20+ Lovable Things To Do in Memphis This February

February is when the events and fun really start to pop off in Memphis. It’s the month of love, a celebration of Black history and culture, Lunar New Year, Mardi Gras, and so much more. So whip out those calendars, there’s a lot to plan for this month.

We'll continue to add ideas to this blog throughout the month. Have an event you'd like to promote? Submit it to the blog's calendar.

Lorraine Motel sign in the background of crowd going into National Civil Rights Museum
Julian Harper

1. Celebrate Black History Month

Black history = Memphis history. It’s not to be celebrated for one month only but February is Black History Month and an opportunity to recognize it further. There are countless opportunities such as making a better effort to shop at Black-owned businesses, eat at Black-owned restaurants, or celebrating Black artists in the city. Looking to learn more about Memphis’ Black history? Take a ride with A Tour of Possibilities. You’re guaranteed to come away having learned something new.

boba tea held up in front of pink storefront
Alex Shansky

 

2. Eat Ice Cream for Breakfast

If you ever needed an excuse to eat dessert for breakfast, Ice Cream for Breakfast Day on February 1 is it. Sugar Ghost is back with their annual celebration to honor this esteemed day at both locations with breakfast themed specials including cereal milk ice cream and donut ice cream sandwiches. Details here! This year, Kaye’s Pints & Scoops is also joining in on the fun with ice cream sundaes, a morning of games, and fun. Details here.

people eating on patio of good fortune

3. Celebrate Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year kicked off on January 29 with celebrations continuing throughout February. There’s a special tasting menu at Amelia Gene’s, a grand celebration planned at Good Fortune, and more. It’s all detailed in our Lunar New Year celebration blog. 

event graphic for trolls exhibit


4. Visit the new Thomas Dambo’s Trolls exhibit

Kick off February with a fun adventure at Memphis Botanic Garden! Starting this month, Thomas Dambo’s giant trolls are taking over with TROLLS: Save the Humans. These quirky, eco-friendly sculptures make for the perfect day out while reminding us to care for our planet. Our blog has all the details plus special events they’re hosting this month.

event graphic for 20s themed food festival


5. Taste Your Way Through the City at the Memphis Restaurant Association Food Festival

On February 2, 2025, enjoy an evening dedicated to Memphis’ diverse culinary scene. Featuring tastings from top local chefs, an open bar with cocktails, wine, and beer, and a lively 1920s-themed atmosphere, this event showcases the best of Memphis dining. From Southern classics to innovative dishes, it’s a night of exceptional flavors and celebration. 
 


6. Explore the Depth of Shakespeare’s Villains

Dive into Shakespeare’s world this February with The Grace of Grace: Shining a Light Through Shakespeare’s Broken Villains from the team at Tennessee Shakespeare Company. With performances on February 1-2 and February 8-9, this show explores the humanity behind Shakespeare's iconic villains. 

hen house wall decorated
Credit: Kim Thomas

 

7. Gather Your Girlies for Galentine’s Day

Queue Martina McBride because this one’s for the girls. Galentine’s Day precedes Valentine’s and it’s all about celebrating girlhood and friendship. This year, so many places are offering events from special tastings, cake decorating classes, or building your own bouquets. Plus, hit a fun brunch, take a crafty workshop or dress up for high tea. It’s all included in our Galentine’s Day guide.

couple cheers a glass of wine at restaurant


8. Celebrate Your Love for V-Day

Don't let Valentine's Day sneak up on you especially since places fill up quick! Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, falls on a Friday this year opening up even more options for a fun night. Book a romantic dinner or spice it up with special events like dance classes, DJ sets, workshops, and more. It's all in our Valentine's guide.
 


9. Get Smacked (jk) at WWE: Friday Night Smackdown

WWE is back at FedExForum! Watch the fallout from The Royal Rumble on February 7. Expect to see some of your favorites like Cody Rhodes, Solo Sikoa, The Bloodline, and more. This writer has been to the last three WWE events at the FedExForum. Let me just tell you, it’s a good time.
 

10. See One of Ballet’s Most Exciting Performances with Dance Theatre of Harlem

Don't miss the iconic Dance Theatre of Harlem as they grace the Orpheum Theatre stage on February 7-8. Celebrated as “one of ballet’s most exciting undertakings” (The New York Times), this legendary company brings bold performances and unparalleled artistry that have captivated audiences worldwide for over six decades.

inside areas for Grizzlies game packed with people
Jalyn Souchek

 

11. Cheer on the Memphis Grizzlies

The Grizzlies season is in full swing. Only about two and a half months separate us and a playoff run. Get hyped and get to FedExForum this month. Our Grizzlies are in action at home only for four games this month. Show up! 

  • Mon., Feb. 3 vs. San Antonio
  • Sat., Feb. 8 vs. Oklahoma City
  • Tues., Feb. 25 vs. Phoenix
  • Fr., Feb. 28 vs. New York
woman serves meat to man at WCBCC
Alex Shansky

 

12. Train to Be a Judge at Memphis in May

Love bbq and love to judge said bbq? This is for you. The World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest has one annual opportunity to train to be a judge ahead of the competition. On February 8, Memphis in May will hold a WCBCC judging seminar. Learn all the ins and ours of judging the best bbq and sample some along the way. WCBCC added a new steak competition this year too. How fun.


13. Visit Three New Exhibits at Dixon Gallery & Gardens

If the fact that the Dixon Gallery & Gardens is free to visit year-round isn’t a good enough reason to visit, then consider going for their three new exhibits on display. Chris Antemann: An Occasional Craving features ceramics with an eye of Meissen porcelain. Floyd Newsum: House of Grace features large paintings on paper and maquettes for public sculptures that represent the artist’s interest in social practice. Who is that Artist? Jordan Miernik-Walker presents photography-based work through interactive components.
 


14. Sing Along to Hamilton at Orpheum Theatre

Just don’t sing that loud. Maybe a whisper sing to not disturb those around you. The hit Broadway show, Hamilton, returns to the Orpheum Theatre. This show is still so hot that it’ll have a two-week run from February 18 to March 2. Tickets are already selling fast so don’t wait if Hamilton is a must-see for you.
 


15.  Heat Up the Stage with Ballet Memphis

Winter Mix returns with fresh choreography and a fan-favorite revival. Featuring new works from rising talents and Trey McIntyre’s The Barramundi, set to Seu Jorge’s Bowie covers, this electrifying showcase is a must-see on February 21-23.

 

16. Watch the Best Bull Riders in the World Compete

Get ready for nonstop action as PBR’s Pendleton Whisky Velocity Tour bucks back into Memphis on February 15. Watch top bull riders take on the sport’s toughest bulls in a high-energy, one-night-only battle at FedExForum.

line of people cooking chili
Credit: Special Olympics of Greater Memphis

17. Compete in a chili cook off or taste-test it at Bluff City Fire & Ice

Have a great chili recipe? Consider entering the 18th Annual Chili Cook-off at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium on February 15th which benefits the Special Olympics of Greater Memphis. For those more into eating chili, taste-test the People’s Choice contest with the purchase of a $5 ticket. Details here.

people jump into cold water for polar plunge
Credit: Special Olympics of Greater Memphis


18. After heating up with chili, plunge into icy waters for the 26th Annual Polar Bear Plunge

Join hundreds of brave souls on the stadium field to take a dip into the frigid waters as the second part of the Bluff City Fire & Ice celebration– again benefiting the Special Olympics of Greater Memphis. Join the plunge!

volunteer odyssey volunteer
Credit: Volunteer Odyssey

 

19. Speaking of doing good for the community.. Volunteer!

Volunteer Odyssey is always in great need of volunteers to help with various events and efforts. Every month, they put together this volunteer guide (hang tight! February edition coming soon) of worthy causes in need of a helping hand. Spread some extra love this month. It’s the month of love after all so show love for your city through acts of service.
 

20. Don't Miss Hattiloo’s Black Odyssey Performance

Experience a powerful reimagining of Homer’s epic as Black Odyssey brings Ulysses Lincoln’s journey home to life. Blending mythology, African American history, and modern Harlem, this poetic production runs January 24–February 16 at Hattiloo Theatre.
 


21. Step Into Earth Matters: An Interactive Journey Through Our Changing Planet

Explore the connections between air, land, and water at Earth Matters: Rethink the Future, open daily from January 25 to May 18 at the Pink Palace Museum. This hands-on exhibit invites visitors to engage with ecosystems, tackle environmental challenges, and see how small actions create a big impact. From 3D coral reef mapping to eye-opening displays on biodiversity and carbon emissions, this immersive experience redefines how we think about our planet’s future.

decorated king cake
Jalyn Souchek

 

22. Let Everyone eat King Cake

Get the taste of this Mardi Gras favorite before it's too late. Several local bakeries take a classic or unique spin on this. Many places require advance orders but there are some that offer carry out. Our guide includes great spots to order from plus upcoming Mardi Gras events.

drink holder filled with assortment of different soups
Jalyn Souchek

 

23. Savor the Flavors & Support Local Youth at Soup Sunday

Now in its 36th year, Soup Sunday brings the community together for a day of delicious bites and meaningful impact on February 23. Attendees can sample soups and specialties from top Memphis restaurants and caterers while enjoying live entertainment and complimentary beverages. Proceeds support local youth programs, making it a flavorful way to give back.

exterior of fedexforum entrance
Alex Shansky

 

24. Laugh out Loud at Two FedExForum Comedy Shows

Hit FedExForum for back-to-back nights of comedy this month. Sebastian Maniscalco and Jim Gaffigan are bringing A Night of Comedy to FedExForum on Friday, February 21Katt Williams brings his Heaven on Earth Tour to FedExForum on Saturday, February 2.

people in front of crowd at concert
Sean Davis

 

25. Hit a Concert This Month (We have 9 to Recommend!)

Stick indoors with a concert this month. Every month, we put together a live music guide rounding up some of the best shows to see. February features a K-pop performance by Purple Kiss to a Kash Doll show and more.

Of course, that's not everything happening in February! For more events, check out our Huge List of Events, Festivals, and Shows or our packed events calendar.

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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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