September Bucket List: 30+ Things You Must Do In Memphis This Month

The best way to read this blog is to play "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire in the background :) 

Get ready for an amazing month ahead! September is brimming with festivals, fairs, and all kinds of fun. With Autumn kicking off on the 22nd, the excitement is even higher. Keep reading to find out about 30+ events happening in Memphis this month!

big boogie 901 day flyer

Celebrate 901 Day (woohoo!)

September 1, better known as 901 Day, is the day Memphians celebrate community through extravagant events, food, and drinks. This year’s events are bigger than ever with citywide celebrations, deals, and discounts. 

 

tom lee park

Be a friend, bring a friend to The BFF Cookout

Celebrate a day full of community, family, laughter, and good old-fashioned fun on September 1! There will be plenty of food, cookout games, live music and trivia, dance floor, and much more. 

 

 

intl carnival flyer

Rep your flag at the International Carnival at the River

On September 1, enjoy a day filled with fun, food, and festivities from around the world. Experience a vibrant celebration of cultures with music, dance, and delicious international cuisine. 

 

RCJF flyer

Jazz out at River City Jazz and Music Festival

Saxophonist Najee, Avery Sunshine, Pieces of a Dream and Karyn White will hit the stage on September 1 and bring you the best jazz and R&B festival you've seen all year.

 

art on the rock at Dixon

Sip and stroll around at Art on the Rocks: Garden Cocktails & Craft Beer

Art on the Rocks brings botanical cocktails, craft beer, wine, and more together for a fun evening in the Dixon gardens on September 6. Guests will enjoy a variety of drink tastings and bites from local restaurants along with live music. This year we encourage attendees to wear shades of blue to add to the ambiance!

 

zoo rendezvous barbie themed

Live life in plastic, it’s fantastic at Zoo Rendezvous 

On September 7, head to the Dream House for the ultimate night out at Zoo Rendezvous. Indulge in an endless selection of delectable bites and cocktails from the city's top restaurants, trendy food trucks, and chic bars. The Barbie-themed night promises hours of fun with live music from local artists like Nick Black, The YAMS, DJ Nyce Lyfe, DJ Bassventura, and the legendary Stan Bell.

 

mom and son planting seeds

Grow home at the Southwest Twin- The Plot Continues 

On September 7 and 21, bring the family to enjoy a variety of activities designed to make community connections, promote well-being, and provide a lot of fun. Enjoy arts and crafts, yoga classes, story time with the Memphis library, and learn how to grow your own garden with free herb and vegetable seedlings in recurring workshops.

 

running of the weenies

Run with the Weenies at the Germantown Festival

One of the longest, continuously run festivals in the area, The 51st Annual Germantown Festival will once again provide a free family fun weekend for all on September 7 and 8. It’s a festival of arts and crafts, children’s activities, rides and games, live stage entertainment, car exhibits, community displays, the Running of the Weenies Dachshund race and festival foods for all tastes.

 

family sitting at garden food truck party

Eat good at the Food Truck Garden Party

Grab dinner from one of the food trucks, enjoy games & activities, and dance the night away to live music on September 11. Food trucks include Big River Dogs, Good Groceries Mobile Diner, Mr. Casas Japanese & Mexican Food, Lost Vegan Food Company. There will be live music from Rowdy Franks. Dogs are welcome.

 

southern heritage classic band

Attend Memphis’ biggest college football weekend at the Southern Heritage Classic

Two HBUCs, Tennessee State University and University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, meet in Memphis for the ultimate celebration weekend on September 12-14. Each year, the Classic has a variety of events to suit everybody’s tastes. But it’s the football game that’s always the core of entertainment.

 

pumpkin heads walking through maze

Find your way out The Mid-South Maze

From September 13 til November 2, The Mid-South Maze will be a staple activity for the whole family. 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. This year’s theme seems to be Pac-Man, maybe!

 

stax museum marquee

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Stax Museum’s Family Day

The Museum will have special programming in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Enjoy live music from our house band, SOUL CNXN, and other local groups, as well as food trucks, arts and crafts, games, and other engaging activities throughout the afternoon plus free museum admission on September 14.]

Cooper young festival vendor

Head to Memphis’ largest historic district at the Cooper-Young Festival

In its 36th year, this event has grown tremendously and is one of Memphis' most highly attended Festivals. This year on September 14, over 130,000 guests will enjoy an appealing mix of art, music and crafts presented by over 435 artisans from around the country. The Cooper Young Festival is a true celebration of the arts, people, culture and Memphis heritage.

 

people holding yoga pose at festival

Hold that pose at the Memphis Yoga Festival

This event is a celebration of Bluff City and our vibrant, diverse yoga community. There will be a lineup of a diverse group of wellness providers and businesses to share their products, goods, and services on September 15.

 

mid autumn fest flyer

Experience the beauty of Asian culture at the Mid-Autumn Festival

On September 14, enjoy live music, traditional lion dance performances, and fun for the whole family with face painting and a fashion show. Savor the sweet taste of tradition with free mooncakes and explore the rich heritage of four local temples.

 

disco detective flyer

Boogie on over to Disco Detective: A 70s Soulful Murder Mystery

Get on down on September 15 because the Halloran Centre is now the exclusive Memphis home of Princeton James Productions Soulful Murder Mystery. Dust off your platform shoes and put on your best thinking cap. The Soulful Murder Mystery Dinner Theater is bringing a brand new 70s themed experience to Memphis.

MJ the musical flyer

Be a Smooth Criminal at MJ

He is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Now, Michael Jackson’s unique and unparalleled artistry comes to Memphis on September 17-22 in MJ, the multiple Tony Award®-winning musical centered around the making of the 1992 Dangerous World Tour.

 

mid south fair ferris wheel

Be A Kid Again at the Mid-South Fair

From September 19-29, enjoy exhilarating rides for thrillseekers to unforgettable attractions for the little ones, there is something for all to enjoy. Food enthusiasts can indulge in funnel cakes, Pronto Pups, turkey legs, fried Snickers, cotton candy and fresh-squeezed lemonade, among many other Fair favorites. 

 

uncle nearest whiskey photo

Tempt your tastebuds at the Memphis Bacon & Bourbon Festival

They'll have creative bacon-inspired dishes of all kinds from some great Memphis restaurants, plus a vast array of distilled spirits to tempt your tastebuds on September 20. And to make it even more appealing, we're contributing a portion of all proceeds to the Memphis Farmers Market. So you can eat and drink to your hearts delight, knowing that you're helping one of our city's greatest assets. 

 

memphis greek festival

Embark on an epic Odyssey at the Memphis Greek Festival

Enjoy all things Greek culture at this two-day festival on September 20-21. Expect live music, Greek dance performances, shopping booths, and of course, all the yummy Greek food.

 

pizza fest flyer

Take a bite out of the Memphis Pizza Festival

At the Inaugural Memphis Pizza Festival, local pizza makers make all types of pizza slices, full pies and other unique pizza inspired creations on September 21. Admission includes unlimited samples of pizza. Other foods will also be available like pasta, meatballs, french fries and a variety of desserts. The event also features performances by some of Memphis’ best local bands, plus lawn games,  local market vendors, kid’s activities, and more. 

 

euro fest car show flyer

Oooh and Awwe at the Memphis Euro Fest Car Show

Bring your European cars and motorcycles (classic or new) on September 21. Spectators are welcome to enjoy admiring these beautiful automobiles in a festive atmosphere on our grassy fields. There will be a silent auction, food trucks, and a playground for children. It’s great fun for a worthy cause!

 

latin fest flyer

Immerse Yourself this Hispanic Heritage Month at Latin Fest

It’s a family-oriented Latin festival that provides a place to gather with family and friends to listen and dance to live Latin music, taste some Latin food and drinks, crafts for kids and vendors, and fun for everyone in an open social space. All this fun is happening on September 21.

 

mimosa festival pink

Sip and Slay at Mimosa Festival End of Summer on the River

Take Sunday Funday to a new level at this fun festival. You’ll eat the best food in Memphis, sip mimosas, shop amazing vendors, and more on September 22. And don't forget to wear shades of blue!

 

IAX dance class

 

Stay on beat at the Immerse Artist Experience 

This fantastic one-day convention on September 22 is where dancers come together to immerse themselves into an unforgettable dance experience while strengthening their technique, exploring individual artistry, and making connections within the dance community. At IAX, dancers will experience a holistic approach of instruction in a fun atmosphere that is second to none.

 

ladies wearing all pink at picnic

Think Pink at The Luxury PinkNiq Memphis

The Luxury PinkNiq was founded with the vision to provide an intimate luxury picnic experience that empowers, uplifts, and celebrates communities through shopping, food, music, and fun on September 21! Mandatory attire for The Luxury PinkNiq Events is pink or white. This event is for ages 25+.

 

familiar faces at HOF induction ceremony

Celebrate musical icons at the Memphis Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

The annual Memphis Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on September 27, Memphis music's biggest night of the year, is an evening packed with special musical performances, special guests, and a celebration of the city's biggest musical icons.

 

woodworks at arts fair

Get all artsy at the 52nd Pink Palace Crafts Fair

The Pink Palace Crafts Fair is a three-day family-oriented celebration of the arts on September 27-29 held in a beautiful park setting in the heart of East Memphis. Attracting artists from across the country, it is the largest juried arts and crafts fair in the Mid-South, the largest fundraising event for the Museum of Science and History and one of the largest volunteer-run events in Memphis. 

 

Havana nights flyer

Step into vibrant times of the 1950s at Campbell Celebrates: Havana Nights

On September 27, enjoy lively music, lush décor, cigar bar and tantalizing food, with equally impressive craft cocktails. It is a night for nostalgia and celebration. Imagine stepping into a world where the vibrant energy of 1950s Havana comes alive. Tip your hat to a legendary Campbell Clinic – Cuba tour in 1950 and create an experience that transports you to an era of glamour and excitement.

 

Overton Park Shell packed crowd

Catch some toe-tapping live music at the Overton Park Shell

The iconic free concerts are back for the fall time! Shows kick off on August 30 with MonoNeon and continue every weekend in September with so many amazing performances. Don’t forget to bring your blanket, lawn chairs, picnic baskets, and coolers. There will also be local food trucks on site to support.

 

gonerfest crowd

Party like a rockstar at Gonerfest 21

From September 26-29, you can expect over 30 bands performing across 4 days, plus afterparties and more fun in Memphis. Bands include The Rip Offs, Derv Gordon & So What, Split Systems, Tube Alloys, and many many more.

 

miranda Lambert flyer

Sing the night away as The Memphis Redbirds host Miranda Lambert 

The Memphis Redbirds are excited to host Miranda Lambert on September 28 as a part of a brand new "Music on the Diamond.". It’s exactly how it sounds, a one-of-a-kind concert series featuring the top names in music set against the backdrop of iconic baseball parks around the country!

About the Author

Hey there! I’m Tyra Johnson, writer and content creator for the I Love Memphis Blog. I'm a Memphis native and after a few years away, I'm back home. I love art, good eats, and live music. Join me in reclaiming my passion for Memphis, mane.

Why do you love Memphis:

Memphis has so much personality-- the people, food, music-- it just all feels good! We have so much to be proud of when speaking about the city. Also, I'm big on memories, and most of my core memories involve Memphis.

What's on your Memphis playlist?

Stay Fly by Three 6 Mafia. It's the PERFECT hype song!

Comments Make Us Happy

0
Leave a Comment
The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly.