Events: Survival Guide 2009
July 1st, 2009 by Meena Viswanathan![]( "events")
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/>JULY 2009
July 4th Fireworks
Visit Memphis, Germantown, Collierville, and surrounding communities to enjoy patriotic celebrations. Call your city hall for dates and times.
AUGUST 2009
Back to School Registration begins
August 4
Registration for all public schools. Call your school or the Board of Education for details. School starts Monday, August 10, for Shelby County and Memphis City Schools.
India Fest 2009
August 29
iamemphis.org/indiafest
Discover India through its people, culture, cuisine, music, arts & crafts at this annual celebration held at the Agricenter. Admission is free.
SEPTEMBER 2009
Delta Fair & Music Festival
September 4-13
435-7150 • deltafest.com
Festival taking place at the Agricenter features live entertainment, midway rides, rodeos, youth livestock competition, kids’ zone, vendors, and food. Admission.
Levitt Shell for the Performing Arts
September 4-October 4
272-5159 • levittshell.org
Head to the Overton Park for family-friendly concerts featuring different musical themes. Thursdays through Sundays at 7 p.m. with special kids concerts on Saturdays at 5 p.m. Free.
Memphis Music & Heritage Festival
September 5-6
525-3655 • southernfolklore.com
This family-friendly festival takes place on Main Street between Peabody Place and Gayoso. Features indoor & outdoor musical stages, cultural dancing and cooking demonstrations, music & songwriting workshops, arts & crafts vendors. Also one stage devoted to puppet shows, storytelling, theater, dance, and music for kids. Free.
20th Annual Southern Heritage Classic Cultural Celebration
September 9-12
398-6655 • southernheritageclassic.com
Tennessee State takes on Jackson State at the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in this celebration of music, fashion, and football. Admission.
Hummingbird Migration Celebration
September 11-13
(662)252-1155 • strawberryplains.audubon.org
One of the largest nature festivals in the nation takes place at the Strawberry Plains Audubon Center in Holly Springs, Mississippi. Hummingbird banding demonstration, live bat shows, history/nature walks, wildlife experts, a nature trade show, children’s activities, and food. Admission.
Germantown Festival
September 12 & 13
757-9212 • germantownfest.com
The two-day event takes place at C.O. Franklin Park and features over 400 arts & crafts vendors, children’s activities, rides and games, entertainment, classic cars exhibit, food, and the Sunday afternoon “Running of the Weenies” dachshund race in the Charity Horse Show arena. Race proceeds benefit Germantown Animal Shelter. Free.
Cooper-Young Festival
September 19
276-7222 • cooperyoungfestival.com
Memphis’ favorite street fair turns 22. An outdoor celebration of arts, people, culture, and heritage is held at Memphis’ largest historic district. Free. Sorry, no pets.
Clanjamfry: A Scottish Festival
September 25-27
274-3740 • clanjamfrymemphis.org
Three-day festival takes place at Evergreen Presbyterian Church. On Friday, Ceilidh, a Scottish talent show is presented featuring bands, singing, and dancing. On Saturday, the 5K run through Overton Park continues with a day of games, music, contests, sheep herding demos, a Parade of Clans, bagpipes, a heritage tent, vendors, and food. The Sunday finale is the Kirkin’ of the Tartans church service followed by a good ol’ Southern dinner. Admission.
Mid-South Fair
September 25-October 4
274-8800 • midsouthfair.org
In its 153rd year, this Mid-South tradition takes place in a new venue: the Desoto Civic Center in Southaven, MS. Come to the fair for live entertainment, midway rides, contests, games, livestock exhibits, arts & crafts, funnel cake, and more. Admission.
2009 Bartlett Festival & Car Show
September 25 & 26
385-5589 • cityofbartlett.org
Live entertainment, hot air balloons, and a midway carnival are highlights of this annual festival held at W.J. Freeman Park. Saturday events include a classic car show, an amateur barbecue cooking contest, children’s activities, musical stages, arts & crafts, and food. Free.
15th Annual Big Scoop Ice Cream Festival
September 26
529-4055 • rmhmemphis.org
Beat the heat with an ice cream treat at AutoZone Park downtown. Festivities include Children’s Activity Land, Ronald’s Magic Show, Ice Cream Feeding Contest, live entertainment, meet and greet with costumed characters, food vendors, and a silent auction. Admission. Benefits the Ronald McDonald House of Memphis.
Nuts Over Art
September 26
278-6868
Celebrate the creative spirit by watching hands-on demonstrations by area artists. Kids get to try their hand too. At Overton Park, sponsered by Brooks Museum, Memphis College of Art, River Arts Fest, and Levitt Shell. Free.
Harvest Fest
September 26
333-6500 • memphiszoo.org
Kids can learn about farming and barnyard creatures at the Once Upon A Farm exhibit at the Memphis Zoo. Entertainment includes traditional folk music and dance. Free with zoo admission.
OCTOBER 2009
Pink Palace Crafts Fair
October 1-4
320-6362 • memphismuseums.org
This annual fund-raiser held at Audubon Park by the Friends of the Pink Palace Museum features a juried show, crafts vendors, live music, and food. Admission.
Le Bonheur Zoo Boo
October 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 & 31
333-6500 • memphiszoo.org
At this one-of-a-kind Halloween event held at the Memphis Zoo, kids can dress up for the Best Costume contest, collect goodies at trick-or-treat stations, and make spooky crafts. Admission.
Step Up for Down Syndrome
October 18
547-7588 • dsamemphis.org
Formerly known as the Buddy Walk, this annual event promoting Down Syndrome awareness among the community is held at the Memphis Botanic Garden. Features 1-mile walk, games, and food. Admission.
RiverArtsFest
October 24 & 25
278-6868 • riverartsfestmemphis.org
This two-day event celebrating the visual and performing arts is held on historic South Main Street. Features over 185 artists, four music stages, hands-on art, and food. Opening night party Friday, October 23. $40. Free.
Southeastern Indian Heritage Festival
October 24 & 25
785-3160 • memphis.edu/chucalissa/
An outdoor festival held at Chucalissa Museum features a stickball tournament, social dances, traditional music, children’s games, Native American food, and vendors. Free with admission.
NOVEMBER 2009
Enchanted Forest
November 21-December 31
320-6362 • memphismuseums.org
A magical world unfolds at the Memphis Pink Palace Museum showcasing designer-decorated Christmas trees, the Gingerbread Village, Enchanted Forest of animated characters, and pictures with Santa. Benefits Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center. Admission.
SunTrust Zoo Lights
November 27-December 30
(select weekends)
333-6500 • memphiszoo.org
Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the Memphis Zoo and enjoy the holiday light displays. Say hello to Santa and his reindeer. Admission.
DECEMBER 2009
Christmas Parades
Memphis, Arlington, Bartlett, Collierville, and Germantown host Christmas parades, complete with high-school bands, floats, and the appearance of St. Nick. Call City Hall for dates and times.
Light Festival
December 13
544-6200 • brooksmuseum.org
At this annual holiday event held at Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, you can enjoy a carriage ride through Overton Park, take pictures with Santa, play dreidel games, make arts & crafts, and munch on holiday treats. Free.
New Year’s at Noon
December 31
458-2678 • cmom.com
Families ring in the New Year at the Children’s Museum of Memphis with crafts, entertainment, and a parade. Free with admission.
JANUARY 2010
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Holiday
January 19
521-9699 • civilrightsmuseum.org
Events commemorating the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., sponsored by the National Civil Rights Museum and other organizations. Admission.
Pink Palace IMAX Film Festival 2010
January 9-February 28
320-6362 • memphismuseums.org
Weekends in January and February at the Crew Training International IMAX Theater. Call 763-IMAX for film and show times. Admission.
FEBRUARY 2010
Black History Month
Events all month
Several organizations sponsor exhibitions, lectures, and programs in recognition of Black History Month. Call the National Civil Rights Museum (521-9699), University of Memphis (678-2054), and Memphis Public Library (415-2700) for details.
Reelfoot Lake Eagle Festival
February 5-7
(731) 253-2007 • reelfoottourism.com
Festival held at Reelfoot Lake State Park features scavenger hunt, geo-caching, eagle & waterfowl tours, sunrise photography tours, storytelling, art and photography contests, and vendors. Admission for tours.
Polar Bear Plunge and Chili Cook-Off
February 6
683-1271 • polarbearplungemem.org
Event held at Mud Island River Park features live music, pizza eating contest, costume contest, and children’s activities. Gates open at 10 a.m. Admission. Benefits the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.
The Regions Morgan Keegan Championships
and The Cellular South Cup
February 12-21
765-4401 • rmkchampionships.com
This event brings the world’s best men’s and women’s tennis players to The Racquet Club of Memphis. Sunday, February 14, is Kids Day when children can meet and learn tips from the pros and win cool prizes. Admission.
MARCH 2010
Read Across America and Dr. Seuss’ Birthday (March 2nd)
Events all month
415-2700 (Main Library)
memphislibrary.org or nea.org/readacross
Celebrate reading with your child this month; look for events at branch libraries and other venues.
Daffodil Dash 3-Miler & Family Fun Run
March 13
636-4115 • memphisbotanicgarden.com
Held at the Memphis Botanic Garden, features a one-mile family run, children’s crafts, and entertainment. Admission.
Mid-South Baby Expo
March 27
227-9873 • midsouthbabyexpo.com
Come to Agricenter International and celebrate all things baby with informational seminars, exhibitor booths, activities, fashion shows, food, and door prizes. Admission.
APRIL 2010
Commemorative Program of the Anniversary of the Death of Dr. Martin Luther King
April 4
521-9699 • civilrightsmuseum.org
This afternoon program features tributes from civil and human rights leaders and young people who want to follow in King’s footsteps.
148th Shiloh Battle Anniversary Weekend
Weekend of April 5 & 6
(731)-689-5696 • nps.gov/shil
The living history weekend takes place at Shiloh National Military Park in Shiloh, TN. Learn about wartime Tennessee through military camp scenes, infantry, artillery, and cavalry tactical demonstrations. Admission is regular park entrance fee.
YMCA Healthy Kids Day
April 17
766-7677 • ymcamemphis.org
At this community event held at local YMCA branches, families can participate in fun walk, races, demonstrations, children’s activities, and games. Free.
Dixon Family Picnic
April 25
761-5250 • dixon.org
Come enjoy music, games, and food at the South Lawn in Dixon Gallery and Gardens. Admission.
MAY 2010
Memphis In May International Festival
Events all month
525-4611 • memphisinmay.org
Celebration honors Memphis’ ties to a foreign nation. Signature events include the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, the Beale Street Music Festival, and the Sunset Symphony, all riverfront events at Tom Lee Park.
Municipal Melodies Concert Series
Fridays in May
757-7382 • germantown-tn.gov
Bring a lunch and enjoy outdoor concerts at the Kiwanis Pavilion in Germantown Municipal Park. 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Free.
Our Big Fat Greek Festival
May 7-8
327-8177 • memphisgreekfestival.com
Opa! Celebrate Greek life with this festival of food, music, dance, and gifts at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. Admission. Proceeds benefit local charities.
Spring Forth
May 8
537-1483 • buckmanartscenter.com
Celebrate spring with Memphis’ musicians and dancers, children’s activities, vendors, and food at this outdoor event held at Buckman Arts Center at St.Mary’s School. Admission.
Mother’s Day Jazz Brunch
May 9
636-4131 • memphisbotanicgarden.com
Treat mom to a gourmet buffet at the Memphis Botanic Garden while enjoying live jazz music, carriage rides, and children’s crafts. Admission.
Orpheum Summer Movie Series
May-September
525-3000 • orpheum-memphis.com
Enjoy your favorite films on the big screen at the Orpheum. Check their web site in late spring for the 2010 lineup. Admission.
Memphis Children’s Theatre Festival
May 28-29
726-0800 • voicesofthesouth.org
Celebration held at McCoy Theatre on Rhodes College campus features live theater performances, storytelling, and activities for families. Admission with a pay-what-you-can on Saturday.
Memphis Italian Festival
Weekend after Memorial Day
767-6949 • memphisitalianfestival.com
Mama mia, it’s great to be Italian! Sample tasty Italian fare, crafts, children’s games, and live entertainment at Marquette Park. Gates open 4 p.m. on Thursday and 11 a.m. on Friday & Saturday. Admission.
JUNE 2010
Sunset on the Square Summer Concert Series
853-1666 • mainstreetcollierville.org
Enjoy live music performed at the bandstand in Historic Town Square, Collierville. On Thursdays in June and July from 7 until 9 p.m. Free.
15th Annual Sisterhood Outreach Summit & Showcase
First weekend in June
579-9333 • SisterhoodShowcase.com
Workshops, vendors, and entertainment during this celebration of women of color at Memphis Cook Convention Center. Admission