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!

Submit here.

5 Things To Do In Memphis This Weekend

HAPPENING ALL ALL WEEKEND

Porter-Leath Toy Truck, Poplar Plaza (corner of Poplar and Highland), Thursday til Saturday, 8 p.m. - 6 p.m., free to attend 

Since 2000, Porter-Leath has been rolling out its annual Toy Truck to collect toys for more than 2,000 preschool children in the Memphis area. You can drop off new, unwrapped toys as well as cash or check donations. Please bring puzzles, dolls, balls, blocks and other toys that promote early childhood learning. 

St. Jude Memphis Marathon Expo, Renasant Convention Center, Thursday and Friday, Noon - 8 p.m.

For St. Jude runners aged 18 and up, this expo is your only opportunity to pick up your packet prior to race day.

Holiday Concert Weekend at Graceland, Graceland Soundstage, Friday and Saturday, times vary, prices vary

Rock 'n' Roll into December with two nights of live holiday shows at the Graceland Soundstage! From Terry Mike Jeffrey's salute to Elvis' holiday hits on December 1, to Dean Z’s high-energy rockin’ Christmas show on December 2, it will be a magical weekend of entertainment, surrounded by enchanted holiday decorations at Graceland.

Cabaret Noel 8: The Sounds of Christmas, TheatreWorks, Friday and Saturday 8 p.m., Sunday, 2 p.m., $20

Join Topsy and Turvey, ETC’s resident elves and your holiday ambassadors for fun and merriment as they bring you an evening filled with classic carols, new holiday favorites, silly fun filled jokes and some very interesting story telling to entertain and make you think about the meaning of Christmas! 

Leanne Morgan- Just Getting Started, Orpheum Theatre, Saturday and Sunday, times vary, $35.75 - $59.75

After discovering her passion for stand-up comedy later in life and finding the time and confidence to pursue her dream, Leanne Morgan has cemented herself as a must-watch comedian. She’s bringing her talents to Memphis with four shows of non-stop comedy.

THINGS TO DO ON FRIDAY

Sip, Shop, and Ugly Sweaters, Broad Ave Arts District, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. free to attend 

Celebrate the last Friday of the year and sip on something from participating shops, shop for holiday gifts, and wear your best ugly sweater.

All Aboard! Holiday Kick-Off, Saddle Creek South, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m., free to attend

Enjoy an outdoor screening of The Polar Express, Santa photos, and train rides. They'll have food trucks on site serving hot chocolate and other tasty treats. Bring your own chairs and blankets.

Memphis Holiday Spirits Cocktail Festival, The Kent, 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m., $44-$55, 21+

It’s the most wonderful time of the year for a Holly, Jolly Cocktail Festival! Sip festive cocktails, listen to music and visit the big man in red himself! Each ticket includes 12 sample-sized yuletide cocktails. Proceeds benefit Volunteer Memphis, so each sip gets you closer to the nice list! 

Ali Siddiq: I Got A Story To Tell, Minglewood Hall, 7 p.m., $53 and up

This (almost sold out) event is Ali Siddiq’s first theater tour. Enjoy a night full of down-right hilarious comedy.

Jazz in the Box: Greg Murphy Trio, GPAC, 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., $35

The hottest little jazz club around is GPAC’s Jazz in the Box! Featuring both new and established artists, Jazz in the Box gives you an opportunity to get up close and personal with live jazz. Cabaret seating and drinks for purchase make this a perfect way to kick off your weekend.

Scheidt’acular Holiday Concert, Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center, 7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m., $35

Celebrate the start of the holiday season with a truly enchanting symphonic and choral concert presented by the talented musicians of the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music. Immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere as the symphony orchestra and choir come together to perform a captivating repertoire. The concert will feature familiar carols and masterworks that evoke cherished holiday memories and fill your heart with joy. 

Snow Goth, Hi Tone, 9 p.m., $10, 18+

Crawl out of your crypt to partake in the darkest hits from our live DJ's. Featuring industrial, gothic rock, 80's and electronic, these heavy sounds are sure to get your heart racing and bring you to the dance floor. Wear your attire in ways that emulate the bleak and frigid time of year!

THINGS TO DO ON SATURDAY

St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend, B. B. King Blvd. near Beale St, 7 a.m. or 8 a.m.

Race for the kids of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at the largest single-day fundraising event for St. Jude. The St. Jude Memphis Marathon Weekend allows every runner to raise funds for their life saving mission.

Raised by Sound Fest, Crosstown Concourse, 1 p.m. - 11 p.m., ticket prices vary

From the airwaves to the stage, Raised by Sound Fest is a day-long event showcasing local and regional talent. Much like this freeform radio station, performing acts will rep varying genres and styles. This year is headlined by Cat Powers who will recreate Bob Dylan's The 1966 Royal Albert Hall Concert. Free daytime shows include: Bass Drum of Death, AJ Haynes, Rod Smoth, Rosey, MadameFraankie, and U of M Blue Tom Revue.

Holiday Hoop Wreath Series with Angie Adwin, Arrow Creative, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., $60

Do you love to make handmade holiday decorations? This workshop is for you. With an embroidery hoop, paper and glue you’ll make this intricately designed “shadowbox-like” holiday project. You’ll leave with a project you can be proud of, ready to hang on your door, on your wall, or even your mantel.

MALTED Beer Festival, Memphis Made Brewing Co., 1 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Enjoy a day long celebration of dark beer with live music, food trucks, and more! Mike Hewlett and the Racket will play from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. and San Salido will hold it down from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Memphis AF Burrito will be parked outside at 2 p.m. and CM Eatery will be working the dinner shift.

Overton Square Tree Lighting, 5 p.m. - 7 p.m., free to attend

The Square will be filled with snow to welcome Santa Claus, eat holiday treats, and listen to great music. Get your photo with Santa, enjoy live music by Deep Roots and the Snowden Choir, play in the ‘snow’, and pick up free hot chocolate and goodies. Face painting and balloon artists will be on hand with plenty more fun to discover.

Memphis Symphony Orchestra- Magic of Memphis, Cannon Center, 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., $5 and up

Experience Memphis’ most beloved holiday tradition featuring the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, chorus and dancing Santas.

19th Annual Flying Saucer Stumbling Santa Pub Crawl, Downtown Memphis, 7 p.m. - 11 p.m., no cost but bring new toys

Stumbling Santa welcomes Santa Clauses, reindeer and elves to collect toys for local Porter-Leath preschool children, while touring the best downtown bars. Wear your holiday-themed outfit and arrive with either a new, unwrapped toy or a cash donation. Toy donations — such as puzzles, dolls, trucks and building blocks — should promote early learning for children under age 5.

Boogie Nights: A ‘70s Disco Funk Dance Party, Black Lodge, 9:30 p.m., $5, 18+

You’re invited to join Lodge on the dance floor, and flashback to the late ‘70s for an all-night disco funk dance party! Throw on your best polyester suit, dance dress, big hair, bell bottoms or any 70’s digs and get lost in time to some of the best ‘70s disco tracks, club hits, dance soul, and funk beats ever made.

THINGS TO DO ON SUNDAY

Medical District Holiday Market, High Cotton Brewing Co. Noon - 3 p.m., free to attend

Start the holidays on a high note! Enjoy beer from High Cotton Brewing, wine from Rootstock Wine Merchants, cocoa from Muggin' Coffeehouse, music from DJ Rhinestonee and DJ Travi$, and a special performance by Grizzlies Prep Boys Choir outside of High Cotton + giveaways. 

“Nutcracker” Tea Party, Primas Bakery, 12:30 p.m. - 2 p.m., $90/for two guests

Each ticket admits two guests and includes a savory and sweet selection of holiday goodies along with tea, hot chocolate, coffee or punch. 

Buffalo Nichols presented by Folk All Y’all, B-Side Memphis, 7:30 p.m., $20

This intimate, attentive performance by guitarist, songwriter, and vocalist, Buffalo Nichols, is a one-of-a-kind listening room experience for those who love folk and blues music. 

ONGOING SHOWS AND EVENTS

• Jolly Jam Sessions at MoSH Fridays in December
• Take the Soul Train to Christmas  at Hattiloo Theatre til Dec 17
• Fire Pit Fridays at Tom Lee Park til Dec 22
• Elf on the Shelf at Big Cypress Lodge til Dec 24
• Holiday Wonders at the Garden at Memphis Botanic Garden til Dec 30
• Miracle at The Liquor Store on Broad til Dec 31
• Deck the Diamonds Holiday Spectacular at AutoZone Park til Dec 31
• Starry Nights at Shelby Farms Park til Dec 31
• Enchanted Forest of Trees and MOSH til Dec 31
• Zoo Lights select nights til Jan 6
• Shelby Canopy: Our Shared Connection til April 2024

• More events are happening this weekend — scroll through them on the blog’s calendar!