Every September 1, Memphis celebrates a holiday all our own: 901 Day.
Yes, the date is a nod to our area code, but 901 Day has grown into something much bigger. It’s a chance to celebrate the people, places, culture, creativity, and community that make Memphis feel like Memphis.
For families, it’s also a great opportunity to help kids build a connection to the city they call home. No matter if your family has been here for generations or you’re still discovering everything Memphis has to offer, there are plenty of ways to join the celebration.
Why Celebrating Your City Matters
Memphis has made an impact far beyond the borders of Tennessee. Our city has shaped music heard around the world, played an important role in American history, produced incredible artists and athletes, and created foods and traditions that are distinctly our own.
But a city isn’t only defined by its biggest accomplishments. Memphis is also the neighborhood park where your kids play, the local restaurant that knows your order, the teacher who made a difference, the small business around the corner, and the people working every day to make their communities better.
901 Day gives us a reason to notice those things and celebrate them.
For kids, that can be especially meaningful. Exploring Memphis together helps young people understand the history and culture around them while creating their own memories and traditions here.
Make 901 Day a Family Adventure
You don’t need an elaborate itinerary to celebrate. Pick a part of Memphis your family hasn’t explored and make a day of it.
Visit one of Memphis’ museums and learn something new about the city. Spend some time outside at a local garden or choose an adventure from Choose901’s guide to outdoor activities in Memphis.
You could even let the kids take the lead: Give everyone in the family a chance to choose one Memphis place they want to visit and start building your own 901 bucket list.
Eat Something Memphis
Food might be one of the easiest (and tastiest) ways to celebrate the 901.
Grab barbecue from a local favorite, split an order of Memphis wings, or cool down with something from one of the city’s local ice cream and frozen treat shops.
And don’t forget that “local” can mean the spots right around the corner. 901 Day is a perfect excuse to finally visit the bakery, restaurant, market, or food truck your family keeps passing on the way home.
Learn a Little Memphis History
There are stories everywhere you look in Memphis, and 901 Day is a great time to introduce kids to a few of them.
Depending on their age and interests, spend the day learning about Memphis music, the Civil Rights Movement, local art, or the history of your own neighborhood. A trip along the Memphis Museum Trail is an easy place to start.
Ask your kids what they already know about Memphis and what they want to know. You might be surprised by the questions that come up.
Turn Up the Memphis Music
Memphis has given the world blues, soul, rock ’n’ roll, hip-hop stars, gospel greats, and generations of musicians who have helped shape American music.
Put together a family-friendly Memphis playlist and let it soundtrack your 901 Day. Parents can introduce kids to the Memphis artists they grew up listening to, while the kids can put the adults onto some of their favorites.
Bonus points for a family dance party.
Support Somebody Local
Celebrating Memphis also means supporting the people who make it special.
Shop with a local maker. Pick out a book from one of Memphis’ local bookstores. Buy something from a Memphis artist. Visit a locally owned business. Leave a positive review for a place your family loves.
You can also use 901 Day as an opportunity to talk with kids about giving back. Volunteer together or find another age-appropriate way to care for your community. Choose901 has guides to volunteering in Memphis and local nonprofits to know about if you need a place to start. We all get to play a part in making our city better.
Join the 901 Day Celebration
Of course, you can also celebrate alongside the rest of the city.
Choose901 has put together its annual 901 Day Guide with celebrations happening around Memphis and even more ways to show the city some love. Whether you want to catch live music, attend a community celebration, support a local business, or simply find something fun to do, it’s a great place to start planning.
And on September 1, Choose901 is celebrating at Loflin Yard. Grab your friends and family and pull up for food, music, and plenty of Memphis pride.
However You Celebrate, Make It Your Own
There’s no single right way to celebrate 901 Day.
Maybe your family spends the afternoon exploring somewhere new. Maybe you order dinner from your favorite neighborhood spot. Maybe you turn on some Memphis music, volunteer together, cheer on a local team, or simply talk around the dinner table about what everyone loves most about the 901.
The point is to take a moment to appreciate the place we get to call home and help the next generation discover what makes it worth celebrating.
For even more ways to explore, support, and celebrate Memphis year-round, head to Choose901.com.
Happy 901 Day, Memphis 💙
This article is courtesy of Choose 901.