25+ Things To Do This Weekend

APRIL 17 - APRIL 19

I Love Memphis Blog updates:

To be considered for the Things To Do This Weekend list, please submit AT LEAST 2 weeks in advance to the calendar. Thank you!

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Porch Fest
Craig Thompson

THINGS TO DO ALL WEEKEND

Good Vibes Comedy Festival, Hi Tone, Thursday til Saturday, $48/day 

Bringing you some of the best comedians from all over the country, including amazing headliners! YOU definitely don't want to miss this event!! No matter the type of comedy you love, we have live Podcasts, Roast Battles, Themed shows, and of course Stand-up Comedy and Good vibes! 

Shell Daze Music Festival, Overton Park Shell, Friday and Saturday, $74

Thanks to Mempho Presents, the Shell Daze Music Festival returns for a two-day rock ‘n’ roll rendezvous at the iconic Overton Park Shell. This unforgettable lineup features Old Crow Medicine Show, Molly Tuttle, The Last Revel, Greensky Bluegrass, Sam Grisman Project, and Bailey Bigger lighting up the historic stage. Grab your spot and experience the energy, music, and magic of Shell Daze.

Addicted 2 Dance Tour, Renasant Convention Center, Friday til Sunday

Get ready to step into the spotlight! Addicted 2 Dance is hitting the road, bringing an unforgettable competition experience to cities across the country. They aren’t just hosting a competition; they’re creating a movement where passion meets precision, and every dancer has the chance to shine.  Feel the electricity as the nation’s most talented dancers go head-to-head. From contemporary and jazz to hip-hop and ballet, they celebrate the diversity and athleticism of the dance world.

Africa in April, Robert R. Church Park, Friday til Sunday

This year marks the 39th Anniversary of the Africa In April Cultural Awareness Festival. They will showcase the Republic of Guinea from an international perspective using a multiplicity of mediums education, economics, culture, fashions, arts/crafts, music, history, and cuisines. Enjoy a diverse cultural marketplace. Africa In April is a weekend of fun, festivities, and food with a different theme each day.

Spring Artist Market, Gattas Plaza, Friday til Sunday

Memphis Arts Collective’s Spring Artist Market offers new work by local artists and craftspeople from painted works to glass, metal, and fiber arts as well as jewelry, candles, soap, and many other handmade goods. Great place to find a Mother’s Day gift!

Monster Jam, Landers Center, Friday til Sunday, ticket prices vary

Nothing compares to the one and only Monster Jam®. With awesome trucks, amazing stunts and action-packed excitement, it's the definition of fun for everyone! You'll be close to the action watching the world's best drivers tear up the dirt and show off crazy skills and all-out racing in fierce head-to-head battles of speed and skill.

Memphis Mineral Fossil & Jewelry Show, Agricenter, Friday and Saturday, $6/adult, free for kids

Step into a world where Earth’s story comes alive. The Memphis Mineral, Fossil & Jewelry Show, proudly sponsored by the Memphis Archaeological and Geological Society, returns this April with an Earth Day–inspired celebration that’s bigger, brighter, and more awe‑filled than ever. This year’s theme — Earth Wide Open — invites you to explore our planet’s wonders with fresh eyes and a spirit of discovery.

THINGS TO DO ON FRIDAY

Science of Wine, Pink Palace, 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m., $80

Most of us are long past our science class days, but we have created a clever way for us to care about science. Join us for this year’s full-proof fundraiser supporting our STEAM Education outreach while sampling Memphis’ best wine and food – with a side of science.

An Evening of Ellington, Crosstown Theater, 7:30 p.m. - 10 p.m., free (RSVP required)

Memphis celebrates International Jazz Month with a once-in-a-lifetime evening honoring the Ellington legacy. Duke Ellington's grandchildren — the Savoy Ellingtons — take the stage alongside living jazz legend H.B. Barnum, vocalist Wendy Moten, and a stunning 100-piece student orchestra anchored by the Memphis Central High School Jazz Band, the number one jazz band in the world. Presented by Stax Music Academy and the Soulsville Foundation. Elegant chic attire encouraged.

KC Johns Live, Hernando’s Hide-A-Way, 8 p.m. - 10:30 p.m., $17/adv, $23/at the door

KC Johns delivers infectious country-rock with dynamic, compelling vocals and an undeniable determination. She turned heads with her viral single “Rodeo Queen,” hitting over 2.2 million streams, climbing to #28 on Texas Country Radio, and earning Top 10 honors from the Texas Country Music Association.

music stage set up at hot wing festival with crowd watching band performing
Craig Thompson

THINGS TO DO ON SATURDAY

Celebrate Record Store Day

Groove on over to these Memphis record stores:

Super Saturday - Tapestries, Brooks Museum, 10 a.m. -  Noon, free to attend

Super Saturday: Tapestries, is a hands-on artmaking experience inspired by Henry Easterwood and other artists from the Memphis College of Art (MCA) legacy featured in the museum’s Permanent Collection. Young artists will explore color, texture, and shape as they create their own felt “tapestries” using scissors, glue, and colorful felt.

Stories of Stone, Elmwood Cemetery, 10 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., $20

Join Elmwood staff member Amanda Zorn for the Stories of Stone walking tour and learn how to read the language of the monuments. As you explore the historic grounds, Amanda will explain the symbolism, artistry, and traditions behind these striking memorials and reveal what they can tell us about faith, hope, love, and remembrance.

World Championship Hot Wing Contest & Festival, Riverside Dr., 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., $20

Sample award-winning wings from the Wing Capital of the World. Enjoy live musical entertainment on two stages, a parade led by Memphis Second Line Jazz Band, a Wing Eating Contest, and new this year, a Soul Train Review Dance Contest.

Chess Tournament, Memphis Chess Club, Noon - 5:30 p.m., free to attend

New to chess? Lifelong player? Somewhere in between? The Memphis Chess Club is where strategy meets community in order to play, learn, and connect with others.

Earth Day Festival, Shelby Farms Park, Noon - 3 p.m., free to attend

Earth Day Festival is a fun way to inspire movement towards a greener, more sustainable future. Packed with activities, from the family-friendly Fun Run to free Get Outside Fitness sessions, there’s something for everyone. Music, food trucks, Kids Zone with eco-friendly crafts and activities, and interactive learning stations that bring our community together to learn about and invest in our planet.

5th Annual Bourbon & Bugs Crawfish Boil, Old Dominick Distillery, 2 p.m. - 5 p.m., $16/one pound

This is the annual Crawfish Boil, where the drinks are cold, the music is live, and the mudbugs are hot. They’re serving up piles of perfectly spiced crawfish with all the fixins, plus drink specials to keep the good times flowing all afternoon long. You can also get all-you-can-eat and a cocktail for $48.

Belgian Beer Festival, Soul and Spirits Brewery, 1 p.m. - 8 p.m., free to attend

Grab a flight of all limited beers being released or just pick a couple to enjoy a pint or two. 

Vegan Block Party, Martyrs Park, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m., free to attend

Enjoy a day filled with epic vegan food, DJs, and fun! This event is family friendly and open to all ages. Feel free to bring your blankets and lawn chairs.

Spring Landscape Watercolor Workshop, Brooks Museum, 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m., $65

A beginner friendly watercolor workshop with artist Drew Blake covering brushwork layering color mixing and composition with all materials included and a finished piece to take home.

Vintage901 Wine, Food, and Music Spring Festival: Grand Tasting, Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center, 5 p.m. - 9 p.m., $100

The flagship event features an array of wine vendors from numerous Old World and New World wine producers. Classes are curated for guests to learn about wine. Also, guests have an opportunity to talk directly with wine and food professionals. Chef demonstrations and good Memphis music are all part of this event.

Illusionist Leon Etienne, Halloran Centre, 7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m., $46

You’ve seen him on America’s Got Talent, Jimmy Fallon, Masters of Illusion, and Penn & Teller: Fool Us! DO NOT MISS Illusionist Leon Etienne’s jaw-dropping, critically acclaimed hit show. Witness this family-friendly spectacular featuring the world’s best illusions, award-winning sleight of hand, and hilarious comedy. This show is an immersive experience that brings joy, laughter, and wonder when the world needs it most.

Memphis Magic Night, Flyway Brewing Co,, 7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m., $25

The show features professional magician and mentalist Joe M. Turner accompanied by a Cowboy Fly. Enjoy laughter, legerdemain, and your choice of libations as you are amazed and amused by our fun and enthusiastic performers!

Friends dig into crawfish at Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival.
Craig Thompson

THINGS TO DO ON SUNDAY
33rd Annual Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival, Riverside Dr., 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., free to attend

The festival features thousands of pounds of fresh Louisiana crawfish, more than 25 local food trucks, and live music from Dikki Du and the Zydeco Krewe on the Orion Financial Main Stage and Freeworld on the Southland Casino Hotel Riverside Stage! Returning favorites like the crawfish bobbing, crawfish eating, and crawfish racing contests promise a day full of excitement and community spirit. The Downtown Memphis Commission Kids Area in River Garden Park offers fun and activities for children of all ages.

Shop & Sing Vendor Market, Drus Place, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., free to attend

Spend your Sunday shopping locally and singing your heart out at the Shop & Sing Vendor Market. Enjoy a day of karaoke, local vendors, and great food and drinks from the kitchen and bar.

Mid-South Food Truck Festival, Martyrs Park, Noon - 5 p.m., free to attend

Enjoy an array of great food at the Mid-South Food Truck Festival with plenty of amazing food trucks, food vendors, small businesses and more! 

Cooper-Young Porchfest, Various Locations, Noon - 6 p.m., free to attend (originally scheduled for Saturday, but moved to Sunday due to weather)

With 175-plus performances on front porches across Cooper-Young, Porchfest is one of the most Memphis things you can do all year. Rock bands, DJs, blues acts, folk singers, solo artists — you name it, somebody's playing it on somebody's porch. Stroll the tree-lined streets, post up in a lawn chair, catch a few songs, then wander to the next porch and discover something totally different. The whole neighborhood becomes one big walkable, open-air music venue, and it's entirely volunteer-run. Plus there's a neighborhood-wide yard sale that morning, so come early and make a full day of it.

A Toast to Local Art, Brooks Museum, 1 p.m. - 2 p.m., free to attend

Sip mimosas, meet local gallerists, and learn how to start—or deepen—your own art collection while directly supporting artists in your community. You’ll also hear from working artists and discover simple, meaningful ways to stay connected, including joining Art Now.

Sip n’ Craft - Stained Glass, Hampline Brewing Co., 4 p.m. - 6 p.m., $35

Crafty folks, this one is for you! Enjoy the third Sip n' Craft with Easy Tiger Craft Club and this time they're making faux stained glass! Choose from a lighter, sardines tin, tomatoes vine, and cowgirl boots, lipstick, and 901 designs. They'll bring the materials and knowledge to lead you in a class where you'll leave with a unique craft, drinks and pizza will be provided!

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About the Author

Hey, I’m Tyra Johnson, writer and content creator for the I Love Memphis Blog, Memphis native, and forever city hype woman! After spending a few years away, I found my way back home and fell in love with Memphis all over again. From our culture and people to the food, music, and everything in between, this city has a way of sticking with you.

I love uncovering hidden gems while still celebrating the classics, and I’m big on storytelling and capturing the essence of a moment. You’ll usually find me with my phone in hand, documenting, recording, and snapping photos as memories are being made. Working with the blog to highlight things to do, eat, see, and experience in Memphis just makes sense because most of my favorite memories (and future ones) live right here.

Comments Make Us Happy

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Natasha

So much to do! I love my city ❤❤❤??????

March 18, 2021 1:00am
Michelle

Wondering if most restaurants downtown are open? Specifically Itta Bena or Majestic?

Coming from an hour away just wanting to know if things are open?

Is there music on the street on Beale? 

Is Wet Willies back open?

 

April 22, 2021 2:13pm
Holly Whitfield

Hi Michelle, 

Almost everything is open all over town, including Itta Bena, Majestic, and Wet Willy's. I strongly suggest making reservations and calling ahead because while places are open, they may have limited space or hours. I can't say if they will have music literally outside on the street, many clubs on Beale will have live music inside.

April 24, 2021 1:40am
Cheryl

Thanks for telling us about the free kayak rental with kayakmemphistours downtown! First time to kayak on the Mississippi. Nice cool weather today and great pictures!

May 29, 2021 8:43pm
Teri J Mason

So glad you do this!

September 11, 2021 10:26pm
Courtney Fly

Hi! 

We’ve got free Halloween movies screening all through October every Saturday at Crosstown Concourse starting October 2nd! A matinee for kids at 2pm and a feature for adults at 7!  Also the Crosstown Arts Film Series has spooky features programmed for October , including a live score/silent film screening of THE CABINET OF DR CALIGARI along with a performance by the local industrial goth/pop band, THE POP RITUAL on October 28th! 

September 25, 2021 3:25pm
Alexandra Lowe…

What is happening this week at the Iconic Woman’s Exchange of Memphis?

Tennessee Crafts Southwest show, “Gail Laughlin Tribute; gardening, food and Fashion” Tuesday, October 5-15. Open M-F 10-4. 88 Racine Street, Memphis 38111.

October 3, 2021 2:33pm
James

I love this sight, it ALWAYS has what's going on around Memphis.  This is a lifesaver with my parents coming in town this weekend and planning what we're going to do!

October 21, 2021 3:37pm
PATRICIA A Valenza

Thank you, this is information I like to see.

December 30, 2021 2:12pm
Paul

You're great! Thanks for this service. 

January 23, 2022 4:03pm
andres

Just keep hapy, stay safe and enjoy the event show.

April 28, 2022 3:18pm
Tina Bass

Y’all absolutely Rock‼️
Thank you for all the positive info♥️

June 9, 2022 2:31am
Cathe Wiese

A friend sent me one of your emails. I'm moving to Memphis in August, SO EXCITED!! Thank you for helping me find all the fun and exciting things to do in my new hometown!

June 24, 2022 6:07pm
Anonymous

Too hot 

July 23, 2022 4:23pm
Zain

Thanks 

September 16, 2022 1:49am
Chasity

Amazing 

September 21, 2022 9:56pm
Larry Richard …

Pearl's for  Smoked Oysters   or Gus's Fried Chicken.

November 13, 2022 4:05pm
Nicole

I love coming to your page to get up to date with what to do in my city!

January 19, 2023 4:57pm
Stephen Payne

It's  Spring Time in Memphis trying to find some new adventures...

April 8, 2023 10:24pm
Betty Chester-Tamayo

Thank You for all you do.

Alcenias’s has a Patio now, with Horse Shoes in the back??????

April 14, 2023 11:52am
Judy Posner

Great job of listing fun activities for a wide cross section of people of different ages and interests !

Thank you !!!

May 17, 2023 10:41pm
shahzad

 Thank you for sharing this exciting lineup of events in Memphis! There's something for everyone, from the Bluff City Fair to concerts, markets, and even yoga and axe throwing. It's great to see the vibrant and diverse activities happening in the city. Keep up the fantastic work in keeping us informed!

May 19, 2023 6:21pm
Andrae Cor Pender

Love this

June 3, 2023 10:59pm
Deborah Presley

Since my son is going to be working in Memphis next week, I decided to look up what was happening there and I just want to say that I hope the people of Memphis realize how BLESSED they are to have all these community activities and things going on because that doesn’t happen everywhere! I’ve never been to Memphis, but after reading this event calendar, I’m adding it to my bucket list!! thank you for all the information! ???Thank you for all the information

July 14, 2023 1:10am
Debra Q

Awesome!! Keep on Keeping on!

July 15, 2023 6:56pm
Wayne Darnell …

I really enjoy receiving updates in terms of what is going on in the city and weekends.  Please keep up the great work. 

August 3, 2023 4:46pm
Gloria Perry

I was born on Pope Creek country road outside of Norman, Arkansas about 30 minutes southwest of Hot Springs in 1945 the month after WWIi ended.  My father was in the Army serving in the Philippines and came home when I was just two months old.  He picked up my mom and I at where we staying with my grandparents in Arkansas and headed to Memphis to live and ended up buying a home on Prescott St. in 1948 where my parents lived until my Mom passed away in 1963 and my Dad in 2011.  I lived with my parents until marrying in 1966 leaving Memphis with my husband who was in the Air Force until 1969, living in Gulfport, MS for two months, then living in Clarksville, TN. until my husband went on tour to Thailand returning to move us to Mt. Clements, MI where we were for nine months and then returning to Memphis after his release from the Air Force in 1969.  We lived here until he became an air traffic controller.  Then we moved to Maryville, TN where he worked at the Knoxville Airport and then transferred to Greenville, MS airport where we bought our first home.  We got to come back to Memphis in 1977 where we bought our second home.  We raised our precious children in Memphis.  Our son lives in Cordova now and our daughter lives in Oakland getting to move to Eads where they built a new home.  So, they have stayed close to home  (Memphis).  My husband passed away in 2020 and I stayed here in Memphis until I became ill and moved to a nursing home in Somerville, TN.  Now what I am building up to say (took a rather long time building, I see..sorry!!!) is that no matter where I was born or where we had to move until finally getting to come back here, I have always been PROUD to declare I love this precious ole town of Memphis, Praise my Precious Lord❣️❣️❣️. Just wanted someone to know how I LOVE MEMPHIS?

August 18, 2023 10:37pm
Elice Howard

Love this blog it’s very informative❤️I can map out things to do before I arrive in Memphis so we don’t wast time trying to figure it out.

August 30, 2023 10:53pm
L'Tanya Clegg

I love Memphis but it's been a while since I visited.   Headed there this weekend on a girl's trip and so excited!

September 4, 2023 7:00pm
Beverly

Fairly new to Memphis so want to learn about what is going on—things to do and places to go 

February 3, 2024 1:35pm
Lea Stage

I just saw your segment on this morning’s news and this is exactly what I’ve been looking for. I am also also a Memphis native I grew up here I moved away and just moved back after a few years and I’m always looking for a new things for me and my family of six to do. I’m always looking for new things and I love that you have included activities That are occurring at Elmwood. I have always been in love with that beautiful cemetery. Thank you so much for doing this, making it easier for all of us to fall back in love with Memphis 

February 22, 2024 3:48pm
JULIE W

Thank you so much for your I Love Memphis Blog!  I’m always looking for fun things to do—

February 23, 2024 10:38pm
Stacey

Pretty good information.

February 29, 2024 11:32pm
Bridgette

I love this blog for all my Memphis events updates. Thanks for keeping us in the know for all these years.

June 5, 2024 10:11am
Catherine Swearengen

Where was the photo by Sean fisher taken in this weekends things to do?

March 2, 2025 9:02pm
Terri Lynn Ben…

Great Memphis morning! So glad I saw you on Live at 9 and I enjoy your “I Love Memphis Blog”!  I can’t believe that I am just now signing up for updates, better late than never…

April 3, 2025 3:12pm
Cynthia

Very informative when you want to know what’s going on in Memphis!

May 30, 2025 3:05pm
Elena Caron

I love your blog !!!! Thank you 

June 5, 2025 11:51am
Angie Marie

I really love your blogs, they keep me informed! I usually do not leave comments as I type too slow for my own liking lol.  I just wanted to say thanks for keeping things simple. It was so easy to navigate and find what I was looking for without getting overwhelmed. I look forward to sharing all these ideas with my husband this weekend!

Thanks so much

June 11, 2025 7:03pm
Lateryka

Just moved back to Memphis after 7 years (left for college at 17 and stayed). Finally back and wow never knew how active and vibrant my city was. So happy this organisation exist! Thank you for your hard work and motivation to show people despite the media, Memphis is the place to be! 

August 27, 2025 9:26am
Deborah Swiney

Hello,

Can you change the time of the Sunset Jazz concert on 10/12 to 5-7pm? The last two concerts are 5-7pm due to it getting dark earlier.

Also, I don't see Sunset Jazz @ Court Square listed anywhere on this huge events list.  How can the series get included?  This is the 6th year of the event.  

https://ilovememphisblog.com/a-huge-list-of-memphis-festivals-events 

Thank you,

Deborah Swiney, SSJ Founder

October 8, 2025 4:23am
Sheria Bennett…

This is an awesome way to hangout and enjoy our city!!!

 

 

February 12, 2026 3:57pm
marcus anderson

Good Stuff, keep up the great work.

February 28, 2026 5:46am