July is a time for festive 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 celebration around every corner this month. From Fourth of July extravaganzas to live music, there is something for everyone. Here are 15 of the top events and happenings in the Bluff City this month.
Spending a summer evening watching fireworks over the Mississippi River is truly a dream. Image: Blair Ball
15 Memphis Events & Happenings: July 2019
Through September 22, 2019: Bouguereau & America Exhibit at Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
Comprising 40+ works by the French painter William-Adolphe Bouguereau (1825-1905), this exhibition focuses on Bouguereau’s paintings in United States collections and how they reflect the tastes, beliefs and ambitions of America’s elite. The exhibit opens on June 22 and runs until September 22. The museum is closed on Monday and Tuesday of each week and opens at 10 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. on Sundays. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors (aged 65 and up) and $3 for students with an ID, as well as kids ages 7 to 17. Admission is free for children under the age of 6, ArtsAccess card holders, St. Jude patients and family members, teachers and veterans. brooksmuseum.org
July 3, 2019: 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, 2019: Fireworks Extravaganza
Grab the family and head over to the Bartlett area for some live music and activities for all ages including a car display, children’s activities and concessions followed by a fireworks show. All activities will take place on the lawn of Bartlett Performing Arts & Conference Center and Appling Middle School. cityofbartlett.org
July 3, 2019: Collierville Independence Day Celebration
Grab your family and party like it’s 1776! Celebrate America’s birthday at this family-friendly event in Collierville. Expect food, entertainment and fireworks at this festive evening at HW 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. facebook.com
July 3, 2019: 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 take on the New Orleans Baby Cakes. The cookout begins when the gates open at 5 p.m and a post-game fireworks from centerfield will wrap up the night! Tickets start at $17, and the game starts at 6:35 p.m. milb.com
July 4, 2019: Cooper-Young Fourth of July Parade
Celebrate America’s big day in the beautiful Cooper-Young neighborhood with the annual Independence Day parade. Festivities take place in the Peabody Elementary School parking lot. There will be tasty treats and outdoor activities to keep the whole family entertained. 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. facebook.com
July 4, 2019: Central Gardens Fourth of July Parade
The Central Gardens Fourth of July parade is a tradition for more than 30 years and this year it’s 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 plan to get there early to secure your spot. The event is free and begins at 9 a.m. centralgardens.org
July 4, 2019: Rooftop Party featuring Bluff City Bandits at the Peabody Hotel
This isn’t your normal Fourth of July Celebration! Join the Peabody at a rooftop party featuring Memphis’ very own Bluff City Bandits. Tickets are $10 for General Admission and $20 for VIP. The party begins at 6 p.m. peabodymemphis.com
July 4 through the 7, 2019: Graceland’s All American Getaway
There’s nothing more Memphis than Elvis and BBQ. In honor of the Fourth of July, Graceland will be home to many special parties and events throughout the weekend, including being host to the famous and fabulous Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo on the Soundstage. So, grab your pals and head on over to Graceland for a weekend full of red, white and blues! graceland.com
July 5 through the 7, 2019: Entertainment at Levitt Shell
Make the best out of your Fourth of July weekend! Walden will perform on July 5, Orquesta Akokan on July 6 and The Peterson Brothers on July 7. All three events begin at 7:30 p.m. and are free to the public. There will also be drinks and food available for purchase. levittshell.org
July 13, 2019: Live at the Garden Presents The Doobie Brothers
Sing your heart out to the Doobie Brothers at Live at the Garden presented by Duncan Williams at the Memphis Botanic Garden. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. Lawn tickets are $40 and pit tickets are $76. liveatthegarden.com
July 20, 2019: 2nd Annual 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 Cook’s Lake festival. 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 20, 2019: 30th Annual WEVL 89.9 Blues on the Bluff
To celebrate 31 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 and Ghost Town Blues Band. There will be craft and special Blues on the Bluff beer from Memphis Made, as well as wine available. Admission is $25 for adults and $12 for kids 11 and under. Gates open at 6 p.m. wevl.org
July 24-28, 2019: World Golf Championship – FedEx St. Jude Invitational
Formerly known as the FedEx St. Jude Classic, the newly named WGC (World Golf Championship) is Memphis’ PGA tournament that continues to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Still held at TPC Southwind, experience four days of golf action with a variety of admission prices and options. pgatour.com
July 27, 2019: Trolley Night
Here’s to having a July for the books!
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