January: Science of Beer

January 17
Craft beer and food pairings with a side of science with 20+ local breweries and beverage vendors pouring plus a handful of local restaurants serving good eats. Supports MOSH education programs.

February: Memphis Restaurant Association Food Festival

February 2
Taste the best of Memphis and support the local restaurant community with this tasting/food festival format. Samplings from local restaurants and an open bar all night at The Kent. This year, it's a 1920s theme.

February: Bluff City Fire & Ice Polar Bear Plunge & Chili Cook-Off

February 15
Support the Special Olympics of Greater Memphis and eat some tasty chili in the process. For just $5 you get to taste-test the chili of all participating chili teams and vote for people’s choice! Cool down with a polar plunge--if you're brave enough!

February: 36th Annual Soup Sunday

February 23
All-you-can-eat food tasting with dozens of local restaurants that supports Youth Villages at The Kent building. Funds raised from Soup Sunday provide support programs for young people who age out of foster care. Pro-tip: bring a muffin tin! It makes loading up on a bunch of soups to try much easier.

March: Black Opulence Festival

March 1
Celebrate Black culture with an evening of tapas style dishes from 7 local chefs paired with signature cocktails and a cigar lounge on a heated patio at Avon Acres.

March: Whiskey Warmer Festival

March 7
Attendees will enjoy sampling from a choice of 30+ whiskeys live music, local food trucks, a photo booth, a cigar lounge, and more. A portion of the proceeds benefits Volunteer Memphis. Also located at The Kent.

March: Memphis Black Restaurant Week

March 16-22
More than a dozen local Black-owned restaurants offer lunch and dinner specials for a week, culminating in Soulful Food Truck Sunday. 

March: Soulful Food Truck Festival

March 23
Dozens of food trucks joined by additional food vendors, kids zone, and live music. This soulful event is the finale of Black Restaurant Week. Held at Tiger Lane.

March: Taco & Tequila Fest

March 29
Expect free tequila shots with ticket purchase, live entertainment, $5 shots, hourly free shots, 5 bars, 6 taco trucks, and vendors.

April: Memphis Cocktail Festival

April 5
The Memphis Cocktail Festival returns for the second year this time held at Minglewood Hall  Expect to sample unlimited cocktail tastings from international brands, regional mixers and the local bar artisans who mix it all together night after night. 

April: Vintage 901 Food & Wine Festival

April 5-6
Two days of food and wine with marquee events like the annual Grand Tasting and a Sparkling Brunch. The Grand Tasting features an array of wine vendors from numerous Old World and New World wine producers. Proceeds support students seeking careers in the culinary arts, oenology and viticulture.

April: BRNCHLLA Memphis 

April 6
Back for its 5th anniversary with live music, luxe vibes, and brunch by Big Bad Breakfast and Lady Hibachi. Choose from four ticket options, dress in black and white, and get ready for the city’s most unique brunch experience. Held on Mud Island.

April: Foodees Fest

April 11-13
A traveling festival per se is coming to Memphis for three days of food and culture. Foodees Fest promises 70+ food trucks and 100+ artisans, crafters, and makers on Riverside Drive.

April: Black Arts & Wine Festival

April 13
Experience Black-owned wine brands while shopping with Blacks artists and creatives! Held at the Pink Palace.

April: World Championship Hot Wing Contest & Festival

April 26
Dozens of teams compete to be the Hot Wing World Champion. Much easier to sample around at tents compared to BBQ Fest. Benefits Ronald McDonald House Charities of Memphis. Held on Riverside Drive.

April: Taste the Rarity Beer Festival

Aril 26
Wiseacre hosts high-end craft breweries so attendees can sample regional and extra special limited edition beers. At the OG taproom on Broad Ave.

April: Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival

April 27
Massive crawfish boil with vendors, gumbo cooking contest, live music, kids' play area, and more. Benefits Porter-Leath held on Riverside Drive. You can even bob for crawfish.

April: Mimosa Festival

April 27
Sip on crafted mimosas for a chic Sunday along the riverfront.

May: 5th Annual Cigar and Whiskey BBQ Festival

May 3
Premium cigars from local brick and mortar lounges, signature Tennessee Whiskey, Annual Smokey BBQ Challenge, and much more. 

May: Memphis Greek Festival

May 9-10
Local church hosts celebration of Greek food and culture, hang out and eat or drive-through and get Greek food to-go. Benefits the Mid-South Food Bank and the church.

May: Manes on Main Festival

Soul & Spirits Brewery's 4th annual fest to release their award winning Smoked Festbier What A Mane. It''ll be a celebration of all things smoke with a smoked beer flight.

May: World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest

I also hesitate to include this one, but Memphis In May's WCBCC deserves a nod if only so Memphians can remember to be proud that we host this major competition.
May 14-17
Don't show up trying to get barbecue, it's only for teams and their guests. There are some food vendors and a few exclusive tours where you can sample some items—these tours often sell out ahead of time, so keep your eyes on Memphis In May's social media and stay ready! At Liberty Park.

May: SmokeSlam: The World’s Ultimate BBQ Showdown

Same hesitation as mentioned above.
May 15-17
Memphis' second  barbecue festival returns for year two at Tom Lee Park. Yes, happening at the same time as above. SmokeSlam offers a free samples area with multiple options throughout the day otherwise same rules as WCBCC in that you'll want a team connection!

May/June: Memphis Italian Festival

I hesitate to include this on the list of "food festivals"; however, it is a major Memphis event for the people involved so here we go:
May 29-31
At Italian Fest in Marquette Park, dozens of cooking teams compete to create the best Italian dishes. Tents are private parties with competition food not available to the public. The public does have access to food vendors and plus entertainment. Benefits Holy Rosary Catholic School.

May: Margarita Festival

May 31
Sample the city's best margarita-makers, vote on your favorite, and crown a winner. Ticket includes entry and 12 margarita samples from your favorite restaurants plus there's a cash bar. Held at Overton Square.

May: Memphis Vegan Festival

May 31
A family-friendly day full of vegan food, live music, and a marketplace featuring local businesses, plant-based health & beauty products, clothing and accessories. Entry is free. Held at Fourth Bluff Park.

June: Le Bon Appétit

Dates TBD
Dozens of talented chefs from Memphis and around the country prepare delicious food to raise money for Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.

June: Craft Food and Wine Festival

June 8
Samples of the best in gourmet food, wine, and spirits from local and regional producers and artisans. Arrive early for best selection. Benefits Church Health. Held at The Columns. 

July: Memphis Summer Cocktail Festival

July 12
Enjoy summer-inspired cocktails, fresh local food, an epic dance party and more. Each ticket includes 10 sample-sized cocktails. Proceeds benefit Volunteer Memphis. Held at The Kent.

August: Memphis Chicken & Beer Festival

August 16
Drink away the summer heat with samples of boozy seltzers and beer, enjoy chicken-centric local food vendors with grub for sale. Held on the field of Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.

September: Zoo Rendezvous

Dates TBD
Cocktail party at the Zoo at night with food samples from dozens of local restaurants and live music. Benefits the Memphis Zoo. 

September: Bourbon & Bacon Festival

Dates TBD
Bacon-inspired dishes from local restaurants and spirits samples, plus music. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Memphis Farmers Market. At Shelby Farms Park.

September: Memphis Tequila Festival

September 19
Tequila lovers will have 50+ types of tequila and mezcal available for tasting. Your ticket will include a pass to try 12 of your choosing. Photo booth, food trucks, a DJ dance party, cash bar m and more. Proceeds benefit Volunteer Memphis.

September: Elixir Ultimate Cocktail Party

September 27
Enjoy the Ultimate Cocktail Party featuring 8 DJs, 5 Rooms and Live Music! Elixir is the perfect blend of the Hottest Sounds & Lavish Cuisine in Memphis! Enjoy hors d'oeuvres in VIP and Multiple Bars located throughout the venue all night.

October: Cooper-Young Beerfest

Dates TBD
This annual beer festival is a showcase of all the great beers in Memphis and the surrounding areas. Enjoy unlimited beer samples and immaculate vibes.

Oktoberfests

Check back in the fall for our local breweries’ annual Oktoberfests and fall beer fest!