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5 Things To Do In Memphis This Weekend

HAPPENING ALL WEEKEND

Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale, Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, Thursday til Sunday, free to attend

Browse through thousands of great books for sale at bargain prices. Almost everything is less than $3. Kids books, audiobooks, CDS, DVDs, vinyl records, hardback, soft back.  All the money raised from the Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale funds Memphis Public Library programming. 

Africa in April, Friday til Sunday, free to attend

Africa In April is a weekend of fun, festivities, and food with a different theme each day. This year marks the 37th Anniversary of the Africa In April Cultural Awareness Festival and will showcase the Republic of Gambia from an international perspective using a multiplicity of mediums education, economics, culture, fashions, arts/crafts, music, history, and cuisines. 

Shell Daze Music Festival, Overton Park Shell, Friday and Saturday, $88.95/2-Day GA passes

Shell Daze Music Festival returns to Overton Park Shell with a funk-filled lineup led by JJ Grey & Mofro and Oteil Burbridge & Friends ft. Steve Kimock, Jason Crosby, John Kimock, Tom Guarna & Lamar Williams Jr. Gates open at 5pm on Friday and 3:30pm on Saturday. Bring your own lawn chairs, blankets, or whatever you need to sit comfortably on the ground.

Good Vibes Comedy Festival, Hi Tone, Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m., $50 in advance, $80 day of

This is Memphis’ largest comedy festival featuring 20 comedians from all over the country. Click here to purchase tickets for Friday. Click here to purchase tickets for Saturday.

Ballet Memphis- American Roots, Crosstown Theater, Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m., $35-$55

Rising choreographic stars Alia Kache of Alvin Ailey Dance Theater and Ballet Memphis’ own Julie Niekrasz and Brandon Ramey each present new works performed to musical selections that celebrate the vast and exciting landscape of Americana music. A spotlight on the diversity of American dreams, this production features a live house band that just may have you dancing in the aisles!

Collage Dance Collective- ELEVATE, Cannon Center, Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m., tickets start at $15

The centerpiece of their elevated spring season is the Memphis premiere of Wayne McGregor’s Chroma, which explores the drama of the human body and its ability to communicate extremes of thought and emotion. The one act ballet, which the London Times heralded as “ravishing on all fronts”, premiered in 2006 at The Royal Opera House and in 2007 received an Olivier Award for Best New Dance Production. 

Vintage901 8th Annual Wine, Food, and music Spring Festival, Saturday 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. at The Medicine Factory and Sunday Noon - 2 p.m. at the FedEx Event Center, $105 (for Saturday’s event only– the rest is sold out), 21+

The Wine, Food and Music Festival consists of two events. The Grand Tasting features an array of wine vendors from numerous Old World and New World wine producers. A series of classes are curated for guests to learn about wine and food pairings. The Sparkling Brunch is the relaxing, laid-back event for the weekend. Wines and delectable culinary dishes are featured. Sommelier Laurie Forster will host this event with a fun, educational twist.

Spirit Fest, Agricenter International, Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., $17/ 2-day pass, kids under 12 are free

The Sanctuary for Mind, Body, & Spirit returns to Memphis with the highly successful Spirit Fest. Enjoy a full weekend of great energy, enlightenment, learning, and fun with speakers, intuitive readers, healing practitioners, food, vendors, and more.

THINGS TO DO ON FRIDAY

Write Memphis Mixer, Rumba Room, 7 p.m., $9.01

It's that time, again, and just in time for National Poetry Month! Calling ALL writers (poets, authors, comedians, rappers, playwrights, songwriters, musicians, etc.) Expect: improv sessions, writing collabs, feedback on new work, hot topics during artist convo time, interactive games, networking, potential bookings, food and drink specials, and a good time.

Overton Square Music Series: Savannah Brister, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m., free to attend

Head to Chimes Square for free live concerts in the Overton Square Music Series! Grab a chair or blanket and rock out under the stars on the courtyard stage, located on Trimble Place off Cooper Street.

Flamenco Memphis, The Green Room at Crosstown Arts, 7:30 p.m., $14

Flamenco Memphis celebrates one year anniversary with an evening of flamenco music, singing and dance! The performance, presented in a "tablao" style, will bring the audiences a diverse repertoire that includes traditional and original flamenco compositions. 

Trap Karaoke: Memphis, Minglewood Hall, 7:30 p.m., $64.94

Call your friends and catch a vibe at Trap Karaoke! You’ll hear some of the best hits in this fun and interactive show.

Big Bubble Rave, Growlers, 9 p.m., $15-$25, 18+

Check out this fun underwater themed rave at Growlers. As they said it– “it’s dumb, just come have fun. Who cares? Cool is dead.” And that;s how you know it’s going to be a good time.

THINGS TO DO ON SATURDAY

Earth Day Festival, Shelby Farms Park, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., free to attend

Celebrate with us at the Earth Day Festival presented by International Paper. You “herd” it here first! You will not want to miss the Park mascot, Bob the Buffalo, leading the way through Earth Day celebrations. Adults and kids alike will have opportunities to experience, explore, and learn different ways of going green in Memphis.

East Buntyn Art walk, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., free to attend

Each spring, the East Buntyn ArtWalk celebrates local artists, musicians and food trucks with an amazing open-air bazaar of galleries set up in the front yards and porches of the historic east Memphis neighborhood. Visit and engage with local artists while enjoying the hospitality of East Buntyn residents.

World Championship Hot Wing Contest & Festival, Riverside Drive, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., $20/GA

This year marks the 22nd year of the WCHWCF, previously known as the Southern Hotwing Festival, and attracts international teams from Brazil, Canada, Costa Rica, South Africa, and other parts of the world. Festival-goers will not only have a fun time sampling the competition’s fare, they will also have “something to crow about '' as they will be making a contribution to The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Memphis (RMH). 

Cooper-Young Porchfest, Noon, free to attend

Cooper-Young Porchfest is back y'all, welcoming spring with an afternoon of music, community, and fun! Staged on the eclectic porches of the historic neighborhood, the volunteer event will feature local bands playing on residents' porches, and is intended to be a grassroots celebration of spring, music, and Cooper-Young. 

Regan Farm Festival, Wiseacre Brewery, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., free to attend

Join Riley Family Farms on Saturday at Wiseacre Brewing for an afternoon of great music and local farm raised food, and celebrate farms helping build a better Mid South through regenerative agriculture. Enjoy a special menu by Hick’s Championship BBQ featuring Riley Family Farms pasture raised chicken & turkey & Home Place Pastures grass fed beef & pasture raised heritage pork, and stop by the bar for a taste of craft artisan beers and cold brew coffee.

Memphis Football Spring Game, Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, 3 p.m. - 5 p.m., free to attend

University of Memphis Football will hold the program's annual spring game. You’ll be able to meet the players on the field after the game for an autograph session, grab 2024 Memphis Football posters, enjoy food trucks and beer specials, and more. There will also be a kids zone with inflatables, face painters, and more starting at 1 p.m.

Absence of Color Cocktail Party, The Palace at Cordova, 7 p.m., $70/GA

Grab your shade of Black, Brown, Nude, and White. After all, it's the absence of color! This event is curated to celebrate YOU! It's an evening of elegance to toast to all your accomplishments and to celebrate your future accomplishments. Enjoy, a beautiful ambiance filled with music, entertainment, food, cocktails, and an environment of sophisticated adults.

THINGS TO DO ON SUNDAY

Memphis Mimosa Festival, Tom Lee Park, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., $55

The Memphis Mimosa Festival on the river is not only about mimosas. It's about style , It's about a vibe, It's about shopping with the most amazing vendors, it's about eating the best food in Memphis.

Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival, Riverside Drive, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., free to attend

Porter-Leath is celebrating 31st years of its Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival. Over 30,000 festival-goers will enjoy live music on two stages from nationally-known and local award-winning artists in Memphis, games including crawfish bobbing, eating, and racing, arts & crafts vendors, and children can play in the kids area in the River Garden Park. Admission is free but due to a crawfish shortage, meals are $40 and include crawfish, shrimp, corn, and potato.

Huey’s Poplar 20th Anniversary at 11 a.m.

They’ve kept the Blues, Brews & Burgers legacy going strong at Huey's Poplar - East Memphis. Celebrate with the Huey’s team with throwback pricing, 2-for-1 beer specials, live music, cake, and a chance to enjoy the brand new patio.

Drag Brunch and Bingo, Railgarten, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., $33, 21+

This is not your typical bingo game. Spend Sunday Funday with Pattie O’Furniture and friends. Your ticket includes a brunch buffet with the option for $20 bottomless mimosas. 

PBS Kids Rock Scavenger Hunt, Metal Museum, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m., free to attend

Celebrate the release of PBS Kids' new logo and go on a scavenger hunt for PBS Kids rocks that are hidden all around the museum grounds. Prize baskets will be awarded to those who find a rock!

Le Spectacle by Children’s Ballet Theater, Buckman Performing Arts Center, 2 p.m. - 3:15 p.m., $15/adult, $10, 8-11 years old, free for 8 and under

Children’s Ballet Theater Youth Company and special guest Tennessee Ballet Theater will perform a tribute to George Balanchine, as well as new exciting contemporary works by Steven Prince Tate, Erin Walter and Alyssa Abbas. Audience members marvel at the beautiful classical training of the young teens of Children’s Ballet Theater.

ONGOING SHOWS AND EVENTS

• Friends of George's Presents: "Out in the Woods: FOG Fairytales" til April 20
• The River Bride at Theatreworks til April 21
• Wicked at The Orpheum til April 21
• Dinner & Music Cruise
• The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time at GCT til April 28
• Vesta Home Show til April 28
• Shelby Canopy: Our Shared Connection til April 
• SUE: The T. rex Experience at MoSH til May 
• Ladies Night at Autobahn Indoor Speedway & Events every Friday til June

More events are happening this weekend — scroll through them on the blog’s calendar!