Photo courtesy of Memphis River Parks
Labor Day Free Kayaking, Mud Island River Park
Labor Day Family Fun
First Fridays on Broad: Labor Day Sidewalk Sale, join the shops on Broad for themed events, specials, and pop-ups. Free. Friday, September 3, 5-8 p.m. Broad Avenue Arts District, between Broad and Sam Cooper. broadavearts.org.
Labor Day Free Kayak Weekend, take your chance to explore the Memphis Harbor with free one-hour kayak rentals from the Mud Island Park Boat Ramp. A beginners class will be offered at 11 a.m. on Saturday. Moon Light Kayak on Friday, September 3, 7-9 p.m. Free. Saturday-Monday, September 4-6, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Mud Island River Park, 125 North Front Street. memphisriverparks.org.
Battle of the Food Trucks and Music Fest, featuring food and non-food vendors, music, games, bouncers, gaming truck for kids and teens. $5. Saturday-Sunday, September 4-5, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Southland Mall, 1215 Southland Mall. clarkstoneevents.com.
Labor Day Donut Ride, early risers get the donuts during a 26- or 40-mile bike ride for Labor Day benefiting West Cancer Center. Free for members, $40 nonmembers (includes membership). Monday, September 6, 6:30 a.m. West Cancer Center, 7945 Wolf River. memphishightailers.com.
National Civil Rights Museum's 30th Anniversary Celebration, the Museum celebrates with extended hours through Labor Day, free admission on 9/25, opportunities to share your memories, and a special fall exhibition. Free. September 1-25. civilrightsmuseum.org.
Fireworks on the Farm, features a petting zoo, chicken show, train ride, hayride, pony rides, BBQ, and fireworks benefiting Palmer Home for Children. Free. Sunday, September 5, 5-9 p.m. Cedar Hill Farm, 008 Love, Hernando, MS. cedarhillfarm.com.
Festivals
Orion Free Music Concert Series, series opens with Nick Black and features various artists including Marcella Simien, Don Bryant Chinese Connection Dub Embassy, and others. Free. Friday and Saturday, 7-9 p.m. through October 23. Levitt Shell, 1928 Poplar. levittshell.org.
Delta Fair, features carnival rides, fair food, live music, attractions, vendors, livestock shows, cooking contests, and more. $10. September 3-11. Agricenter International, 7777 Walnut Grove. deltafest.com.
Dog Days of Summer, bring your dog for extended Garden hours and free admission. Thursdays in September, 5 p.m. Memphis Botanic Garden, 750 Cherry. memphisbotanicgarden.com.
Record Swap & Zine Fest 6, join DIY zine-making stations and WYXR Listening Lab in the Central Atrium with DIY zine-making and record swap. Buy zines, records, and merchandise. Free.1350 Concourse, Saturday, September 4, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, September 5, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. crosstownconcourse.com.
Southern Heritage Classic Cultural Celebration, enjoy events leading up the game on Saturday when Jackson State University squares off with Tennessee State University including tailgating, golf, and more. Free-$23+. Thursday-Saturday, September 9-11. At various locations, visit southernheritageclassic.com for the full schedule.
Memphis Rox Yoga Festival, features local and regional studios and vendors, lectures, workshops, film screenings, and yoga classes for all levels, even kids. Enjoy live music, food trucks, kid activities, 20 different yoga classes throughout the venue, and more. $35-$55. Saturday, September 11, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Memphis Botanic Garden, 750 Cherry. memphisroxyogafestival.com.
International Goat Days Festival, features pancake breakfast, live music, craft and local vendors, food vendors, car show, antique tractor show, hot air balloon rides, and BBQ contest. $5 parking fee. Saturday, Sept. 11, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Millington Gym, 4885 Bill Knight. millingtontn.gov.
A Taste of Memphis, celebrate and share the accomplishments of local neighborhoods and what indigenous leaders are doing to make Memphis a great place. Free with registration. Thursday, September 30, 5-10 p.m. Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, 335 S. Hollywood. memphiscdc.org.
Memphis Modern Market, shop and explore the work of local artists. Features artists, vintage sellers, and boutiques from the Memphis area. Friday, 5-8 p.m., Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, noon-5 p.m. through October 10. Memphis Pink Palace Museum, 3050 Central. memphismuseums.org.
Performing Arts
Motherhood: The Musical, a funny, yet loving look at being a mom at any age. It’s climbing the emotional mountain only to find that there’s laundry at the top. Performances on Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. $25. Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. through September 12. Germantown Community Theatre, 3037 Forrest-Hill Irene. gctcomeplay.org.
Now I Am Alone, a performance written by William Shakespeare, conceived and performed by Geoffrey Owens of stage and screen. $150/four seats. Saturday and Sunday, 2 p.m. through September 15. Hattiloo Theatre, 37 S. Cooper. hattiloo.org.
Hello Dolly!, in 1890s New York City, the bold, brassy, and enchanting widow Dolly Levi is a socialite-turned-matchmaker. Her “meddling” includes clients seeking assistance in love as she tries to cover up her own secret romantic designs on her own perfect match. $35. August 27-September 19, Thursday-Saturday, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, 2 p.m. Theater Memphis, 630 Perkins Extended. theatrememphis.org.
Shout-Out Shakespeare Series: King Henry VI: The Wars of the Roses, outdoor performances at various locations recount how the Duke of Somerset plucks a red rose and the Duke of York plucks a white. Fellow English nobles declare their loyalty, civil dissent blooms. Free. tnshakespeare.org.
- Wiseacre Brewery, 2783 Broad, Tuesday, September 14 at 7 p.m.
- Overton Square’s Chimes Amphitheatre, Wednesday, September 15 at 7 p.m.
- Downtown’s Memphis River Park, Thursday, September 16 at 7 p.m.
- Germantown Community Library, 1925 Exeter, Friday, September 17 at 7 p.m.
- The Grove at GPAC. Saturday, September 18 at 6 p.m.
- Wiseacre Brewery, 398 S. BB King, Monday, September 20 at 7 p.m.
- Overton Square’s Chimes Amphitheatre, Wednesday, September 22 at 7 p.m.
- Singleton Community Center, Bartlett, Thursday, September 23 at 7 p.m.
- Int’l Harvester’s Managerial Park, Lakeland, Friday, September 24 at 7 p.m.
- Collierville Town Square, Train Depot, Saturday, September 25 at 7 p.m.
Sep 24, 2021 - Oct 9, 2021
The Secret Garden, an orphan is sent from India to live in her distant family’s gloomy mansion on the desolate English moor and discovers a magical adventure. $25. September 24-October 9, Thursday-Saturday, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, 2 p.m. Theater Memphis, 630 Perkins Extended. theatrememphis.org.
an orphan is sent from India to live in her distant family’s gloomy mansion on the desolate English moor and discovers a magical adventure.
Auditions for Seussical Kids, for 6-12 y/o children on Saturday evenings in September, October, and November, check out this Musical Theatre Program, run by a local business. Auditions are free, program structure varies. Saturday, September 4, 5-8 p.m. Music Box Inc., 7516 Capital, musicboxinc.com.
For a full listing, check out our calendar of events. Also, check the Memphis Parent Facebook Page for information and giveaways. Be sure to tag your favorite family-fun Instagram photos with the #memphisparent hashtag. I hope you have a great week.