18 Memphis Events & Happenings: October 2026
It's almost spooky season, and we've scared up some of the top events happening around Memphis this month. Image: Facebook / Memphis Travel
October in Memphis is packed with spooky family frights, outdoor festivals, live music, and plenty of opportunities to eat, shop, and get crafty. Whether you’re looking for a kid-friendly Halloween activity or just want to enjoy the cooler fall weather, we’ve got you covered with some of the best October happenings to add to your calendar!
October 2 – 4, 9 – 11, 16 – 18, 22 – 25 & 29 – 31, 2026: Zoo Boo
The all-new Zoo Boo promises more nights, more decorations, and more candy, along with brand-new interactive experiences. You can explore a new seven-foot-tall maze, take advantage of photo opportunities, and enter a digital costume contest. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit memphiszoo.org.
October 3, 2026: Picnic for Pachyderms
Also taking place at the Memphis Zoo, this unique experience offers up-close encounters with elephants while raising money for Elephants for Africa, a Botswana-based organization dedicated to protecting endangered African elephants. Tickets include zoo admission and are $75 for members or $85 for non-members. memphiszoo.org
October 3, 2026: Evergreen Street Fair
The Evergreen Historic District is transforming Overton Park Avenue into a car-free community celebration on October 3. The free, family-friendly festival features live music, along with local food and drink vendors, arts and culture booths, and community activations. evergreenstreetfair.org
October 6, 2026: Taste of the District
Come hungry to Taste of the District, a food festival celebrating the culinary scene in Memphis’s Medical District. From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., you can try food and drinks from dozens of restaurants, food trucks, and bakeries while enjoying live music performances. Both general admission and VIP tickets are available at eventbrite.com.
October 7, 16, 21 & 31, 2026: Memphis Grizzlies Basketball Home Games
Basketball season is back, and October offers four opportunities to see the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. The team is scheduled to take on the Orlando Magic on October 7, the Charlotte Hornets on October 16, the Utah Jazz on October 21, and the Sacramento Kings on Halloween. Purchase tickets at nba.com.
October 9 – 11, 2026: Mempho Music Festival
Mempho Music Festival brings a weekend of live music to Memphis, featuring acts such as Pretty Lights, Widespread Panic, Ziggy Marley, and many more. Whether you’re planning to attend the full festival or just want a one-day pass, Mempho is a can’t-miss signature fall event. Not to mention it’s an easy way to turn a weekend into a mini staycation! memphofest.com
October 10, 2026: Like You Film Club: Spooky Season Special
Get into the Halloween spirit without going full horror. The Museum of Science & History’s Giant Screen Theater shows a curated collection of spooky short films (including a screening of Wolfwalkers on October 10) from the “Gimme the Creeps” block of the Like You Children’s Film Festival. The fun kicks off at 2:30 p.m., and tickets start at $12. moshmemphis.com
October 10, 22 & 31, 2026: Memphis Tigers Football Home Games
October brings three chances to cheer on your Memphis Tigers at home. The football team is scheduled to face UAB on October 10, East Carolina on October 22, and the Army on Halloween. Purchase your tickets at gotigersgo.com.
October 10, 2026: Fall Market at Shelby Farms Park
Spend your Saturday at Shelby Farms Park browsing local makers at the inaugural Fall Market. The market runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Jones Pond Pavilion and will feature everything from permanent jewelry and embroidery to antiques, needlepoint, handmade bread, floral arrangements, and more. allevents.in
October 11, 2026: Shakespeare at the Shell Presents Love’s Labor’s Lost
Grab a blanket or lawn chair and head to the Overton Park Shell for the Tennessee Shakespeare Company’s free presentation of Love’s Labor’s Lost. The performance begins at 5 p.m., and you’re invited to bring picnic baskets, coolers, and beverages. overtonparkshell.org
October 17, 2026: Halloween Hike
This Memphis Botanic Garden event offers a fun, family-friendly daytime Halloween alternative. Bring the kids and explore the garden while enjoying hands-on activities, not-so-spooky characters, and treats. Costumes are encouraged, and food trucks are available for a picnic lunch. Tickets are $10 for garden members, $15 for non-members, and $18 for same-day tickets. (Note: Children under 2 are free.) membg.org
October 20, 2026: Candle Making Cozy Craft Night
Looking for a fun October date night? Head to Minglewood Hall for a crafty, hands-on workshop! From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., you can make your own candle while enjoying light refreshments and mingling with other attendees. All materials are provided, and tickets are $40. eventbrite.com
October 23, 2026: Holiday Market of Memphis
If you like to knock out your holiday shopping early, make plans to attend the Holiday Market of Memphis. The event brings together small businesses and makers offering handcrafted goods, seasonal decor, gourmet treats, apparel, and more. To see the complete schedule and purchase tickets, visit midsouthmediagroup.com.
October 24, 2026: Art on Fire
Taking place at Dixon Gallery & Gardens, Art on Fire is an evening full of art, food, drinks, and live entertainment. Admission includes food, beer, wine, and access to unique activities. Tickets are $75 for Dixon members and $95 for non-members or day-of attendees. VIP tickets are also available. dixon.org
October 24, 2026: Día de Muertos Parade & Festival
This free celebration honors ancestors and loved ones through music, art, and cultural traditions. The parade begins at 11 a.m. at Court Square and travels down Main Street before ending at the Halloran Center. The festival runs from noon to 3 p.m. and features live music and dance, face painting, hands-on art activities, local vendors, and community altars. simpletix.com
October 25, 2026: Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics
For a more sophisticated take on spooky season, spend an evening listening to Halloween classics by candlelight at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art. This concert features the Beale Street Quartet performing music from beloved favorites like Beetlejuice, The Addams Family, Ghostbusters, and more. Purchase tickets at feverup.com.
October 28, 2026: Halloween Al Fresco Brunch & Play
Head to Belltower Coffee at Shelby Farms for a Halloween-themed afternoon of American mahjong. You’ll enjoy brunch and a little friendly competition as you play for points. Wear a costume or bird-themed outfit to earn bonus points — and expect a few extra surprises along the way! Space is limited, and advance registration is required HERE.
October 30, 2026: Cemetery Cinema: The Birds
For a truly authentic fall night in Memphis, head to Elmwood Cemetery for Cemetery Cinema. The series celebrates its 10th anniversary with a showing of Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds. The film is projected onto the roof of Elmwood’s historic Cottage as the last light of the day fades. Picnic baskets are welcome, but there is also a food truck on-site. eventbrite.com
Have an outstanding October, Memphis!
**********
To see more great Memphis events, visit our Happenings calendar!
Katelyn Caughron
Katelyn is a Memphis-based freelance writer and certified fitness trainer. She loves fitness, the Memphis Tigers, and a good brunch.
