Photo by Jonas Jacobsson on Unsplash
6:01 Commemoration @ National Civil Rights Museum
Thursday, April 4, 4-6:30 p.m.
Join this community-focused observance of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Throughout the day, the museum offers educational, hands-on activities for children. The annual event features the changing of the wreath on the balcony of Room 306, guest speakers, music selections, and more. Rain location: Hooks Hyde Hall.
Free and open to the public · Call 521-9699 for details.
Whet Thursday: Kickoff Party @ Metal Museum
Thursday, April 4, 5-8 p.m.
Kick off this year’s Whet Thursday Series with live music by The Rodulators, blacksmithing demos, a gallery talk, and food trucks. Also get a sneak peek at the collaborative piece being made during Forging on the River.
Free · Call 774-6380 for details.
Midtown Opera Festival
April 6-14, at various locations around Memphis
Gather your family for a one-of-a-kind festive experience around town. Premiere event, The Falling and the Rising, takes place at Playhouse on the Square, April 6, 12 & 13, at 7:30 p.m. Family-friendly Festival Fringe line-up includes:
Opera Goes to Broadway: Opera Memphis performs favorite Broadway hits.
Opera Takes Flight: High Expectations Aerial Arts.
Cartoons & Cereal: A Bugs Bunny introduction to opera.
Ticket prices vary · Visit Midtown Opera Festival or call 257-3100 for details.
Shh! We Have a Plan (A sensory-friendly performance) at Halloran Centre @ The Orpheum
Saturday, April 6, at 10 a.m.
Bring your little ones for this fun theatrical adventure that explores the Chris Haughton book using magic, music, and puppetry. Part of the Saturday Series, this nonverbal tale is offered as a sensory-friendly performance.
$15/person · Call 525-3000 for details.
Alice Tea Party @ Memphis Botanic Garden
Saturday, April 6, at 1 p.m.
Join for a Mad Hatter Party at the garden. Meet Alice and her friends, engage in craft projects, take pictures with whimsical characters from Cause Play, enjoy Eat Me treats and snacks by Frost Bake Shop.
$20. Reservations required · Call 636-4131 for details.
New Ballet Ensemble presents Springloaded @ GPAC
April 12 & 14 – Friday, at 7 p.m. & Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
Do you have a dance enthusiast in the family? Join New Ballet Ensemble as they put together a unique blend of dance styles – ballet, flamenco, hip hop, and African — into this theatrical production. Among other works, this performance includes Samuel Barber’s Knoxville: Summer of 1915.
$20. Advance discounts available. Reservations required · Call 751-7500 for tickets.
Patricia Possel Patricia Possel Photography
Spring Loaded 2017
Youth Villages 37th Annual 5K/10 Miler @ Marsh Center
Saturday, April 13 — 10 Miler at 8 a.m., 5K at 8:30 a.m.
Interested in running for a great cause supporting children? Here is your opportunity to raise money for Youth Villages. Post-race party features musical entertainment, children’s activities, and refreshments. There will be awards for top finishers in each age group.
Visit Youth Villages for details.
Bookstock 2019: Bicentennial Celebration of Memphis @ Benjamin L . Hooks Central Library
Saturday, April 13, from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Got an avid reader in the family? This is a perfect event to meet more than 50 local authors. The 9th annual festival features panel discussion on Memphis History, guest speakers, live music, spoken word slam, children’s activities, CLOUD901 adventures for teens, food trucks, and more.
Free · Call 415-2709 for details.
Saturday, April 13, from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.
Enjoy art in the great outdoors with your family. The 8th annual event brings together more than 70 artists in one place with a silent auction, children’s area, youth art competition, local musicians, food, and drinks. Benefits the Midtown’s V&E Greenline. Rain date: April 14.
Visit V&E Greenline for details.