinness, it’s time for the march to the match.

panoramic look inside autozone park during memphis redbirds game
Credit: Phillip Van Zandt


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. The stadium is breezy and quiet, the food is awesome (they have barbecue nachos!), and relatively inexpensive with in-field tickets starting at $18. Be sure to check out special promotions and themed game days.

band performs at whet Thursday during sunset
Credit: Alex Shansky

 

Hit an Elvis-themed Whet Thursday at the Metal Museum

August is Elvis Month. On August 29th, the Metal Museum will host a musical salute to Elvi.! Enjoy the music that Elvis Presley is still celebrated for. DJ 1 Luv will rock the turn tables with tunes such as “Jailhouse Rock,” “Don’t Be Cruel,” and “Suspicious Minds.” Free to attend! Stick ‘Em will be the food truck, The Tipsy Tumbler will pour the libations, and MemPops will serve their cool, sweet treats.

child observes art at Dixon
Credit: Erin Austen Abbott

Observe three new art exhibitions for free

Three new summer exhibitions on display at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens feature more than 100 paintings, prints, and drawings. Remember, admission to the Dixon is free for all visitors through 2024!

woman walks through sunflower field with memphis bridge and pyramid in background
Credit: Julian Harper

Seek out the sunflowers at Ducks Unlimited Park

Across the great Mississippi River into West Memphis, you’ll find a stunning patch of sunflowers in bloom. Can you find them? Our guide will help with that. Make a day out of it and walk or bike down to capture some beautiful photos.
 

event graphic for renaissance faire

Get Medieval at the Memphis Renaissance Faire

Hear ye, hear ye! A grand Renaissance Faire will be held on August 17 at Wiseacre on Broad Avenue. This all-ages event will transport you to a time of music, shops, dancing, and thrilling medieval battles. We invite all to don their finest Renaissance attire and revel in the festivities. You can also catch the Memphis Armored Fight Club in action at this!

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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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