MEMPHIS, Tenn. — It's May in the month of Memphis, and there are lots of exciting events to enjoy the warmer weather in the Mid-South.
All month long
The Memphis Botanic Garden is hosting the Rivertown Artists Spring Fling Exhibition all month long in the Grand Hallway. There will be a special “Meet the Artist” gathering on Saturday, May 11, from 2-4 p.m.
The Memphis 2024 Exhibition runs through May and until June 30 at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens. It's free and features all types art including paintings, sculpture, fabric art, photography, and more.
Among other exciting events at the Germantown Performing Arts Center, GPAC also hosts its Concert in the Grove series on Thursdays at 6:30 p.m., and Happy Hour in the Grove on Fridays from 5-8 p.m.
May 2
The Cooper-Young neighborhood hosts a night out celebration the first Thursday of each month. Restaurants, bars, and retail stay open late to offer up live music, discounts on food and drink, sidewalk sales, trivia games, shuffleboard, and more. It runs from 5-8 p.m.
It's time again for the annual Rooftop Parties at the Peabody Hotel in downtown Memphis. It kicks off May 2 with the band Almost Famous. The party season runs through Aug. 15. Find the full schedule at https://www.peabodymemphis.com/rooftop-parties.
May 3-5
Mempho Presents brings the Riverbeat Music Festival to Tom Lee Park in downtown Memphis May 3-5. The three-day music festival features headliners like The Fugees, Odesza, and Jelly Roll, and more across five stages. Find tickets at https://riverbeat.frontgatetickets.com/.
May 3
First Friday's on Broad is celebrating mom this month. Participating shops in the Broad Ave. Arts District will be open late offering treats, refreshments, and discounts as you shop for Mother's Day.
May 4
You can't go May the 4th without a bit of Star Wars. The Memphis Symphony Orchestra presents the music of Star Wars - and costumes are encouraged! It runs 7:30-9:45 p.m. Learn more at https://memphissymphony.org/calendar/magic-of-memphis-3az7t-cgn6h-apm7t.
The 8th Annual Sea Isle Park 5k is also celebrating Star Wars Day, and costumes are encouraged for the race. The 3.1-mile course is stroller-friendly course. Learn more at https://raceroster.com/events/2024/87089/sea-isle-park-5k.
The Works, Inc. is hosting a free Community Resource Fair and Family Fun Day Out from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Renaissance Pocket Park, 1471 Mississippi Boulevard. Several organizations will be on hand, and there will be free food trucks, live entertainment, a game truck, arts and crafts and a family fitness activity.
Memphis Roller Derby is holding its Memphis in Mayhem tournament - a triple header featuring Memphis' hometown teams and Birmingham's Tragic City Rollers. It all starts at noon at the Agricenter. Learn more at https://www.memphisrollerderby.com/schedule/memphis-in-mayhem-home-team-tournament.
The Big Squeeze Food Truck Festival is happening in The Grove at GPAC with music by Memphis Jones! Gates open at 4:30 p.m. with a performance by opening duo Oakwalker beginning at 5:00 PM.
May 5
Join the Memphis Listening Lab, the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, and the Memphis music community in celebrating the life, legacy, and music of Johnnie Taylor on what would have been his 90th birthday. It's free from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Crosstown Concourse Memphis Listening Lab.
Join the Memphis Library Foundation at Wiseacre celebrating local libraries. Family, friends and dogs are welcome. Tickets only need to be purchased for those age 21 and up, and cover entry to the tent, live music from TURNSTYLES, and a free beer or pre-made cocktails. There will be free activities for the kids, games for the family and giveaways! All ticket proceeds go to support the Memphis Public Libraries.
May 10
Comedian Gabriel Iglesias will perform live at FedExForum on May 10, 2024.
May 10-12
A celebration of ballet and contemporary dance at The Buckman Performing and Fine Arts Center at St. Mary's Episcopal.
May 11
A 5K and a 1-mile Family Fun Run with music, food, beverages, pickleball and fun for all ages. Learn more at https://orion5k.raceroster.com/.
The Art For All Festival is a celebration of arts and culture organizations across Shelby County. It runs from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art.
May 12
Mother's Day
It's Mother's Day and there will be events across the area, including Symphony in the Gardens at Dixon Gallery and Gardens, Mother's Day at the Memphis Botanic Garden, Mother's Day Brunch at the Peabody, and more.
May 15-18
The Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is a four-day competition held at Liberty Park. Teams compete for the title of World Champion and a share of the more than $150,000 in prize money.
May 16-18
The inaugural SmokeSlam Barbecue Festival is happening at Tom Lee Park in downtown Memphis. Besides the BBQ, there will be live music, including Tone Loc, Rob Base, Young MC, War, The Bar-Kays, and St. Paul & the Broken Bones. Learn more at https://smokeslam.com/.
May 17
Director Jamila Wignot presents a preview of the first episode of the new HBO docuseries STAX: Soulsville U.S.A., followed by a panel discussion with Wignot and key participants. It begins at 7 p.m. at Crosstown Theater at Crosstown Concourse.
May 18
Comic book lovers will love this free event at Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library. It runs from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., with free graphic novels for the first 200 in attendance. Legendary comic creators Matt Wagner and Gene Ha will be on hand, as well as more than 50 local vendors.
Jazz Saturdays at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art kicks off May 18. It's from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays through June 15. It's free for members, and free with general admission. https://www.brooksmuseum.org/event/jazz-saturdays-5.
You Look Like is a Memphis Comedy show where comedians battle head-to-head in a all-for-fun roasting competition. It's held every third Saturday and starts at 9 p.n. at the Hi-Tone.
May 18-19
The Cooper-Young Garden Walk kicks off the 2024 City Wide Garden Walk, a six-week summer event for garden lovers. During the two-day event, explore hidden gardens with speakers, musicians, and garden vendors. Learn more about the City Wide Garden Walk at https://experiencememphisgardens.org/.
May 25
The Great American River Run features a half-marathon, 10K and 5K that starts and ends in AutoZone Park. Register at https://memphisinmay.org/events/great-american-river-run-2/.
May 29
Don't miss Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind, & Fire at FedExForum. Learn more at https://fedexforum.com/events/-lionel-richie-with-earth-wind-fire-sing-a-song-all-night-long-240529.
May 30
The Sunset Skate is back on the last Thursday of April - August, 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. at River Garden (51 Riverside Drive). It's free fun for the family. Learn more at https://memphisriverparks.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events#/events/2473.
Megan Thee Stallion heats up FedExForum with the Hot Girl Summer Tour, with special guest GloRilla. Learn more at https://fedexforum.com/events/megan-thee-stallion-hot-girl-summer-tour-240530.
May 31
Shrek the Musical begins its run at the Orpheum. Find tickets and learn more at https://orpheum-memphis.com/event/shrek.