50+ Memphis Summer Events and Festivals in 2023

2023 Memphis Summer Events Guide

Well Hello, Summer!

Here's your guide to things to do in Memphis this summer, including Memphis summer events, things to do with kids in Memphis, and summer festivals in Memphis.

Performers on stage at TONE Juneteenth: A Family Reunion
TONE Juneteenth Festival

June Things To Do In Memphis

Memphis Redbirds at AutoZone Park; Memphis 901 FC matches at AutoZone Park, Memphis Showboats Football at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium

 

Memphis Italian Festival, Marquette Park, June 1-3

At Italian Fest, 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 entertainment. Benefits Holy Rosary Catholic School.

Memphis Pride Fest, June 1-4

It’s the most colorful weekend of the year! The entire celebration lasts 4 days starting on Thursday with Drag N Drive, a Friday night dance party, the signature festival and parade on Saturday, and of course a Drag Brunch on Sunday to round it off. 

Germantown Charity Horse Show, June 6-10

It’s the 74th annual Germantown Charity Horse Show. Watch talented horses compete, see the Welcome Wagon, stay for the Wine & Cheese events and more. Benefits Kindred Place.

Mary Poppins, Lohrey Theatre, June 9- July 2

We all know the story, so see it live! The whimsical and fantastical adventure of Mary Poppins comes to Memphis at the Lohrey Theatre. Tickets go on sale May 23.

TONE Juneteenth Weekend, June 15-18

It’s a family reunion with a weekend full of events to celebrate Juneteenth. From a gala to a festival, it’s sure to be an unforgettable weekend.

Tri-State Black Pride Weekend, June 15-18

6 events in 3 days! Celebrate all types of love with this year’s theme, “The Time is Now.”

Art for All Festival, MoSH, June 25

Dozens of arts & culture organizations come together to showcase performances and artmaking from across Shelby County through live performances, artist markets, food trucks and more. The event is free and open to the public. 

Jersey Boys, Playhouse on the Square, June 16-July 16

Oh, What A Night! The Broadway smash hit, chronicling the rise and eventual breakup of the legendary doo-op group Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, makes its Regional Premiere in the Bluff City.

Memphis Juneteenth Festival, Health Sciences Park, June 17-18

A free festival celebrating 30 years of Juneteenth in Memphis. The festival isn’t the only event for this celebration. There’s things going on from June 1-19.

Frozen, Orpheum Theatre, June 22- July 2

Witness an unforgettable theatrical experience bursting with sensational special effects, stunning sets and costumes, and powerhouse performances. You don't have to be a kid to appreciate this musical.

City Wide Garden Walk, Multiple locations across Shelby County, June til July 2

Experience Memphis Gardens is a citywide tour of 200+ urban and suburban eclectic gardens, farms and green businesses, created by novices, sophisticated gardeners and stylish landscapers. Gardens will be open from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., unless stated otherwise on the garden map or website.

Bike Nights, Beale Street, Wednesdays through September 27

Motorcycle enthusiasts descend on Downtown every Wednesday night to park on the most iconic street in America. Weather permitting.

Twilight Thursdays, Memphis Botanic Garden, Select Thursdays in ‘til October

Head to the Gardens every Thursday from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. to explore a cash bar with seasons; sips, beer, and wine. The second Thursday of each month will feature food trucks & live music including Jeremy Stanfill and Josh Cosby, Tracking Giants, Short in the Sleeve, Rowdy Franks, and Movie Night
Band. Dogs are welcome.

Whet Thursday, Metal Museum, Last Thursdays ‘til August 31

Whet Thursday is a free after-hours event held at the Metal Museum on the last Thursday of the month. Enjoy games on the lawn, food truck fare, live music, metalsmithing demos, and more. Be sure to grab a drink and enjoy the sunset from the best view along the Mississippi River!

The Peabody Rooftop Party, Thursdays, ‘til August 10

Summertime in Memphis means rooftop parties. Start your weekend on Thursday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. with hot bands, cold drinks, and sunset views of the Mississippi River.

Spring Concerts, The Grove at GPAC, Select Thursdays ‘til June

Featuring live music ranging from the rollicking to the soulful to the inspirational, ten Concerts in The Grove are scheduled every Thursday night from April 27 to June 29. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs and blankets for seating; attendees are welcome to bring food and beverages.

Happy Hour, The Grove at GPAC, Select Fridays ‘til July

For a relaxing evening out, The Grove is open for Happy Hour on Friday nights beginning April 28. Enjoy live music from Josh Threlkeld and Friends and a cash bar; guests are welcome to bring food. The gates will open at 5:00 p.m. and admission is free.

Parties at the Pyramid, Big Cypress Lodge at The Bass Pro Shops, Last Fridays ‘til October

Get a rooftop view of the Memphis skyline on an exclusive patio starting April til October. Be prepared for DJ performances, drink specials, and lots more.

Canoes + Cocktails, Shelby Farms Park, Friday Nights ‘til September

Rent a canoe, kayak or bring your own boat and enjoy the best views of the Memphis sunset with a guided paddle on the iconic Hyde Lake followed by snacks, specialty cocktails provided by Old Dominick Distillery, yard games and more. Canoes don’t float your boat? No problem! Purchase a “Party Only” ticket and enjoy the fun that happens after the guided paddle.  Canoes + Cocktails is a 21+ event.

River Series, Maria Montessori School, Select Saturdays ‘til June

 Head to the on-campus amphitheater for a live music fundraiser with an eclectic mix of sounds.

Laser Live!, MoSH AutoZone Dome at the Sharpe Planetarium, Select Saturdays ‘til September

This event, created in partnership with the Shell on Wheels, WYXR and Crosstown Brewery, is an opportunity for both musicians and the Memphis community to experience the Planetarium in a new, exciting way.  Beer from Crosstown Brewery will be available for purchase and enjoy throughout the show. The lineup includes Hope Clayburn & Soul Scrimmage, Al Kapone, Freeworld, and more.

Sunset Jazz Live, Court Square Park, Every Second Sunday ‘til October

This FREE event should make you want to get your dancing shoes and groove to the beat of the best local jazz musicians. It's perfect for outdoors and music lovers as you enjoy live jazz music, food trucks, drinks, sunset views, and more.

Live at the Garden, Radians Amphitheater at Memphis Botanic Garden,’til September

From June to September enjoy epic concerts under the stars.

Free Concert Series, Overton Park Shell, ‘til October

28 free concerts at The Shell, all you have to do is show up with your drinks, blankets, and lawn chairs.

Celebrate 70 years of Memphis Botanic Garden

See the Yoshino Cherry Trees in bloom —check out our video here. Explore the Rich Soil at the Garden Exhibit featuring work by Kristine Mays, attend a concert outdoors at the Radians Amp, experience art in nature, and so much more at Memphis Botanic Garden.

America at the Crossroads: The Guitar and A Changing Nation, MoSH, June 10 til October 23

From the Blues clubs on Beale Street to Midtown punk dive bars, music from Memphis has become a global phenomenon. And no instrument has been as important to the sound of this city as the guitar. The guitar is one of the most enduring icons in American history. And the story of “The Crossroads” is one of America’s most enduring myths. This exhibit explores how Memphis’s history and culture are shaped by the iconic instruments, riffs, and guitarists that put Memphis on the map.

Music Series, Overton Square, ‘til November

Enjoy live music from April to November. Check out the amazing range of locally-owned shops while you’re there.

Velvetina at Bike Night / Alex Shansky
Velvetina at Bike Night

July Things To Do In Memphis

Memphis Redbirds at AutoZone Park; Memphis 901 FC matches at AutoZone Park

City Wide Garden Walk, Multiple locations across Shelby County, June til July 2

Experience Memphis Gardens is a citywide tour of 200+ urban and suburban eclectic gardens, farms and green businesses, created by novices, sophisticated gardeners and stylish landscapers. Gardens will be open from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., unless stated otherwise on the garden map or website.

Jersey Boys, Playhouse on the Square, June 16-July 16

Oh, What A Night! The Broadway smash hit, chronicling the rise and eventual breakup of the legendary doo-op group Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, makes its Regional Premiere in the Bluff City.

Anime Blues Con, Renasant Convention Center, July 7-9 

Anime Blues Con is a 3-Day convention with fan events for all-ages celebrating the arts and culture of Japanese Anime (animation), Manga (comics), and Cosplay (costume-play).

FreedomFest, Renasant Convention Center, July 12-15

FreedomFest is an annual festival where free minds meet to celebrate “great books, great ideas, and great thinkers” in an open-minded environment. FreedomFest attracts people of all walks of life and across the political spectrum. It’s open to anyone who enjoys a wide interest in books, art, music, film, science, philosophy, economics, health, sports, technology, business, religion, law, politics, and more.

The Color Purple, Hattiloo Theatre, July 28 - August 20

This play, based on Alice Walker’s legendary novel, features awe-inspiring soul, gospel, jazz, and blues vocals underpinned by raw dialogue and a masterful plot. It is a triumphant, uplifting piece of art that reaffirms some fundamental truths: that Black is beautiful, that women are powerful, and that love is love.

Bike Nights, Beale Street, Wednesdays through September 27

Motorcycle enthusiasts descend on Downtown every Wednesday night to park on the most iconic street in America. Weather permitting.

Twilight Thursdays, Memphis Botanic Garden, Select Thursdays in ‘til October

Head to the Gardens every Thursday from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. to explore a cash bar with seasons; sips, beer, and wine. The second Thursday of each month will feature food trucks & live music including Jeremy Stanfill and Josh Cosby, Tracking Giants, Short in the Sleeve, Rowdy Franks, and Movie Night
Band. Dogs are welcome.

Whet Thursday, Metal Museum, Last Thursdays ‘til August 31

Whet Thursday is a free after-hours event held at the Metal Museum on the last Thursday of the month. Enjoy games on the lawn, food truck fare, live music, metalsmithing demos, and more. Be sure to grab a drink and enjoy the sunset from the best view along the Mississippi River!

The Peabody Rooftop Party, Thursdays, ‘til August 10

Summertime in Memphis means rooftop parties. Start your weekend on Thursday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. with hot bands, cold drinks, and sunset views of the Mississippi River.

Happy Hour, The Grove at GPAC, Select Fridays ‘til July

For a relaxing evening out, The Grove is open for Happy Hour on Friday nights beginning April 28. Enjoy live music from Josh Threlkeld and Friends and a cash bar; guests are welcome to bring food. The gates will open at 5:00 p.m. and admission is free.

Parties at the Pyramid, Big Cypress Lodge at The Bass Pro Shops, Last Fridays ‘til October

Get a rooftop view of the Memphis skyline on an exclusive patio starting April til October. Be prepared for DJ performances, drink specials, and lots more.

Canoes + Cocktails, Shelby Farms Park, Friday Nights ‘til September

Rent a canoe, kayak or bring your own boat and enjoy the best views of the Memphis sunset with a guided paddle on the iconic Hyde Lake followed by snacks, specialty cocktails provided by Old Dominick Distillery, yard games and more. Canoes don’t float your boat? No problem! Purchase a “Party Only” ticket and enjoy the fun that happens after the guided paddle.  Canoes + Cocktails is a 21+ event.

Laser Live!, MoSH AutoZone Dome at the Sharpe Planetarium, Select Saturdays ‘til September

This event, created in partnership with the Shell on Wheels, WYXR and Crosstown Brewery, is an opportunity for both musicians and the Memphis community to experience the Planetarium in a new, exciting way.  Beer from Crosstown Brewery will be available for purchase and enjoy throughout the show. The lineup includes Hope Clayburn & Soul Scrimmage, Al Kapone, Freeworld, and more.

Sunset Jazz Live, Court Square Park, Every Second Sunday ‘til October

This FREE event should make you want to get your dancing shoes and groove to the beat of the best local jazz musicians. It's perfect for outdoors and music lovers as you enjoy live jazz music, food trucks, drinks, sunset views, and more.

Live at the Garden, Radians Amphitheater at Memphis Botanic Garden,’til September

From June to September enjoy epic concerts under the stars.

Free Concert Series, Overton Park Shell, ‘til October

28 free concerts at The Shell, all you have to do is show up with your drinks, blankets, and lawn chairs.

Celebrate 70 years of Memphis Botanic Garden

See the Yoshino Cherry Trees in bloom —check out our video here. Explore the Rich Soil at the Garden Exhibit featuring work by Kristine Mays, attend a concert outdoors at the Radians Amp, experience art in nature, and so much more at Memphis Botanic Garden.

America at the Crossroads: The Guitar and A Changing Nation, MoSH, ‘til October 23

From the Blues clubs on Beale Street to Midtown punk dive bars, music from Memphis has become a global phenomenon. And no instrument has been as important to the sound of this city as the guitar. The guitar is one of the most enduring icons in American history. And the story of “The Crossroads” is one of America’s most enduring myths. This exhibit explores how Memphis’s history and culture are shaped by the iconic instruments, riffs, and guitarists that put Memphis on the map.

Music Series, Overton Square, ‘til November

Enjoy live music from April to November. Check out the amazing range of locally-owned shops while you’re there.

Overton Park Shell  concert
Craig Thompson
Overton Park Shell Concert Series

August Things To Do In Memphis

Memphis Redbirds at AutoZone Park; Memphis 901 FC matches at AutoZone Park

The Color Purple, Hattiloo Theatre, July 28 - August 20

This play, based on Alice Walker’s legendary novel, features awe-inspiring soul, gospel, jazz, and blues vocals underpinned by raw dialogue and a masterful plot. It is a triumphant, uplifting piece of art that reaffirms some fundamental truths: that Black is beautiful, that women are powerful, and that love is love.

FedEx St. Jude World Golf Championship, TPC Southwind, August 9-13

The FedEx Cup is a championship trophy for the PGA Tour. Its introduction marked the first time that men's professional golf had a playoff system.

Sister Act, Theatre Memphis, August 18- September 10

This is musical comedy at its most fun. When a disco nightclub singer witnesses a crime, she becomes fearful of being discovered by the criminals. Her confession to police lands her in a convent that seems to be the perfect hiding shelter. Her stay with the nuns helps her and the sisters, quite literally, find their true voices. 

A Raisin in the Sun, Hattiloo Theatre, August 25 - September 24

Set on Chicago’s South Side, Lorraine Hansberry’s celebrated play concerns the divergent dreams and conflicts in three generations of the Younger family. Hansberry’s portrait of one family’s struggle to retain dignity in a harsh and changing world is a searing and timeless document of hope and inspiration.

Bike Nights, Beale Street, Wednesdays through September 27

Motorcycle enthusiasts descend on Downtown every Wednesday night to park on the most iconic street in America. Weather permitting.

Twilight Thursdays, Memphis Botanic Garden, Select Thursdays in ‘til October

Head to the Gardens every Thursday from 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. to explore a cash bar with seasons; sips, beer, and wine. The second Thursday of each month will feature food trucks & live music including Jeremy Stanfill and Josh Cosby, Tracking Giants, Short in the Sleeve, Rowdy Franks, and Movie Night
Band. Dogs are welcome.

Whet Thursday, Metal Museum, Last Thursdays ‘til August 31

Whet Thursday is a free after-hours event held at the Metal Museum on the last Thursday of the month. Enjoy games on the lawn, food truck fare, live music, metalsmithing demos, and more. Be sure to grab a drink and enjoy the sunset from the best view along the Mississippi River!

The Peabody Rooftop Party, Thursdays, ‘til August 10

Summertime in Memphis means rooftop parties. Start your weekend on Thursday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. with hot bands, cold drinks, and sunset views of the Mississippi River.

Parties at the Pyramid, Big Cypress Lodge at The Bass Pro Shops, Last Fridays ‘til October

Get a rooftop view of the Memphis skyline on an exclusive patio starting April til October. Be prepared for DJ performances, drink specials, and lots more.

Canoes + Cocktails, Shelby Farms Park, Friday Nights ‘til September

Rent a canoe, kayak or bring your own boat and enjoy the best views of the Memphis sunset with a guided paddle on the iconic Hyde Lake followed by snacks, specialty cocktails provided by Old Dominick Distillery, yard games and more. Canoes don’t float your boat? No problem! Purchase a “Party Only” ticket and enjoy the fun that happens after the guided paddle.  Canoes + Cocktails is a 21+ event.

Laser Live!, MoSH AutoZone Dome at the Sharpe Planetarium, Select Saturdays ‘til September

This event, created in partnership with the Shell on Wheels, WYXR and Crosstown Brewery, is an opportunity for both musicians and the Memphis community to experience the Planetarium in a new, exciting way.  Beer from Crosstown Brewery will be available for purchase and enjoy throughout the show. The lineup includes Hope Clayburn & Soul Scrimmage, Al Kapone, Freeworld, and more.

Sunset Jazz Live, Court Square Park, Every Second Sunday ‘til October

This FREE event should make you want to get your dancing shoes and groove to the beat of the best local jazz musicians. It's perfect for outdoors and music lovers as you enjoy live jazz music, food trucks, drinks, sunset views, and more.

Live at the Garden, Radians Amphitheater at Memphis Botanic Garden,’til September

From June to September enjoy epic concerts under the stars.

Free Concert Series, Overton Park Shell, ‘til October

28 free concerts at The Shell, all you have to do is show up with your drinks, blankets, and lawn chairs.

Celebrate 70 years of Memphis Botanic Garden

See the Yoshino Cherry Trees in bloom —check out our video here. Explore the Rich Soil at the Garden Exhibit featuring work by Kristine Mays, attend a concert outdoors at the Radians Amp, experience art in nature, and so much more at Memphis Botanic Garden.

America at the Crossroads: The Guitar and A Changing Nation, MoSH, ‘til October 23

From the Blues clubs on Beale Street to Midtown punk dive bars, music from Memphis has become a global phenomenon. And no instrument has been as important to the sound of this city as the guitar. The guitar is one of the most enduring icons in American history. And the story of “The Crossroads” is one of America’s most enduring myths. This exhibit explores how Memphis’s history and culture are shaped by the iconic instruments, riffs, and guitarists that put Memphis on the map.

Music Series, Overton Square, ‘til November

Enjoy live music from April to November. Check out the amazing range of locally-owned shops while you’re there.

Girl snapping a photo in front of Shelby Forest General Store in Millington near Memphis | Oui We Girl
Shelby Forest General Store

For more Memphis event check out the Huge List of 2023 Events for a yearlong look at what's happening around the city! Or, check out the calendar! 

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