January: Science of Beer

January 16
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 1
Step into Studio 901— a soulful, semi-formal evening inspired by Memphis’ legendary recording studios. For one unforgettable night, The Kent transforms into a live culinary session, where chefs, mixologists, and restaurateurs become the artists and every dish is a hit single.

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

February 21
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!

March: Grind City Coffee Xpo

March 14
Sip, sample, and celebrate all things coffee at the annual Grind City Coffee Xpo. This half-day event brings together local roasters, coffee shops, and passionate pros for endless coffee, tea, and pastry tastings, live demos, and three expert-led discussion panels. Your ticket also includes a handcrafted tasting mug, samples of coffee-inspired cocktails, and all the good vibes—all while supporting a great cause. Proceeds benefit Protect Our Aquifer.

March: Whiskey Warmer Festival

March 28
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 The Westhaven Foundation.

March: Black Arts & Wine Festival

March 27-29
Experience Black-owned wine brands while shopping with Black artists and creatives! Held at Memphis Botanic Garden. 

March: Black Restaurant Week

Date TBA

Memphis Black Restaurant Week (MBRW) is an opportunity for Black-Owned restaurants to offer dining deals to bring in new customers and raise awareness. It allows the country to support minority owned eateries.

April: Memphis Cocktail Festival

April 4
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 18

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: Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival

April 19

Celebrate spring in Memphis at Rajun Cajun, which is one the few remaining Memphis festivals that does not charge admission. We welcome all Mid-South families to enjoy a fun-filled day together. It is now the largest one-day crawfish festival outside of Louisiana.

April: World Championship Hot Wing Contest

April 26

The World Championship Hot Wing Contest is part cooking competition part celebration of Memphis as the hot wing capital of the South. Plus, it's all for a good cause supporting the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Memphis.

May: 6th Annual Cigar and Whiskey BBQ Festival

May 2
Premium cigars from local brick and mortar lounges, signature Tennessee Whiskey, Annual Smokey BBQ Challenge, and much more. 

May: Memphis Greek Festival

May 8-9
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: World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest

May 13-16

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

May 14-16

Memphis' second barbecue festival returns for year three 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: Memphis Italian Festival 

May 28-30

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.

June: Memphis Brewfest

June 20
Brewfest is back under new leadership! Held at Shelby Farms Park this year, sample your way through unlimited pours of local and regional craft beers.

June: Memphis Tequila Festival

June 27

Your favorite tequila festival is back, and this time it’s heating things up in June! Memphis Tequila Festival is the ultimate summer celebration with 50+ varieties of tequila and tequila-based cocktails.

July: Asian Night Market

Date TBA

Embark on a street food adventure. Don’t miss out on this vibrant night of celebrating diversity and community with authentic dishes and live cultural performances & entertainment!

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: Final Elixir Ultimate Cocktail Party

September 26
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. This will be the FINAL edition of Elixir in Memphis! 

September: Zoo Rendezvous

Date TBA

One of the zoo's largest fundraisers, every ticket you purchase directly fuels animal care, conservation initiatives, and unforgettable experiences at the Memphis Zoo. All the magic of the evening is included with your ticket, so click your heels, gather your friends, and join us for the biggest bash of the year!

Oktoberfests

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

November: Memphis Whiskey Festival

November 21

Memphis Whiskey Festival features regional and world distilleries, plus local restaurants will showcase their mixology skills by crafting their best whiskey cocktails for attendees to sample.