Welcome to May, Memphis! This month is packed with unforgettable local festivals, performances, races, 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 month!
23 Memphis Events & Happenings: May 2019
May 2-4, 2019: Palladio Sidewalk Sale
Imagine the biggest, most impressive yard sale you’ve ever been to — and then some! With bargains by the thousands, you’ll take home some sweet treasures from this annual festival, which draws shoppers from across the Mid-South. Palladio exhibitors bring out some serious treasures from storage, so expect fabulous finds. 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 3-5, 2019: 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 Shinedown, Cardi B, The Killers, OneRepublic, Dave Matthews Band 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, 2019: 4th Annual Jockeys & Juleps Derby Party
Dust off those sundresses and wide-brimmed hats! The Southern Reins 4th Annual Jockeys & Juleps Derby Party is set for May 4 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 145th Kentucky Derby. 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 $150. southernreins.org
May 4, 2019: Opera Memphis Family Day
Annual Family Day at Opera Memphis features games, horse rides, activities, food vendors and performances of the kid-friendly opera The Playground King at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. Admission is free and there will be food available for purchase. The event will run from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. operamemphis.org
May 4, 2019: Midsummer Night’s Dream at Ballet Memphis
Mark Godden’s, Midsummer Night’s Dream, is based on Shakespeare’s well-known comedy about four young Athenians — Lysander, Hermia, Demetrius, and Helena — whose love leads them on a midnight foray into a forest where the king and queen secretly plot against each other out of jealousy. This classic tale of love is brought to life by Ballet Memphis’ professional dancers, who have performed on stages around the world. Don’t miss the final ballet of the season! The performance will begin at 8 p.m., and tickets begin at $15. balletmemphis.org
May 5, 2019: Cinco de Mayo Festival at Prima’s Bakery and Boutique
Prima’s Bakery and Boutique is hosting local artists and makers in their outdoor space directly next door. They will have Cinco de Mayo deals and desserts. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the admission is free. primasbakeryandboutique.com
May 8-12, 2019: Art By Design
More than a dozen designers create custom vignettes inside a chic gallery showroom at this design-centric event. Attendees all across the Mid-South come to experience this unique collaboration by attending an event or touring the showroom at the Pipkin Building. The party begins on Wednesday, May 8, with Cocktails and Floral Arranging beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets for this are $75. On Thursday, May 9, enjoy a seated dinner exquisitely prepared by Chef Ryan Trimm and served in the center of their designer vignette gallery. Tickets for the private dinner are $250. Friday, May 10, attend Mingle and Mimosas starting at 9 a.m. with tickets costing $40. Friday night there will be a Ferguson’s Cocktail Party beginning at 7 p.m. with special cocktails and live entertainment. Tickets for the cocktail party are $100, which also covers all general admission days. On May 11, The Ray Booth’s Evocative Interiors and Brunch begins at 10:30 a.m. and he will share his insights on his spaces, while guests will enjoy a seated champagne brunch and will receive a copy of Booth’s latest book, Evocative Interiors, and will have all-weekend access with purchase of a ticket for $125. The general admission sessions will be held on Saturday, May 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, May 12, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. General admission tickets are $20. artsmemphis.org
May 9, 2019: 5th Annual Cooper-Young Pup Crawl
On Thursday, May 9, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., the Cooper-Young Pup Crawl presented by top sponsor Glo Medical Aesthetics & Hair Spa will commence! Restaurants and bars in the area will offer a 25 percent discount and special canine-themed drinks for the evening. Participants must first stop at the gazebo at Cooper Street and Young Avenue to purchase a wristband for $30, which will ensure they will receive discounts and get their t-shirt. Participating restaurants and businesses will include Celtic Crossing, Hammer and Ale, Tsunami, The Beauty Shop, Young Avenue, Next Door and many more! facebook.com/events/cooper-young
May 10 & 11, 2019: Gumtree Festival
Gumtree Festival is a Fine Art Tradition held each May around the historic Court Square in downtown Tupelo, MS. This festival features artists and vendors from across the region showcasing and selling original art in the form of pottery, jewelry, painting, photography and more. This festival also boasts stellar entertainment with a regional singer-songwriter competition and headlining acts for Friday and Saturday night. Gumtree will provide art activities for families and children, along with delicious food from local vendors. This event is open and free to the public and runs on Friday, May 10, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, May 11, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. gumtreefestival.com
May 10 & 11, 2019: Memphis Greek Festival at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church
Explore traditional Greek food and culture May 10 and 11 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 to 11 enter for $1, and children 5 and under get in free! The event begins at 11 a.m. memphisgreekfestival.com
May 11, 2019: Duncan-Williams St. Jude Dragon Boat Races
Saturday, May 11, 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 11, 2019: Memphis Margarita Festival
On Saturday, May 11, at the Fourth Bluff Park in Downtown Memphis, sample the city’s best margaritas, vote on your favorites and see them crown a winner at the end! Your ticket gets you entry to the event and 15 margarita samples from your favorite restaurants, as well as great entertainment. Food and full-sized drinks from a cash bar will be available for purchase. The 21+ event will run from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. memphismargaritafestival.com
May 11, 2019: Memphis Brewfest
On May 11, the 10th Annual Memphis Brewfest at the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium will have live music; unlimited beer samples from 50 local, regional and national craft brewers; vendors and much more. Get a VIP ticket, which includes access to the VIP lounge in the newly renovated Memphis Tigers locker room, as well as a dedicated entrance, a souvenir glass, private restroom and catering provided by Aldo’s Pizza Pies Midtown, Bardog Tavern and Slider Inn. You can purchase food from food trucks including Central BBQ, New Wing Order, Cousins Maine Lobster and MemPops! The event is from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. General admission is $45 and VIP is $100. eventbrite.com
May 12, 2019: Symphony in the Gardens: Big Band Music
Come out to the Dixon Gallery & Gardens Sunday, May 13, at 5 p.m. for an evening of Big Band music performed by the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. They 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! Gates open at 4 p.m. and the music begins at 5 p.m. Adult tickets are $22, child tickets are $5 and children ages 6 and under are admitted free of charge. If you are a member or a subscriber of the Dixon, the cost of an adult ticket is $18. dixon.org
May 15-18, 2019: World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest
Head over to Tom Lee Park for America’s most prestigious barbecue competition! For the 42nd 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 17 & 18, 2019: Vive le Brooks!
Formerly known as The Memphis Wine + Food Series, Vive Le Brooks! is the largest annual fundraiser for the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art. Every dollar raised impacts lives and enables access to the arts for children and adults across the Mid-South. On May 17, there will be a North Berkley Luncheon, for $300, at Catherine & Mary’s along with fine wines. That evening, there will be a Grand Artisans’ Dinner, for $500, at the museum spotlighting chefs Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman with special guests preparing five courses paired with fine wines. On May 18, from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., enjoy a cocktail reception in the museum’s rotunda before settling into your seats for the Grand Auction main event for $200. Later that Saturday evening, continue the celebration at the rooftop of Old Dominick Distillery for Lexus Late Night, where guests will enjoy wine, cocktails, beer and live music. Lexus Late Night is a $75 add-on and is only available if you buy the VIP package, so make sure to buy yours before this exclusive party sells out! vivelebrooks.com
May 18, 2019: Bluff City 10K
Get active with the Bluff City 10K! On May 18, beginning at 8 a.m., head to Overton Square for the 5th Annual Bluff City 10K. The race benefits 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 24, 2019: Summer Symphony at the Live Garden
Grab your picnic basket, lawn chairs and cooler, and head on over to Memphis Botanic Garden for a night with Dennis DeYoung and the music of Styx, featuring the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. This will be one unforgettable night full of great music and laughs with friends and family! Gates open at 6 p.m., and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $30. memphisbotanicgarden.com
May 25, 2019: 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 25, 2019: 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 25, 2019: Bluff City Jazz at the Shell
Bluff City Jazz at the Shell will be one of the smoothest jazz festivals of the summer! So bring your picnic blankets, drinks and chairs to the Levitt Shell, and soak in the rays while simply relaxing and listening. The lineup consists of Will Downing, Norman Brown, Mike Phillips, Julian Vaughn and so many more. The event will begin at noon and lasts until 8 p.m. Tickets start at $45. facebook.com/events
May 30-June 1, 2019: Memphis Italian Festival
The Memphis Italian Festival is a community celebration based on the Italian‑American values of family, faith and fellowship. Now in its 30th year, it has become a can’t-miss event for the people of Memphis and the surrounding area. With food, music, drinks, games and arts and crafts, there is truly something for everyone. Admission starts at $10 for adults, and kids 10 and under get in free. The gates open at 4 p.m. on Friday, May 30; and 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1. memphisitalianfestival.com
Looking Ahead…
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 unique experiences include day camps, workshops, classes and more from June 3 through August 2. The summer offerings feature student-favorite programs like “Fine Motor Fun,” reading and writing workshops and college prep classes, including SAT, ACT and PSAT prep and many more. Open to the entire Memphis community, there is truly something children of all ages will enjoy. stmarysschool.org
Have a wonderful month!
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