Located near the Memphis International Airport and the business district in East Memphis, the Memphis Vitality Hotel is your comfortable base. With amenities like a free breakfast, a swimming pool, and a fitness center, it’s perfect whether you’re on a road trip or traveling with pets. From here, you can enjoy the top events in Memphis all year long.
Regardless of your travel dates, first consult our Events Calendar to discover inspiring entertainment during your stay at Memphis Vitality Hotel; then, for complete details, you can also browse our Events Memphis Guide.
In this post
- Events and entertainment in Memphis: get your guide
- Events in Memphis from January to May
- Events in Memphis from June to September
- Events in Memphis from October to December
Events and entertainment in Memphis: get your guide
Want to know what’s happening in Memphis each month? Plan your visit around the best local happenings. From live concerts to food festivals, Memphis offers activities and events all year. The city’s vibrant vibe lets visitors mix with locals. You can soak up musical and cultural festivals in Memphis. Explore our events in Memphis calendar and never miss a highlight.
Events in Memphis from January to May
Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Weekend
Get ready to dive into Elvis’s world for two days at one of the top events in Memphis. At Graceland, world-class tribute artists perform his iconic hits. Enjoy concerts, photo ops, and more at Elvis Presley’s home.
Memphis Tattoo Festival
Ink lovers meet top tattoo artists from around the globe. This three-day festival features live art, contests, and walk-in sessions. Join the Memphis Tattoo Festival for creativity and community vibes.
World Championship Hot Wing Contest & Festival
This spicy wing competition is a must for heat fans. Enjoy food, music, and fun contests. Proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Memphis. Sample Memphis’s best wing recipes at one of the most popular events in Memphis, all set to blues, soul, and rock & roll beats! Learn more about authentic Southern cuisine.
Shell Daze Music Festival
Shell Daze is a one-day music festival at the Overton Park Shell. You’ll find food trucks, craft beer booths, and live acts. Local and national artists take the stage. Kick off spring with a night of live music at Shell Daze.
World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest
Pitmasters from around the world flock to this contest. It is one of the nation’s most prestigious barbecue events. This four-day cook-off dates back to 1978. See them grill ribs, shoulder, and whole hog. There are also Hot Wings, Sauce, and “Anything But Pork” categories. Enjoy tasty samples and cheer on your favorite team.
The Great American River Run
This race weekend features a half marathon and a full marathon. It runs along the Mississippi River in downtown Memphis. Held on Memorial Day weekend, the views are stunning. Finishers earn a medal, a race shirt, and a post-run party invite. Celebrate with food and cold beer.
Memphis In May International Festival
Memphis in May runs for one whole month. Each year it honors a different country. Enjoy concerts, exhibits, and cultural showcases. Meet visiting artists, speakers, and celebrities. This global exchange boosts local pride and tourism.
Beale Street Music Festival
The Beale Street Music Festival features national and local talent. Lasting three days, it pays tribute to Memphis’s music heritage. It kicks off the Memphis in May celebrations. Four main stages host headliners. Street performers line Beale Street too.
901Fest
Since 2016, 901Fest spotlights local musicians, artists, and vendors. The event also includes an air show and fireworks. It’s a celebration of Memphis spirit and community.
Visiting in spring? Take advantage of our Easter specials at the Memphis Vitality Hotel.
Events in Memphis from June to September
Mid-South Pride Parade & Festival
The Mid-South Pride Parade & Festival brings fun to Beale Street. It winds through historic neighborhoods. Everyone is welcome at this colorful celebration.
Juneteenth
Juneteenth marks the day enslaved African Americans gained freedom. Memphis first celebrated in 1993 at Douglass Park. Since 2021, it is a national holiday. Enjoy a weekend of music, exhibits, workshops, and street food. Catch performances by the African Jazz Ensemble and the National Jookin League.
Elvis Week
Elvis’s legacy shines each August. Thousands of fans gather for Elvis Week. The week includes concerts, film screenings, and Graceland pilgrimages. Honor the King’s music and films in style.
Delta Fair & Music Festival
At Agricenter International in East Memphis, find rides, live music, and local food. Experience classic fair fun with a Southern twist, perfect for families.
Southern Heritage Classic Weekend
This historic football game happens annually at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. It pits the Arkansas–Pine Bluff Golden Lions against the Tennessee State Tigers. Enjoy tailgate games, live music, and street food all day.
Cooper-Young Festival
Cooper-Young’s neighborhood street party features live music, food trucks, and artisan vendors. Support local creators and enjoy a community vibe.
Mid-South Fair
The Mid-South Fair returns each year with shows, attractions, and carnival rides. It’s a family-friendly event for all ages.
Pink Palace Crafts Fair
Artisans from across the country gather at the Pink Palace Crafts Fair. Spend a weekend exploring handmade art, demos, and entertainment.
Mempho Music Festival
One of Memphis’s largest music festivals spans three days. It features world-class musicians at Radians Amphitheatre and the Memphis Botanic Garden. Don’t miss Mempho’s eclectic line‑up.
Events in Memphis from October to December
River Arts Fest
River Arts Fest celebrates fine art and music. Over 150 artists showcase live work. It is the Mid‑South’s biggest art gathering. Browse paintings, sculptures, and street performances.
Cooper-Young Beerfest
Cooper-Young Beerfest showcases over 30 craft breweries. Sample local brews in the heart of the Cooper‑Young neighborhood. Cheers to great beer and community.
Broad Ave Art Walk
Broad Ave Art Walk features live music, over 60 local artists, and makers. Find kid‑friendly crafts, tasty bites, and cold drinks. Explore the Broad Ave Arts District.
Indie Memphis Film Festival
Indie Memphis Film Festival fuels community spirit with independent films. Enjoy local, national, and international screenings. Join Q&As and filmmaker talks.
Raised by Sound Fest
Raised by Sound Fest takes over the Crosstown Theater. Catch live sets from international artists. Stay late for DJ after‑parties.
Planning a holiday visit? Enjoy our Christmas and New Year’s Eve packages.
Memphis Vitality Hotel: your best base for events in Memphis
Memphis has an unbeatable calendar of events memphis residents and visitors love. From concerts to fairs, events in Memphis continue to delight all year. Check our events in Memphis calendar. Then book your room at Memphis Vitality Hotel with our special deals. Experience your favorite happenings firsthand.
Between events, explore nearby coffee shops or, if you are in the city for business talks, plan a meeting in our meeting rooms.