JULY 2011
Children’s Fishing Rodeo & Youth Villages Family Fun Fest
July 2
cityofbartlett.org • 385-5589
The City of Bartlett hosts this fishing rodeo for children ages 12 and under at Appling Lake in the Bobby K. Flaherty Municipal Center. Prizes awarded in three age categories with one overall Grand Prize winner. After the rodeo, enjoy carnival games, inflatables, balloons, special presentations, and competitions at the Youth Villages tent. Free.
July 4th Fireworks
The cities of Memphis, Germantown, Collierville, and Bartlett throw patriotic celebrations on Independence Day. Call your City Hall for festivity dates and times.
AUGUST 2011
Back-to-School Registration
August 2
Registration for all public schools. Call your school or the Board of Education for details. School starts Monday, August 8, for Memphis City and Shelby County Schools.
SEPTEMBER 2011
Delta Fair & Music Festival
September 2-11
deltafest.com • 867-7007
Festival takes place at the Agricenter and features live musical entertainment and shows, midway rides, rodeos, youth livestock competition, kids’ zone, vendors, and fair food. Everyday is Wristband Day. Admission.
Memphis Music & Heritage Festival
September 3 & 4
southernfolklore.com • 525-3655
Come celebrate music and culture at this downtown festival on Main Street from Peabody Place to Gayoso Avenue. Festivities include indoor and outdoor musical stages, cultural dance performances, cooking demonstrations, talker’s corner, music and songwriting workshops, arts and crafts vendors. Stages devoted to storytelling, theater, dance, and music for kids. Free.
Southern Heritage Classic
Cultural Celebration
September 8-11
southernheritageclassic.com • 398-6655
Tennessee State takes on Jackson State at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in this celebration of music, fashion, and football. Admission.
Hummingbird Migration Celebration
September 9-11
strawberryplains.audubon.org
(662) 252-1155
Celebrate nature at Strawberry Plains Aud-ubon Center in Holly Springs, Mississippi. Activities include Hummingbird Viewing and Banding with Hummer/Bird Study Group, guided wagon ride and nature walks, live animal shows, wildlife experts, kid’s nature tent, resources for creating a wildlife-friendly backyard, and arts and crafts vendors. Admission.
Germantown Festival
September 10 & 11
germantownfest.com • 757-9212
Celebration takes place at Germantown Civic Club Complex and festivities include arts and crafts vendors, children’s rides and games, entertainment, automobile exhibits, food, and the Saturday afternoon “Running of the Weenies” Dachshund Race in the Charity Horse Show Arena. Race proceeds benefit Germantown Animal Shelter. Free.
Music on the Bluff
September 11
metalmuseum.org • 774-6380
Come to the National Ornamental Metal Museum and enjoy performances by local arts groups, take part in hands-on activities, and watch blacksmith demonstrations. Admission.
Levitt Shell at Overton Park
September 15-October 14
levittshell.org • 272-2722
Head to Overton Park for another season of family-friendly concerts. Musical acts take the stage Thursday through Sunday at 7:30 p.m. and Tuesdays, Family Day, at 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Free.
Cooper-Young Festival
September 17
cooperyoungfestival.com • 276-7222
Memphis’ favorite street fair turns 24. Join this celebration of arts, people, culture, and heritage at Memphis’ largest historic district. Sorry, no pets. Free. Rain Date: September 18.
Big Scoop Ice Cream Festival
September 24
rmhmemphis.org • 312-7479
Get ready to beat the heat with an ice cream treat at AutoZone Park. Festivities include Children’s Activity Land, Ronald McDonald’s Magic Show, Ice Cream Feeding Contest, and entertainment. Admission. Benefits the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Memphis.
Harvest Fest
September 24
memphiszoo.org • 333-6500
Farm life and agriculture are celebrated with crafts, games, folk art demonstrations, and live music throughout the zoo. Free with admission.
2011 Bartlett Festival & Car Show
September 30 & October 1
cityofbartlett.org • 385-5589
Family event kicks off at W.J. Freeman Park in Bartlett with a midway carnival, vendors, and live musical entertainment. Saturday highlights include a car show, an amateur barbeque cooking contest, children’s activities, arts & crafts, and food. Free.
Repair Days at the National Ornamental Metal Museum
September 30-October 2
metalmuseum.org • 774-6380
Family Fun Day on Saturday includes casting, jewelry making, and blacksmithing demos. Free, small donations for metalwork.
OCTOBER 2011
Pink Palace Crafts Fair
October 6-9
memphismuseums.org • 320-6362
Friends of the Pink Palace Museum hold this annual fund-raiser at Audubon Park featuring a juried show, kids’ activities, craft demonstrations, live music, vendors, and food. Admission.
Germantown Heritage Day and History Fair
October 15
germantown-tn.gov • 757-7382
Meet at the Germantown Community Library for morning activities and then visit the John Gray House in Germantown Municipal Park to take a glimpse of Civil War lifestyle. Tour the house, watch folk demonstrations including butter churning and woodworking, then listen to bluegrass bands. Children’s activities include old-fashion games, storytelling, and a scavenger hunt. Free. Rain Date: October 22.
Step Up for Down Syndrome
October 16
dsamemphis.org/suds • 547-7588
This annual fund-raiser takes place at Memphis Botanic Garden and features SunDown Films, 1-mile walk, games, prizes, and food. Admission.
Le Bonheur Zoo Boo
October 21, 22, 28, & 29
memphiszoo.org • 333-6500
At this one-of-a-kind Halloween event held at the Memphis Zoo, kids can dress up and collect goodies at trick-or-treat stations. Spook-tacular activities abound. Sponsored in part by Memphis Parent. Admission.
RiverArtsFest
October 22 & 23
riverartsfestmemphis.org • 278-6868
Family event celebrating the visual and performing arts takes place on the Historic South Main Street. Features a juried artist market, live entertainment on four stages, artists’ demonstrations, hands-on art, and food. Free.
Scare on the Square
October 31
mainstreetcollierville.org • 853-1666
Come trick-or-treating at the Historic Town Square in Collierville. Free.
NOVEMBER 2011
IndiaFest 2011
November 5
indiafest.iamemphis.org
Discover India through its people, culture, cuisine, heritage, music, art and crafts at this annual celebration held at the Agricenter. Admission.
SCSEF Race for Education
1st & 2nd Sunday in November
raceforeducation.org • 202-5015
Sanctioned 5K race and 1-mile family run at W. J. Freeman Park in Bartlett. Awards, live entertainment, and activities for kids. Admission. Benefits the arts and other special programs in Shelby County Schools.
SunTrust Zoo Lights
November 18-December 30
(select nights)
memphiszoo.org • 333-6500
SunTrust Zoo Lights returns for another holiday tradition that is “Larger than Lights.” Enjoy holiday light displays, say hello to Santa, and participate in family activities throughout the zoo. Back again is Memphis Zoo on Ice, a tented, outdoor ice skating rink. Admission.
Enchanted Forest
November 19-December 31
memphismuseums.org • 320-6362
Holiday tradition continues at the Memphis Pink Palace Museum showcasing the Enchanted Forest of animated characters, the Gingerbread Village, designer-decorated Christmas trees, and pictures with Santa. Admission. Benefits Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.
First Tennessee Starry Nights
November 26-December 30
starrynightsmemphis.com • 767-PARK
The Mid-South’s favorite holiday light show returns to Shelby Farms Park with more environmentally friendly LED lights and giant displays. Admission.
Snowy Nights in My Big Backyard
Select dates & weekends, Thanksgiving through December
memphisbotanicgarden.com • 636-4116
Play in the “snow,” sip hot cocoa, create winter crafts, and enjoy a musical light show in My Big Backyard at Memphis Botanic Garden. Admission.
DECEMBER 2011
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 11
brooksmuseum.org • 544-6200
At this annual holiday event held at Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, 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 30
cmom.com • 458-2678
Families ring in the New Year at the Children’s Museum of Memphis with crafts, entertainment, and a parade. Free with admission.
JANUARY 2012
MLK Youth Day
January 14
civilrightsmuseum.org • 521-9699
Activities include storytelling, arts, puzzles, games, and performances geared toward teaching children about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Activities are free but does not include museum tour.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Holiday
January 16
civilrightsmuseum.org • 521-9699
Event celebrating the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. features children’s activities, educational films, and performances. Reduced admission all day from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.
FEBRUARY 2012
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.
Soup Sunday
February (date TBA)
youthvillages.org • 251-5000
At this annual event held at FedEx Forum, enjoy soup, bread, and dessert served by over 70 of the area’s finest restaurants. Children’s area includes Oreo Stacking Contest, inflatables, and clowns. Admission. Benefits the Youth Villages.
Reelfoot Lake Eagle Festival
February 3-5
reelfoottourism.com • (731) 253-2007
Festival held at Reelfoot Lake State Park features a Live Birds of Prey program with John Stokes, guided eagle tours, art and photography contests, storytelling, photos with Eagle Mascot, a silent auction, and arts & crafts vendors. Admission for tours.
Polar Bear Plunge and Chili Cook-Off
February 4
polarbearplungemem.org • 683-1271
Event held at Mud Island River Park features plunge into Mississippi River, costume contest, pizza eating contest, teams competing for Best Salsa, Best Chili, and Showmanship, and an awards ceremony. Admission. Benefits the Special Olympics of Greater Memphis.
The Regions Morgan Keegan Championships and The Cellular South Cup
February 17-26
memphistennis.com • 765-4401
World’s best men’s and women’s tennis players compete at The Racquet Club of Memphis. Admission.
MARCH 2012
Read Across America and Dr. Seuss’ Birthday (March 2nd)
Events all month
memphislibrary.org or nea.org/readacross 415-2700 (Main Library)
Celebrate reading with your child this month; look for events at branch libraries and other venues.
Daffodil Dash 3K & Family Fun Run
March 10
memphisbotanicgarden.com • 636-4100
Held at Memphis Botanic Garden, features MRTC 3-mile certified route and 1-mile family run. Admission.
Mid-South Baby Expo
Spring 2012 (date TBA)
midsouthbabyexpo.com • 227-9873
Come to Bellevue Baptist Church and celebrate all things baby with informational seminars, exhibitor booths, games & activities, maternity and children’s fashion shows, and door prizes. Memphis Parent is a sponsor of this event. Admission.
APRIL 2012
Commemorative Program of the Anniversary of the Death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
April 4
civilrightsmuseum.org • 521-9699
The commemorative program includes speakers, music, laying of the fraternal wreath and acknowledgement of winners of the Gandhi Essay Contest for high school youth.
Youth Villages 5K Run/Walk
April (date TBA)
251-5000 • youthvillages.org
Held at Ridgeway Loop, post-race party includes live music, awards presentation, children’s activities, and refreshments. Admission.
Spring Arts on the Bluff
April 22
metalmuseum.org • 774-6380
Bring lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy live music, hands-on activities, and food at the National Ornamental Metal Museum. Admission.
CupcakeCamp Memphis
April 28
cupcakecampmemphis.com • 452-8882
Join for this simply delicious event held at the Agricenter. Sample cupcakes, take part in cupcake-eating and baker competitions, enjoy live entertainment, and shop. Admission. Benefits community non-profits.
MAY 2012
Memphis In May International Festival
Events all month
memphisinmay.org • 525-4611
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
germantown-tn.gov • 757-7382
Bring lunch, a chair or blanket and enjoy live music at the Kiwanis Pavilion at Municipal Park in Germantown. Free. Rain Date: June 3.
Pickin’ Picnic Festival
May 4
bpacc.org • 385-6440
Free outdoor performances at the Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center. Rain Date: May 5.
Our Big Fat Greek Festival
May 4 & 5
memphisgreekfestival.com • 327-8177
Opa! Celebrate Greek life at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church with Athenian dance troupe performances, children’s activities, live music, dance lessons, food, and shopping at the Marketplace. Admission. Proceeds benefit local charities.
Mother’s Day Jazz Brunch
May 13
memphisbotanicgarden.com • 636-4131
Treat mom to an unforgettable experience in the Japanese Garden at Memphis Botanic Garden. Features a gourmet buffet, live jazz music, roses for mom, and children’s crafts. Admission.
Memphis Italian Festival
May 31-June 2
memphisitalianfestival.com • 767-6949
Play bocce and carnival games, enjoy live entertainment, participate in the gravy cooking contest, and sample Italian fare at Marquette Park. Admission.
JUNE 2012
The Orpheum Summer Movie Series
June-September
orpheum-memphis.com • 525-3000
Enjoy shows of your favorite films on the big screen at The Orpheum. Pre-movie festivities for the evening shows include trivia tournaments, fashion shows, costume contests, food and refreshments. Admission.
2012 Sunset on the Square Summer Concert Series
Thursday nights in June & July
mainstreetcollierville.org • 853-1666
Enjoy live music performed at the bandstand in Historic Town Square, Collierville. Free.
Sisterhood Showcase
First weekend in June
SisterhoodShowcase.com • 579-9333
Workshops, vendors, and entertainment during this celebration of women of color at Memphis Cook Convention Center. Admission.
COMEC Treasure Hunt
June 3
comec.org • 405-8441
This pirate-themed party takes place at the Memphis Botanic Garden and features a treasure hunt with entertainment, games, prizes, goody bags, vendors, and food. Admission. Benefits the Commission On Missing and Exploited Children (COMEC).