Memphis Events and Festivals

(Memphis, Tennessee - TN, USA)

Memphis' social diary is packed with events, festivals and things to do, reflecting the city's pride in its history and famous inhabitants.

The city of Memphis has more than its fair share of celebrity birthdays and anniversaries to remember and the social calendar of Memphis also celebrates the area's ethnic diversity. Memphis' diversity is embraced and accepted by the people that live here, with major events and festivals most months.

National Public Holidays

• 1st January - New Year's Day
• Third Monday in January - Martin Luther King Day
• 12th February - Lincoln's Birthday
• Third Monday in February - Washington's Birthday
• Last Monday in May - Memorial Day
• 4th July - Independence Day
• First Monday in September - Labor Day
• Second Monday in October - Columbus Day
• 11th November - Veterans Day
• 4th Thursday in November - Thanksgiving
• 25th December - Christmas Day

Memphis Calendar of Festivals and Events 2014 / 2015

January

• Elvis Birthday Week - early January, a weekend of activities to celebrate the birth of Elvis

February

• Blues First Weekend - first weekend in February, blues convention and awards ceremonies
• Regions Morgan Keegan Tennis Championships - mid-February, professional men's and women's combined tennis championships

April

• Memphis International Film Festival - early April, a celebration of international film
• Annual AutoZone Super Chevy Show - mid-April, 300 mile per hour jet-engine powered cars

May

• Memphis in May Festival - throughout May, this is Memphis' biggest annual festival, which rolls a number of events into one. Events include: the Beale Street Music Festival at Handy Park, which celebrates the city's musical heritage; Desti-Nations International Family Festival, where a different country is honored each year in the name of cultural diversity; World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest; and the SunTrust Sunset Symphony finale
• W.C. Handy Awards - early May, named after the father of the blues, this is one of the biggest blues awards going and is a highlight in the industry
• TSSAA Spring Flings - late May, Tennessee state school sport championships including baseball, softball, track and field, tennis and boy's soccer

June

• Memphis Italian Festival - early June, a celebration of all things Italian
• Juneteenth Freedom Festival - mid-June, freedom celebration with music and carnival
• Arts in the Park - mid-June, fine arts festival featuring visual and performing arts

July

• AutoZone Red, White and Blue Celebration - early July, fireworks in Tom Lee Park on the banks of the Mississippi

August

• Choctaw Heritage Festival - early August, crafts, Native American dance and music
• Elvis Tribute Week - mid-August, a citywide celebration of all things Elvis

September

• Memphis Music and Heritage Festival - early September, celebrating local arts, music and food of the region
• Cooper-Young Festival - mid-September, a popular street festival with live music

October

• Pink Palace Crafts Fair - early October, crafts fare featuring pottery, jewelry and contemporary arts
• Native American Days - mid-October, an event to teach children about Native American culture
• Mid South Pride - mid-October, Gay Pride event held in the Midtown district

November

• W.C. Handy Birthday Celebration - November 19, parade to celebrate the father of blues music

December

• Christmas at Graceland - December, see the mansion in its festive splendor
• Beale Street New Year's Eve - December 31, see in the New Year at the birthplace of the blues