Welcome to May, Memphis! This month is packed with unforgettable local festivals, performances, runs, parties and so much more. We can’t wait to start spending 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!

24 Memphis Events & Happenings: May 2017

April 28 through May 14, 2017: Cat on a Hot Tin Roof at Theatre Memphis

See the complexity of Southern relationships as Theatre Memphis brings Tennessee Williams’ Cat on a Hot Tin Roof to life! This performance encourages audiences to examine the greed, decay and repression present on a plantation home in the Mississippi Delta. Don’t miss talented actors breathe life into these unforgettable, larger-than-life characters. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students. theatrememphis.org

May 5 & 6, 2017: Southern Junkers Vintage Market

Spend the weekend wandering through the best vintage pieces Memphis has to offer at the Southern Junkers Vintage Market May 5 and 6! Held at the Agricenter, over 65 vendors from across America will bring their favorite vintage antiques, upcycled architectural salvage, handcrafted jewelry and more. Demos, music, food trucks and a vintage fashion show will complete the event. Admission is $12 for the weekend or $8 for one day. southernjunkers.com

May 5-7, 2017: 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 Kings of Leon, Snoop Dogg, Death Cab for Cutie, X Ambassadors and Grouplove, this weekend-long festival is jam-packed with amazing performances that will kickstart your Memphis in May with a bang! memphisinmay.org

May 5-28, 2017: Million Dollar Quartet presented by Playhouse on the Square

Experience one of the most iconic moments in Memphis music history this May with the Million Dollar Quartet! Presented by Playhouse on the Square, this play witnesses a moment in history when Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley and Carl Perkins gathered at Sun Studio for their only performance together ever. This event is your chance to glimpse rock and roll history! Tickets start at $25. playhouseonthesquare.org

May 6, 2017: 2nd Annual Jockeys & Juleps Derby Party

Dust off those sundresses and wide-brimmed hats! The Southern Reins 2nd Annual Jockeys & Juleps Derby Party is set for May 6 on Shady Grove Road. Starting at 3 p.m., attendees can enjoy a live auction, best hat and best dressed gentleman contests, bourbon, bluegrass and, of course, a live broadcast of the 143rd 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 $200. southernreins.org.

May 7, 2017: Symphony in the Gardens: Big Band Music

Come out to the Dixon Gallery and Gardens Sunday, May 7 at 6 p.m. for an evening of Big Band music performed by the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. Tables and picnic areas are available, so bring the whole family to eat, relax, listen to beautiful music and enjoy a wonderful Sunday in Memphis! Tickets start at $15. facebook.com

May 8-14, 2017: International Salute to Colombia

This year’s Memphis in May International Festival will honor Colombia! Experience a weekend of Colombian appreciation with a performance by musical sensation Herencia de Timbiqui; a number of exhibits, including “El Rio Magdelena — The River of Our Life” and “Rise and Shine,” an exhibition of pieces inspired by the traditional artisans and the tropical nature of Colombia; informative speakers and lectures; film screenings and the option to experience a traditional Colombian four-course meal. Ticket prices vary depending on event. memphisinmay.org

May 9, 2017: Party in the Park

You’re invited to party in the park! Join the Memphis CVB May 9 for a one-day fair to celebrate National Travel and Tourism week. Admission is free, and the party will feature giveaways from local businesses, fun games, mascots, performers, artists, vendors, food trucks, live music and more! The event will take place at Court Square Park. downtownmemphis.com

May 10, 2017: Food Truck Party at the Garden

Find some much-needed relaxation May 10 at the Memphis Botanic Garden for the Family Game Night 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 11, 2017: Humane Society Pup Crawl

Celebrate man’s best friend May 11 in the Cooper-Young Historic District for the 4th Annual Cooper-Young Pup Crawl benefitting The Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County. From 6 to 9 p.m. attendees can enjoy special canine-themed cocktails from 12 Cooper-Young restaurants and bars, and 10% of sales will go to the Humane Society. Admission is free! Just stop at the gazebo at Cooper Street and Young Avenue for your free wristband, and get ready to greet adoptable dogs at each stop along the crawl. facebook.com

May 11, 2017: An Evening with David Crosby & Friends at GPAC

Spend an evening at the Germantown Performing Arts Centre May 11 as legendary singer-songwriter, social justice activist and two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Famer David Crosby brings his signature electric folk-rock sound to Memphis! Enjoy a music-filled night of classic tunes. The show starts at 7:30 p.m., and tickets range from $76 to $101. davidcrosby.com

May 12, 2017: Fearless First Concert

Support the incredible and inspiring first responders of Memphis at the Levitt Shell Friday, May 12. OR Nurses Nationwide, a Memphis-based healthcare staffing business, will host a free dedication concert called “Fearless First.” The concert will honor Mid-South nurses, police officers, firefighters and EMTs through an amazing performance by the Stax Music Academy Alumni Band. Food trucks will be on hand with delicious, local eats. The event will begin at 7:30 p.m. facebook.com

May 12 & 13, 2017: Memphis Greek Festival at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

Explore traditional Greek food and culture May 12 and 13 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 one can of food to donate to the Mid-South Food Bank for $2 admission, two cans of food for $1 admission or three cans of food for free festival admission! The event begins at 11 a.m. memphisgreekfestival.com

May 13, 2017: Duncan-Williams St. Jude Dragon Boat Races

Saturday, May 13, 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 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and fees are dependent on teams. stjude.org

May 13, 2017: Mid-South Food Truck Festival at Tiger Lane

Get ready for a food-filled day at The Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium on Tiger Lane May 13! The Food Truck Festival will feature over 70 trucks from cities along the Mississippi River and competitions among the trucks for titles, including “Finger Food,” “Sweet Treats,” “People’s Choice” and “Top Sales.” Plus there will be live music by Milton Patton and Chris Hill, a corn hole tournament hosted by The Deangelo Williams Foundation, brews from around the world and so much more! A portion of the proceeds will go to Dogs 2nd Chance. Tickets start at $5, and there are VIP ticket packages available. midsouthfoodtruckfest.com

May 13, 2017: Latino Memphis Festival at Overton Park

Mark your calendars for May 13 as the Latino Memphis Festival will be the high-energy, outdoor fiesta you’ve been waiting for! Located at Overton Park, this festival will feature live Latin music and entertainment, authentic Colombian food, kids activities, an outdoor marketplace for local shopping, chances to win fun prizes and opportunities to get involved with organizations in the Bluff City! Burn some calories by running or walking the 5K before the start of the salsa-making championship. Nothing says ¡Fiesta! quite like the Latino Memphis Festival! Admission is free, and the event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. overtonpark.org

May 13, 2017: Dog-A-Roo at Shelby Farms Park

Bring the pups out to the Outback Off-Leash Dog Park May 13 for Shelby Farms Park Conservancy’s Dog-A-Roo! This dog-friendly festival features a wide range of activities for your four-legged family member, including a talent and costume contest, rescue parades, a four-legged 4K fun run, gourmet pet treats, pet specialist information sessions and more! Admission is $5 per car, and proceeds will benefit the Shelby Farms Park Conservancy. shelbyfarmspark.org

May 13, 2017: Bluff City 10K

Get active with the Bluff City 10K! May 13, beginning at 8 a.m., head to Overton Square for the 3rd 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, local food and beer. This is your chance to get some exercise while supporting a wonderful, local cause. Registration starts at $30. bluffcity10k.racesonline.com

May 13, 2017: Opera Memphis 60th Anniversary Party

Celebrate Opera Memphis at its 60th Anniversary Party! With live entertainment, heavy hors d’oeuvres, desserts and an open bar of beer and wine, this elegant affair is a can’t-miss evening. A VIP ticket even includes access to a speakeasy martini bar! General tickets are $75, and the celebration begins at 7 p.m. operamemphis.org

May 17-20, 2017: 40th Annual World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest

Head over to Tom Lee Park for America’s most prestigious barbecue competition! For the 40th 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 21, 2017: River Series at Harbor Town

Spend your day at the Harbor Town Amphitheater for a series of shows that gives Memphians an opportunity to experience great, local bands against the beautiful backdrop of the Mississippi River. This year’s River Series will begin May 21 at 3 p.m. and will feature Tobin Sprout and Elf Power with DJ Hot Tub Eric. A minimum $5 donation per person is requested to enter, which benefits the Maria Montessori School. In addition, proceeds from all food and beer are also donated back to the school. facebook.com

May 26 & 27, 2017: Presley, Perkins, Lewis & Cash at The Orpheum

Celebrate the legendary Sun Records recording artists Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash this May as the Orpheum presents Presley, Perkins, Lewis & Cash. The audience will witness a rock-and-roll jam session with the iconic sounds of these legendary artists. You’ll be dancing in your seat to tunes like “Blue Suede Shoes,” “Hound Dog” and “Walk the Line” as the show celebrates true 1950s rock and roll. Tickets start at $44.50. orpheum-memphis.com

May 27, 2017: 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 $5. memphisinmay.org

May 28, 2017: 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 both a half marathon and 5K race. The races will begin at 7:30 a.m., and registration fees start at $65. memphisinmay.org

Have a wonderful month!

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