Cool, crisp air and changing leaves have us excited to welcome a new season! And the month of October is filled with festivals, fundraisers, concerts and fairs, not to mention it’s prime time for Memphis Grizzlies and Memphis Tigers! So, get ready to enjoy the cooler temperatures, as well as our curated list of the best happenings in the Bluff City this month.
Annual RiverArtsFest down by the river | Image: RiverArtsMemphis
October 5-7, 2018: Mistletoe Merchants at The Agricenter
Get ahead of the game with Christmas shopping at Mistletoe Merchants! With over 200 vendors featuring jewelry, clothes, antiques and home decor, you will find something for everyone, including yourself. With three full days of holiday shopping, this shopping extravaganza gives a whole new meaning to “shop ’til you drop.” There truly is something for everyone. Ticket prices range from $10 to $40. The event will begin on Friday, October 5, and end on Sunday, October 7. Doors will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. themarketshows.com
October 6, 2018: Crosstoberfest at Crosstown Concourse
Crosstown Brewing Co. is celebrating Oktoberfest the Crosstown way with “Crosstoberfest” on October 6 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Beer will be $5 along with plenty of food options. There will be live music, family games, face paintings, a photo booth, spin art and so much more. This event is free and open to the public. crosstownconcourse.com
October 6, 2018: Day of Merrymaking at Overton Park
On Saturday, October 6, head to Overton Park for the sixth annual Day of Merrymaking. This family festival includes a beer garden, live music and performances, games and vendors. Presenting sponsor, Hollywood Feed, will be putting on a dog fashion show along with other activities for your furry friends. This is a great way to share a day with your family, friends and fur babies in the beautiful Overton Park! overtonpark.org/merrymaking
October 6-7, 2018: Mempho Music Festival at Shelby Farms Park
Enjoy the nature of Shelby Farms while listening to some of the hottest names in the music industry — like Beck, Post Malone and Janelle Monáe, among others. The festival gates will open one hour before show time and close at the end of the final performance. You can even camp out and stay on site. Camping spaces are limited and do not include power or septic. Single day tickets are $99, two-day tickets are $179, and two-day tickets with camping or RV camping is $279. memphofest.com
October 11, 2018: Taste of Cooper-Young
In 2011, a poll indicated that Memphis had more “food insecure” people than other cities. So First Congregational Church decided to do something about that. They started taking meals to those who can’t afford them twice a week, and this fundraising event will ensure that more families get the nutrients they need. Ticket holders for Taste of Cooper-Young will enjoy food from each of the participating restaurants, access to the silent auction and enjoy live music. There will also be Memphis Made beer and wine for purchase. Tickets are $50, and the event is from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Cooper Street. tasteofcooperyoung.org
October 12, 2018: The Science of Wine at the Pink Palace Museum
The Pink Palace is going to be overflowing with wine and food on October 12 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. There will be wine flavors from all over the globe along with the perfect food pairings. Bounty on Broad, Ecco and Erling Jensen are just a few of the many restaurants participating. It is $65 for non-members, $60 for members and $35 for designated drivers. For VIP Access, with a lounge area, a souvenir wine glass and early entrance at 6 p.m., tickets are $85 for non-members and $80 for members. memphismuseums.org
October 14, 2018: IRIS Orchestra Presents The Magic of Midori at Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
Join IRIS Orchestra with special guest artist, violinist Midori, performing solo Bach along with chamber music in the Art Hohenberg Auditorium. Guests are also invited to explore the featured exhibit following the concert. The event is from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., and tickets are $35. irisorchestra.org
October 18, 2018: Sip & Shop at Regalia Shopping Center
Shopping + wine = a win-win! Sip & Shop at Regalia is on October 18 and runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m at the Regalia Shopping Center on Poplar Avenue. There will be wines and spirits, and nine fabulous stores to shop with. Tickets through October 17 are $20, and on the day of or online, tickets are $25. All proceeds go to MOST, the Memphis Opportunity Scholarship Trust, a need-based program for students in Pre-K through grade 12. eventbrite.com
October 18, 2018: Unwind for Hope
Take a break and “un-wined” on Thursday, October 18, at Unwind for Hope, an event benefitting Hope House. The nonprofit serves women and children affected by HIV and poverty in the Memphis Area. Sip on wine, snack on hors d’oeuvres and peruse an art sale featuring local female artists. The event is from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Hope House. Tickets are $25. hopehousememphis.org
October 19, 2018: Memphis Tequila Festival at Overton Square
Head to Overton Square for the Memphis Flyer’s first annual Memphis Tequila Festival. Savor 15 tequila tastings, food by Babalu Tacos & Tapas, party music by local DJs and lots of spooky surprises. This evening of merriment is guaranteed to get you in the spirit of the season, all while benefitting Volunteer Memphis. The event starts at 6 p.m. and will wrap up at 9 p.m. Tickets are $39. memphistequilafestival.com
October 20, 2018: Art on Fire at The Dixon
Come gather on the Dixon’s South Lawn from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. for a festive fall party with bonfires, food, live music, ‘Hot Off the Wall’ art sale, a silent auction and so much more. Art on Fire is a large fundraising bonfire party that directly supports the Dixon’s education outreach programs. The Dixon is committed to supporting educators in the greater Memphis region and reached over 24,000 students last year via their school outreach program. Further, the Dixon offers art classes to senior groups and individuals with Alzheimer’s along with their caregivers. Art therapy programs are designed for at-risk youth and young people and adults with developmental challenges. Tickets start at $75. dixon.org/artonfire
October 20, 2018: St. Jude Ride
Grab your bikes and take a ride for the children of St. Jude! This event unites all bikers of all ages and abilities to raise money for the hospital. It will be a full day of music, food and games in downtown Memphis at Tom Lee Park. Bring your friends and family to cheer you on and celebrate afterwards. Participate as an individual or join a team and choose how long you ride. There will be multiple courses throughout Arkansas and starting over the Harahan Bridge. The event will begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday, October 20. The Family Fun Ride starts at $25, and the Arkansas Ride is $50. stjude.org
October 20, 2018: Soulsville USA Festival on College Street
The 2018 Soulsville USA Festival will take place on October 20 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the historic Soulsville USA District on College and McLemore Street. Admission is free. Along with this, you get a free entry to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, demos from visual artists, Knowledge Quest Kids’ Zone with games, face-painting, interactive ballet and so much more! soulsvilleusafestival.com
October 20, 2018: Beale Street Artcrawl
Come take a walk in downtown Memphis’ iconic Beale Street, and see some paintings, sculptures and more from local Memphis artists and others from the Mid-South. This event is free and open to the public and will run from noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 20. artsmemphis.org
October 20, 2018: 9th Annual Cooper-Young Beerfest
Celebrate the hardworking local brewers who devote their time, talent and energy to making beers that are uniquely their own at Cooper-Young Beerfest. The festival is regional, meaning you can visit any of the brewers within a day’s drive from Cooper-Young. Sip and sample local brews to raise money for the Cooper-Young Community Association (CYCA), which keeps the neighborhood clean, friendly, safe and welcoming for everyone. The event is held from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 795 Cooper St. Tickets are $50. cybeerfest.org
October 27, 2018: Día de los Muertos Fiesta! by Latino Memphis
Sponsored by Laurelwood Shopping Center, the Día de los Muertos Fiesta, or Day of the Dead Festival, with Latino Memphis is back! Dress in black and white, and dance the night away to Latin rhythms at this high-end fiesta, featuring one-of-a-kind performances by Aztec dancers, folkloric dance group Herencia Hispana, a Hip-Hop-meets-Salsa performance by New Ballet Ensemble & Salsa Memphis, sugar-skull-inspired face-painting, authentic bites, handmade flower-making stations, a photo booth and so much more. No Halloween costumes, and only those 21 years of age or older are permitted. The party starts at 7 p.m. and wraps up at 11:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 in advance and $65 at the door. latinomemphis.org
October 27, 2018: Flick or Treat Movie Night at Memphis Botanic Garden
Trick or treat! There will be treat stations, kettle corn, food truck concessions, photo props and adult spirits at this spooky movie night. Gates will open at 5 p.m., and It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown will begin at 7:15 p.m., followed by Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride. So grab a blanket or some folding chairs and your costume for a night of goblins and ghosts. Ticket prices are $8 for members and $10 for non-members. memphisbotanicgarden.com
October 27-28, 2018: RiverArtsFest on Riverside Drive
RiverArtsFest is a collaboration and celebration of fine arts and local music. There will be live artist demonstrations, as well as hands-on art activities for all ages. More than 180 artists from around the country will be in the heart of downtown Memphis. So come enjoy food, fun and local art at this festival! It is $5 admission for Saturday and Sunday. Children 10 and under are admitted free of charge. On Saturday, October 27, admission after 5 p.m. will be free, because of the reveal of the Mighty Lights on the Hernando DeSoto Bridge. This reveal will be a community-wide event. So, get ready for some art and a beautiful light show! riverartsmemphis.org
Have a happy — and SPOOKY — October, Memphis!
**********
Stay up to date on the best events in the 901 by checking our Happenings Page, where new local activities are posted almost every day!
