Sunny skies, blooming flowers, and a calendar full of fabulous events — welcome to April in Memphis! We love this time of year for the local focus on philanthropy, food, and fun. Check out our favorite events happening this month around the 901.
April 4, 2025: Remembering MLK: The Man. The Movement. The Moment.
On April 4, the National Civil Rights Museum honors Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy and life on the anniversary of his passing. Guests are welcome to attend the event in person at the museum or via live stream. The event begins at 5 p.m. with a musical prelude. civilrightsmuseum.org
April 10 – 12, 2025: Spring Plant Sale at Memphis Botanic Garden
During Memphis Botanic Garden’s annual spring plant sale, you can find a curated selection of plants well suited for Memphis weather, including natives, trees, shrubs, vegetables, and herbs. Garden members can shop the sale on April 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the event opens to the public the following day. membg.org
April 11 & 12, 2025: Spring Plant Sale at Dixon Gallery & Gardens
Dixon Gallery & Gardens also hosts an annual spring plant sale this month. From hard-to-find natives to shrubs and perennials, you can find azaleas, ferns, and more at this event. Public shopping hours are Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. dixon.org
April 12, 2025: 21st Annual Mudbug Bash
The annual Mudbug Bash returns on April 12 at 6 p.m. Join the fun on Panola Street in Hernando, MS, for a night of live music, fresh crawfish, and an open bar. Be sure to also try your hand at the wine and bourbon pull and other competitive games. Tickets start at $125. support.palmerhome.org
April 12, 2025: 5th Annual Cooper-Young Porchfest
The Cooper-Young Community Association hosts its annual Porchfest on April 12 at noon. Staged on the porches of the historic neighborhood, you can stroll the streets to celebrate spring, music, and the city of Memphis. The event is free, so grab a friend, take a walk, and enjoy the weather! For additional details, visit the event’s Facebook page.
April 12, 2025: 8th Annual Brewfest
The annual Brewfest at Mississippi Ale House offers hundreds of beers from local, regional, and national breweries. Guests can also enjoy live music and food, and tickets include a five-ounce tasting glass. There’s a limited number of VIP tickets that include a full-size souvenir pint glass and access to a special VIP section and beer. The fun starts at 2 p.m., and general admission tickets are $40. visitdesotocounty.com
April 12, 2025: Shelby Forest Spring Fest
Taking place at Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, this spring festival includes live music, arts and crafts, shopping, cultural exhibits, wildlife, and food. Bring your chair, blanket, and family, and prepare for a fun-filled day. Admission is $5, and event hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. shelbyforestspringfest.com
April 19, 2025: Shell Daze Music Festival
Shell Daze Music Festival brings a full day of live music to the Overton Park Shell with performances by Lettuce, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country, Grace Bowers & The Hodge Podge, and The Velvet Dogs. Enjoy great music and good vibes in a lively outdoor setting. Tickets start at $58. memphopresents.com
April 25, 2025: Roar & Pour
Join the Memphis Zoo for an exciting evening, complete with tasting samples from Tennessee distilleries, live music, dancing, delicious food, and a silent auction. Explore the zoo while savoring whiskey from renowned distilleries like Old Dominick, Ole Smoky, and Jack Daniels. Tickets start at $100 for zoo members and $125 for non-members. memphiszoo.org
April 25 – 27, 2025: Art in the Loop
This three-day art festival on Ridgeway Loop Road at Briarcrest Avenue features artwork from various vendors and artists. Peruse art made of metal and glass as well as jewelry, paintings, and photography. The festival also includes live entertainment and food trucks. Event hours are Friday, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. artintheloop.org
April 26, 2025: World Championship Hot Wing Contest & Festival
Taking place at River Garden Park in Downtown Memphis, this annual event coincides with the Banquet Open, a long-standing 42-year-old golf tournament. Beginning at 11 a.m., you can enjoy delicious food, live music, and exciting contests. General admission tickets start at $15 and include three wing buckets for sampling. worldwingfest.com
April 25, 2025: Trolley Night
South Main’s Trolley Night is the longest-running street party in Memphis. During the event, the neighborhood buzzes with art galleries, shops, restaurants, and bars offering music, performances, and special discounts. This month’s Trolley Night takes place on April 25 at 6 p.m. gosouthmain.com
April 26, 2025: Taste the Rarity
Join Wiseacre Brewing Co. for its annual Taste the Rarity festival. The event hosts breweries from around the country, and your ticket gets you a tasting glass and four hours of unlimited drinking. You can also enjoy food trucks and live music. The event runs from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., and tickets start at $55 HERE.
April 27, 2025: 32nd Annual Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival
Celebrate over three decades of the Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival on April 27 at 11 a.m. in Downtown Memphis. Festival-goers can enjoy live music, games, crafts, vendors, and a play zone for children under 12. Admission is free, but all proceeds from the festival benefit Porter-Leath, an organization that empowers children and families to achieve a healthy and independent lifestyle. porterleath.org
Happy April, Memphis!
**********
To see even more great Memphis events, check out our Happenings calendar.
