The promise of cooler temperature and changing leaves has us excited to usher in a new season. October is filled with festivals, fun runs, and fundraisers, and today, we’re sharing some of our favorite ways to celebrate in the coming month. Mark your calendars and grab your friends for these Memphis events!
October 1, 2024: Taste of the District
Taste of the District is an annual food event that highlights Medical District restaurants. From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., you can enjoy a DJ and live music from Grizzlies Prep while sampling delicious bites. Tickets start at $12.51. eventbrite.com
October 2, 2024: Oktoberfest Bier Dinner
Join Erling Jensen Small Bites for a German-inspired menu paired with craft brews! The event starts at 6:30 p.m., and each course is paired with a Crosstown Brewery beer — including a special dessert brew served in a keepsake pint glass. Admission is $50. erlingjensensmallbites
October 4, 5, 11, 12 & 20, 2024: Free Music Concert Series at Overton Park Shell
Join Overton Park Shell for the final shows of its free music series! Picnic baskets, beverages, blankets, and lawn chairs are welcome, and the venue also offers food and beverages for purchase. This month’s lineup includes performances by Los Yesterdays, Kevin Whalum, and more. overtonparkshell.org
October 4 – 6, 2024: Live Well Event with Magnolia Homes
You’re invited to join Magnolia Homes for its annual Live Life Well Event on select days in October! Attendees can check out available inventory homes, tour furnished model homes, and learn more about the special incentives Magnolia Homes offers for a limited time. Event hours are Friday and Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Sunday, 12:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. yourmagnoliahome.com
October 4 – 6, 2024: Mempho Music Festival
Get ready to rock out at Radians Amphitheater during Mempho Music Festival. This year’s lineup includes acts like Jack White, Cody Jinks, and Marcus King. Three-day passes start at $265, and single-day admission begins at $130. memphofest.com
October 4 – 31, 2024: Le Bonheur Zoo Boo
You can attend Zoo Boo at the Memphis Zoo on select nights throughout October. From 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., attendees can enjoy candy stations, harvest-themed decor, and more. Tickets are $15 for zoo members and $19 for non-members. (Note: Tickets must be purchased online before the event.) memphiszoo.org
October 5, 2025: Black Arts & Wine Festival
The Black Arts & Wine Festival returns to the MOSH Museum, where you can explore artwork and enjoy wine and spirit tastings, vendors, live DJ sets, and delicious food samples. General admission tickets are $75, and VIP tickets are $165. blackartsandwinefestival.com
October 5, 2024: Wine on the River
Wine on the River returns to Tom Lee Park and invites you to sample wines from national and international vineyards. General admission is $59, and proceeds from the event support the local nonprofit Door of Hope. eventbrite.com
October 11 – 13, 2024: Fall Plant Sale at Memphis Botanic Garden
Join Memphis Botanic Garden for its fall plant sale! Autumn is the perfect time for planting trees, shrubs, and perennials. During this event, you can find a curated selection of plants well suited for the Mid-South, including natives, trees and shrubs, vegetables, herbs, and more. To see event hours, visit membg.org.
October 12, 2024: Edge Motor Fest
It’s time for the 5th Annual Edge Motorfest! There will be food trucks, pop-up shops, goodie bags, door prizes, live music and more. This event is free to attend, but $20 if you wish to enter your vehicle. There will be awards offered to 25 different classes with winners like: Classics, Antiques, Muscle Cars, Tuners, Street Rods, Trucks, Motorcycles and. more. facebook.com/events
October 19, 2024: 20th Annual Le Bonheur Pumpkin Run 5K
The annual Le Bonheur Pumpkin Run 5K is sure to get you in the Halloween spirit! This year’s race promises to be a spooktacular event that offers fun for the whole family. The 5K course at 1000 Ridgeway Loop Road is perfect for runners and walkers of all abilities. The race begins at 9 a.m., and registration is $30. lebonheur.org
October 19, 2024: Art on Fire
Head to Dixon Gallery & Gardens for Art on Fire, an event that offers food and drink tastings, live music, an auction, an art sale, and more. Tickets are $60 for garden members and $75 for non-members. Admission includes access to the event, beer, wine, and food. Hot Spot tickets are also available for $250, which include a full bar and priority parking. dixon.org
October 19, 2024: Junior League of Memphis Witches Ride and Run 5K/ 10K
In addition to races, the Junior League of Memphis Witches Ride and Run includes family-friendly activities, candy, food, a “boo-mosa” bar, and more. Proceeds from the event support programs like Baptist Camp Good Grief, Habitat for Humanity, and Best Buddies. Registration starts at $23.39, and a virtual option is also available. memphis.jl.org
October 19 & 20, 2024: RiverArtsFest
See over 150 local and national artists, buy their work, and enjoy the spirit of Memphis at the annual RiverArtsFest. Single-day adult tickets are $10, and two-day adult tickets are $15. The festival begins at 10 a.m. on Riverside Drive. riverartsmemphis.org
October 25, 2024: The Women’s Advocacy Center’s Purple Party
Help support The Women’s Advocacy Center by attending its inaugural Purple Party Gala. Raise money, awareness, and hope for survivors of domestic abuse in Eastern Shelby County as you enjoy fabulous food, wine, auction items, and music from The Will Tucker Band. Tickets start at $75, and the event begins at 6 p.m. at the Reign Event Venue. womensadvocacycenter.com
October 25 – 27, 2024: Holiday Market by Mistletoe Merchants
Get a jump-start on Christmas shopping at Agricenter International’s Holiday Market. With over 200 vendors selling jewelry, clothes, antiques, and home decor, you can find something for everyone on your list, including yourself. A one-day pass is $10, and a three-day pass is $18. Event hours are Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. midsouthmediagroup.com
Have a happy (and spooky!) October, Memphis!
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To see more great Memphis events, visit our Happenings calendar!
