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5 Things To Do In Memphis This Weekend

HAPPENING ALL WEEKEND

Billy Strings: Fall Tour, FedExForum, Friday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m., $56-$89

Award-winning singer, songwriter and musician Billy Strings is headed to Memphis for two nights only. Tickets for both shows look like they’ll be sold out soon, so grab yours now before it’s too late!

THINGS TO DO ON FRIDAY

Seasons Greetings Lunchbreak Concert, Germantown Community Theatre, Noon - 1 p.m., $10

Now in its 4th year, GCT and MSO invite you and yours to celebrate holiday cheer of home and hearth with their wonderful musicians presenting familiar and heartwarming tunes to tap your toes and sing along. Bring your family, friends or treat yourself to this midday treat that will give you a smile to last through the new year!

Fire Pit Friday, Tom Lee Park, 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., free to attend

Cozy up by the fire with festive treats, holiday tunes, salsa moves and if you’ve been nice, some magical Santa sightings. Jasper Float & Spa brings the ultimate Dream Zone experience to the riverfront, featuring relaxing samples, sleep essentials and a chance to win a 60-minute relaxation massage. Pamper yourself with gift cards, priority booking for spa services and enjoy a 20% discount on all services—a perfect way to recharge for the holidays.

End of All Art– Book Pop-Up, Crosstown Arts, Thursday and Friday, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m., free to attend

The End of All Art is a new and used art book shop in Memphis, TN. The bookstore will host a pop-up event at Crosstown Concourse. The bookstore features art, photography, counterculture, avant-garde, weirdo, and other curious titles in both new and used selections.

Season of Delight, Crosstown Concourse, 5 p.m. - 8 p.m., free to attend

Kick off the holiday season at Crosstown Concourse! Join us for a night of festivities in the Central Atrium, featuring live music, crafts, holiday films, games, and our magical atrium lighting. Bring your family and friends for an evening that captures the spirit of the season. 

Comedian Billy Wayne Davies Headliner, Hi Tone, 8 p.m. - 10 p.m., $20/ in adv., $25/ at the door

Nationally-touring comedian Billy Wayne Davis (Conan, Last Comic Standing, Comedy Central etc.) headlines the Hi Tone on Friday. Hosted by Charlie Vergos (The Onion; Limestone Festival), this'll be a night that any fan of stand-up won't want to miss.

The Zombie Rave, Growlers, 9 p.m., $12

This event will have FREE professional makeup artists doing zombie face paintings, as well as customized visuals for a unique night of the living dead experience!

THINGS TO DO ON SATURDAY

St. Jude Marathon

This is the largest single-day fundraising event for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to help make cures possible for kids with cancer. Registration is closed, but fundraising is still going. If you’re not racing, you can cheer the runners on along the sidelines. Here’s where to load up on carbs ahead of the race.

MidSouth Toy Fest, The Great Hall & Conference Center, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., $5/GA, $10/early admission

Step into the mesmerizing world of vintage and modern toys that have captured the hearts of generations. MidSouth Toy Fest is your gateway to a treasure trove of collectibles, and it's all happening under one roof. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just looking to relive your childhood, this event is the ultimate destination.

Macrame & Mimosa: Tree Wall Hanging, Arrow Creative, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., $49

From a bunch of strings to an amazing design, choose your palette! Instructor Kristina Tubinis will walk you through each step in creating beautiful, fun macrame wall hangings together.

Hangout, drink some mimosas (or not!) and make one-of-a-kind, handwoven pieces to take home. Each piece will be your unique take on a provided design, with a variety of colors to choose from.

Hot Chocolate Floats & Pictures with Santa, Kaye’s Pints & Scoops, Noon - 4 p.m., $10

Sip on delicious hot chocolate floats while getting your picture taken with a Soulful Santa himself! It's the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit with friends and family. Don't miss out on this merry event! Tickets are $10 and include a hot chocolate float and a printed picture with Santa!

Raised by Soundfest, Crosstown Concourse, 1 p.m. - 6:30 p.m., free to attend

Raised By Sound Fest is designed to bring Memphians closer to seminal artists who have had a lasting impact on local music culture, while also introducing rising stars and showcasing artists from outside the city who have been influenced by Memphis' rich musical history. Free live music will be in the Central Atrium all day. 

Holiday Market & Photos with Santa, Soul & Spirits Brewery, 1 p.m. - 8 p.m., free to attend

You can shop for your holiday gifts from local vendors and we will have merchandise and beer specials for the day! Photos with Santa from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. Food trucks on-site are Smoke & Toast, SnoJunt 901, and Travelin' Tom's Coffee.

Autumn Art Party: Art, Cocktails and Connection, Ubrevu Contemporary, 4 p.m. - 8 p.m., free to attend

This is more than an event—it’s an experience. Expect an intimate evening surrounded by inspiring art and passionate people. Dress to impress and prepare for a night of memorable connections and culture. Enjoy live sounds that set the perfect mood as you explore the gallery and connect with the best art gallery guest list in town. Savor  exclusive autumn cocktail, expertly crafted to enhance your evening, plus light bites to keep you mingling all night.

The Wizard of Oz Screening, Pink Palace Museum & Mansion, 4:30 p.m., $12.75 

We all know the story of Dorthy, Oz, and the yellow brick road! See the classic on the big screen to see the magic of the Emerald City.

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

Kick off the holiday season with The Square's most beloved annual event - the Overton Square Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration in support of Le Bonheur Children's Hospital. The Square will be filled with snow as we welcome Santa Claus, eat holiday treats, and listen to great music!

Stumbling Santa Holiday Pub Crawl, Flying Saucer Downtown, 7 p.m. - 11 p.m., bring a new toy or cash donation to participate 

Stumbling Santa welcomes Santa Clauses, reindeer, and elves to gather toys for local preschool-age children at Porter-Leath, all while enjoying the best of downtown’s bar scene.  Participants will roam from bar to bar, with stops planned at Rum Boogie Café, King’s Palace Café Tap Room, Silky O’Sullivan’s, The Absinthe Room, Blues Hall Juke Joint, Alfred’s, Courtside Grill, and Tin Roof, before wrapping up the evening around 11 p.m. Santas should come prepared to bring the holiday cheer—and their best festive attire!

Memphis Black Arts Alliance Presents An Evening of Ellington, Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center, 7 p.m., $75 - $125

In culmination of the worldwide 125th birthday celebration of Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington, Memphis Black Arts Alliance brings a star-studded cabaret of jazz gets with a special appearance and performances by The Savoy Ellingtons, Edward Ellington Jr., and April Ellington; Heirs to the Jazz Throne, accompanied by The Great H.B. Barnum!

Memphis Matters, TheatreSouth,  7 p.m., $23.18 - $44.52

Through the words, movement, and music of a Memphis Matters show, the tellers, Ensemble, and audience share connection and dialogue through theatre that unites art and social change. Join us in celebrating and valuing the experiences and people of our city to unlock healing, transformation, and joy in Memphis — one story at a time.

Don’t Tell Comedy with Ian Edwards, Memphis Made Brewery, 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m., $25

Don't Tell Comedy is closing out the year with comedian Ian Edwards (JRE Podcast, Kill Tony,  Comedy Central). He headlines shows all over the world with his unique style of dark humor and masterful delivery. This lineup also features surprise comedians seen on Comedy Central, Sirius XM and more.

Aaron James: Celebrating the Release of “Sunset” w/ Nubia Yasin, Bar DKDC, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m., $13 in advance, $15 at the door

"Sunset" is the second installment in a three chapter story that Aaron James started telling back in 2021 with the first chapter being "Sunrise" and the final, "Midnight" which is already in production. Join us as we celebrate this release which will also feature UNAPOLOGETIC.'s Nubia Yasin. 

THINGS TO DO ON SUNDAY

Medical District Holiday Market, Memphis Made Brewing Co, and Flyway Brewing Co., Noon - 3 p.m., free to attend

Join MMDC for a Holiday Market celebrating local makers and entrepreneurs, hosted by Memphis Medical District Collaborative at BOTH Flyway Brewing Company (formerly High Cotton Brewing Company) and Memphis Made Brewing Co.! That's right, two locations means twice the amount of vendors and double the fun! Spend an afternoon shopping from local vendors and enjoy festive food and drink, live music from DJs, and carols from Grizzlies Prep's Boy's Choir guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit!

Sippin’  with Santa Paws, Loflin Yard, Noon - 4 p.m., $25 donation

It's paw-sitively the BEST holiday event of the year! The 6th Annual Sippin' with Santa Paws event will be hosted by Loflin Yard and will feature Holiday Photos with Santa Paws, a silent auction, drink specials, a dog costume contest, adoptable pups, and more! This year, we will be inside the heated Carriage House with live music. Bring your pup for a Sunday Funday.

Home Alone Cookie Decorating Party, Primas Bakery, 12:30 p.m. - 2 p.m., $40/two-guests

Enjoy freestyle cookie decorating with your guest while watching the movie, Home Alone! They'll also provide coloring pages for children!  Feel free to dress up in your festive holiday attire! 

Memphis Tigers vs. Arkansas State Red Wolves, FedExForum, 3 p.m., $18 - $159

Cheer on our Tigers as they go head to head against Arkansas State.

Caroling Sing-A-Long, Brooks Museum, 3 p.m. - 5 p.m., free to attend

Kick off your holiday festivities with an afternoon of music, merriment, and holiday treats at the MBMA and Memphis Symphony Orchestra's Caroling Sing-A-Long! The symphony will fill the air with your favorite holiday classics, setting the stage for an interactive, family-friendly sing-a-long. Enjoy a variety of seasonal food and drinks as you sing along to beloved carols with friends, family, and the community.

Art Unplugged, Thrive Midtown, 6 p.m. - 9:30 p.m., $15 in advance, $20 at the door

The hilarious comedian Timbo is bringing the funny. Crowd favorite spoken word artist Cashmere is making his long awaited feature return to the AU stage. And the amazing, soulful singer D’Angelo Davis will have the crowd rocking. Plus there’s an open mic that is always packed with talent!

ONGOING SHOWS AND EVENTS

• Confection and Cosmic Soul Gallery Visit at TONE Gallery til Dec 7
• Second Saturdays at Chickasaw Oaks til Dec 14
• Holiday Bazaar at Arrow Creative til Dec 22
• Junie B. Jones: Toothless Wonder at The Circuit Playhouse til Dec 22
• Fire Pit Friday at Tom Lee Park til Dec 27
• Starry Nights at Shelby Farms til Dec 29
• Holiday Wonders at the Garden at Memphis Botanic Garden til Dec 30
• Truist Zoo Lights at Memphis Zoo til Jan 4
• Winter Wonderland at CMOM til Jan 5
• Graceland Christmas Tours til Jan 8
• The Southern Heritage Classic: Celebrating 35 Years of an HBCU Memphis Tradition at the National Civil Rights Museum til Feb 28

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