28 Lovable Things To Do in Memphis This February

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.

2. See A Streetcar Named Desire on stage

Transport yourself to 1947 New Orleans as Tennessee William’s famed A Streetcar Named Desire performed by the Tennessee Shakespeare Company. The production begins at the start of the month and runs through February 18th. Get your tickets.

3. Take a bar crawl to celebrate Lunar New Year

2024 is the Year of the Dragon. Good Fortune, in South Main, is hosting a bar crawl on February 3rd that includes a lion dance, giveaways, free drinks (limited), discounts, and more. Good Fortune will also be offer door prizes to the first 50 guests. For more ways to visit celebrate, visit this Lunar New Year events guide.

 

4. Or celebrate Lunar New Year at the Brooks Museum

Spend a day filled with celebration, exciting performances, live music, art making for all ages, authentic food, and more. The Brooks Museum is hosting this LNY celebration on February 10th. Enjoy a performance of a traditional Chinese Fan Dance or the culminating performance of the Vietnamese Lion Dancers.

5. Dance during a double feature laser light show featuring Bruno Mars and Beyonce

MoSH’s planetarium puts on an impressive laser show to music. This month, there are four opportunities to see a double feature filled with hits from Beyoncé and Bruno Mars combined with gorgeous visuals. Tickets sold separately. 

6. Check out the Everyday People: Snapshots of the Black Experience at MoSH

This new photography exhibition gives visitors a glimpse of history not often seen. Memphis artis Eric Echols’ brings his photo collection of twentieth-century African Americans. Through studio and candid photos dated back to 1900, Everyday People: Snapshots of the Black Experience is a window into history providing a deeper understanding into Black culture.

7. Sample your way through food while supporting the Memphis restaurant community

Get tickets to the Memphis Restaurant Association Food Festival on February 4th and taste your way through 15 food and 10 beverage vendors at this food festival setup. Various restaurants and representatives will be honored during the event too. Get your tickets.

8. Keep sampling away at an Italian food festival

If you like Italian food and wine, then don't miss Tony Barrasso’s 12th Annual Italian Winterfest on February 4th. The event will feature food and wine from a variety of local restaurants plus music.

9. Be inspired by Collage Dance’s RISE performance

Revered for its hallmark ballet, Kevin Thomas’s RISE, set to Dr. King’s final public speech, ascends higher with connection to one of America's most beloved figures of the civil rights movement. There are two performances that run February 3rd through 4th. Get your tickets.

10. Attend the first ever Live at the Lorraine Music Series

Live at the Lorraine is a new music series that pays homage to the enduring legacy of the American civil rights movement. This immersive series will transport audiences through time, using the power of music to connect past struggles with contemporary issues and aspirations. There are four performances in 2024 with the first on February 3rd with J. Buck. Secure your tickets.

11. Choose between two Hattiloo Theatre plays this month

Or catch both! The celebrated Hattiloo Theatre debuts two new plays this month as part of the 17th season. Confederates, a play on the parallel experiences of institutional racism of two Black women, runs February 2nd through the 25th. Succession runs February 23rd through March 24th and tells the story of a promising young Black actor who will stop at nothing to achieve success. Secure your tickets.

 

12. Take a dance class for Valentine’s Day

The Blue Suede Ballroom is hosting a fun and romantic activity to spice up the Valentine’s Day plans with dance classes. From February 10th through 17th, there are 11 Valentine’s dance classes that cover a variety of dance types and lesson times. Reserve a spot.

13. Make special plans for Valentine’s Day

Enjoy the finer side of Memphis’ cuisine scene while celebrating love. Restaurants go all out with special menus and offerings. Make those reservations quick because places fill up fast. For specials and restaurant recommendations check out this guide to V-Day.

 

14. Celebrate 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. Take a class, attend a drag brunch, or host a special shopping event. Visit the Galentine’s Day guide for more.

 

15. Sing along at Broadway’s Les Misérables at Orpheum Theatre

Do you hear the people sing? That’s just us trying not to sing over every song during the Les Misérables run at the Orpheum Theatre from February 6 to February 11. See why it’s still the world’s most popular musical and secure tickets today.

 

16. Be the first to know about the next Broadway season at the Orpheum

Register to attend the 2024-2025 Broadway Season Reveal at the Orpheum on February 26 and be the first to know what shows will be coming. The annual event includes champagne and mingling with a post-reveal celebration of drinks, desserts, and more on stage.

 

17. Want more live entertainment? Catch a concert this month

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

 

18. Attend an event that’s all about whiskey, wine, and chocolate

At Memphis Botanic Garden’s Whiskey, Wine, & Chocolates event, attendees get perfectly paired chocolate from Phillip Ashley Rix with select whiskeys, wines, and craft beer. Tickets for the February 9th event come with five pairings. Secure your tickets.

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

Have a great chili recipe? Consider entering the 17th Annual Chili Cook-off at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium on February 17th 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.

20. 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!

 

21. 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 of worthy causes in need of a helping hand. Spread some extra love this month. It’s the month of love after all! 

 

22. Explore the freedom to dream at Ballet Memphis’ Winter Mix

This mixed repertoire production showcases a broad scope of ballet, featuring two new commissions and the reprise of an audience favorite. Winter Mix runs February 23rd through February 25th. Get your tickets.

 

23. Get the T. rex experience at MoSH’s newest exhibit

SUE: The T. rex Experience is coming to MoSH beginning February 9th. This is an immersive experience where you come up to a full-size, fleshed-out replication of SUE, the most complete Tyrannosaurus rex specimen ever discovered. Feeling brave? Take a whiff of SUE’s putrid breath or stick to feeling the texture of dinosaur skin.

 

24. Let everyone eat King Cake from a local bakery

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. Check out the guide to ordering local King Cakes here.

25. Laissez les bons temps rouler at a Mardi Gras event

After filling up on King Cake, it’s time to party. Fat Tuesday falls on February 13th this year (also Galentine’s Day!). From balls to second lines and more, check out this guide to upcoming Mardi Gras events.

 

26. Book an Afternoon Tea for Galentine’s

Have the best Galentine’s Day celebration with a treat of afternoon tea with your best pals. From the elegant Peabody Hotel to the Parisian vibes of 17 Berkshire, there are a number of local businesses that offer the perfect tea experience complete with treats and snacks. Here are four Memphis spots for afternoon tea.

27. Witness the 81st Memphis Shrine Circus at the Agricenter

The 81st annual Memphis Shrine Circus returns to the Agricenter on February 15th through 18th. The feature acts include a motorcycle Globe of Death, Furry and Funny rescue Puppies from America's Got Talent, a mightyl Mongolian strongman, and more. Secure your tickets.

 

28. Head to Graceland for the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest

Three days filled with jumpsuits, blue suede shoes and black leather as the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest winners take the stage. With Valentine's Day just around the corner, prepare to hear the King of Rock 'n' Roll's best love ballads, heartbreak songs, inspirational gospel, and burning hits. Secure your tickets.