Memphis in October: 35+ Events You Don’t Want to Miss
As the calendar flips to October, it's time to unleash your inner adventurer in Memphis!
As the calendar flips to October, it's time to unleash your inner adventurer in Memphis!
This month is packed with delightful activities and spine-tingling events that promise to make your heart race. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly outing or a hair-raising thrill, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to explore the best October happenings—let’s make some unforgettable memories this fall!
1.Find your way out The Mid-South Maze
The Mid-South Maze is a staple activity for the whole family. They celebrate 25 years this year too! On select days and weekends, the maze is haunted with loud sounds, folks jumping out at you, creepy costumed actors, bloody scenes, and other spooky haunted-house-fare. During the afternoons, it's open as a regular maze. Get your tickets now.
2. Grab your tickets for Mempho Music Festival
Mempho Music Festival returns with three days of live music at Radians Amphitheater on Oct. 3-5. This year’s lineup features headliners Widespread Panic (two nights) and Tyler Childers plus performances by Father John Misty, Galatic, The Flaming Lips, Mavis Staples, Sierra Ferrell, Charley Crockett, Lucero, and more. Between sets, dance it to DJ sets in the fiery incendia dome.
3. Grab your lawn chair or blanket and head to the Overton Park Shell for live music
The 2025 Orion Financial Free Concert Series concludes this month but there are still six more free shows to hit. Pack the cooler, sit back in the grass or in your lawn chair and enjoy the The New Respects, Memphis Country Blues Festival, Corey Lou & Da Village + Savannah Brister and more. Here’s the full schedule!
4. Taste the Flavors of Memphis at Taste of the District
Taste of the District is back and bigger than ever on Oct. 7, serving up unlimited samples from 30+ local food, drink, and sweets vendors in the heart of the Medical District. This year features an expanded lineup, live sounds from V101’s Stan Bell, special entertainment from the Memphis Grizzlies, and a brand-new VIP section. Tickets sell out quickly, so grab yours and come hungry. Get your tickets.
5. Visit a Memphis Area Pumpkin Patch
Celebrate the season with a trip to a local pumpkin patch! From festive photo ops to hayrides, corn mazes, and of course the perfect pumpkins, our guide highlights the cutest and most fun pumpkin patches around Memphis to help you soak up all the fall vibes.
6. Grab Drinks, Deals, and Giveaways at I Love Happy Hour
Sip, socialize, and celebrate Memphis midweek at I Love Happy Hour, our weekly meetup from the I Love Memphis Blog. Each week features a new downtown spot, exclusive giveaways, and a reason to get out of the office. The first happy hour this month, we’re headed to Memphis Filling Station on Oct. 2 where you could win tickets to Brandy & Monica or JEM Sunday Supper. We'll be at Max's Sports Bar on Oct. 8 with a chance to win two tickets to St. Paul & the Broken Bones and the Memphis Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
7. Fall into Fall at the Memphis Zoo
October at the Memphis Zoo is full of fall fun! Zoo Boo runs on select nights from Oct. 10 to Nov. 1 with trick-or-treating, animal encounters, and costume-friendly activities for kids. On weekends, Zootoberfest offers a grown-up twist with Oktoberfest beer stands with steins set up throughout the zoo.
8. Cheer on the Tigers at Tiger Lane against the Hogs
Let's support our UNDEFEATED Memphis Tigers! The Tigers are back at home for two games in October. Your first chance to cheer them on is Oct. 4 vs. Tulsa for a night game 7 p.m. kick off. Tigers will then face South Florida on Oct. 25. That kickoff time is still TBD. Get your tickets now. Go Tigers Go!
9. Celebrate Fall at the Bartlett Festival, BBQ Contest, & Car Show
The Bartlett Festival kicks off Friday evening, Oct. 3, with live music, then continues Saturday, Oct. 4, with the Panther Pride 5K, local music, kids’ activities, the MBN-sanctioned BBQ contest awards, and the Mustangs of Memphis Car Show. Food, entertainment, and family fun make this a perfect fall weekend event.
10. Join the Ultimate Rocky Horror Experience with Original Star Barry Bostwick
See Barry Bostwick, the original “Brad Majors,” at a special 50th-anniversary screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show on Oct. 3. Enjoy a live shadow cast, audience participation, a costume contest, and a memorabilia display. VIP tickets include a Meet & Greet with Bostwick. There is nothing like a live viewing of Rocky Horror!
11. See the regional premiere of Jaja’s African Hair Braiding at Hattiloo
Hattiloo’s season show of their 19th season takes you to a braiding shop in Harlem where West African immigrants are creating masterpieces on the heads of neighborhood women. The show runs through Oct. 12. Get your tickets now.
12. Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with Music, Lion Dances & Mooncakes
The Mid-Autumn Festival at Crosstown Concourse on Oct. 4 will have live music, lion dances, face painting, a fashion show, and free mooncakes. The festival continues on Oct. 23 at Crosstown Theater with meditation, a Dharma talk, and a roundtable discussion led by Thích Pháp Hòa, Rev. Dr. Jason Turner, and Tom Shadyac. Free admission for both events.
13. Experience Neil Diamond’s Story Live on Stage
Kick off the Orpheum’s 2025–2026 Broadway season with A Beautiful Noise, the inspiring true story of Brooklyn-born Neil Diamond, who recorded part of his iconic hits in Memphis. Featuring classics like Sweet Caroline and Forever in Blue Jeans, this energetic musical runs Oct. 7–12. Get your tickets now.
14. Taste Sustainability at Reharvest Memphis
Project Green Fork and Clean Memphis host Reharvest Memphis, a 21+ culinary experience celebrating sustainability and reducing food waste. Sample creative dishes from local chefs using surplus ingredients, enjoy complimentary drinks, and take part in an interactive “Chopped” challenge. Don’t miss this unique foodie event on Oct. 9. Get your tickets now.
15. Dive Into Hispanic Heritage with Interactive Activities at CMOM
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the Children’s Museum of Memphis with weekly activities exploring the culture, traditions, and stories of Mexico, El Salvador, Colombia, and Puerto Rico through Oct. 12. Families can enjoy hands-on learning, crafts, and interactive exhibits that highlight the unique heritage of these vibrant communities.
16. Hit the Memphis Bacon & Bourbon Festival
Indulge in bacon-inspired dishes and a wide selection of bourbon at the annual Memphis Bacon & Bourbon Festival, hosted by the Memphis Flyer. Enjoy live music, fun activities, and plenty of savory and sweet treats, all while supporting the Memphis Farmers Market. Don’t miss this tasty celebration on Oct. 10. Get your tickets now.
17. Go to Concerts in The Grove: Live Music Every Thursday
Enjoy Memphis music in the park at Concerts in The Grove! On select Thursdays, 6:30–8 PM, catch local acts like The Kaleid with Josh Threlkeld, featuring jazzy horns, folk fiddles, and soulful grooves. Bring a chair or blanket, enjoy food trucks and drinks, or reserve a VIP table for a front-row experience. Tickets $7 adults, kids under 8 free, tables $15. Gates open 5:30 PM.
18. Monster Market 2025: A Week of Spooky Fun in Memphis
Monster Market 2025 runs October 10–16 at the Medicine Factory! Shop creepy-cool wares from 100+ local artists, sip drinks, snack on bites, and enjoy music, movies, and DIY events all week. Highlights include the Opening Night Party, Monster Collage Party, Dracula on Beale, movie nights, and the Closing Day Sale & Last Respects Party. Free to attend. See the full schedule at memphismonstermarket.com.
19. Edge Motorfest Returns with Cars, Music & Food
Check out 150+ cars at the 6th Annual Edge Motorfest in the Edge District on October 12! Awards span 25 categories, and the day includes live music, food trucks, and fun for all. Car registration is $20 from 9–11 a.m., and fees apply toward Motor Museum membership. Don’t miss it!
20. The Heart of Memphis Music Hits the Shell: Tambourine Bash Returns
Support Memphis music at the Overton Park Shell on Oct. 16! Music Export Memphis presents the fifth annual Tambourine Bash, a night of incredible local collaborations and performances you won’t see anywhere else. Grab earlybird tickets starting at $20 or upgrade for exclusive merch, VIP perks, and drinks from local partners. Celebrate the city’s vibrant music scene while enjoying a one-of-a-kind concert experience. Get your tickets.
21. Raise a Glass at Oktoberfest Celebrations
Looking for the perfect way to toast the season? Memphis has a full lineup of Oktoberfests and fall beer festivals where you can enjoy craft brews, festive vibes, and everything autumn. From local breweries to seasonal sips. Check out the guide here.
22. Feel the Soul: Uncle Charlie’s R&B Cookout Hits FedExForum
Catch R&B legend Charlie Wilson at FedExForum on Sunday, October 12, for Uncle Charlie’s R&B Cookout! This all-star lineup also features Babyface, K-Ci Hailey, and El DeBarge, bringing decades of iconic hits, powerhouse vocals, and pure soul to Memphis. Don’t miss this night of feel-good vibes and unforgettable performances. Get your tickets now.
For more live music, visit this month's guide featuring 10+ shows.
23. Experience Renewal Through Movement in Let It Fall
Collage Dance Collective opens its Sweet 16 season with Let It Fall, October 10–12 at Playhouse on the Square. This powerful program features a world premiere by Nicolo Fonte, the Memphis debut of a moving work by Crystal Pite, and celebrated pieces by Hope Boykin and Joshua Manculich. Blending emotional depth and technical brilliance, Let It Fall is a stirring meditation on release, renewal, and possibility. Get your tickets.
24. Shop Local Art at Dixon’s Hot Off the Wall Sale
Explore the Dixon Gallery & Gardens’ annual Hot Off the Wall Art Sale, open Oct. 14–19 during museum hours. Browse and purchase original works from over 50 local and regional artists, plus enjoy art and horticulture education along the way. Don’t miss your chance to take home a one-of-a-kind piece!
25. Kingfish Headlines the Memphis Country Blues Festival at the Shell
The Memphis Country Blues Festival continues its revival at the Overton Park Shell on Oct. 10, celebrating the city’s deep blues roots. This year’s headliner, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, has been called “one of the most exciting young guitarists in years” by Rolling Stone. A Grammy-nominated powerhouse from Clarksdale, Mississippi, Kingfish blends Delta tradition with modern fire, carrying forward the festival’s legacy of uniting generations through music. Get your tickets.
26. Watch Summer Ave Transform at Paint Memphis 2025
Celebrate the creativity that colors our city at Paint Memphis 2025 on Saturday, Oct. 11! From noon to 7 PM, 50 local artists will bring murals to life on Summer Ave, with vendors, family activities, and food. Many of Memphis’ iconic murals started here—don’t miss this annual festival of public art. Free and open to all.
27. Bring the Kids to Boo at the Ballpark
Don’t miss this rare, free Halloween takeover at AutoZone Park on Oct. 18! Boo at the Ballpark features trick-or-treating, pumpkin picking, costume contests, hayrides, a kids zone, and more. The first 1,000 kids get a free jack-o-lantern trick-or-treat bag.
28. Celebrate Memphis Sports Legends at the 2025 Hall of Fame Induction
The Memphis Sports Hall of Fame will welcome its Class of 2025 on Oct. 21 at the Renasant Convention Center. This year’s inductees include Grizzlies fan favorite Tony Allen, World Series champion Matt Cain, women’s basketball coach Joye Lee-McNelis, pro wrestling icon Sputnik Monroe (Legacy Award), and more. The evening kicks off with a cocktail reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and the induction ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available now—don’t miss the chance to honor Memphis’ rich sports legacy. Get your tickets now.
29. Two Days of Music, Food, and Family Fun at Fall Fest Memphis
Fall Fest Memphis is back Oct. 17–18 at the Catholic Church of the Incarnation in Collierville! Enjoy live music, a backyard BBQ cook-off, car show, vendor and food truck fairs, carnival rides, and a $10,000 cash raffle. There’s fun for all ages.
30. Season Tip-Off: Cheer on the Grizzlies at FedExForum
Basketball is back! Catch the Memphis Grizzlies as they tip off their 2025–26 season at FedExForum on Oct. 22 vs. New Orleans. Opening night celebrates 25 years of the Grizzlies with a t-shirt giveaway. Pack out the house opening night and then again for October games: vs. Miami Heat (Oct. 24), vs. Pacers (Oct. 25 | Grizz Trick-or-Treat Bucket giveaway), and vs. the Lakers (Oct. 31 | the only home game against the Lakers). See the full schedule.
31. Memphis Madness Hits Beale Street for the First Time Ever
Speaking of hoops! Get hyped for the Memphis Tigers basketball seasons with Memphis Madness coming to Beale Street for the first time ever on Oct. 16. Meet the team, catch autographs, and cheer on Coach Penny and Coach Alex Simmons in a T.I.G.E.R. showdown. Enjoy live music, spirit squads, food trucks, giveaways, and on-court competitions featuring players, alumni, and St. Jude reps. Free, family-friendly, and full of Tiger pride.
32. Honoring Justice and Equality: 2025 Freedom Award at the Orpheum
The National Civil Rights Museum’s Freedom Award returns Oct. 16 at the historic Orpheum Theatre, honoring changemakers Marc H. Morial, Velma Lois Jones, and Mark Suzman for their leadership in civil and human rights. Hosted by actor Larenz Tate and featuring a special performance by Wendy Moten, the evening begins with a red-carpet Pre-Award Gala at 5:30 p.m. at the Halloran Centre, followed by the award ceremony at 7 p.m. Get your tickets.
33. Explore 160+ Artists at RiverArtsFest 2025
RiverArtsFest is back for its 19th year on Riverside Drive! Explore works from 160+ artists, enjoy live music, hands-on activities, food, and performances across two days of family-friendly art fun. Voted a top-20 fine arts festival in the U.S., it’s a must-visit this October 18-19. Get your tickets.
34. Taste the Best of the Region at Cooper-Young Beerfest
The 15th Annual Cooper-Young Beerfest returns October 18 from 1–5 PM! Sample beers from over 50 regional breweries, including Creature Comforts (Athens, GA), Stubborn German (Waterloo, IL), Boulevard (Kansas City, MO), and Urban South (New Orleans, LA). Enjoy live tunes from Goner and bites from local food trucks. Designated drivers get in fre, just show a valid ID! Check cybeerfest.org for the full brewery lineup and FAQs. Get your tickets.
35. Get Your Tickets: Hoops for St. Jude Tip Off Classic Hits FedExForum
Don’t miss Coach Cal’s return to Memphis for the Hoops for St. Jude® Tip Off Classic at FedExForum! The St. Jude Tip Off Classic on Oct. 27 kicks off with the University of Memphis women’s team facing Vanderbilt at 5:30 p.m., followed by the men’s showdown against Arkansas at 8:00 p.m. All proceeds benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, helping families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or food. Get your tickets.
36. Brandy & Monica Reunite for The Boy Is Mine Tour at FedExForum
Two R&B legends, one unforgettable night. Brandy and Monica are teaming up for their first-ever co-headlining tour, The Boy Is Mine Tour, stopping at FedExForum on Oct. 30. With powerhouse special guests Kelly Rowland, Muni Long, and 2025 American Idol winner Jamal Roberts, this show promises soaring vocals, iconic hits, and once-in-a-lifetime collabs. Don’t miss this historic night of music. Get your tickets.
37. See the Iconic Love Story of The Notebook on Stage in Memphis
The unforgettable love story of Allie and Noah takes the stage when The Notebook musical comes to the Orpheum, Oct. 28–Nov. 2. With songs by Ingrid Michaelson and direction from Broadway veterans Michael Greif and Schele Williams, this moving production captures the enduring power of love in a whole new way. Get your tickets.
About the Author
Frank
"Cheer on the Tigers at Tiger Lane against the Hogs"
It's going to be difficult to cheer on the Tigers against the Hogs in October considering they already played them in September. What??????????
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