Welcome to May, Memphis! This month is packed with unforgettable local festivals, performances, runs, parties, shopping and so much more. We can’t wait to spend our days basking in the sunshine and celebrating with the whole family. Here are our top picks for events and happenings in Memphis this May!
Beale Street Music Festival | Image: The Odyssey
24 Memphis Events & Happenings: May 2018
May 1, 2018: UT Dermatology and University Plastic Surgery VIP Open House
From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., come enjoy hors d’oeuvres and sip on wine as you hear from plastic surgeons and dermatologists about the latest advancements in skin care and plastic surgery that they offer at University Plastic Surgeons. Enjoy exclusive specials, offered one night only, and enter to win a full ThermiSmooth treatment regimen! The event is free and open to the public. utuniversityplasticsurgeons.com
May 1-31, 2018: International Salute to Czech Republic
This year’s Memphis in May International Festival will honor the Czech Republic! Experience a weekend of Czech appreciation with a performance by the world-renowned Epoque Quartet; a number of exhibits, including “Czech Scientists and Their Inventions” and “Witness to the Revolution: Accounts from Americans Who Were There,” an exhibition of traveling photography from the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library; informative speakers and lectures; film screenings; and the option to experience a five-course meal from renowned Czech Chef Zdeněk Pohlreich. Ticket prices vary depending on event. memphisinmay.org
May 2, 2018: Winemaker Dinner at Ecco on Overton Park
From 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., enjoy a spectacular seven-course meal from Ecco on Overton Park, paired with wines from the highly acclaimed DeMartino Winery and presented by the wine maker himself, Sebastian DeMartino. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased through Ecco at (901) 410-8200. eccoonovertonpark.com
May 3-5, 2018: Palladio Sidewalk Sale
Imagine the biggest, most fun yard sale you’ve ever been to — and then some! With bargains by the thousands, you’ll take home some sweet treasures from this semi-annual festival. Palladio exhibitors are looking to offload some of their pieces from storage, so expect fabulous deals. New items are brought out all day, so be sure to check it out all weekend long! The event is free and open to the public. palladiomemphis.com
May 4, 2018: First Friday on Broad: Word to Your Mother
Grab your mom, and head out to the Broad Avenue Arts District from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. to let her feel the love! The shops of Broad Avenue will have gifts, goodies and discounts to celebrate all the spectacular moms in honor of Mother’s Day. Participating local shops and eateries include Wiseacre Brewing Company, City & State, Falling Into Place, Merchants on Broad, T Clifton Art, Bingham & Broad, Mbabazi House of Style, Pedaltown Bicycle Company and more. The event is free and open to the public. broadavearts.com
May 4, 2018: Turnout at Ballet Memphis
For Ballet Memphis’ second Turnout event, Associate Artistic Director Steven McMahon is creating a completely new experience with a new work that takes place throughout their state-of-the-art facility. It’s one night only, where there are no rules, no assigned seats and nothing standing between you and live art. You don’t want to miss it! Come for the performance, then stay for the DJ and dancing. Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door. balletmemphis.org
May 4-6, 2018: Beale Street Music Festival
We’ve been waiting for this one all year … The Beale Street Music Festival is back and better than ever! With headliners like Jack White, Queens of the Stone Age, Erykah Badu, Post Malone, Logic, Incubus and more, this weekend-long festival is jam-packed with amazing performances that will kickstart your Memphis in May with a bang! Single-day passes are $55, three-day passes are $165, VIP single-day passes start at $249 and VIP three-day passes start at $595. memphisinmay.org
May 4-20 2018: Fun Home at Playhouse on the Square
Based on the best-selling graphic novel of the same name, Fun Home is a refreshingly honest musical about seeing your parents through grown-up eyes. Catch the production at Playhouse on the Square. Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening shows start at 8 p.m. and Sunday matinees start at 2 p.m. Tickets start at $25. playhouseonthesquare.org
May 5, 2018: 3rd Annual Jockeys & Juleps Derby Party
Dust off those sundresses and wide-brimmed hats! The Southern Reins 3rd Annual Jockeys & Juleps Derby Party is set for May 5 at 916 Billy Bryant Road in Collierville. Starting at 3 p.m., attendees can enjoy a live auction, best hat and best dressed gentleman contests, bourbon, a live bluegrass band and, of course, a live broadcast of the 144th Kentucky Derby. This year, they will have wonderful Southern fare from local restaurants and signature mint juleps by Woodford Reserve, the official Kentucky Derby bourbon. More than 25 artists have donated beautiful Southern Reins-inspired art that will be available for purchase in their live auction, as well as other incredible items. Celebrate the derby Memphis-style and support Southern Reins’ mission to provide equine-assisted activities and therapies to support people with disabilities throughout the Mid-South. Tickets start at $200. southernreins.org
May 9, 2018: Food Truck Party at the Garden
Find some much-needed relaxation May 9 at the Memphis Botanic Garden for the Pirates & Princesses edition of Food Truck Party at the Garden! The event will feature live music, delicious eats from local food trucks and a family game night full of fun and friendly competition. Tickets are $10 for non-members and $5 for members. memphisbotanicgarden.com
May 10, 2018: Andrea’s Cooktales: A Keepsake Cookbook Launch Party
Join local chef and recipe blogger Andrea LeTard at Novel on May 10 at 6 p.m. for the release party of her first cookbook, Andrea’s Cooktales. There will be food samples from the book, wine and culinary gift basket giveaways, as well as a cooking demo and book signings by Andrea. The event is free and open to the public. andreascooktales.com
May 10, 2018: Stars at the Shell: Lukas Nelson & The Promise of the Real
Enjoy the first evening back out at The Levitt Shell with Stars at the Shell — a way of raising funds to support the 50 free concerts they host each year. This edition of Stars at the Shell features Lukas Nelson, son of the great Willie Nelson, and his band The Promise of the Real. You are sure to enjoy this evening of Americana music. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 on the day of the show. levittshell.org
May 11 & 12, 2018: Memphis Greek Festival at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
Explore traditional Greek food and culture May 11 and 12 at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church’s Memphis Greek Festival! This two-day festival will feature delicious Greek food and pastries; awesome vendors, including a henna and glitter body artist and a chef preparing flaming cheese; authentic, live Greek music; traditional dancing; activities for kids, including a bounce house and rock wall and more! Bring three cans of food to donate to the Mid-South Food Bank for free admission, otherwise adult entry fee is $3, children ages 6-11 enter for $1, and children 5 and under get in free! The event begins at 11 a.m. memphisgreekfestival.com
May 12, 2018: Duncan-Williams St. Jude Dragon Boat Races
Saturday, May 12, head to Mud Island River Park along the Mighty Mississippi for the Duncan-Williams, Inc. St. Jude Dragon Boat Races benefitting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This family-friendly event will feature live entertainment, food and all-day activities, including the highly anticipated dragon boat races. Attendees can join a crew or simply cheer from the sidelines as teams compete for the top title. The event runs from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., and fees are dependent on teams. stjude.org
May 12, 2018: Bluff City 10K
Get active with the Bluff City 10K! On May 12, beginning at 8 a.m., head to Overton Square for the 4th Annual Bluff City 10K presented by Ashley HomeStore’s Hope to Dream program. The race will benefit Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis and will feature awesome finisher medals, live music and local food and beer. This is your chance to get some exercise while supporting a wonderful, local cause. Registration starts at $20. bluffcity10k.racesonline.com
May 12, 2018: Pour & Explore at Saddle Creek
Sip, shop and stroll Saddle Creek at Pour & Explore! From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., enjoy wine from around the world at 15 shops throughout Saddle Creek, as well as live music, live art, dog adoptions and more. All proceeds will go to support Streetdog Foundation in their mission to rescue and rehabilitate dogs from the streets of Memphis. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the event. pourandexploresaddlecreek.com
May 12, 2018: Cocktails & Conservation at Old Dominick Distillery
Cheers to 20 years at TennGreen’s annual Cocktails & Conservation, hosted at Old Dominick Distillery in downtown Memphis! From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., guests will enjoy premium signature cocktails, delicious hors d’oeuvres, live music, and a silent auction. All proceeds from this event will support important conservation initiatives across the state and protect Tennessee’s natural treasures for generations to come. Tickets are $50. tenngreen.org
May 13, 2018: Symphony in the Gardens: Big Band Music
Come out to the Dixon Gallery and Gardens Sunday, May 13 at 5 p.m. for an evening of Big Band music performed by the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. Memphis Dawgs and MEMPopS will be selling treats during the event, so bring the whole family to eat, relax, listen to beautiful music and enjoy a wonderful Sunday in Memphis! Tickets start at $15. dixon.org
May 16-19, 2018: World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest
Head over to Tom Lee Park for America’s most prestigious barbecue competition! For the 41st year, hundreds of teams from around the world will compete for thousands of dollars in prizes and bragging rights. Come see the elaborately decorated areas and some crazy-creative team names. Attendees will sample delicious barbecue options while enjoying the “Ms. Piggie Idol” competition, where grown men dress in tutus and snouts while showing off their vocal talents. This weekend-long, food-filled festival is one of the most highly anticipated events of Memphis in May. Tickets start at $5. memphisinmay.org
May 18-20, 2018: Oxford Bourbon Festival & Auction
The Oxford Bourbon Festival & Auction is a three day celebration of all things bourbon, with dinners, tastings, live music and an auction where you can bid to own rare bourbons by the bottle and perhaps a custom-bottled barrel of your own. Proceeds from the weekend benefit Move on Up Mississippi in their efforts to teach children about health, well being and physical activity to combat obesity. Tickets run from $35 to $500. moveonupms.org
May 26, 2018: 901Fest
The fun isn’t over yet! Keep enjoying energetic sounds and beautiful weather at the 901Fest. Serving as the celebratory “feather in the cap” in the city’s most festive month, the 901Fest will feature wonderful food, music, merchandise and artists. There will even be an air show and a 901-themed fireworks finale! Tickets start at $9. memphisinmay.org
May 26, 2018: Great American River Run
Lace up your sneakers and finish off the month with a running event ideal for all ages and skill levels. The Great American River Run brings runners from all over the United States to weave through the trees of Memphis while enjoying the history and sights of the Bluff City. Runners can partake in either a half marathon or a 5K race. The half marathon will begin at 7 a.m., and the 5K will begin at 7:30 a.m. Registration fees start at $30. memphisinmay.org
May 30, 2018: Justin Timberlake at FedExForum
Don’t miss this hometown hero at FedExForum! Following the release of his highly anticipated album Man of the Woods, GRAMMY® Award Winner, global superstar and Memphis native Justin Timberlake is heading out on tour and will be playing FedExForum on May 30 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $74. fedexforum.com
May 31, 2018: 30 Thursdays: Botanical Bars — Stop and Smell the Rosé
30 Thursdays at the Garden are back with Botanical Bars – Stop and Smell the Rosé from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Stop and smell the roses and sip rosé, along with other wine varietals, as you stroll from the Rose Garden to the Sensory Garden stopping at bars along the way. Learn rose care at the Memphis Rose Society “ask the expert” table, and see how to use flowers on your table with Erik and Greg from Garden District. Take home their new book for even more inspiration! Tickets are $30 for members and $40 for non-members. memphisbotanicgarden.com
Looking Ahead…
June 4 through August 3, 2018: St. Agnes Academy-St. Dominic School Explorers Summer Programs
Each summer, SAA-SDS Explorers Summer Camps challenge every student to expand their knowledge and spark their imagination through diverse programs. Students in Pre-K through 8th grade can explore their interests in arts, athletics, adventure and academics. Junior Day Camp and Day Camp programs are available for boys and girls in Pre-K through 6th grade who need full-day care or for those needing extended care before and after partial-day programs. saasdssummerprograms.com
Have a wonderful month!
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