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.
Sample tasty wines and delicious food all for a great cause at the Memphis Food & Wine Festival hosted at Memphis Botanic Garden. Image: Memphis Food & Wine Festival
October 3, 2019: Unwind for Hope
Take a break and “un-wined” on Thursday, October 3, 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 3, 2019: Memphis Madness
Presented by Ashley HomeStore, the University of Memphis will host Memphis Madness on October 3 at the FedExForum. This event will feature head coaches Penny Hardaway and Melissa McFerrin, women’s and men’s basketball teams, there will be live music before the event outside on the plaza, all spirit squads will be in attendance, along with the Mighty Sound of the South. The event will begin at 5 p.m. outside featuring former player autographs, live music and themed concessions. Gates open at 6 p.m. and the program on the court will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $5. gotigersgo.com
October 4-6, 2019: 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 4, and ends on Sunday, October 6. Doors will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. themarketshows.com
October 5, 2019: Wine on the River
Head to the Mud Island River Walk in Downtown Memphis for Wine on the River on October 5 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. There will be wine samples from National and International vineyards. The theme, “Around the World” will focus on culture with food and wine carefully selected for each area. There will also be live music and all proceeds benefit Best Buddies. Tickets start at $59. wineontherivermemphis.com
October 6, 2019: Oktoberfest at High Cotton Brewing Company
The annual Oktoberfest presented by the Edge District is back at High Cotton! German beers, live music and tasty food from Edge Alley will be available. This is a kid and dog friendly event and admission is free. The fun begins at 12 p.m. facebook.com/events
October 12, 2019: Memphis Food & Wine Festival
October 12, 2019: Crosstoberfest at Crosstown Concourse
Crosstown Brewing Co. is celebrating Oktoberfest the Crosstown way with “Crosstoberfest” on October 12 from 11 a.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. allevents.in/memphis/crosstoberfest
October 12-20: Romeo and Juliet at Ballet Memphis
Steven McMahon’s Romeo and Juliet, returns to the stage of Playhouse on the Square to kick-off Ballet Memphis’ 33rd season. This enduring story of feuding families and timeless love will capture your heart.balletmemphis.org/romeo-and-juliet
October 13, 2019: Garden Harvest for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
On October 13, join St. Jude supporters for the ninth annual St. Jude Garden Harvest that is presented by Independent Bank. With chefs from around the Memphis area, delicious appetizers and cocktails, live entertainment and an auction, you’re ensured for a good time. All proceeds go straight to the mission of St. Jude: Finding cures. Saving Children. Individual tickets start at $200. stjude.org
October 17, 2019: 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 19-20, 2019: 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 Brandi Carlile, The Revivalists, Margo Price, among others. The festival gates will open one hour before show time and close at the end of the final performance. Single day tickets are $109 each and VIP tickets are $264 each. memphofest.com
October 19, 2019: 10th 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 $65. cybeerfest.org
October 19, 2019: 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 19, 2019: Soulsville USA Festival on College Street
The 2019 Soulsville USA Festival will take place on October 19 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 19, 2019: 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 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 19. bealestreet.com/bealestreetartcrawl
October 19, 2019: Dinner in the Gardens
Edible Memphis and The Central Gardens Association have partnered up and are hosting a farm-t0-table like experience called, “Dinner in the Gardens” on October 19 from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. There will be one long dinner table along Belvedere between Peabody and Glenwood Place to be seated. There will be local chefs, Old Dominick cocktails, beer and wine. Tickets start at $200 each. eventbrite.com
October 19, 2019: Agricenter Harvest Festival
Looking for a family-friendly event? Head to Agricenter International for pumpkin-painting, arts and crafts, hayrides and entertainment. Concessions will be available and this event is free to the public. agricenter.org
October 25, 2019: Memphis Tequila Festival at Overton Square
Head to Overton Square for the Memphis Flyer’s second 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 $44. memphistequilafestival.com
October 26, 2019: 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. 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 26-27, 2019: 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. riverartsmemphis.org
Have a happy — and SPOOKY — October, Memphis!
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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!
