July is a time for fun — everyone is dressed in red, white and blue, eating watermelon and doing their best to soak up the summer sun while staying cool. Thankfully, in Memphis, there are opportunities for fun around every corner this month. From Fourth of July extravaganzas to live music to sidewalk sales, there is something for everyone. Here are 20 events and happenings around the Bluff City this month.
Spending a summer evening watching fireworks over the Mississippi River is truly a dream! Image: Blair Ball
20 Memphis Events & Happenings: July 2018
July 3, 2018: Memphis Stars and Stripes 5K
Time to lace up those running shoes and make it out to Memphis Botanic Garden! The annual Memphis Stars and Stripes 5K will benefit the American Red Cross while also honoring our local military, fire, law enforcement and first responders — all of whom are vital to our city. There will be live music and a picnic to celebrate the holiday after the race. The race starts at 7 p.m. and registration fees range from $10 to $25. memphisstarsandstripes.com
July 3, 2018: Collierville Independence Day Celebration
Grab your family and party like it’s 1776! Celebrate America’s birthday at this family-friendly event in Collierville. The event, which will have food, entertainment and fireworks, will be held at Cox Park. Admission is free to the public. Food vendors open at 6 p.m., entertainment starts at 6:30 p.m., and the fireworks display starts at 9:30 p.m. collierville.com
July 4, 2018: Memphis Redbirds Independence Day Celebration
What’s more American than baseball, a cookout and fireworks? Celebrate Independence Day with Rocky the Redbird and the team as they play the Omaha Storm Chasers. The cookout begins when the gates open at 5 p.m., then celebrate America by enjoying its favorite pastime and watching post-game fireworks from centerfield! Tickets start at $20, and the game starts at 6:35 p.m. milb.com
July 4, 2018: Cooper-Young Fourth of July Parade
Celebrate America’s big day in the beautiful Cooper-Young neighborhood with the annual Independence Day parade! Festivities will take place in the Peabody Elementary School parking lot. There will be popsicles and other outdoor activities to keep the whole family entertained. Be sure to get creative and dress the family up in the best patriotic gear you can find for the costume contest. This event is free and begins at 10 a.m. cooperyoung.org
July 4, 2018: Independence Day at Railgarten
Grab the kiddos, bring your dog or corral a bevy of your besties and head to the coolest live music and indoor-outdoor hangout in Memphis. For the Fourth of July, Railgarten features musician and Memphis favorite John Paul Keith with his slick Americana tunes. The show begins at 7:30 p.m., and the event is open to the public. facebook.com
July 4, 2018: Central Gardens Fourth of July Parade
The Central Gardens Fourth of July parade is a tradition of more than 30 years, and this year it is better than ever! The parade will feature a patriotic costume contest for kids and pets, as well as a best-decorated bike or wagon contest. The day will continue after the parade with music, food and sno-cones. It’s sure to be a hit, so make sure to get there early to get your spot. The event is free and begins at 10 a.m. centralgardens.org
July 4, 2018: Fourth of July at The Peabody
With some of the greatest views of the city of Memphis, it’s no wonder people flock to The Peabody rooftop each year to watch fireworks light up over the Mississippi River. Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase. This year’s celebration will kick off at 5 p.m. and is free and open to the public. peabodymemphis.com
July 4, 2018: Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular at Mud Island
Mud Island is hosting its Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular with live music, food and family fun that everyone will enjoy. Pack your picnic blankets and come watch the beautiful displays that will light up the Memphis sky! This event in free to the public. memphistravel.com
July 6, 2018: Def Leppard & Journey at the FedExForum
These legendary rock bands are teaming up for a national tour this year. With Def Leppard bringing their hits like “Rock of Ages,” “Pour Some Sugar on Me” and “Foolin'” and Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Journey bringing their classics like “Lights,” “Faithfully,” “Any Way You Want It,” “Wheel In The Sky,” and the one and only “Don’t Stop Believin’,” it will be a night of American rock and roll to remember. Tickets start at $47, and the show begins at 7 p.m. fedexforum.com
July 7, 2018: The Seratones at The Levitt Shell
This up-and-coming band from Shreveport, LA, is making a name for themselves with their debut album, Get Gone. Check them out for free at The Levitt Shell this July 7. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, along with your very own picnic or enjoy the food trucks onsite. You can even bring Fido, on a leash that is, to enjoy the al fresco tunes. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. levittshell.org
July 8, 2018: Woof River at the Redbirds
Join Woof River Animal Rescue and the Memphis Redbirds for a day full of puppies and pitches! Woof River will be hosting their pups at the Lipscomb & Pitts nonprofit game. Head to AutoZone Park to enjoy a summer day watching baseball, sipping on brews and cooing over puppies. Tickets are $16, and all proceeds benefit the Woof River Animal Rescue. First pitch is at 2:05 p.m. woofriveranimalrescue.wordpress.com
July 8, 2018: Family Fun Hike at Shelby Farms Park
Shelby Farms Visitor Park Center is hosting their monthly Family Fun Hike! This hike is led by a Shelby Farms Park Interpretive Docent and is a great educational opportunity for adults and children. No reservations are necessary. All you need is hiking shoes, outdoor clothes and water bottles. Don’t miss the chance to be active and get educated with your family! The event is free and starts at 2 p.m. shelbyfarmspark.org
July 12, 2018: Cocktails and Canvases at Memphis Botanic Garden
30 Thursdays is back for another week with Cocktails and Canvases! Enjoy an outdoor painting class creating your own plein air masterpiece with the subject being one of the 31 gardens at Memphis Botanic Garden. Don’t forget to bring your own beverage and painting supplies. This event is free with garden admission and begins at 6 p.m. memphisbotanicgarden.com
July 13, 2018: Family Science Night at The Pink Palace
This year’s Family Science Night at the Pink Palace is themed Earth and Space! You and your family can participate in hands-on activities and experiments and speak to local astronomers, engineers and scientists. The lawn of the museum will feature telescope observations as well as local food trucks. Tickets are $12 and can be purchased at brownpapertickets.com. The event will be from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. memphismuseums.org
July 13, 2018: Live at the Garden Presents Boy George & Culture Club with the B-52s
Don’t miss this delightful blast from the past with Boy George and Culture Club, as well as the B-52s, at Live at the Garden on Friday, July 13. Dance the night away under the stars to Boy George’s hits like “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me” and “Karma Chameleon,” then top the night off with the B-52s’ smash hit “Love Shack”! The concert begins at 6:30 p.m., and tickets range from $40 to $76. liveatthegarden.com
July 14, 2018: Alison Krauss at Mud Island Amphitheater
It’s the night we’ve all been waiting for: Alison Krauss and special guest Dee White are performing at the Mud Island Amphitheater! Listen to some of your favorite music while enjoying the scenic views of downtown Memphis and the Mississippi River. Doors open at 7 p.m., and the concert starts at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $55 to $75. mudisland.com
July 20 & 21, 2018: The Regalia Center Summer Sidewalk Sale
Who else is in need of a little retail therapy with the girls? The Regalia Center is here to help with its 2018 Summer Sidewalk Sale. Each store will have individual sales going on, so don’t miss out on a chance to get amazing deals on items you love! While we adore shopping, we all know it can be tiring, so make a quick stop at one of their delicious restaurants to take a quick break and relax. The event lasts from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. regaliacenter.com
July 21, 2018: Taste of Memphis Vegan Food & Drink Festival
Please your taste buds at this year’s Taste of Memphis Vegan Food & Drink Festival! This event features the endless possibilities the vegan culinary world of Memphis has to offer. Some of the best chefs and restaurants in the Mid-South will be making an appearance at this amazing festival held at Cook’s Lake. Grab some friends and spend your Saturday eating anything and everything vegan! Tickets are $15, and the festival lasts from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. veganfoodanddrinkmemphis.com
July 21, 2018: 30th Annual WEVL 89.9 Blues on the Bluff
To celebrate 30 years of WEVL 89.9 Blues on the Bluff, soak up the views of the mighty Mississippi from the grounds of The Metal Museum and enjoy the energetic line up of artists such as Lightnin’ Malcolm, The Kenny Brown Band and Marcella & Her Lovers. There will be craft and special Blues on the Bluff beer from Memphis Made, as well as wine available. Central BBQ Food Truck will be serving their award-winning barbecue and more. Admission is $25 for adults and $12 for kids 11 and under. Gates open at 6 p.m. wevl.org
July 28, 2018: National Day of Dance with Ballet Memphis
Celebrate the National Day of Dance with Ballet Memphis and the Dizzy Feet Foundation! This community dance event is for all ages and levels of dance experience. Ballet Memphis will teach a “flash-mob” style dance that will be filmed and included on the Dizzy Feet Foundation’s website. The Dizzy Feet Foundation encourages Americans to view dance as a fun and positive way to stay healthy and bring joy to others. The event starts 10 a.m. and is free to the public. balletmemphis.org
Here’s to having a July for the books!
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