35+ Things To Do This Weekend
DECEMBER 5 - DECEMBER 7
DECEMBER 5 - DECEMBER 7
- Your Essential Guide to Memphis Holiday Events
- Dine at a festive holiday pop-up to get in the spirit
- Do 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
St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend
More than 26,000 runners from all over the world are in Memphis for the annual St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend. While the race expo (and carb-loading!) begin Thursday night, all races will take place Saturday.
Nutcracker: Land of Enchanted Sweets, St. Mary’s Episcopal School, Friday til Sunday, $20-$25
The timeless tale of Clara and her cherished Nutcracker comes to life on the Buckman stage this Christmas. The dancers of the Buckman Dance Conservatory offer a fresh interpretation of this endearing holiday classic. The whole family will adore Tchaikovsky's masterpiece, presented by Buckman’s resident dance company.
Cabaret Noel 10: An Emerald Christmas Special, Emerald Theatre Company, Friday til Sunday, $20
Emerald Theatre Company proudly presents its milestone holiday production, Cabaret Noel 10: An Emerald Christmas Special. This year marks the tenth installment of the beloved Memphis holiday cabaret with a new spin, promising audiences a sparkling mix of laughter, nostalgia, and festive cheer - all with the signature flair of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin Christmas Specials from the past.
Memphis Gem, Fossil, and Jewelry Show, Agricenter, Saturday and Sunday, $10/two-day pass
This family-friendly event offers a unique opportunity to explore the natural treasures of our planet. Visitors of all ages can enjoy hands-on learning experiences, meet experts in geology, paleontology, and gemology, and shop for one-of-a-kind gifts just in time for the holidays. There will be interactive exhibits where kids and adults can dig for fossils, pan for minerals, and learn about Earth’s history, expert talks and demonstrations, and holiday shopping.
Clara & The Nutcracker, Mike D. Rose Theater (Univ. of Memphis), Saturday and Sunday, $35-$60
This is a charming rendition of the classic holiday tale about young Clara and her adventures. Audiences delight with the exquisitely classically trained youth of the troupe who fill many of the principal roles including Clara, alongside professionals of the Tennessee Ballet Theater. This Memphis treasure transports the audience to Clara's world in the late 1700s and includes a magnificent Toy Shop, a Christmas party, a battle with the Prince and Mouse King, a land of snow and the Sugar Plum Fairy and her Kingdom of Sweets.
THINGS TO DO ON FRIDAY
End of All Art Books Pop-Up, Crosstown Arts, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m., free to attend
The bookstore features art, photography, counterculture, avant-garde, weirdo, and other curious titles in both new and used selections.
Season of Delight, Crosstown Concourse, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m., free to attend
Season of Delight is a fun, family-friendly celebration with plenty for all. Enjoy live music, crafts, games, delicious treats, and a magically great time! Experience the Season with live music including a jazz band and a choir and a DJ spinning Holiday Classics, and More! Watch Muppet Christmas: Letters to Santa for free in the Crosstown Arts Theater. Plus, The Grinch himself will be charming everyone with a heart three times its normal size!
Tree Lighting Celebration, Loflin Yard, 7 p.m., free to attend
Meet Santa and enjoy a hot chocolate bar, free for kids under 10! Bring the whole family out, even the dogs are welcome at Loflin Yard!
Grizzlies vs LA Clippers, FedExForum, 7 p.m. - 10 p.m., ticket prices vary
Cheer on the Memphis Grizzlies as they take on the LA Clippers at FedExForum for Robinhood City Night! Experience the excitement of live NBA action, from big plays to crowd-fueled energy, right here in the heart of Downtown Memphis. The first 5,000 fans get a free pair of City Edition Sunglasses!
Comedian Billy Wayne Davis Live, Hi Tone, 7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m., $20-$25
Comedian Billy Wayne Davis, who'll be in town to run in the St. Jude Marathon, headlines a Marathon Eve show in the Hi Tone's big room on Friday, December 5th. Born and raised in rural Tennessee and currently based out of LA, Billy Wayne, who's work has been featured on Conan, Last Comic Standing, WTF, Behind the Bastards, and Comedy Central, among other credits, is one of the funniest touring comics working today and is not to be missed.
Crosstown Arts Presents: Kortland Whalum, The Green Room at Crosstown Arts, 7:30 p.m. - 10 p.m., $30-$40
Two-step into a new golden era of music with Kortland Whalum. His vocal styling is influenced by soul, jazz, and R&B while possessing a rich, classy elegance with a powerful, often gospel-tinged, vocal delivery. Immerse yourself in his captivating, sultry vocals reimagining timeless soul classics alongside fresh contemporary gems. This performance not only promises musical magic but also marks Kortland’s growing footprint in the Memphis arts scene.
90s R&B Tribute to Aaliyah & Maxwell, Neil’s Music Room, 8 p.m., $10
Artists will pay tribute to Aaliyah and Maxwell, featuring beloved hits like Rock the Boat, At Your Best, Ascension, and more. The night includes performances by Charmaine Tyrelle, LaShon Robinson, Angela Burton, and a special appearance by PNerd, bringing smooth 90s vibes to the stage. Dress in your favorite 90s or early 2000s outfit and get ready for a nostalgic grown-folks party like no other.
Drew and Ellie Holcomb’s Neighborly Christmas, Orpheum Theatre, 8 P.M., $47-$118
Celebrate the season with Drew & Ellie Holcomb as they bring their warm, soulful Americana sound to a festive holiday concert in Memphis. Enjoy a mix of Christmas classics, heartfelt originals, and fan favorites in an intimate, joyful evening perfect for family and friends.
THINGS TO DO ON SATURDAY
MidSouth Toy Fest, The Great Hall & Conference Center, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., $5
Step into MidSouth Toy Fest, a celebration of the toys that have captured our imaginations for generations. Whether you're a dedicated collector or simply looking to revisit the fun of your childhood, this event brings it all together under one roof! Browse the latest releases from top toy brands, including action figures, comics, Funko Pops, games, and more! A great mix of options for fans of all ages.
Children’s Entrepreneur Market, Collierville Town Square, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., free to attend
Bring your kids to meet Santa & see the model trains, or come enjoy lunch with your friends on the square and enjoy the shopping found there, all while supporting your community's youngest entrepreneurs! CEM gives kids the opportunity to run their own businesses for the day and grow their entrepreneurial skills.
901 on Ice Christmas Towne Village, Playhouse on the Square, 1 p.m. - 8 p.m., $35
Enjoy a magical holiday experience where the Mid-South will transform into a Christmas Towne Village filled with joy, unity, and purpose! Families will enjoy ice skating, sledding, holiday shops, live performances, and photos with Santa — all while celebrating community collaboration at its best.
Edge District Art Crawl, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m., free to attend
Kick off holiday season in the Edge Arts District at the December ART CRAWL! Explore art galleries with active art exhibitions, visit working artists in their open studios, and shop original art made right here in Memphis from local vendors.
Overton Square Tree Lighting, 5 p.m., free to attend
The Square will be filled with snow as we welcome Santa Claus, eat holiday treats, and listen to great music!
Kixmas at Graceland, Graceland Soundstage, 7 p.m., $35-$106
Get ready for the inaugural KIXmas at Graceland—the ultimate holiday concert experience featuring Drake Milligan with special guest Gareth! Every ticket includes access to Elvis Presley’s Memphis Complex, where you can explore immersive exhibits, browse unique shops, enjoy great restaurants, and take in the world’s largest collection of Department 56 Christmas Villages.
Stumbling Santa Holiday Pub Crawl, Starts at Flying Saucer, 7 p.m. - 11 p.m., toy donation required to participate
Participants will roam from bar to bar, with stops planned along Beale Street, before wrapping up the evening around 11 p.m. Santas should come prepared to bring the holiday cheer and their best festive attire! While holiday sweaters and costumes have become popular, we encourage everyone to get creative with their holiday outfits. Arrive with either a new, unwrapped toy or a cash donation. Toy donations, such as puzzles, dolls, trucks, and building blocks, should encourage early learning for children under age 5.
Raised by Sound Fest After Party, Crosstown Concourse East Atrium, 9 p.m. - 11 p.m., $49
Raised By Sound Fest is WYXR’s biggest annual fundraiser that combines a day of free live music and entertainment that caps off with a headline show and after-party that help raise much-needed funds for the non-profit community radio station. In a never before seen immersive musical and visual collaboration, house music pioneer Larry Heard (Mr. Fingers), Cloudland Canyon and Kid Millions come together for our second fundraising event of Raised By Sound Fest. Along with this incredible 360 experiential performance, a ticket gets you complimentary fare from Memphis’ best restaurants, wine, beer, speciality cocktails along with artisan booths.
THINGS TO DO ON SUNDAY
Memphis Medical District Collaborative Holiday Market, Ugly Art Co., Noon - 3 p.m., free to attend
Shop dozens of local Memphis vendors while enjoying live music from the Grizzlies Prep Boys Choir and tunes by DJ Michael Adrian Davis. Fuel your shopping with food from Kinfolk ("Memphis’ Little Breakfast Joint"), a holiday cocktail from Bar Limina, and coffee and hot chocolate from Boycott Coffee. Plus, get your market purchases wrapped for free at the complimentary gift-wrapping station!
Memphis Irish Society Annual Ceili, Memphis Made Brewery, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m., $10-$15
This is the Annual Céilí, a joyful afternoon of dancing, music, community, and craic! Enjoy performances by the Inis Acla School of Irish Dance, a special appearance by the Phoenix Pipers, silent auction, the classic Split the Pot raffle, and easy, beginner-friendly Irish céilí dancing, don’t worry, they teach you everything!
Wreath Making Workshop with Midtown Bramble & Bloom, Brooks Museum, 2 p.m. - 4 p.m., $75
In this workshop, you'll learn the techniques of crafting a wreath using fresh, fragrant evergreen branches. Choose from a curated selection of ribbons, baubles, and decorative elements to personalize your creation and add a unique touch to your holiday décor. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned crafter, this hands-on class is perfect for anyone looking to get creative and add a personal, handmade touch to their seasonal decorations. All materials will be provided, and you'll leave with a stunning wreath to hang at home!
1st Sunday Jazz jam Holiday Bazaar, Center for Southern Folklore, 2 p.m. - 5 p.m., $40
Enjoy the 1st Sunday Jazz Jam Pop Up Series, a Holiday Bazaar featuring Cequita Monique and friends singing songs of the season. Tickets are $40 and include food and entertainment.
Grizzlies vs. Portland Trail Blazers, FedExForum, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m., ticket prices vary
Cheer on the Memphis Grizzlies as they take on the Portland Trail Blazers for Adoptable Pet Night! Experience the excitement of live NBA action, from big plays to crowd-fueled energy, right here in the heart of Downtown Memphis.
Latte Art Throwdown, City & State, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m., $5 to compete, free to attend
Ready for some barista vs. barista action? This exciting bracket-style, sudden-death event will feature up to 32 local/regional competitors! Each competitor produces a free-pour drink (no fancy tools or powders), and our three judges determine the winner of each round, who will then proceed to the next round. There will be first, second, and third prizes, along with a separate, exciting baby barista round for those who have been in the industry for under a year.
The Concert to Protect Our Aquifer, First Congregational Church, 7 p.m. - 10 p.m., $50
This is an incredible night of music as we enter our 3rd decade of Acoustic Sunday Live! The 2025 version features multi-award winning blues singer Shemekia Copeland, iconic bluesman Bobby Rush, performing with well known and highly noted blues guitarist, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, plus highly celebrated singer/songwriter, James McMurtry, and Folk-Americana duo Alice Howe and Freebo, with special guests Memphis' own Eric Lewis and Jimmy Davis.
ONGOING SHOWS AND EVENTS
- Junie B. Jones The Musical at The Circuit Playhouse til Dec 20
- 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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