The whirlwind of the holiday season is almost in the rearview mirror and January is on the horizon in all its quiet, winter glory. But never fear! Memphis will keep rocking into the new year, with loads of great events throughout the month. Here is our roundup of fun local happenings to help you roll the party right on into 2018. Happy New Year!
The International Blues Challenge takes over Beale Street clubs in late January. Image: The Blues Foundation
January 4-8, 2018: Elvis’ Birthday Celebration at Graceland
The week commemorating The King’s birthday is action-packed this year and every year. Join locals and tourists from across the globe at Graceland for events ranging from an Elvis artifact auction to a “Club Elvis” dance party and even a birthday cake and coffee following the Elvis Birthday Proclamation Ceremony at 9:30 a.m. Monday, January 8. For ticket information and a full schedule, visit graceland.com.
January 6, 2018: TEDx Memphis at The Orpheum
The third TEDx Memphis conference has been themed “The Slant,” featuring a series of dynamic, engaging and thought-provoking TEDTalks that will encourage attendees to take a look at a variety of topics from a new point of view. Over 20 speakers will take the stage to discuss everything from food to city planning to the commemoration of Martin Luther King’s legacy with 2018’s MLK50. The morning session runs from 8:30 a.m. to noon and the afternoon session runs from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets for individual sessions are $30, and a full day pass is $50. orpheum-memphis.com
January 12, 2018: St. Louis Cardinals Caravan at AutoZone Park
The 2018 St. Louis Cardinals Caravan is coming to AutoZone Park. Grab your little baseball lovers and head out to the field for a chance to talk baseball and meet current players, alumni and broadcasters. There will be autographs for the first 400 kids age 15 and under, Cardinals prize drawings and more. Festivities will kick off at 6:30 p.m. milb.com
January 12, 2018: The Science of Beer at The Pink Palace Museum
Learn everything there is to know about beer at the Science of Beer, which features tastings, mini lectures and a chance to interact with expert brewers. Tickets are $35 for designated drivers, $50 for general admission for Pink Palace members, $60 for VIP admission for Pink Palace members, $55 for general admission non-members and $65 for VIP admission for non-members. The “hoppy” fun starts at 6:30 p.m. memphismuseums.org
January 12, 2018: Josh Turner at the Cook Convention Center
Josh Turner, county crooner beloved for hits like “Would You Go with Me?” and “Time is Love” is bringing his talents to the Memphis Boat Expo at the Cook Convention Center. The show starts at 7 p.m., and tickets are $45. eventbrite.com
January 12 through February 11, 2018: Sunset Baby at Hattiloo Theatre
From one of the most exciting young voices in American theatre, Dominique Morisseau’s Sunset Baby is a dynamic play that centers around fathers and daughters and the clash of two generations. Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening shows are at 7:30 p.m., Saturday matinees are at 2 p.m. and Sunday matinees are at 3 p.m. Tickets start at $18. hattiloo.org
January 13 & 14, 2018: Memphis Symphony Orchestra at The Cannon Center
Enjoy Memphis Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Percussion Explosion, which is sure to be an exciting performance filled with drums, bells, cymbals and all other sorts of percussive-forward pieces. The Saturday evening show starts at 7:30 p.m., and the Sunday matinee starts at 2:30 p.m. Tickets start at $15. memphissymphony.org
January 16-20, 2018: International Blues Challenge
The 34th annual International Blues Challenge features blues musicians from around the world who are gathering in Memphis to compete for cash, prizes and industry recognition. Presented by The Blues Foundation, this annual event kicks off Tuesday, January 16, and the competition runs throughout the week at Beale Street venues, concluding with the finals at the Orpheum Theatre. A basic pass costs $100. For more information and a full lineup of events, visit blues.org.
January 17, 2018: Deanna Hamsley Expressive Flowers Workshop at Palladio Interior
Tap into your inner creative side at this workshop with Deanna Hamsley as she teaches different techniques of layering, mark making and brush strokes. From 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., this flower-painting workshop at Palladio includes personal instruction from Deanna, all the required art supplies and a 16 x 16 gallery canvas to take home and treasure forever. Tickets are $150. deannahamsleyartwork.com
January 18, 2018: Hey Rube Artist Spotlight: Beth Winterburn Opening Reception
Hey Rube is featuring Beth Winterburn‘s work in an artist spotlight from January 18 through March 1. To celebrate the exhibit, they are hosting an opening reception from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., where attendees can meet Beth and peruse her collection. The event is free and open to the public. heyrubememphis.com
January 19 through February 11, 2018: Once at Playhouse on the Square
Once is an enchanting tale of a Dublin street musician who is about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs, and their romance takes his music to new heights. Thursday, Friday and Saturday night performances begin at 8 p.m., and Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $25. playhouseonthesquare.org
January 20, 2018: Wolf River 5k
New to town this year is the Run the 901 Race Series, consisting of three brand-new events to the Memphis area. Starting with the Wolf River 5k, the three events will progress in distance, culminating with the running of the 2018 Germantown Half Marathon. Proceeds of the Wolf River 5k will benefit the Wolf River Conservancy. Registration costs $25 for the remainder of 2017, $35 from January 1 through January 14, and $40 from January 15 through race day. The race starts at 8 a.m., and the entertainment and post-race party begins at 8:15. wolfriver5k.racesonline.com
January 20, 2018: Harlem Globetrotters at FedExForum
The Harlem Globetrotters, known for their one-of-a-kind family entertainment, will bring their 2018 World Tour to FedExForum on Saturday, January 20 at 2 p.m. to take on their long-time adversaries the Washington Generals. Enjoy trick shots, expert ball-handling and a little slapstick comedy. Stick around after the game, because the Globetrotters will sign autographs and take pictures with fans. Tickets start at $20. fedexforum.com
January 20, 2018: John Scofield at GPAC
In addition to being one of the principal innovators of modern jazz guitar, John Scofield and his stylistic prowess can effortlessly dance between a variety of genres. This spectacular jazz musician will be bringing his talents to Memphis’ GPAC stage on Saturday, January 20. The show starts at 8 p.m., and tickets start at $38. gpacweb.com
January 21, 2018: Memphis Empty Bowls Project at Crosstown Concourse
Enjoy a delicious, simple dinner of soup and bread donated by local restaurants, and select one of the beautiful, handcrafted bowls to take home as a reminder of the bowls that go empty in Memphis, as well as the inspiring work being done in our community to fight hunger. Then, peruse an art market and enjoy live music from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. All proceeds benefit The Empty Bowls Project’s fight to end local hunger. General admission tickets are $25, VIP tickets are $75, children ages 6 to 11 are admitted for $5 and children age 5 and under are admitted free of charge. memphisemptybowls.com
January 23-28, 2018: Finding Neverland at The Orpheum
Inspired by the movie of the same name, Finding Neverland tells the incredible story behind Peter Pan and author J.M. Barrie’s journey to create the beloved character. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening shows start at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday evening shows start at 8 p.m., the Sunday evening show starts at 6:30 p.m., the Saturday matinee is at 2 p.m. and the Sunday matinee is at 1 p.m. Tickets range from $25 to $125. orpheum-memphis.com
January 26, 2018: Incognito! Silent Art Auction and Party
Join guest host Kacky Walton of WKNO’s “Checking on the Arts” for an evening of art, drinks, hors d’oeuvres and entertainment — all while you bid on original works of art! The annual event, sponsored by SunTrust, runs from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Memphis Botanic Garden. The art in this year’s auction is inspired by natural places in the Mid-South, and artists’ names will be revealed at the close of the auction. Proceeds from ticket and art sales benefit Memphis Botanic Garden’s programming. Tickets are $25 for Memphis Botanic Garden members and $35 for non-members. memphisbotanicgarden.com
Looking Ahead Regional Event…
February 2-4, 2018: Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville at the Music City Center
Well worth the road trip, Nashville’s Antique & Garden Show is one of the premier events of its kind! Horticultural and antique enthusiasts will gather for the 28th Annual Show at the Music City Center. The theme of this year’s event has been dubbed “A Sense of Place…” and has attracted some of the most renowned speakers, designers and exhibitors from across the world. Act quickly — prices go up at the end of January! antiquesandgardenshow.com
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