Out & About: November 9-22

Thursday ◊ 10

Parks Got Stars

Experience this city-wide talent showcase featuring youth performances from each Memphis Parks community center. Thanksgiving baskets will be raffled to participants.

Ed Rice Community Center, Thursday, November 10, 6 p.m.

Champions of Magic

One of the world’s largest touring illusion shows, Champions Of Magic, is traveling to Memphis this November. The five world-class illusionists perform incredible, interactive illusions, an impossible escape from Houdini’s water torture cell, a mind-blowing prediction that has to be seen to be believed, levitation high above the stage and a finale beyond explanation. This show features spectacular magic that can’t be seen anywhere else. 

Orpheum Theatre, Thursday-Friday, November 10-11, 7:30 p.m., $45-$80 

Friday ◊ 11

The Wizard of Oz

Based on the classic motion picture, young Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto are swept away in a tornado to the magical land of Oz. In a plot of twists and turns, Dorothy’s amazing adventure returns to Playhouse on the Square. There is indeed no place like home! This revival is perfect for the entire family. Performances will run Fridays at 7 p.m., with Saturday and Sunday performances at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Pay-what-you-can performances are Tuesday, December 20, and Wednesday, December 21.

Playhouse on the Square, Friday, November 11-December 22, $15-$50

Saturday ◊ 12

Wildflower Wander

Wander a field of wildflowers adjacent to Epping Way Lake and learn more about the native plant and wildlife of the Wolf River Watershed from educational guides. This walk will focus on native wildflowers, pollinators, and other wildlife along the Wolf River Greenway at Epping Way. Walks last for approximately one hour.

Wolf River Greenway - Epping Way, Saturday, November 12, 9-10 a.m., free

Kids in the Garden (ages 7-10)

This fun, hands-on gardening workshop teaches kids the basics about horticulture and the flora around them. Supplies are provided.

The Dixon Gallery & Gardens, Saturday, November 12, 10-11 a.m., free

Family Day at the Stax Museum

The Stax is offering free admission Saturday plus lots of live music, games, activities, snacks, and more for young people of all ages!

Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Saturday, November 12, 1 p.m.

Sunday ◊ 13

I Am Different Book Reading and Cookie Decorating

Enjoy listening to a book reading by local author, Monica Thomas. Each ticket includes a signed copy of the book I Am Different. After the book reading, you and a guest will enjoy decorating cookies. 

Primas Bakery + Boutique, Sunday, November 13, 12:30-2 p.m., $70

Nature by Firelight

Warm up by campfires and toast s’mores. Enjoy music and storytelling, stroll a luminary-lined trail around the lake, and take home a craft. Your ticket includes s'mores fixings, hot chocolate, bottled water, wine for adults, face painting, and fun activities for all ages. Picnics encouraged.

Lichterman Nature Center, Sunday, November 13, 5-7:30 p.m., $15-$25

Tuesday ◊ 13

Disney Junior Live: Costume Palooza

This show brings beloved Disney Junior characters and favorite Marvel Super Heroes live on stage for a jam-packed, concert-style show with singing, dancing, acrobatics, and more. It will feature favorite songs from the hit Disney Junior series, as well as new original music.

Orpheum Theatre, Tuesday, November 15, 6 p.m., $29.50-$159.50

Wednesday ◊ 16

Lil Red: Short Film Screening & Book Signing

Heal the Hood Foundation of Memphis takes a bold new approach with reimagining an old fable, Little Red Riding Hood, in the form of Lil Red. A short film adaptation of the urban children’s book Lil Red of the Hood Fables Book Series, this premiere is one of a kind where you will also meet the filmmakers and get autograph copies of the book.

Malco Studio on the Square, Wednesday, November 16, 6:30 p.m., $30

Thursday ◊ 17

Homeschool Days: Come Together!

Head over to the Brooks to take a guided tour of the collection and make art in the studio! To celebrate the beginning of the holiday season, November’s Homeschool Day will display depictions of families and communities in the Brooks’ collection. Explore how different families are portrayed in art and create your own family portrait in our studio. Docent tours begin at 10:30 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Drop-in art-making will be available from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 

Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, Thursday, November 17, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., free 

Friday ◊ 18

Pokécon Memphis

To celebrate the release of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, the ninth entry in the Pokémon series, the Memphis Music Room is hosting Pokécon Memphis, an event which will reach far beyond the city. Pokécon Memphis promises to be The Pokévent of the Season, featuring video game and trading card game competitions, vendors, special guests, and plenty of great entertainment. Headlining the three-day event is Jason Paige, the original singer of the Pokémon theme song.

Memphis Music Room, Friday-Sunday, November 18-20, $10-$60

Junie B's Essential Survival Guide to School

The Circuit Playhouse’s favorite first-grader is at it again! Junie B’s Essential Survival Guide to School is a hilarious, whole-hearted show about owning up to your mistakes and how no one is ever done learning. Performances will begin Friday, November 18, with a 7 p.m. performance. The remaining schedule will occur Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m. Pay-what-you-can performance is Saturday, November 26.

Circuit Playhouse, Friday, November 18-December 22, $10-$32

Zoo Lights

Zoo Lights is back and brighter than ever, decking the halls with gorgeous displays, new and old. Guests can enjoy the ice rink, ferris wheel, Magic Mr. Nick, animal meet-and-greets, and so much more.

Memphis Zoo, Friday, November 18-January 1, $14-$19

Saturday ◊ 19

Camp SAY: Across the USA

This free two-day camp for young people who stutter, ages 8-18, helps build confidence and community. Under the guidance of the Camp SAY leadership staff and the Orpheum’s teaching artists and programming staff, campers will work together in small groups to create original artistic pieces — short plays, comedy skits, poems, songs, dances, visual art — and share them with the larger group (each child can choose whether or not they wish to participate in this final share). 

Halloran Centre, Saturday-Sunday, November 19-20, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., free

A Parade of Nations International Festival

This celebration will highlight, inform, and educate about cultural differences and resources within our community. It will feature activities for the whole family including traditional dancing, drum demonstrations, and craft making.

Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, Saturday, November 19, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

The Enchanted Forest Festival

Visitors are invited to explore a forest of festive and awe-inspiring trees decorated by professional designers, individuals, and local organizations. Children can marvel as miniature trains twist and turn through the snow-covered holiday village and stop by Penguin Point to see hundreds of cuddly penguins, each representing a donation to the LeBonheur Children’s Hospital. A snow-covered village of scrumptious creations awaits, with a village of cozy cottages and majestic mansions, all designed by local chefs, businesses, individuals, and groups.  

Museum of Science & History, Saturday, November 19-December 24, $6-$7

Goat Yoga

Goat Yoga is where you can relax your body and mind while surrounded by little goats. It’s a kind of a “go with the flow” session where it’s a little bit of exercise and a lot of fun! Some of goats will even jump up on you while doing yoga poses! But don’t worry, the goats are lightweight and very friendly. You’ll be sure to have a lot of laughs and leave feeling relaxed and entertained. Goat Yoga is not recommended for children under the age of 6. If you did not buy a ticket and would like to just watch, you are more than welcome to watch from outside the fenced area.  

Overton Park Shell, Saturday, November 19, 1 p.m. & 2:30 p.m., $30 

Downtown Holiday Tree Lighting

At the annual tree lighting ceremony, attendees can enjoy free photos with Santa, Dinstuhl’s Candies for the first 200 kids, musical performances, and hot chocolate. Plus, there will be ornament sales benefiting St. Jude Research Children’s Hospital. The lighting will begin around 4:50 p.m.

Downtown, Saturday, November 19, 4:30 p.m., free

Tuesday ◊ 22

How the Grinch Stole Christmas: The Musical

Discover the magic of Dr. Seuss’ classic holiday tale as it comes to life on stage. Featuring the hit songs “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” The Grinch discovers there’s more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming holiday classic. Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is “two sizes too small,” decides to steal Christmas away from the holiday-loving Whos. 

Orpheum Theatre, Tuesday-Sunday, November 22-27, $25-$90

Ongoing

Memphis & Shelby County’s 901 Student Passport Program

The “901 Student Passport” program allows Shelby County’s school-aged children and their families free admission to nine historic sites and cultural institutions. Simply visit each location and present your passport at the admissions counter to earn a stamp, plus free entry for the student and one parent. The participating museums and galleries are: Fire Museum of Memphis, Dixon Garden & Gallery, Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, Lichterman Nature Center, Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, the National Civil Rights Museum, Museum of Science & History, Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum, and the Metal Museum. After you get all your stamps and submit your passport, you may earn a personalized gift from the mayor’s office. Learn more about the program here, and check out this Memphis Parent article by Krishnav Manga.

Through November 30.