Spring in Memphis is packed with exciting festivals and shows, fun runs, mouthwatering barbecue, and great local shopping. If you’re ready to soak up the sunshine and make the most of the season, check out this list of can’t-miss events happening around the 901!
May 1 – June 15, 2025: Experience Memphis Gardens
Experience Memphis Gardens returns for its 10th anniversary, offering 21 days of garden tours every Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday across 35+ neighborhoods. This free, family-friendly event showcases over 260 public and private gardens, including community spaces, cut flower farms, aquaponics, and even a railroad garden. The signature Cooper-Young Garden Walk, featuring over 100 gardens, speakers, musicians, and vendors, takes place on May 17 and May 18. experiencememphisgardens.org
May 2 – 4, 2025: Monster Jam (Southaven, MS)
Experience the thrill of Monster Jam at the Landers Center just south of Memphis. This action-packed weekend features gravity-defying stunts, high-octane racing, and fan-favorite trucks like Grave Digger and Megalodon. Don’t miss the Pit Party on Saturday morning, where you can meet the drivers and see the trucks up close. Tickets start at $26. monsterjam.com
May 2 – 4, 2025: RiverBeat Music Festival
RiverBeat Music Festival returns to Memphis, transforming Tom Lee Park into a celebration of music and culture along the Mississippi River. Headliners include Missy Elliott, The Killers, and Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals, with performances by Cage the Elephant, Ludacris, Public Enemy, and local legends like La Chat and DJ Spanish Fly. The festival features five stages, immersive visuals, a Ferris wheel, and nightly fireworks. Tickets start at $99. riverbeat.com
May 2 – 10, 2025: Memphis Art and Fashion Week
Celebrate style and creativity at the Brooks Museum during Memphis Art and Fashion Week, a showcase of fashion, art, and culture. Highlights include a Met Gala Watch Party, a dazzling runway show inside the museum, and more. Registration is required, and ticket prices vary by event. brooksmuseum.org
May 3, 2025: 10th Annual Jockeys & Juleps Derby Party
Celebrate the 10th Annual Jockeys & Juleps Derby Party from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Southern Reins Center for Equine Therapy in Collierville. This festive Kentucky Derby celebration features big hats, bourbon, bluegrass, live and silent auctions, and a live broadcast of the 151st Kentucky Derby. Individual tickets start at $150. event.auctria.com
May 3 & 4, 2025: Collierville Fair on the Square
Since 1976, Collierville’s Fair on the Square has brought the community together with live music, food trucks, and a bustling vendor marketplace — all while raising funds for the town. Check colliervilletwentiethcenturyclub.org for updates on this year’s entertainment and vendors.
May 9 & 10, 2025: Memphis Greek Festival
Celebrate Greek culture at the 66th Annual Memphis Greek Festival at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. Enjoy authentic cuisine, traditional music and dance, and family-friendly activities. Admission is $3 for ages 6 and up, or free with a donation of three canned goods. memphisgreekfestival.com
May 10, 2025: 42nd Annual Memphis in May Olympic & Spring Triathlon
Dive into race season at the 42nd Annual Memphis in May Olympic and Sprint Triathlon at Shelby Farms Park. With a swim in Hyde Lake, a bike route through scenic park roads, and a run along paved trails, this historic event welcomes both seasoned athletes and first-timers. Racers receive a custom T-shirt, finisher medal, and post-race lunch to celebrate their achievement. Registration starts at $69.90. bbscendurance.com
May 11, 2025: Symphony in the Gardens
Celebrate Mother’s Day with an evening of music by the Memphis Symphony Orchestra on the Dixon South Lawn. Gates open at 4 p.m., so pack a picnic or enjoy eats from Tacotitlan and MemPops while soaking up the sounds. Kids 12 and under get in for free; adult tickets start at $22 for members. dixon.org
May 14 – 17, 2025: World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest
Get fired up for the 47th Annual World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest at Liberty Park in Midtown. As the largest pork barbecue contest in the world, this legendary event draws top teams and pitmasters to compete for the ultimate title of Memphis in May World Champion. Tickets start at $22. memphisinmay.org
May 14 – 18, 2025: F.I.R.E Conference
The 9th Annual Foundry Invitational & River Exhibition (F.I.R.E.) returns to the Metal Museum. This premier foundry conference offers artist-led workshops, mold-making sessions, a pop-up exhibition, and culminates in a dramatic iron pour on Saturday. Don’t miss Family Fun Day on May 17, featuring free admission, hands-on activities, and live metalworking demonstrations for all ages. metalmuseum.org
May 15 – 17, 2025: SmokeSlam: The World’s Ultimate BBQ Showdown
SmokeSlam BBQ Festival returns to Tom Lee Park, bringing together top pitmasters from across the country to compete for over $250,000 — the largest prize in barbecue history. This family-friendly event features live music from Big & Rich, The Revivalists, Shane Smith & The Saints, and more, alongside a carnival with a Ferris wheel, games, and local art vendors. Tickets start at $31.89. smokeslam.com
May 16 – 18, 2025: DreamFest Weekend
DreamFest Weekend returns to the historic Overton Park Shell. This three-day celebration spotlights Memphis music and artist collaboration, promoting unity, creativity, and community spirit. Attendees can enjoy live performances and food trucks. Admission is free, with donations encouraged to support local artists. dreamfestweekend.com
May 18, 2025: Red Shoe Brew
Join the Red Shoe Brew from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Wiseacre Brewing Company on Broad Avenue. Hosted by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Memphis, this fundraiser features live music by Almost Famous, a silent auction, yard games, a fun drink pull, McDonald’s favorites, and three Wiseacre brews or canned cocktails for guests 21 and over. Tickets are $60 and support families in need. 901tix.com
May 24, 2025: Great American River Run
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Great American River Run in Downtown Memphis. Choose from a half marathon, 10K, or 5K, all starting and finishing at AutoZone Park, with scenic routes along the Mississippi River and through iconic city landmarks. Finishers receive a medal, race shirt, and access to the post-race party featuring food, beer, and live music. A portion of the proceeds supports The Fisher House of Tennessee, aiding veterans’ families during medical crises. Registration starts at $60. memphisinmay.org
Have a fantastic month, Memphis!
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To see more great Memphis events, visit our Happenings calendar!
