NYE at Railgarten

Railgarten is having two New Year’s Eve events: one for kids earlier in the day and a bash beginning at 8:00 PM. The kids’ event starts at 12:00 PM and has a buffet, magic show, face painting stations, and a balloon drop. The adults’ bash features Marcus Scott with a champagne toast at midnight and a balloon drop. You can buy tickets through their website.

Starry Nights at Shelby Farms Park

Celebrate the new year in a family-friendly, low-key way by driving through Starry Nights at Shelby Farms Park. You can pack the whole family, including your fur babies, into your car to view this colorful array of lights that’s more sensory-friendly than fireworks and big crowds.

Peabody Memphis NYE Party

Enjoy live music, party favors, champagne, and an appetizer buffet at the Peabody’s South Grand Hotel this New Year’s Eve. Entertainment will include Seeing Red, SouthBound, and DJ A.D. for an unforgettable way to ring in the new year.

Memphis Grizzlies Game

The Memphis Grizzlies are playing a New Year’s Eve game down at the FedEx forum. They’ll be playing the Sacramento Kings starting at 7:00 PM. Buy your tickets now!

Grind City Brewing Co.

Celebrate the New Year when you buy a ticket for Grind City’s NYE party. Your ticket includes an open beer and wine bar, a champagne toast at midnight, El Mero catering, Muddy’s Bake Shop desserts, live music from Elevation Memphis, and self-parking.

Growlers Gimme Gimme Disco

You are the dancing queen at this ABBA-themed NYE party! This DJ-based dance party will be playing all your favorite ABBA hits, plus plenty of other disco hits from the 70s and 80’s like The Bee Gees, Donna Summer, & Cher. Disco attire is encouraged.

A Memphis Celebration at Painting With a Twist

Paint some Memphis New Year’s-themed artwork and sip on some wine during this chill class at Olive Branch’s Painting With a Twist. You can also add a DIY soy candle option to take home your very own aromatic gift. They’re also offering a teen-friendly NYE Blacklight event on December 31st.

New Year’s Eve Dinner at Bog and Barley

This Irish pub will be serving authentic Celtic fare at this event with a special menu of fantastic dishes and a champagne toast at midnight for a tasty way to ring in the new year.

NYE Twilight Zone Marathon Brunch

Head to the Black Lodge in the Crosstown Arts District for a mind-bending New Year’s Eve brunch. Enjoy classic episodes of the Twilight Zone and themed food and drink specials during this unique event.

The post Unique Places to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Memphis This Year appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Get to Know ArtsMemphis!

ArsMemphis serves as a vital support system for local artists and cultural institutions. Their mission revolves around ensuring that Memphis remains a dynamic hub for artistic expression. Their commitment goes beyond financial support–they’re dedicated to fostering an inclusive, creative environment accessible to all.

“At ARTSmemphis, our purpose as a granting organization is to grow the foundation of art for our city with diligent, thoughtful, diverse, and intentional support. While we have distributed over $94 million since 1963 to artists and arts organizations, our support is not simply through good stewardship of donor dollars but also by providing financial guidance, organizational advice, marketing support, and networking opportunities and connections. 

Whether a donor, educator, artist, stagehand, or an audience member, together, we are all contributors to the arts.”

Dive into the Calendar

The ArtsMemphis Event Calendar isn’t just a list of dates and openings. It’s a guide into a variety of ways that our city expresses itself through the arts. From funky gallery exhibits in South Main and mind-blowing public art displays in Overton Park to interactive events, markets, and more.

Live it up with Performing Arts

We know you love a good show (so do we).  The calendar compiles some of the best performances in Memphis. Whether you’re into plays at a local theater, dance showcases, or a symphony under the stars at the Levitt Shell, this calendar has your entertainment needs covered.

Get Connected to Community

ArtsMemphis doesn’t stop at just giving you the details on some of the city’s most anticipated arts events; it’s all about building a community. ArtsMemphis actively promotes collaboration among artists, arts organizations, businesses, and the community. By facilitating partnerships and connections, the organization aims to enhance the overall impact and reach of the arts in Memphis. The organization encourages innovation and creativity within the arts community. This may involve supporting new and experimental projects, as well as providing resources for artists to explore and push the boundaries of their craft.

So, as you click through the ArtsMemphis Event Calendar, you’re not just planning your week; you’re diving headfirst into the heart of Memphis’ soul. It’s not just a calendar; it’s a roadmap to the way creativity defines our amazing city. ArtsMemphis said it best: “Arts are the foundation of our culture. They speak to our past, our present, and our future with authenticity and integrity that ultimately create the voice of our community.”

The post Your Go-To Arts Guide: ArtsMemphis’ Event Calendar! appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Events 

There are many events happening in the month of June, all the way to Juneteenth itself. Here are a few, including some that will be great for bringing the whole family:

• TONE’s Juneteenth Weekend – Thursday, June 15 from Sunday, June 18
• Juneteenth Family Empowerment Fair – Thursday, June 1st, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Ed Rice Community Center
• Juneteenth the Musical Stage Play – Saturday, June 10th at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM at the Halloran Centre
• Women of Soul – Sunday, June 11th at 7:30 PM at the Halloran Centre
• Memphis Juneteenth Community Baby Shower and Empowerment Luncheon – Sunday, June 11th, from 1:00 Pm to 3:00 PM at The Kent
• 30th Anniversary Juneteenth Freedom Luncheon – Thursday, June 15th, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM at Holiday Inn – University of Memphis
• Juneteenth Freedom Walk/Run – Saturday, June 17th at 8:00 AM, Health Sciences Park
• Juneteenth Festival – Saturday, June 17th, and Sunday, June 18th, from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM at Health Sciences Park
• Juneteenth Shop Black Festival – Monday, June 19th, from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM at Fourth Bluff Park

Organizations

Whether you want to donate your time or your money, these are some local organizations that focus on community, advocacy, and the arts for this city and its citizens:

Community

• JUICE Orange Mound
• Memphis Urban League
• Memphis Artists for Change
• NAACP Memphis

Advocacy

• Black Business Association of Memphis
• Mid-South Minority Business Council Continuum
• MLK 50
• Memphis Black Business Directory
• Buy 901

Arts

• Hattiloo Theater
• Memphis Black Arts Alliance
• Collage Dance Collective
• Memphis Slim Collaboratory

Historical Sites

Since Juneteenth is a national holiday, you won’t need to take time off work to enjoy one of these local landmarks. Here are some sites that honor Black history right here in Memphis:

• National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel
• Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum
• The Withers Collection
• Mason Temple
• Ida B. Wells Plaza and Statue
• I AM A MAN Plaza
• Stax Museum

The post How to Commemorate Juneteenth in Memphis  appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Just because Halloween is over doesn’t mean there’s nothing to look forward to until Thanksgiving! November is chock full of fun holidays, and Memphis is the best place to celebrate. (And no, we’re not biased.) Add these dates to your calendar so you can celebrate, give back, or explore the 901 in innovative and exciting ways.

Scented Candle Day – November 1

The days are getting shorter, so be sure to light up your space with a flame and some sweet scents. These local shops hand-make their candles!

• Re+New+All Candle
• Falling Into Place
• Downtown Candle Co.
• Wax Aroma Candles

National Sandwich Day – November 3

Nothing beats a good sandwich, and these spots in town are where you need to go to celebrate this holiday.

• Young Avenue Deli
• Elwood’s Shack
• Sam’s Deli
• Bogies Delicatessen

National Candy Day – November 4

Got a sweet tooth? Then this is your perfect holiday. Stop by one of these candy shops (especially if you’re running low on Halloween leftovers.)

• Sweet Noshings
• Dinstuhl’s Fine Candies
• Beale Sweets Sugar Shack
• Shotwell Candy Co.

Book Lovers Day – November 5

Shop some local bookstores, or visit your local library to celebrate the readers’ favorite holiday!

• Novel
• Burke’s Book Store
• DeMoir Books and Things
• Second Editions Book Store (inside the Memphis Public Library)
• South Main Book Juggler

Election Day – November 8

Midterm elections are here, and if you haven’t early voted, find your local voting spot and be sure to research candidates and amendments on the ballot ahead of time. 

​National Cappuccino Day – November 8

After you’re done voting, battle those chilly November temperatures with a nice, hot cappuccino at one of these local coffee shops!

• Crazy Gander Coffee Company
• Ramblin’ Joe’s Coffee
• Otherlands Coffee Bar
• Comeback Coffee
• Belltower Coffeehouse
• Boycott Coffee

Go to an Art Museum Day – November 9

Memphis is known for its art and culture, so be sure to pop by one of our local art museums on this day.

• Brooks Museum of Art
• Dixon Gallery & Gardens
• Metal Museum
• Art Museum of the University of Memphis

National Vanilla Cupcake Day – November 10

You can’t go wrong with a classic vanilla cupcake, and these bakeries have the best in Memphis!

• Primas Bakery + Boutique
• Frost Bake Shop
• Cupcake Cutie
• Muddy’s Bake Shop
• Sweet LaLa’s Bakery

Children’s Day – November 14

For Children’s Day, why not treat your kids to some educational and explorational fun? Check out these popular spots that let your children learn and have fun, all at once!

• Children’s Museum of Memphis
• Memphis Zoo
• My Big Backyard at Memphis Botanic Garden
• Fire Museum of Memphis
• Woodland Discovery Playground

Women’s Entrepreneurship Day – November 19

Looking to support women-owned businesses in Memphis? We’ve got a whole blog post dedicated to many spots around town you can shop at for this holiday.

Transgender Day of Remembrance – November 20

If you’d like to give back to the LGBTQ+ community during this holiday, check out our blog post we wrote during Pride Month which includes local organizations that can use donations and volunteers.

Go For A Ride Day – November 22

Memphis has so many bicycle paths and trails, so how about going for a ride to celebrate this day?

• Wolf River Trails
• Overton Park Bike Plaza
• Shelby Farms Park
• Nesbit Park Trails

Thanksgiving – November 24

Want to volunteer your time on Thanksgiving? Here are some great ways to give back.

• Mid-South Food Bank
• Memphis Union Mission
• Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association
• St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
• Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County

Black Friday – November 25

Did you know that the day after Thanksgiving is technically Buy Nothing Day? We know the sales and deals are hard to combat, especially when you’ve got to do holiday shopping, so check out some local stores to see if they’re offering any specials! 

Giving Tuesday – November 29

This holiday is a chance to give back, so consider taking this opportunity to pour more love into the community. Here are some local nonprofits you can donate to, but you can also check out our blog post for Black History Month for more.

• Merge Memphis
• Just City
• Clean Memphis
• Homes for Hearts
• Advance Memphis
• Make-A-Wish Mid-South

You also might be interested in: Memphis Activities | Cultured Arts & Events Calendar

The post Upcoming November Holidays and Where to Celebrate in Memphis appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Whether you’re a fan of pumpkin spice or spooky pumpkin carvings, chances are you’re pretty stoked about fall in Memphis. There are so many exciting events and occasions happening this season, your biggest problem may be choosing which ones. Luckily for you, we gathered some of the most popular options (and maybe a few lesser-knowns) so that you don’t have to search for them all yourself. Here are some fun fall activities you can do in the 901!

Corn Mazes and Pumpkin Patches

The Mid-South Maze – Cordova

Jones Orchard – Millington

Priddy Farms – Arlington

Menagerie Farm – Collierville 

Tom’s Farm – Rossville

Midtown Nursery – Midtown

Haunted Houses

Wicked Ways Haunted House – select nights in the month of October

Haunted Web of Horrors – select nights in the month of October

Outdoor Fun

Twilight Thursdays at Memphis Botanic Garden – every Thursday in October

Haunted Hay Ride of Terror at Shelby Farms – October 7, 8, 22, 28, 29

Frights at Height at Shelby Farms – October 1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Agricenter Harvest Festival – October 15

Family-Friendly Halloween Happenings

Zoo Boo at Memphis Zoo – select nights October 14 through 31

Farm Park Halloween BOO-looza – October 22

Halloween Spooktacular at Children’s Museum of Memphis – October 22

Halloween Campfire Storytelling: Marshmallows and Mayhem at Fuller Park – October 28

Halloween Hike at Memphis Botanic Garden – October 29

Adults-Only Halloween Events

Zootoberfest – Memphis Zoo, every Sat. and Sun. in Oct.

Alice’s Ales at Memphis Botanic Garden – October 7

18th Century Masquerade Ball at the Children’s Museum of Memphis – October 15

Cryptid Tails Halloween Burlesque Show – October 21

Memphis Funk, Halloween Costume Party at Lichterman Nature Center – October 21

8th Annual Memphis Monster Mash – October 22

Halloween Bar Crawl – October 29

Fright Night – Collage Dance – October 29

FOTCAS Howl-O-Ween Costume Pawty at Grind City Brewing – October 30

Festivals and Arts

Monster Market 2022 will be open online October 3 through 31st – Marshall Arts

Memphis Food and Wine Festival at the Memphis Botanic Garden – October 15

Memphis Brew Fest at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium – October 15

River Arts Fest – October 22-23

Día de los Muertos Parade and Festival at Brooks Museum – October 28

Ballet Memphis’ Dracula – October 28-30

Halloween Midtown Con – October 29

Trivia Nights and Movies

Fright-ober at Crosstown – select nights in October

Hocus Pocus Trivia at Railgarten – October 12

Hocus Pocus Trivia at The Liquor Store – October 26

Friday Flicks at Carriage Crossing: Hocus Pocus Oct. 28

Spooky Tours

Backbeat Tours’ Memphis Ghost Tour

Historical Haunts Memphis

Woodruff-Fontaine Museum Tour

Earnestine and Hazel’s

Orpheum Theatre

Elmwood Cemetery’s From the Beyond: Ghosts, Spiritualism, and Cemeteries – October 30

You might also be interested in: 5 Pet-Friendly Memphis Parks to Enjoy with Your Furry Friend

The post Fun Fall Activities Around Memphis appeared first on We Are Memphis.

The post Keep Cool and Look Cool at The FedEx St. Jude Championship appeared first on We Are Memphis.

After years of talking about Juneteenth, last year, President Joe Biden signed a bill into law on June 17, 2021, recognizing Juneteenth as an official federal holiday after the House passed legislation that establishes June 19th as Juneteenth National Independence Day.

Juneteenth celebrates the commemoration of the ending of slavery in the United States. It is a day, a week, and in some areas, a month marked with celebrations, guest speakers, picnics and family gatherings. It is a time for reflection and rejoicing. It is a time for assessment, self-improvement and for planning the future.

With cookouts, festivals, concerts, exhibits and more it’s a celebration for all to celebrate and learn more about why Juneteenth is so special. The holiday is quickly approaching and here are a couple of events you can add to your calendar and ways to commemorate the day.

Attend a Celebration!

• Honoring the United States Colored Troops 29th Annual Juneteenth Festival at Douglass Park is a three-day event, starting on Friday, June 17th and wrapping up on Sunday June 19th.

Friday is Kids and Seniors Day, which will include a fashion show and history museum from 9am-1pm, a petting zoo from 10am-1pm, and a tribute to comedian Stephon Smith from 4pm-7pm. Morning yoga, chair massages, face painting, swimming, senior bingo, kid’s games, children’s book readings and much more fun!

Saturday is Main Stage Day. Which will include a long list of performances and activities. The headliner is Phoenix Star and they’ll be gracing the stage at 6pm. FAYRO, Miss Joyce, the Soul Outsiders Band, Forever Jay, F.O.E. and many more acts.

Sunday is Tribute & Honors Day. An art auction begins at 2pm, followed by a Flag Raising Ceremony and Allen Conner’s – Father’s Day Tribute at 6pm.

Juneteenth Poetry Slam presents Rhymes on the River on June 17th at 7pm at Fourth Bluff Park- Downtown. This event is free and open to the public. Come out and enjoy poetry and spoken word from some of the best poets in the city, while enjoying the view of The Mighty Mississippi.

• The Memphis Grizzlies are hosting The Juneteenth Freedom Festival on June 18th. 

The Memphis Juneteenth Festival is held each year in Memphis for a fun-filled weekend.  You can expect electric music, entertainment, vendors, activities for seniors, kids and more.

• Orange Mound Tower: Juneteenth Family Reunion Festival

Tone champions black art and culture in Memphis.

Duke Deuce will be headlining the festival, along with artists like Producer Hitkidd and Singer Talibah Safiya. Celebrate Juneteenth at the 2nd Annual Juneteenth Music    Festival with live music, vendors and more. It starts at 5pm-11pm at The Orange Mound Tower, 2205 Lamar Ave. 

Buy from Black-Owned Businesses!

• Cynthia Daniels presents Juneteenth Shop Black Festival at The Pipkin Building.

On Sunday, June 19th, enjoy a day of shopping with 100 black-owned businesses indoors and live performances from Gerald Richardson, Carmen Hicks and Courtney Little.

• Participate in Whitehaven’s Black Restaurant Week

The theme for the week is “Spend with Intent” and that’s the perfect mindset to have when shopping/dining around town. Click this link to learn more!

Show Up and Show Out!

• Memphis Juneteenth presents the Greek Yard Show on Saturday, June 18th @ 6PM at Health Sciences Park.  

Come and represent the Founders of your Fraternity/Sorority. Wear your colors and paraphernalia and be a part of history with the Memphis Juneteenth Greek life experience. Calling all old school & new school greeks to show up and stroll. 

You may also be interested in: Virtual Workout Classes: Memphis Fitness

The post Celebrate Juneteenth in the 901 This Year! appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Maxx went on to dance in Broadway productions and national commercials, and Briana is pursuing a master’s in counseling while also inspiring professional dancers through original choreography. 

They’re key examples of the talent coming out of Memphis who also continue to return home to nurture and inspire the next generation. We sat down with dancer, film director/editor Maxx to talk about his upbringing in Memphis, the influence New Ballet Ensemble & School has had on his career, and his work on Springloaded.

How did you get into and become so passionate about dance?

If you live in Memphis, you dance period. It’s a music-heavy city and dancing is just what we do. I spent a lot of time doing street dance stuff, like jookin and tumbling. One of my mentors was a man named Dwayne Hambrick who used to run a nonprofit arts school called Graffiti Playground where he essentially just gave us space to create. He wanted me to grow in [dance] different ways from just what I was doing and so he put me in contact with Katie Smythe [founded New Ballet Ensemble & School in 2002 to address the inequitable dance landscape existing in her hometown of Memphis.]  Katie presented me the opportunity to expand my vocabulary into ballet at 12 or 13. It took me a minute to get into it, but Katie took me to see a show with some male ballet dancers, that blew my mind! Seeing a man be beautiful, elegant and strong made me change my perspective immediately.

How did the schooling at New Ballet Ensemble influence your career?

It was a little bit of everything. It gave me structure, it taught me a whole plethora of skills that I didn’t think I was going to have. For example, right now I’m both producing and directing a play in New York City, I’d never think I’d be doing that, but you learn the skill sets when running rehearsals and being given those opportunities and being in those spaces. I loved every second of having a dance studio at my disposal growing up. I wouldn’t change any second of it.  New Ballet gave me the skills and toolkit. 

What can people expect from this years’ Springloaded show?

It’s always been kind of my favorite show that they do each season because it can kind of just be a mixed bag of whatever the choreographers that are hired at the time, feel in the moment. What’s been interesting with this year’s Springloaded is that we’ve all been in lockdown. We’ve all experienced a lot of loss and our lives changed quite a bit, so I think a lot of the choreographers are responding to that. My piece entitled ‘luckily’ is very much about just taking agency back as a person. Springloaded has given me an opportunity for me to express things that I’ve been thinking about or things that I’m grateful for. And so I actually put a couple of movement call-outs to choreographers that have inspired me over the years. There’s a step in there from Chris Roberts who was sort of my hero at New Ensemble when I was a young dancer, there’s a step in there from Bob Fosse, there’s a step from Michael Jackson, there’s a step from Alvin Ailey… just little tiny moments that our call outs, but it’s mostly about self collaboration Even if somebody takes something from you, they can’t take you from you and that’s sort of like the whole purpose of it.

What have been the highlights of your career so far?

When I was 18 I danced and sang in a television show on ABC called Dance War. I danced for Michael Jackson’s ‘This Is It’ show and that brought me out to L.A.  I also danced for Usher for a little bit. I danced in a lot of music videos and commercials then. Eventually, I made it out to New York and played Spider-Man in the ‘Spider-Man Turn Off the Dark’ a Broadway Show. I have choreographed a couple of pieces of full-length musical theater and I choreographed for Mariah Carey’s Christmas Special she puts on annually, a few years back. I am directing my first nonmusical piece in May in New York called ‘Graceland’. 

You may also be interested in: Yolanda Manning: Founder of Araba’s Sweet Spot 

The post This Season is Springloaded! – Catch Up with Maxx Reed appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Are you wanting to celebrate Women’s History Month in Memphis, but you’re not sure where to start? Luckily for you, this city has some amazing upcoming events that you won’t want to miss. There are so many ways to honor women and celebrate them this month, right here in our city that’s rich with history. Here are just some events and activities you can participate in this March!

University Events

All of the following events are free and open to the public, so grab your gals and head to campus for some of these. (You can also choose to participate in The University of Memphis Women’s History Month Committee’s support of the Tiger Pantry. Donate items directly to the Pantry or purchase items off of their Amazon Wish List.)

March 11
5:30 PM | Chloé Hilliard: F*** Your Diet

The perfect mix of cultural commentary, conspiracies, and confessions, F*ck Your Diet pokes fun at the all too familiar, misguided quest for better health, permanent weight loss, and a sense of self-worth. Join online.

March 15
NOON | Make Your Own Bath Bombs

Join SAC On Alumni Mall Lawn at Noon on March 15 to pick up your make-at-home bath bomb kits. Each kit comes equipped with all the supplies you need to make six personalized bath bombs. Supplies are extremely limited.

March 17
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Women’s History Month Photobooth

Grab your mask and a friend, and join Student Activities council on Alumni Mall Lawn to take a picture in the Women’s History Month photobooth. Social distancing and masking will be strictly enforced.

7:00 PM | Women in Film Wednesday

Join Student Activities Council as they watch movies together that celebrate stories of strong women. Join online.

March 18
NOON | Paint by Numbers: Prominent Women Figures

Celebrate Women’s History Month in a unique way by painting incredible female icons on the Alumni Mall Lawn!

5:30 PM | The UofM Distinguished Lecture Series in Mathematics

The Cantor Sect will host Dr. Maria Chudnovsky, a distinguished mathematician from Princeton University, to give an approximately 1-hour lecture with a 30-minute question-answer session with the audience afterward. Join online.

March 19
11:00 AM | Spirit Swap

Swing by the Alumni Mall Lawn at 11:00 AM to pick up a special Women’s History Month t-shirt meant to celebrate and empower women.

12:30 | “The 19th Amendment: What ‘Votes for Women’ Really Meant”
History Department

In this talk, Dr. Catherine Jacquet (Associate Professor of History, LSU) will focus on the battle for women’s suffrage in the South, exploring how beliefs about race and gender-informed Southerners’ hopes and fears around extending the franchise to women. Join online.

March 23
3:00 PM | Let’s Talk @ KWS: Female Chefs Reflect on Working in a Male-Dominated Industry

Kemmons Wilson Culinary Institute
This event will feature a panel of female chefs discussing their career paths in the male-dominated culinary field. Join online.

March 24
7:00 PM | Women in Film Wednesday

Join Student Activities Council as they watch movies together that celebrate stories of strong women. Join online.

March 31
6:00 PM | WHM Closing Ceremonies

University of Memphis Alumna Summer Owens will be speaking on Women’s Empowerment. Summer is a renowned motivational speaker who uses her hard-learned life lessons from her life to educate, inspire, and motivate young adults to overcome their own success. Join Online.

All Month-Long

These events are occurring throughout the month, or are available online anytime. Be sure to check them out!

Wednesdays in March
4:30-5:30 pm CST | Breaking the Ceiling with Soul

Stax Music Academy will be hosting weekly “Women Breaking the Ceiling” Q&A sessions with women in male-dominated careers. These hourlong Q&A sessions will be free to young women and girls in the community and will feature female leaders from a variety of professions. Join as they share stories, insight, and advice from their career journeys on breaking barriers, overcoming fear, flipping the script on imposter syndrome, and what it takes to step up to positions of leadership. Located at Stax Music Academy, 910 E McLemore Ave, Memphis, TN 38106. RSVP here.

All Month – Online Exhibit

Revisit the Memphis Public Library’s Votes for Women online exhibit celebrating the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage and the decades-long struggle by suffragists in Memphis, the state of Tennessee, and across the nation. Check it out through this link.

March 24 Through March 31

Muddy’s Bake Shop will be hosting their Open Studio: Cookie Decorating at their Broad Ave location. While this isn’t a strictly Women’s History Month event, it’s still a great opportunity to support a women-owned business while having some fun! Secure your place here.

All Month – Online Exhibit

Visit the National Women’s History Alliance’s website for resources, tools, and more. If you’re interested in diving deeper into the history of the month, this is the site for you. Check it out here.

Women’s History Month is a time to learn more about where we came from and celebrate where we plan to go. And with a city like Memphis, the opportunities to educate yourselves are boundless. Interested in checking out some of these events? Don’t wait too long to snag your tickets or secure your spots!

You may also be interested in: Anime Blues Con comes to the Convention Center in Memphis

The post Events in Memphis to Celebrate Women’s History Month appeared first on We Are Memphis.

From family-friendly fun to more adult-oriented activities, this October has something for everyone looking to partake in some spooky season shenanigans. In fact, there are so many great options in the Bluff City over the next few weeks that we had to whittle our list down to just 10 of the most essential events. So put your costume together (You went with Squid Game? How original!) and start circling dates on your calendar now, because Halloween is officially back baby!

The Mid-South Maze at the Agricenter
Ongoing until Oct. 31

Few annual events are as beloved as the Mid South Maze, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The 10-acre corn maze, which features a Memphis skyline design, is wholesome family fun for the most part, but during Friday and Saturday’s after 7PM things get a bit creepier with their popular haunted maze nights.

Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital Zoo Boo
Oct. 15-17, 22-24, 28-31

Every year around this time, the Memphis Zoo transforms into an impressive homage to everything Halloween, with an abundance of special programming appropriate for kids of all ages. From various trick-or-treat stations to the jack-o-lantern jamboree to free rides for kids, this is truly one of the city’s premier holiday events, especially for families with children.

Creepville Market at the Lamplighter Lounge
October 16

While this year’s Monster Market will be held completely online this year, folks who prefer to shop for their spooky wares in person should check out the Creepville Market between 1-6PM at the Lamplighter Lounge. The market will include a wide selection of goods from local makers, including art, clothing, and more. You can check out a complete list of vendors on their Instagram at @creepvillemarket

Day of the Dead at Crosstown Concourse
October 16

As you probably know, Día de Muertos is a Mexican holiday held on November 1st and 2nd when families gather to honor the memory of deceased loved ones. Crosstown Concourse, in partnership with Cazateatro, will be celebrating the holiday a couple of weeks early in the central atrium with a free event featuring music, folklore, dancers, altars, and crafts. In addition, a free screening of the Pixar film “Coco” will be showing in the Crosstown Theater at 2PM.

Shoktoberfest at Black Lodge
October 24

If one Memphis institution truly understands the unique allure of Halloween, the it would have to be Black Lodge, the unique Crosstown business that combines an old school video rental store with a live venue space. Black Lodge will be hosting events throughout the month, but we’re especially excited about Shoktoberfest, their “queer music and variety show” that is being put together in conjunction with Barbie Wyre. The event will feature a costume contest, live music, drag performances, film screenings, and much more.

Fright Night at the Brewery at Memphis Made
October 28

Boos meet brews at this year’s Fright Night at Memphis Made Brewing Co., a Halloween-themed fundraiser for United Housing Inc. In addition to helping a good cause, you’ll also be able to participate in a costume contest while drinking some of the finest beer in the 901. Tickets begin at $25 and include one drink, (beer or wine) and one meal from the food truck.

Blast Habit Halloween at Bar DKDC
October 29

On the Friday before Halloween, Blast Habit Records will be taking over Bar DKDC for an evening of scary good music and burlesque. The power trio So Gung Ho will be performing alongside Alicja Trout and dancer Velvetina Taylor for a rocking night that promises to roll deep into the dark night. Costumes are, of course, highly encouraged.

Heady Halloween at 831 S. Cooper
October 30

We’ve already discussed Black Lodge’s many events this month, but something is also brewing at their newly renovated former home on Cooper St. Heady Halloween promises to be one of the grooviest events in town on Halloween weekend with a costume contest and late night jams from Shorty & the Grooves & Grape.

Time Warp Drive-In
October 30

Time Warp, the monthly curated series of classic, strange, and cult films at the Summer Ave. Drive In, is back this month with “American Nightmares: The Teen Horror Cinema of Wes Craven.” The Halloween-themed movie marathon will include screenings of “A Nightmare on Elm Street,” “Scream,” “The People Under the Stairs,” and “The Hills Have Eyes.”

After Hours Tour at Elmwood Cemetery
October 31

Elmwood is one of the state’s most storied and historically significant cemeteries, providing the final resting place for “mayors, governors, madams, blues singers, suffragists, martyrs, generals, civil rights leaders, holy men and women, outlaws and millionaires.” On Halloween night, they will be opening their gates to the public for an after hours tour that will walk you through the history of the grounds and highlight some of the most notable figures buried there. Scares AND a little history lesson? Sounds like a win-win to us.

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Memphis is the mecca for black history and the fight for freedom in America. Juneteenth marks the very end of slavery in the United States. It commemorates the date of June 19, 1865, when the last African-American slaves held in Confederate states were finally freed by the Union army.

Celebrate Juneteenth in the 901 this weekend by supporting the listed events. These festivities serve as a safe space to exist in the fullest expression of yourself, as human, free and worthy of  the joy of  liberation.

Memphis Juneteenth Family Reunion

June 19th at 5:00 pm 

TONE in partnership with We Are Unapologetic has curated a night of musical performances, food trucks, games, and more, all to celebrate the legacy and freedom of those who came before us. The Family Reunion is to sew the seeds of possibility into our community through purposeful and thoughtful interactions in a creative atmosphere. We hope to see you there!

The Memphis Juneteenth Festival

June 18 – 19 at 10:00am

The Memphis Juneteenth Festival (The Juneteenth Urban Music Festival) is moving from the historic Robert R. Church Park on Beale Street to Health Sciences Park, where the slave trader, founder of the Ku Klux Klan and confederate general Nathan Bedford Forrest and his wife were buried. This year’s festival will be observed June 18 and 19 and will feature live music, a car show, a kids zone, freedom run and walk, and so much more.

Inaugural Juneteenth Freedom Ride

June 19th at 8:00 am

Major Taylor Memphis along with Memphis River Parks Partnership presents the Inaugural Juneteenth Freedom Ride. They offer multiple routes/distances of 23, 44 & 63 miles with supported SAG stops. The mission of the Major Taylor Memphis cycling club is to promote a healthy lifestyle, sense of community and local partnership through various levels of cycling. Taylor who in 1899 became the first African American World champion cyclist MTM is dedicated to making each ride a safe, fun and enjoyable learning experience. Click here for more!

Juneteenth : A Celebration and A Conversation

June 19th at 10:00am

The LeMoyne-Owen College National Alumni Association is planning a celebration for Juneteenth! They will jump-start the morning with the inaugural Magician’s Ride Bike-A-Thon, followed by a day filled with food, a health fair, a symposium, a re-enactment, and give-a-ways. Click here for more info!

The Juneteenth Shop Black Festival

June 19th at 11:00 am

For the 2nd year, this festival will celebrate black excellence with food trucks/vendors, live entertainment, vendors from all over the city, and fun for the entire family. The Juneteenth Shop Black Festival will be held downtown at Fourth Bluff Park– Block Party style. COVID 19 guidelines will be followed to ensure everyone’s safety. This will be a free event starting at 11:00am until 6:00pm. The list of local businesses includes Pop’s Kernel, Lennox Watches, Chef Tam’s Underground Café and more. 

For more information on Juneteenth Shop Black Festival, click here!

Shop Black Memphis

June 19th at 1:00pm

Shop Black Memphis is a celebration of black small business owners. Our goal is to provide opportunities and resources for Black Owned Businesses to increase visibility and revenue. This is a celebration of Juneteenth and Black owned entrepreneurs and small businesses. This event will showcase a variety of businesses and their products in an outdoor market atmosphere that is free and open to the public. It is an opportunity to purchase unique, exclusive items from local vendors and support the local community. Click here for more info!

 Memphis Vegan Festival

June 20th at 11:00 am

As more Memphians are choosing plant-based lifestyles, Cynthia Daniels & Co. launches The Memphis Vegan Festival. The festival will feature a fun experience around healthy food.  Memphis Vegan Festival will be a free event held downtown at Fourth Bluff Park, 12:00pm 5:00pm. Patrons can look forward to a day full of vegan food, live entertainment, and a  marketplace featuring local businesses, plant-based health & beauty products, clothing and  accessories. COVID-19 guidelines will be followed to ensure everyone’s safety. The list of local  businesses includes Speed Vegan Magic Food Bus, The Vegan Mom, Shroomlicious Meals, Guilt Free Pastries and more. 

For more information on Memphis Vegan Festival, click here! 

Other Juneteenth Festivities:

Juneteenth at Butteriffic Bakery & Café at Butteriffic Bakery & Cafe

Juneteenth Celebration at Craft Axe Throwing

You might also be interested in: Senior Pet Adoption Month in Memphis

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Some cultures believe how you leave the old year is how you’ll live the new year. If you’ll be stuck in a corner, third-wheeling at your friend’s apartment with their partner and chugging a bottle of Cooks’ Champagne, you might want to reconsider New Years’ Eve plans.

Before you start cooking your black-eyed-peas, check out this list of events and activities in Memphis that’ll seal your 2019 as one year to remember or launch the new decade as one of excitement, thrill and new beginnings.

Hulesy Britt & Cynthia Daniels present The Party Life: NYE Experience at Hilton Memphis

One of the first things you see when you visit nyepartylife.com is this: Leave Your Wallets at Home on NYE! Enjoy Open Bar & Hors D’Oeuvres All Night Long. What else is there to say? What other selling point do you need? An open bar and a purse free party? Sign me up!

Leave your New Year’s Eve experience in the hands of Cynthia Daniels, well-known event coordinator and founder of Memphis Black Restaurant Week along with Memphis 40 Under 40 Urban Elite Awards. One of the most anticipated events of the year, Cynthia Daniels and Hulesy Britt have curated tour de france experience that begs for more after midnight – and the party doesn’t stop. This is a good spot for you to take the bae and their parents if they’re visiting Memphis for the holidays. If you’re looking for sophisticated fun with the boo, a chance to get dressed up with a pair of flats in your purse and a – one more time for the people in the back – AN OPEN BAR, this is where you need to be. Starting at 9 PM, The NYE Experience will jump off at the Hilton Hotel at 939 Ridge Lake Blvd. There will be a balloon drop at midnight with soulful performances from local artists including Courtney Little and Karen Brown. Since the drinks will be flowing all night, consider booking a hotel room for the night with one of the special package offers with ticket sales. Cynthia and Hulesy have made it possible for you to drink and party responsibly. You and your group of friends can secure a table, but move quickly – they’re selling like Chings’ Hotwings.

Curtis Givens and Socialpreneurs present NYE Celebration at Love

“Ain’t no party like a Curtis Givens party!” Memphis’ numero uno socialite and party promoter, Curtis Givens, is linking with Tony Smith and Andy Woods this NYE and giving you a 40/40 club experience that Jay Z would envy. You’ll need your finest garbs for this one. Cub Love, located at 7144 Winchester Rd, is owned by Givens and always provides a good time to its patrons. This may be the closest you’ll get to a P. Diddy 50th birthday bash in Memphis. Tickets and tables can be purchased online, and trust – you’ll want a table to enjoy your drinks, hookah and food that many folks in Memphis enjoy. Don’t miss out on this. The Socialpreneurs are known to throw parties that leave everyone talking the next day, and what better way to start the new decade than with good conversation about a good night. Take your boo or go single and meet a new fling for the new year. #EatDrinkSocialize

NYE Party @ The Peabody Hotel

You think the Peabody won’t turn-up? Think again. This JUNT sells out every year and is packed from wall-to-wall. It’s the most anticipated NYE party in the city. You’ll need to hire a babysitter and find a sequin, shiny outfit quickly if you plan to attend the “South’s Grand Hotel.” Entertainment is hosted by DJ Epic, Seeing Red and a Memphis favorite, Almost Famous. Start your night with a dinner on Main Street and walk over to the Peabody Hotel to dance the year away. Word on the street is VIP is already sold out! So chop chop!

Beale Street

If you’re looking for something a little more easy on the knees and ankles, check out the famous Beale Street! The 8th Wonder of the World is exactly the most epic place to bring in the new decade with fireworks, music and people you’ve never met. Put on your tennis shoes and bar hop from Wet Willies to B.B. King’s. Stop for a hearty dinner at Miss Polly’s or dance for free in the middle of the street (stay clear of the Beale Street flippers). Clubs with live bands and fire dj’s will be sure to be live all night long. Whether you’re in the mood for Blues, Hip Hop, Country or Rhythm and Soul, Beale has everything you need to party away and forget the trials of 2019. Beale will be sure to gather tens of thousands of people as it does each year. If you want to be around the crowd, but not in it – try stopping by popular bars like Tin Roof and The Hu Hotel who are having NYE specials. You must be 21 and above to turn-up!

Speakeasy Spectacular at Minglewood

If you’re looking for a theme-like shindig, try the Speakeasy Spectacular at Minglewood. This party will bring the 1920s to life in 2020. According to their website, you’ll sneak in through a back door with a special password that you’ll receive when you buy your tickets. You’ll be escorted into the 1920s themed area, escorted by bouncers into the “world of bathtub gin, roaring jazz and the sensuality of our smoldering stage shows.” There will be a dance floor where everyone will join for the new year countdown. The party will then transition into 2020 themed ambiance with futuristic lights, lasers and the latest pop hits. There’s also a complimentary buffet and free champagne for the midnight toast. Proceeds go towards Friends for Life and community efforts toward access to PrEp.

NYE Dinner and Dancing at Graceland

Nothing says NYE in Memphis like Dinner and Dancing at Graceland. The Guest House at Graceland is a great escape from the kids, family and groove with your favorite King of Rock-n-Roll. Whether you’re an Elvis fan or just enjoy the architecture and ambiance of the Whitehaven landmark, you’ll enjoy what the Guest House has to offer. Dinner and Dancing for Two includes guestroom, dinner buffet for two people from 8pm – 10pm, champagne toast at midnight and dancing from 9pm – 1am with special guest band, Party Planet.

You don’t have to bring in the New Year at home watching It’s A Wonderful Life for the 10th time this season, or going to Watch Night service at your grandmother’s church. Start the decade with some new Memphis traditions with friends or make new ones. Kick off your new year in Memphis style and TURN UP!

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A new century of soul is not just a slogan; it is a call to all who live, love, and enjoy Memphis to play a part in shaping the next 100 years to come. The Memphis Bicentennial celebration is a chance for the city to show off its various development projects (e.g., Crosstown, One Beale, Central Station, Medical District, Methodist University Hospital, and St. Jude/The Pinch District). It brings together the business, arts, culinary, and scientific/research communities to celebrate everything uniquely Memphis and build on its progress toward bridging communities and working to create a unified Memphis.

200 years in the making

Founded on the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River (hence its nickname the “Bluff City”), Memphis is the overlook into southwestern Tennessee, eastern Arkansas, and the northern part of Mississippi. It was founded on May 22, 1819, by, among its founders, General Andrew Jackson, who would go on ten years later and serve as the seventh President of the United States. The city has grown from an important center of trade for cotton, through immigration and post-war migration of free African-Americans, from around 40,000 residents in the 1860s to more than 1.3 million in 2017 according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This makes Memphis the 42^nd largest city in the U.S. by population and an important center in the Mid-South region.

Two hundred years has transformed Memphis into a metropolitan area that hosts major colleges and universities, a professional basketball team, a minor-league baseball affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, and major corporations and research facilities such as FedEx and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Two hundred years has helped bring together different population groups and together they have formed a new century of soul for this growing metropolis.

Celebrating the Memphis Bicentennial

There are many events and activities planned around the Memphis Bicentennial Celebration. Each one is designed to pay tribute to the city’s past (all parts of it) and the important role Memphis has played in forming a nation. A look will be taken at the leaders in politics and civics, sports, entertainment and music, and the change-makers that are at the forefront of ushering in a new Memphis.

Thirty-eight distinct cultures make up Memphis. The Memphis in May International Festival looks to honor these cultures and their contribution to the city. Memphis Fashion Week in April will provide a platform for artists, models, designers, and stylists to show their work that is uniquely Memphis. The art of George Hunt and his commissioned work will be on display during the Art of Beale Street Music Festival, also in April. The music of Beale Street will also be played during the Beale Street Festival in May. Other events planned feature walking tours, a BBQ championship, concerts, and neighborhood-based activities. Plan to visit Memphis sometime in 2019 for its Bicentennial celebration and experience its true soul!

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This celebration, taking place on May 25th, promises to be one of the highlights of 2019 for those living and visiting Memphis. May is just around the corner, and it’s good to know what to expect as preparations are being made for what is a year-long celebration of the founding of the city. Here are some of the things that have taken place leading up to the big 200th birthday celebration and some of the things you should expect from the Memphis bicentennial celebration.

Events leading up to the May 22 celebration

This year-round celebration has focused on the history, culture, arts, music, sports and food that have all been a part of forming the city’s identity. It grew from a planned city on the banks of the Mississippi River to a fast-growing cultural and population center of 652,000 residents. The city has maintained many of its old traditions while embracing the advances and technologies of modern living to become the thriving metropolis that it is today.

Some of the events that have taken place or are going on prior to May 22 include those that celebrate every aspect of Memphis life. One example is the Pink Palace Family of Museum exhibit entitled, “Making Memphis: 200 Years of Community,” which celebrates the stories of the past, present and future of the city. Other events leading up to the big day include the 2019 Memphis in May International Festival Honors Memphis, a 42-year event celebrating the cultures of 38 countries in the world, and A Taste of Memphis culinary event scheduled in April.

What to expect from the May 22 Memphis bicentennial celebration

May 22, 2019 is a date you should mark on your calendar and make plans to be in the city for a celebration to end all celebrations. The Memphis bicentennial celebration is scheduled to be held as a limited-seating large gala with dinner and entertainment. All 200 years that have formed the history of the city will be celebrated. The event will serve as the kickoff for the city’s bicentennial summer.

Additional Reading

https://mem200.com/

https://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2016/nov/15/citys-bicentennial-in-2019-prompts-memphis-30-plan-to-map-future/

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For 42 years, Memphis in May has brought the world to Memphis by saluting the cultures of 38 different countries. But this year, instead of saluting a country, Memphis in May will honor a city. A city with a rich heritage and colorful history. A city whose culture has impacted the world, and is poised for an even greater brighter, future. For 2019, Memphis in May’s annual salute will honor our hometown, the city of Memphis!

2019 will mark a momentous milestone for Memphis, and Memphis in May will join in celebrating our city’s 200th anniversary and welcoming the next 100 years to come. This is an opportunity to further elevate Memphis with our global reach sharing the history, culture, and vision of Memphis and Shelby County.

Memphis has changed the world and will continue to do so. We’re a city of doers, dreamers, and believers. We create, we invent, we experiment, and this year we invite the world to experience our beautiful home on the banks of the Mississippi River. The Bluff City, home of the blues, soul, and rock-n-roll. A city where grit and grind are more than our team’s slogans, they are who we are. Determined, passionate, authentic, soulful, and unstoppable.

A new theme, a new century

The bicentennial isn’t just a celebration of the last 200 years. It’s a celebration of the things to come. And there are a lot of things coming for the city. From billions of dollars in construction to new business partners and a growing economy, there is much to look forward to in the years to come.

That is why the theme for the celebration is “A New Century of Soul.”

Memphis has always been about its heart. From the very founding of the city to where it is today, the heart and soul of its citizens are the lifeblood, pumping new ideas from its core. A New Century of Soul is a celebration of exactly that.

Kicking it off

The bicentennial celebration is set to kick off on April 26. This begins a two-day festival in which those interested can take part in the world-famous Tennessee Whiskey Trail. At the main location of the festival, distillers from not just Memphis but around the state will come to show off their finest products. It’s an opportunity to experience some of the best American-produced spirits.

For those who are not whiskey enthusiasts, there will still be plenty of other activities to take part in on April 26 and 27.

May 22 is the official birthday of Memphis. The birthday will be hosted by the United Way Mid-South, and volunteers will come together on this day to provide aid to areas around Memphis. Whether it’s help cleaning up portions of the city or other donations, United Way wants to help Memphis residents beautify the city.

Now, everything comes to a head on May 25. This is geared to be the largest celebration the city of Memphis has every seen. More information on everything (and everyone) taking part on May 25th will come out as the date approaches. However, it will be hosted by Memphis in May and will take place in Tom Lee Park.

The beginning of the celebration will honor all the people and neighborhoods that have made Memphis what it is today.

Continuing the celebration

Of course, the bicentennial celebration is not just one day. It’s an entire year. It continues on for the Audacity Fest, which kicks off on September 27.

Then the official last day of the celebration (right before the winter holidays) is November 24, where Shelby County 200 and each municipality will come together to close out the ceremony and the year at Shelby Farms Park.

Join us as we celebrate what makes Memphis unique. From it’s iconic music to it’s contribution to global cuisine. We’ll salute our innovators and creators. The attractions and soulful spirit of Memphis that draws millions from around the world to our city.

To see more Memphis Bicentennial events click here!

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Love good music, good food, and the finest Tennessee Spirits? Then you don’t want to miss this festival!

Spirits & Soul is a 2-Day Festival that brings the Tennessee Whiskey Trail to downtown Memphis, TN as part of the kick-off to the city’s Bicentennial Celebration, A New Century of Soul. April 25-27, Distillers from around the state will join artist, tastemakers and local businesses of South Main Historic Arts District for a weekend of good music, good food, and the finest Tennessee Spirits.

Ultimate Whiskey Sipping Experience

This is your chance to Share A Sip with local distillers from around Tennessee. Some distilleries you will have heard of, others that are new to the scene, and with a Spirits & Soul Festival Pass you have access to all of them. Friday, April 26 is your chance to access samples plus rare bottles for purchase you can only get at Spirits & Soul Fest. Saturday enjoy a Block Party with handmade cocktails made just for The Festival. Tell your friends to meet you in Memphis, your ultimate whiskey sipping experience awaits.

DAY 1 | FRIDAY, APRIL 26

Trolley Night (6-9pm)

A traditional South Main Trolley Night will be transformed into a downtown Memphis civic fair by pairing Distillers from the TN Whiskey Trail with storefronts in Memphis’ Historic Arts District. From 6-9pm, walk down South Main Historic Arts District while enjoying samples of local spirits from across Tennessee, live music, food trucks, and a new century of downtown Memphis Soul. Spirits & Soul Trolley Night is free to the public. Spirits sampling is limited by the purchase of your 1-Day or 2-Day Spirits & Soul Festival Pass.

Amenities Include:

• Access to distiller’s from across the state.
• Access to samples from TN made spirits.
• Access to purchase rare bottles of TN spirits that are hard to come by. (Friday Night offering only)
• Access to local tastemakers and artists.
• Access to regional favorite food trucks.
• Experience South Main Historic Arts District like never before.
• Free Live Memphis Music.

DAY 2 | SATURDAY, APRIL 27

Block Party (12-5pm)

Continuing our TN Whiskey Trail launch and pre-Memphis Bicentennial celebration, Old Dominick is hosting a Spirits & Soul Block Party from 12-5pm located just South of The Distillery. Enjoy handmade cocktails from each distillery across the state, regional favorite food trucks, and live music. Spirits & Soul Block Party is a ticketed event and cocktail samples are limited by the purchase of your 1-Day or 2-Day Spirits & Soul Festival Pass.

Amenities Include:

• Access to distiller’s from across the state.
• *Access to handmade cocktails from each distillery across the state.* (Saturday offering only)
• Access to local tastemakers and artists.
• Access to regional favorite food trucks.
• Free Live Memphis Music.

Sound like fun? Of course it does!

You also might be interested in: Memphis Restaurants | Best Restaurants Memphis TN | Food & Drinks

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Summer is ending, which means the advent of fall is well underway. And while summer is known as a time for vacations and excursions, the changing of the seasons should never mean Memphians have to abandon fun trips and weekend events.

The post 4 fun Memphis events to explore this fall! appeared first on We Are Memphis.

If you’re planning to get hitched in Memphis, you have a lot of great venue options to choose from. From elegant mansions and opulent halls to blank canvases and vibrant outdoor spaces, Memphis has it all. Here are five of our favorites:

1. The Peabody Hotel

An iconic fixture of Downtown Memphis, the Peabody Hotel should be at the top of your list if you’ve always imagined getting married in a luxuriant, historic setting. Often referred to as “The South’s Grand Hotel,” the Peabody offers several elegant ballrooms of different sizes, ensuring a viable option for any wedding or reception party.

2. Annesdale Mansion

This 1850s Italianate-style villa is rich in Southern charm. Complete with a tree-lined drive, hand-painted ceilings and crystal chandeliers, Annesdale Mansion is nestled among 7.5 acres of luxurious lawns and gardens in Midtown Memphis’ Annesdale Snowden Historic District. Seeking the perfect backdrop for a traditional, romantic Southern wedding? Look no further.

3. Memphis Botanic Garden

The sweeping green spaces of the Memphis Botanic Garden encompass 96 beautiful acres, including several different indoor and outdoor areas available for wedding bookings. If there’s anywhere more idyllic to get married than a serene outdoor sanctuary, we can’t think of it.

4. Propcellar

The idea of a blank canvas with which to create an entire wedding from scratch sounds like a nightmare for some couples and a dream for others. If you fall into the latter category, Propcellar is for you. This warehouse space is bright and airy, with tall ceilings, concrete floors, countless windows and, best of all, nothing to get in the way of your personal vision. And if that vision incorporates a rustic ambiance, Propcellar will provide beautiful antique furniture rentals for your wedding or reception.

5. Dixon Gallery and Gardens

As its name suggests, Dixon Gallery and Gardens is both an art museum and an event venue that can accommodate up to 200 wedding guests. Have your ceremony or reception on the intimate and cozy South Lawn Stage, or there’s a handsome pavilion and 17 acres of vibrant lawns, gardens and woodlands on-site.

Picking a wedding venue may seem daunting, but with so many quality options available here in Memphis, you’re bound to find something that fits both your dreams and your budget. Best of luck—oh, and congratulations!

You might also be interested in: The Peabody Memphis wins ‘Best Historic Hotel’

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Memphis Black Restaurant Week Sets Dates

This year’s week is March 5 through March 11. For those curious about exploring the restaurant culture of Memphis, it represents a roadmap through some of the most revered establishments in town.

Daniels created Memphis Black Restaurant Week after discussion with local black-owned restaurants seemed to point towards one thing. While many enjoyed a good word-of-mouth reputation around town, they lacked the marketing resources and acumen to really effectively market their business.

To that end, Daniels perceived a need. By themselves, they couldn’t invest much in marketing to really call attention to themselves. Together, however, their shared resources allowed them to more aggressively market themselves collectively under the Black Restaurant Week banner.

2018 Lineup

• HM Dessert Lounge
• The Office Uptown
• Scoops Parlor
• Two Vegan Sisters
• Chef Tam’s Underground Cafe
• G Alston
• Lenny ‘s Subs
• Slice of Soul Pizza Lounge
• Laura’s Kitchen
• A&R BBQ
• The Waffle Iron

Making a Difference for the Memphis Community

In its maiden voyage, Daniels didn’t expect a big financial gain from her efforts, instead simply focusing on teaching the business owners how to manage their marketing budgets most effectively. To her surprise, it was a huge success, increasing profits for the restaurants a total of $85k for the week. The restaurants involved this year will again enjoy a great level of exposure, and for those new restaurants, it will represent a chance to make a good first impression. All told, Daniels’ Black Restaurant Week has featured 22 restaurants and accounted for an increase in sales of $260k for those participating, and most importantly, the creation of 90 new jobs.

For more information on Memphis Black Restaurant Week, check this out!

You might also be interested in: Memphis Riverfront: History and Future Developments

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