From annual community events to street fairs and cultural celebrations, there’s something for everyone in your family to enjoy. Check out this listing to help plan your outing.
September
1 · Saturday
Delta Fair & Music Fest
DeltaFest.com • 213-7469
The fair takes place from August 31 through September 9 at the Agricenter International. Festivities include live entertainment, exhibits, livestock show, contests, crafts, culinary, Senior American Day, Latino Day, Ladies Day, Songwriters Master Class, midway rides, food, and vendors. $10/adult. $5/child ages 5-12. Midway wristband: $25.
Memphis Music & Heritage Festival
SouthernFolklore.com • 525-3655
The festival happens during Labor Day weekend (September 1 & 2) at Downtown Memphis from Peabody Place to Union. Features five musical stages, dancers, presenters, artists, cooks, craftsmen, and children’s activities. Free, donations accepted.
6 · Thursday
Rock for Love 6
RockforLove.org • 272-7170
This benefit concert takes place September 6-9. Live performances at the Hi-Tone Café Thursday through Saturday nights, concluding with the Overton Square Street Festival and a closing concert at Levitt Shell. The Overton Square Street Festival and the Levitt Shell shows are free. For Hi-Tone concerts, purchase tickets at HiToneMemphis.com. Benefits the Church Health Center.
7 · Friday
23rd Annual International Goat Days Festival
MillingtonTN.gov • 873-5770
This one-of-a-kind festival takes place at the USA Stadium in Millington on September 7 & 8. Festivities include a circus, inflatable activities, live music, contests, rodeos, and food. Free admission. Parking: $5/vehicle.
8 · Saturday
41st Annual Germantown Festival
GermantownFest.com • 757-9212
Families gather for this two-day festival (September 8 & 9) at the Germantown Civic Club Complex. Festival hosts 400 arts & crafts vendors, children’s activities, rides and games, live entertainment, car exhibits, community displays, food, and the Saturday “Running of the Weenies” Dachshund race. Free. Shuttle services available from Union University and GPAC.
8 · Saturday
Japanese Bon Festival Family Day
MemphisBotanicGarden.com • 636-4116
Come to the Memphis Botanic Garden to celebrate the history, culture, and people of Japan. Demonstrations include the tea ceremony, origami, chopsticks, kimono dressing, cosplay, and Bon odori (a style of folk dancing). Festivities include Candyman creating works of art out of sugar, performance by Fushu Daiko Taiko Drummers, concessions by Seikisui, games, and a marketplace. $10.
15 · Saturday
Cooper Young Festival - 25th Anniversary
CooperYoungFestival.com • 276-7222
This outdoor festival takes place at the Cooper Young Historic District in Midtown. Features over 375 artist booths, 15 bands on three stages, and a children’s play area. Stay for fireworks celebrating the 25th anniversary in the intersection after the last Main stage band. Free.
21· Friday
The Mid-South Fair
MidsouthFair.com • 274-8800
The fair runs from September 21-30 at The Landers Center (formerly The Desoto Civic Center) in Southaven, MS. Festivities include the amateur youth talent contest, midway rides, exhibits, live entertainment, Senior Day, special honor days, vendors, and food. $10/adult. $5/child ages 5-15. Midway wristband: $25.
22 · Saturday
25th Annual Cordova Festival
CordovaCommunityCenter.com • 757-4400
This community event takes place at the Cordova Community Center on September 22 & 23. Features entertainment, children’s activities, vendors, and food. Free. Proceeds used for repairs, maintenance, and restoration of the town’s 1913 school building.
28 · Friday
2012 Bartlett Festival & Car Show
CityofBartlett.org • 385-5589
This two-day family festival takes place at the W.J. Freeman Park on September 28 & 29. Kicks-off with a midway carnival, live music, and vendors. Saturday highlights include an amateur BBQ cooking contest, musical stages, arts & crafts, a car show, children's activities, and food. Free. Shuttle services available.
29 · Saturday
Mid-South Pyrate Faire
Takes place at the Mud Island River Park on September 29 & 30. Features a children’s area to include Powder Monkey School for ages 4-9 and Scallywag School for ages 10-14. Free. Benefits the Commission on Missing and Exploited Children (COMEC).
29 · Saturday
18th Annual Big Scoop Ice Cream Festival
RMHMemphis.org • 312-7479
Come to the AutoZone Park on September 29 for frozen treats and snacks. Features live entertainment, contests, games and activities for children, photos with costumed characters, and a silent auction. $10. Early bird specials and advance discounts available. Benefits the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Memphis.