Summer is in full swing! As the temperatures rise, so does our desire to get out of the house and enjoy all that Memphis has to offer. And July is filled with exciting events! From Independence Day parades and fireworks shows, to evening runs and food festivals, to live music under the stars, there is no shortage of things to do. So, call your friends, pull out your social calendars, and plan to hit these 19 Memphis events!
Image: Bartlett Express at the Bartlett Star Spangled Fireworks Extravaganza
Through August 25, 2017: Summer Movie Series at the Orpheum
Escape the heat this summer and relax in air-conditioned comfort at one of Memphis’ most iconic landmarks, the Orpheum. Each Friday night through August, the Orpheum will host its Summer Movie Series, showing classic favorites like Breakfast at Tiffany’s, The Sandlot, The Princess Bride and Gone with the Wind. Tickets are $8 for adults and $6 for children under 10. Patrons can also purchase a bundle of 10 tickets for $60. The shows will begin at 7 p.m. each Friday night. orpheum-memphis.com
July 1, 2017: BOSTON Live at the Garden
Get ready to rock out! Memphis Botantic Gardens’ Live at The Garden series continues with BOSTON. It’s been over 40 years since BOSTON’s self-titled debut album first hit the airwaves and turned the world onto a new kind of sonic experience. With over 17 million copies sold, many of BOSTON’s hits have become classics, such as “More Than a Feeling,” “Peace of Mind” and “Smokin’,” rock staples that are still in heavy rotation today! Gates open at 6:30 p.m., and the show starts at 8:30 p.m. Tickets start at $34. liveatthegarden.com
July 3, 2017: Memphis Stars and Stripes 5K
Earn all those hot dogs and burgers you’re going to eat on the Fourth of July by running the 6th Annual Memphis Stars and Stripes 5K. The race has moved venues to the Memphis Botanic Garden this year, but there will still be live music, food and plenty of fun! Hang around and picnic after the race, which starts 7 p.m. on July 3. The registration fees range from $15 to $25 for adults, the kids’ race fee is $10, and prices go up after July 2. memphisstarsandstripes.racesonline.com
July 3, 2017: Collierville Independence Day Celebration
Mark your calendars! Collierville will be holding its annual Independence Day Celebration on July 3, and they say this year will be better than ever! With food vendors, entertainment, fireworks and a few surprises to start the show, they’re pulling out all the stops to honor America in an exciting and memorable way. The event at W.C. Cox Park starts at 6 p.m. with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. colliervilleparks.org
July 3, 2017: Bartlett Star Spangled Fireworks Extravaganza
Bartlett is hosting a Star Spangled Fireworks Extravaganza in celebration of our nation’s independence. There will be fun for all ages, including a car display, children’s activities, concessions and more. When the sun goes down, the night sky will light up with a spectacular fireworks show! All activities will take place on the lawn of the Bartlett Performing Arts & Conference Center and Appling Middle School on July 3. Plan to start the night with live entertainment provided by the Bartlett Community Concert Band starting at 6 p.m., followed by Jamie Baker & the VIP’s at 7:15 p.m., and fireworks start at 9:15 p.m. cityofbartlett.org
July 4, 2017: Cooper-Young Independence Day Parade
The Cooper-Young neighborhood is hosting its annual Independence Day Parade on the Fourth of July. There will be face painting, popsicles and plenty of neighborhood fun, so be sure to grab your kiddos and head down to celebrate! The parade is from 10 a.m. to noon. instagram.com
July 4, 2017: Fourth of July at the Peabody Hotel
Watch the City of Memphis’ fireworks light up the sky over the Mississippi River from atop the Peabody, the “South’s Grand Hotel.” The event is open to the public with no cover charge. No outside food or drink will be allowed, but they will have snacks and drinks available for purchase. Come downtown on July 4 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. for a classic Memphian Fourth of July! peabodymemphis.com
July 4, 2017: Germantown Fireworks Extravaganza
Germantown will be celebrating the birth of American Independence with live music, moon bounces, games, crafts, refreshments and a spectacular fireworks display with their annual Fireworks Extravaganza. Behold the sparkling scene on July 4 at Municipal Park from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. germantown-tn.gov
July 4, 2017: Mud Island River Park Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular
Bring your family and friends to Mud Island River Park for the 2017 Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular! Grab your blanket, picnic basket and lawn chairs for a day of family fun. They will have live music, rides for the kiddos, food and drink concessions and a riverside fireworks display. facebook.com
July 7-30, 2017: Victory Blues at Playhouse on the Square
Premiering on July 7 at Playhouse on the Square, Victory Blues follows a man returning home from WWII in 1946 who finds that winning doesn’t solve all of the world’s problems. Normal day-to-day activities leave him feeling broken and empty, and his attempts at returning to a post-war existence have failed. Thursday, Friday and Saturday showings are at 8 p.m., and Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. General admission tickets are $35, senior citizen tickets are $25, military and student tickets are $20, and child tickets are $15. playhouseonthesquare.org
July 12, 2017: John Moreland at Minglewood Hall
With the release of his third album High on Tulsa Heat, John Moreland is hitting the road to share another batch of his work. With his hauntingly beautiful voice and deeply honest lyrics, he connects with his listeners in a powerful and profound way. Don’t miss this Oklahoma bred singer-songwriter at Minglewood Hall! Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $12 to $15. minglewoodhall.com
July 15, 2017: Memphis AAZK: Backstage Pass, Nutrition and Sea Lions
Love the zoo and want to go behind the scenes? Well, here is your perfect opportunity! Join Memphis’ American Association of Zookeepers (AAZK) for a one-of-a-kind behind-the-scenes experience. Participants will be stepping backstage at the zoo’s nutrition center and sea lion night house. Come and meet the nutritionists, and learn about how they prep the meals and run the kitchen. Then head over to the sea lions, and see where the animals go when they’re away from the exhibit. Learn how their keepers care for them on a daily basis. After the tours, sit down with animal staff and enjoy some pizza and dessert. Tickets are $35 for children (5-11) and $50 for adults. The event runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. memphiszoo.org
July 15, 2017: Sprinkler Day at the Memphis Botanic Garden
Summer may be hot, but the grass at the Memphis Botanic Garden is cool! Grab your kids and head to the Great Lawn on July 15 for a morning of slipping, sliding and splashing through a variety of fun sprinklers and interactive waterworks. Bring swimsuits, towels and a picnic lunch. Concessions will be available as well. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to noon and is free to members, $10 for non-member adults, $8 for senior citizens, $5 for children (2-12) and free to children 2 and under. memphisbotanicgarden.com
July 15, 2017: Moonlighting for the Cure
Here is the perfect reason to head down to Beale Street! Moonlighting for the Cure is a concert fundraiser featuring seven bands, a silent auction and a raffle. Each band features one or more employees of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital who “moonlight” as musicians. St. Jude’s employees have also donated several pieces of art for the silent auction, and TV personality and meteorologist Ron Childers will be the master of ceremonies. Admission is by voluntary donation, and all proceeds from the evening go directly to St. Jude. Head to Tin Roof on Beale on July 15 for this concert for a cure from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. facebook.com
July 15 & 16, 2017: Memphis Eats Food Festival
The annual Memphis Eats Food Festival brings together amazing food, chefs, music and family fun in one location! This two-day extravaganza will highlight the city’s extraordinary culinary talent. A portion of the proceeds of the festival will benefit The Memphis Eats Foundation and the Mid-South Food Bank. Savor the flavor of Memphis July 15 and 16 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets range from $10 to $40. eventbrite.com
July 22, 2017: WEVL 89.9 FM Blues on the Bluff
Bring your chairs and blankets and celebrate and fundraise for WEVL, a volunteer, member-supported radio station, on the bluffs of the Mississippi River at the grounds of The Metal Museum. Enjoy giant shady oaks, cool river breezes, the smell of BBQ, fantastic tunes and the best view of the Mississippi in the entire Mid-South! Admission is $20 in advance and $25 at gate. Kids 11 and under are admitted for $12. The gates open at 6 p.m. wevl.org
July 22, 2017: Big Brothers Big Sisters’ 20th Annual SportsBall Extreme Edition at Minglewood Hall
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Big Brothers Big Sisters’ signature Black Tie and Tennis Shoe Gala, and this year it’s the SportsBall Extreme Edition! Tie on your tennies and put on your best black-tie attire for another year of fun games for grown-ups (think padded sumo-wrestling matches), food, auctions and more. Tickets are $100 per person prior to the event and $125 at the door. This one-of-a-kind gala takes place at Minglewood Hall from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. msmentor.org
July 25, 2017: Vine to Wine at the Memphis Botanic Garden
Take your taste buds on a tour around the world with varietals from some of the most exotic and dreamy vacation spots! Memphis Botanic Garden is hosting their monthly Vine to Wine tasting event on July 25 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets are $30 for members and $45 for non-members. memphisbotanicgarden.com
July 25-30, 2017: Disney’s The Little Mermaid at the Orpheum
Catch Disney’s musical The Little Mermaid on stage at the Orpheum! Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s stories, with music by eight-time Academy Award-winner Alan Menken, this is the Disney classic you’ve loved for years brought to life on the stage with Broadway talent. The Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday shows start at 7:30 p.m., the Friday show starts at 8 p.m., the Saturday shows start at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and the Sunday shows start at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets range from $25 to $125. orpheum-memphis.com
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