Summer is in full swing in Memphis, and June brings a ton of opportunities to get out and explore the city we all love. Whether you want to dress up or down, have cocktails at a black-tie fundraiser or sit back and relax while listening to live music, there is fun to be had for everyone. Here are some of our top picks for June events!
There’s nothing like a night underneath the stars while listening to live music. Image: Memphis Botanic Garden
21 Memphis Events & Happenings: June 2019
May 30-June 1, 2019: Memphis Italian Festival
This Memphis Italian Festival is back and better than ever! Held at Marquette Park, it’s the perfect way to enjoy some incredible Italian cuisine, as well as stellar live music and activities for the whole fam. Tickets are $10, but kids 10 and under and those who are active military with ID are admitted free of charge. On Thursday, the event will be held from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.; on Friday and Saturday, it will run from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Viva Italia! memphisitalianfestival.com
June 1, 2019: Wolf River Conservancy’s Cycle the Greenway
The Wolf River Conservancy is beautiful all the time, but we think it’s even more amazing when you’re there for a good cause. During this fitness-focused Cycle the Greenway fundraiser, you can cycle to your heart’s content — routes start at 12 miles and go up to 56 — while taking in the Conservancy’s breathtaking scenery. Register online until May 30 or on site the day of the event. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m. and the ride begins at 7:30. Cost is $45. wolfriver.org
June 1, 2019: 10th Annual Garden Tour
The 10th Annual Garden Tour hosted by the Memphis Area Master Gardeners is sure to be an event for the books. All gardens are within an eight-mile radius, so it’ll be easy to browse and fall in love with these creations. If you’ve been looking to find inspiration for your own garden oasis, here’s your chance! The event will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and is free and open to the public. memphisareamastergardeners.org
June 2, 2019: “Yappy” Hour at Ecco Memphis
From 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on June 2, join Ecco on Overton Park for an afternoon of signature drinks and cocktails, food tastings, a silent auction featuring local artists and live music. Tickets are $50 each and can be purchased online through May 30, or until sold out, and all proceeds will benefit the pets of the Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County. hsmsc.ejoinme.org
June 3 through August 2, 2019: St. Mary’s Episcopal School Summer Programs
This summer, send your pre-kindergarten through college prep-aged children to one or more of the many summer offerings at St. Mary’s Episcopal School. The summer offerings, running June 3 through August 2, feature student-favorite programs like “Fine Motor Fun,” reading and writing workshops and college prep classes, including SAT, ACT and PSAT prep. Open to the entire Memphis community, there is truly something children of all ages will enjoy. Prices vary by program and more info can be found at stmarysschool.org.
June 5-9, 2019: 20th Annual Tupelo Elvis Festival
This June, take a drive south to celebrate the King in his birthplace. The 20th Annual Tupelo Elvis Festival will feature live performances of some of Elvis’s biggest hits, as well as renditions of the music that influenced his sound, including blues, gospel and country. There will also be a Graceland-certified Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Competition, a 5K run and a pet parade. For three full days, you can take in all things Elvis, right in his hometown! Times and ticket prices vary based on each event. tupeloelvisfestival.com
June 7, 2019: Live at the Garden: KANSAS
Live at the Garden is one of Memphis’s favorite summer events, and to kick off the 2019 season of amazing performances, classic rock band Kansas will take the stage on June 7. The show runs from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., so grab some friends, snacks and drinks and head down to Memphis Botanic Garden. Tickets for individual shows are $41. liveatthegarden.com
June 7-28, 2019: Food Truck Fridays at Dixon Gallery and Gardens
Food Truck Friday is the perfect way to get a taste of all of Memphis’s favorite food trucks, right in the same location. Every Friday in June, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., two or three trucks will gather at Dixon Gallery and Gardens. Fresh Gulf Shrimp, Cousins Maine Lobster, Say Cheese and New Wing Order are all scheduled to make an appearance, so make plans now to grab your co-workers, friends and/or family and head on over. Admission to the gardens is free, and Park & Cherry café will be open for lunch along with the trucks. More information can be found at dixon.org.
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June 7-30, 2019: Hairspray at Theatre Memphis
Set in 1962 Baltimore, Hairspray is the story of one girl’s dream to be on The Corny Collins Show, a local, televised dance program. As she becomes an overnight celebrity, she meets new friends and makes a few enemies, all the while becoming a much different person than she was before. Watch the story unfold — and see the amazing musical performances — at Theatre Memphis, June 7 through June 30. Ticket prices are $35 for adults and $15 for kids. Tickets for seniors and those with a military discount are $30. theatrememphis.org/hairspray
June 8, 2019: Night at the Lorraine
There’s always room to learn more about Memphis’s history, and spending some time at the Lorraine Motel will certainly help with that. This vibrant benefit for the National Civil Rights Museum will take guests back in time with live ’60s music, a “Club Lorraine Variety Show,” dancing, a silent auction, cocktails, food and more! Tickets start at $100, and the event runs from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. civilrightsmuseum.org
June 13, 2019: Yoga on the Field
How often do you get to do yoga on the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium field, home of the Memphis Tigers? Hot Yoga Plus is bringing Yoga on the Field to Memphis on Thursday, June 13, with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and the first class beginning at 6:30 p.m. The class will be taught by Margaux Bartosch from Hot Yoga Plus and Charlie Hayden from Our Yoga in the Park, and it’s sure to be a satisfying workout. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. yotf901.com
June 14-16, 2019: Father’s Day Weekend Celebration at Graceland
There’s no better place to celebrate Father’s Day than Graceland! If the dad in your life loves BBQ, live music and Elvis, this weekend-long celebration will be a gift he won’t soon forget — way more memorable than another necktie. Packages start at $140 and include food, hand-rolled cigars, whiskey tastings, a Father’s Day Blues Brunch and so much more. graceland.com
June 14-16 2019: Memphis Juneteenth Urban Music Festival
Memphis’s annual Juneteenth event celebrates African-American freedom while encouraging self-development and respect for all cultures, and it’s long been a favorite of Memphians. This free, public festival is rich with live music, art and food vendors, a kids’ zone, a dance explosion event, a car and bike show, an educational outdoor museum and senior activities. There will truly be something for everyone. memphisjuneteenth.com
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June 22, 2019: Memphis Margarita Madness 5K
Grab your running shoes and head to Shelby Farms Park for a unique 5K that is focused less on speed and more on fun with friends and family. Whether you’re an avid runner or a leisurely walker, the Mad Margarita you will receive will definitely bring a smile to your face. The race begins at 3 p.m. on June 22 and ends at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10.95 each, and you must be over 21 to participate. eventbrite.com
June 22, 2019: Feast on the Farm Gala
Grab some gal pals or a hot date for a “country chic” evening at the Feast on the Farm Gala. The event will feature some of Memphis’ finest chefs, live entertainment, dancing and a silent auction, with all proceeds benefiting the educational programs of Agricenter International, a nonprofit dedicated to agricultural research, education and conservation. Tickets start at $125, and the event will run from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. agricenter.org
June 22-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 US 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, but it opens at 10 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday and at 11 a.m. on Sundays. Admissions 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
June 23, 2019: Craft Food & Wine Festival
The Craft Food & Wine Festival, showcasing locally-produced breads, cheeses, fruits, preserves and cured meats, is one of our favorite events on the Memphis summer calendar. This 21-and-up event will begin at 4 p.m. and will be held at The Columns at One Commerce Square, located at 40 South Main. There will be live entertainment as well as tasting sessions that will begin at 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Each session will run for 2 hours. Tickets range from $60 to $115, and VIP tickets are available for $115. Each admission includes a small tasting board and wine glass. craftfoodandwinefestival.com
June 27, 2019: Dress for Success Sip & Suit Soiree
Head to TPC Southwind for a night of fun, fashion and drinks to support Dress for Success Memphis. Dress for Success is a non-profit organization that provides interview- and work-appropriate attire, as well as career development assistance to low-income women transitioning into the workplace. The June 27 fundraiser will begin at 5:30 p.m.; tickets are $50 each. eventbrite.com
June 28, 2019: Trolley Night: Leadership Memphis Exhibition
June 29, 2019: Stax Music Academy at Levitt Shell
Part of the free music concert series at Levitt Shell, the Stax Music Academy is a four-week, intensive music program that provides music education and a positive environment for 150 middle and high schoolers in Memphis. On June 29, you’ll get to hear the results of their hard work with a performance that starts at 7:30 p.m. Feel free to bring picnic baskets, beverages, blankets and lawn chairs. There will be food and beverages for sale in the community area; dogs on a leash are also welcome. facebook.com/events
June 29-30, 2019: Mid-South International Festival
Visit Railgarten on June 29 and 30 for a weekend of music from around the world, performing artists, a sand soccer tournament and international wrestling. There will be international foods to taste and arts and crafts to peruse and purchase. Bring your family and your pets — the fun will begin at 11 a.m. each day. Entry is free on Saturday and $2 on Sunday for the larger bands. eventbrite.com
Have a fun-filled, eventful June!
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