That post-holiday slump is a thing of the past and 2018 is picking up steam with a slew of exciting events. February is giving us plenty of reasons to fall for Memphis all over again. From music, plays and ballets to fundraisers and races, there is no shortage of things to do in the Bluff City this month. Check out these 22 Memphis events taking place this February.
Enjoy a Mardi Gras-themed bash while supporting the Alpha Omega Veterans Services at the 2nd Annual Military Masquerade! Image: ARS/Rescue Rooter
22 Memphis Events & Happenings: February 2018
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
Through March 1, 2018: Beth Winterburn Artist Showcase at Hey Rube
Hey Rube is hosting Beth Winterburn‘s amazing exhibit as an artist spotlight through March 1. Peruse Beth’s spectacular collection while it is on display in the Hey Rube Verellen showroom. The event is free and open to the public. heyrubememphis.com
February 2, 2018: Sweet Street on Broad Avenue
Bundle up, and head to the Broad Avenue Arts District for a sweet party. Get your $5 punch card and sample mouthwatering treats from local retailers, including Wiseacre Brewing Company, City & State, Falling Into Place, Merchants on Broad, T Clifton Art, Bingham & Broad and more. At the conclusion of your Sweet Street tour, drop off your card for a chance to win a basket of Broad Avenue goodies! The event is from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. broadavearts.com
February 2-4, 2018: Antiques and Garden Show Nashville
Well worth the road trip, Nashville’s Antiques & 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. Make a weekend out of it, and travel to Nashville this February to experience this fantastic weekend-long event! Tickets start at $25. antiquesandgardenshow.com
February 3, 2018: Crosstown 10K
Continuing the new Run the 901 Race Series is the Crosstown 10K, picking up where the Wolf River 5K left off last month. Each of the three Run the 901 events progress in distance, culminating with the running of the 2018 Germantown Half Marathon. Proceeds of the Crosstown 10K will benefit Church Health. Registration costs $50. The race starts at 8 a.m., and the entertainment and post-race party begins at 8:15 a.m., with the award ceremony at 9:45 a.m. crosstown10k.racesonline.com
February 3, 2018: Bluff City Fire and Ice Polar Bear Plunge & Chili Cook-Off
Take an icy dive into the Mighty Mississippi at the Special Olympics of Greater Memphis’ largest annual fundraiser, the Bluff City Fire and Ice Polar Bear Plunge & Chili Cook-Off at Mud Island River Park. After taking the plunge, warm yourself with a piping hot, savory bowl of chili from a plethora of chili-cooking teams. And if ice-cold swimming or hot chili aren’t your thing, get dressed up for the costume contest for the “Golden Plunger Award”! The event is from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. With just $50 in pledges, “plungers” automatically get an official Polar Bear Plunge t-shirt and bragging rights over all the people who couldn’t “bear” it. specialolympicsmem.org
February 3, 2018: Winter Garden Games at Memphis Botanic Garden
The Winter Olympics are on the horizon, and Memphis Botanic Garden has just the thing to get your family in the spirit! From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., let your kiddos test their athletic prowess with a bounce obstacle course, giant games, hula hoops and more, with medals awarded for completing the activities and snacks to keep them at the top of their game. Tickets are $5 for Memphis Botanic Garden members and $10 for non-members. memphisbotanicgarden.com
February 3, 2018: Cirque du CMOM: Over the Top, Under the Big Top
Support the Children’s Museum of Memphis (CMOM) by getting gussied up to enjoy an evening of fabulous tunes, delicious eats, refreshing beverages and camaraderie with friends in their new Memphis Grand Carousel Pavilion & Ballroom. The event starts at 7 p.m. and tickets start at $150. cmom.com
February 3 through August 19, 2018: Black Resistance: Ernest C. Withers and the Civil Rights Movement at Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
Opening on February 3, the Brooks Museum is hosting iconic images from photographer Ernest C. Withers in the exhibition Black Resistance: Ernest C. Withers and the Civil Rights Movement. The collection revisits powerful moments from the days surrounding Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, all immortalized on film by Withers, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of these events. From the sanitation workers’ strike and police in riot gear to Dr. King’s return to Memphis and his historic “Mountaintop” speech at Mason Temple, Black Resistance presents the events from March 27 through April 8, 1968 through striking, iconic photographs. The exhibit is open to the public through August 19. brooksmuseum.org
February 4, 2018: The Memphis Pink Bride Wedding Show at Cook Convention Center
Calling all Memphis brides! Plan your wedding with the help of the Memphis Pink Bride Wedding Show, where local vendors will be waiting to meet you and show you how to make your dream day a reality. Watch fashion shows with the latest in bridal and bridal party attire, and enjoy exclusive, day-of only giveaways and specials. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. thepinkbride.com
February 5-10, 2018: Memphis Child Advocacy Center’s 26th Annual Works of Heart
For the 26th year, Works of Heart will draw art lovers from all over the Memphis community to enjoy and bid on heart-themed pieces from leading regional artists. Enjoy the preview from Monday, February 5, through Friday, February 9, while the show is free and open to the public, then grab your tickets for the auction Saturday, February 10, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The art show and auction benefit the Memphis Child Advocacy Center in their mission to serve children who have been victims of sexual and physical abuse and to prevent future abuse through education and intervention. General admission tickets are $75 and include complimentary beer, wine and appetizers, while the special Big Heart lounge tickets are $200 and include access to a VIP area, a full bar, hors d’oeuvres, a personal work of art created by a participating artist and more. memphiscac.org
February 10, 2018: Whiskey, Wine & Chocolates with Phillip Ashley at the Memphis Botanic Garden
Renowned Chocolatier Phillip Ashley creates an array of designer chocolates and confections, expertly paired with select whiskey, wines and cocktails at the Memphis Botanic Garden. Dazzle your taste buds with the subtle yet complex combinations, making this an evening to remember. Plus, live music, cigars, cash bar and hors d’oeuvres will be available at this elegant soiree from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $40 for Memphis Botanic Garden members and $50 for non-members. memphisbotanicgarden.com
February 10, 2018: 3rd Annual No Show Ball
The No Show Ball is a fundraiser that allows you to enjoy a delicious dinner and wine from the comfort of your own home. On the day of the No Show Ball, the event comes to you in the form of a dinner in a cooler bag dropped off at your front door. The cooler consists of citrus ginger pork tenderloin from Just In Thyme, salad from Lucchesi’s, mac ‘n’ cheese from Fino’s, bread from Lisa’s Lunchbox, four gourmet brownies from SmallCakes Cupcakery and Creamery and your choice of a red or white bottle of wine from Cork’s. The cost of the cooler is $100. All proceeds benefit the Forrest Spence Fund and its mission to assist with the non-medical needs of critically or chronically ill children and their families throughout the Mid-South. forrestspencefund.org
February 13-18, 2018: The Color Purple at The Orpheum
Broadway comes to Memphis with the Tony Award-winning musical, The Color Purple. Follow the journey of Celie, an African-American woman in the American South on her path to love and happiness. You will be singing the score for days after! 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
February 14, 2018: Shen Yun at the Cannon Center
We know it as China, but it was once called the Middle Kingdom. Shen Yun is a performing arts group, based out of New York, that came together with the mission to preserve the majestic culture of this lost civilization and share it with the world. And it is a stunning display of artistry, dance, folk traditions and orchestral sounds that you won’t soon forget. See it at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $80. shenyunperformingarts.org
February 15-18, 2018: 76th Annual Al Chymia Shrine Circus
Take the whole family to the circus for a most worthy cause, helping children in need. The 75th Annual Al Chymia Shrine Circus is the Shriners’ largest annual fundraiser. Come early to the Agricenter Showplace Arena for face-painting, bounce house and animal rides! The shows start at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday; 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday; and 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Sunday. Adult tickets are $10, child tickets are $5 and kids under 2 are admitted for free. eventbrite.com
February 16-18, 2018: Small Places by Ballet Memphis at Playhouse on the Square
Ballet Memphis is back with Small Places, a choreographers’ showcase from award-winning dance artist Stephanie Martinez, Ballet Memphis’ own dancer Julie Marie Niekrasz and ballet master Brian McSween. The show will be filled with unique displays of contemporary dance, from solos to duets to group numbers. The show starts at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets start at $22.50. balletmemphis.org
February 17, 2018: 2nd Annual Military Masquerade
Grab your mask, don your best cocktail attire and get ready to enjoy a Mardi Gras-themed masquerade at the Cadre Building! The 2nd Annual Military Masquerade, sponsored by ARS/Rescue Rooter, kicks off with a second line at 6:30 p.m. led by Mighty Souls Brass Bands, and the party rolls on to 11 p.m. with a silent auction, wine and beer, food from Erling Jensen, live music and guests like Mayor Jim Strickland. Proceeds from the evening will benefit Alpha Omega Veterans Services, as they support homeless and disabled military veterans. Tickets are $100. alphaomegaveterans.org
February 18, 2018: Dylan LeBlanc at HiTone Cafe
Shreveport-born and Muscle Shoals-bred singer-songwriter Dylan LeBlanc is bringing his talents to the HiTone Cafe. His Americana tunes are honest, raw and introspective, and absolutely worth a listen. Tickets start at $10 and the show starts at 8 p.m. hitonecafe.com
February 24, 2018: 13th Annual Wolf River Conservancy Tree Planting at Shelby Farms Park
This annual all-volunteer tree planting is the largest fundraising event for the Wolf River Conservancy (WRC) with hundreds joining in on the effort to plant native trees at Shelby Farms Park. This year, they’re planting beautiful Dogwood trees! It’s a perfect way to give back to the environment and enjoy the outdoors! And take your support to the next level by sponsoring a Dogwood for $15, which supports WRC programs and projects. The al fresco digging and planting takes place, starting at Gate 11 at Shelby Farms Park, at 9 a.m. and ends at noon. wolfriver.org
February 23 through March 18, 2018: Selma: A Musical Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Hattiloo Theatre
As this year marks the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination at the Lorraine Motel in downtown Memphis, this musical feels especially pertinent. Selma revisits powerful moments in King’s life and work, such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the crossing of the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, AL, and puts them to music in a mesmerizing and enthralling way. 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 $30. hattiloo.org
February 24, 2018: Hands of Hope Gala and Auction Party at Ballet Memphis
For a fun and festive evening of entertainment, Hands of Hope Gala and Auction Party is just the ticket! This year’s event is happening at Ballet Memphis. Enjoy scrumptious food and beverages as you dance to the music and bid on fabulous auction items. All proceeds of the evening go to The Exchange Club Family Center and their programs that support the families and victims of violence. The event runs from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., and tickets are $125. exchangeclub.net
Here’s to a fun and fabulous February!
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