Fall things to do in Memphis: 19 fairs, festivals and other events you won't want to miss

Bob Mehr, Memphis Commercial Appeal
Updated ·9 min read

Fall will bring a bounty of fairs, festivals and fun events to Memphis and the Mid-South.

From music fests to racing dachshunds, fair rides to a "Classic" gridiron showdown, there's something for all interests. (There's even a Bacon & Bourbon Festival.)

Here are the events you won't want to miss this fall (and late summer) in the Memphis area.

Elvis Week

Aug. 9-17, Graceland

The annual Elvis Week festivities will feature a mix of activities, events, concerts and programming. Among the highlights are the “Elvis: Return to Vegas” show, featuring Elvis on the big screen accompanied by a live band; the Elvis Fan Choice Awards, a night offering some glitz and glamour where your Elvis favorites are revealed; “Elvis: Back in Memphis Concert,” a tribute to the music Elvis recorded in his hometown; plus the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist events and contests; Conversations on Elvis; and much more. And, of course, the week’s cornerstone event, the annual Candlelight Vigil, will take place Aug. 15, as fans gather to honor Elvis' legacy. The Candlelight Vigil is free, other events are ticketed.

To purchase tickets or for more information, go to Elvisweek.com.

Ivan Martinez of Boston, Mass., takes a photograph of his wife, Ymelda Duran, in front of the entrance to Elvis Presley’s Memphis on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2020, at Graceland in Memphis.
Ivan Martinez of Boston, Mass., takes a photograph of his wife, Ymelda Duran, in front of the entrance to Elvis Presley’s Memphis on Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2020, at Graceland in Memphis.

Memphis Chicken & Beer Festival

Aug. 10, Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium

The sixth annual Memphis Chicken & Beer Festival is set for Aug. 10. The event will take place on the field of Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. Tickets are $42 and include admission into the event, a souvenir glass, with all beverage samples benefitting Merge Memphis. There will be live entertainment throughout the event, as well as yard games, inflatables, and more. Local restaurants will have food available for purchase. This is a 21-and-over event.

For more information, visit Memphischickenandbeer.com.

Delta Fair & Music Festival

Vendor Abraham Moza hangs bags of cotton candy at the annual Delta Fair & Music Festival at the Agricenter International on Sept. 8, 2021.
Vendor Abraham Moza hangs bags of cotton candy at the annual Delta Fair & Music Festival at the Agricenter International on Sept. 8, 2021.

Aug. 30-Sept. 8. Agricenter International

Carnival rides, games, live music and delicious fair food come together for the annual Delta Fair & Music Festival at the Agricenter. The event runs from Aug. 30-Sept. 8.

For more information, visit Deltafest.com.

Germantown Festival

Tatum, center, owned by Connor and Davis Johnson, gives his competition an earful while competing in the Running of the Weenies during the 44th annual Germantown Festival at Germantown Civic Club Complex on Sept. 12, 2015.
Tatum, center, owned by Connor and Davis Johnson, gives his competition an earful while competing in the Running of the Weenies during the 44th annual Germantown Festival at Germantown Civic Club Complex on Sept. 12, 2015.

Sept. 7-8, Germantown Civic Club

One of the longest, continuously run festivals in the area, the 51st annual Germantown Festival will once again provide a free weekend of family fun at the Germantown Civic Club Complex, 7745 Poplar Pike, in September. The festival celebrates arts and crafts, offers children’s activities, rides and games, as well as live stage entertainment, car exhibits, community displays, the Running of the Weenies Dachshund race and foods for all tastes.For more information, visit Germantownfest.com.

Zoo Rendezvous

Sept. 7, Memphis Zoo

It will be the ultimate night out on Sept. 7 at the Zoo Rendezvous. Indulge in an endless selection of delectable bites and cocktails from the city's top restaurants, trendy food trucks and chic bars — as you help to support the Memphis Zoo’s mission. This year's event will feature live music from local artists including Nick Black, The YAMS, DJ Nyce Lyfe, DJ Bassventura and Stan Bell. This is a 21-and-over event. Tickets for Zoo members: $175 per person, through July 31. $200 per person starting Aug. 1. Non-members: $200 per person.

For more information, visit Memphiszoo.org.

Southern Heritage Classic

University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s marching band performs during the Southern Heritage Classic Parade through Orange Mound in Memphis on Sept. 9, 2023.
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s marching band performs during the Southern Heritage Classic Parade through Orange Mound in Memphis on Sept. 9, 2023.

Sept. 12-14, various venues

The 35th annual edition of the Southern Heritage Classic will run Sept. 12-14, with a series of concerts and cultural events, culminating in a football game between University of Arkansas Pine Bluff and Tennessee State at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. R&B queen Patti LaBelle will headline the annual Classic Concert in Memphis this year at the Orpheum on Sept. 12, while Tamia & Joe will play the Landers Center on Sept. 13. A career fair, tailgate parties and a golf tournament are also on tap.

For more information, visit Southernheritageclassic.com.

Cooper-Young Festival

Attendees walk down the street and look at booths during the Cooper-Young Festival in Midtown Memphis on Sept. 16, 2023.
Attendees walk down the street and look at booths during the Cooper-Young Festival in Midtown Memphis on Sept. 16, 2023.

Sept. 14, Cooper-Young Historic District

Celebrate all things Memphis during the annual Guaranty Bank Cooper-Young Festival. Now in its 36th year, CYFEST is the largest outdoor festival in Memphis. This event has grown to be one of the Bluff City’s most-anticipated and well-attended events (with more than 130,000 patrons), and one of the last free festivals of its kind. Guests will enjoy an appealing mix of art, music and crafts presented by more than 400 artisans from around the country.

For more information, visit Cooperyoungfestival.com.

Mid-South Fair

Sisters Heidi Brann, 13, and Ainsley, 9, ride the swing chairs on opening day of the Mid-South Fair at the Landers Center in Southaven on Sept. 20, 2018.
Sisters Heidi Brann, 13, and Ainsley, 9, ride the swing chairs on opening day of the Mid-South Fair at the Landers Center in Southaven on Sept. 20, 2018.

Sept. 19-29, Landers Center

The Mid-South Fair has long been dedicated to providing safe, family-oriented entertainment for all on an annual basis. Since the first fair was held in 1856, the event has strived to educate those living in the Mid-South and to provide opportunities to grow and showcase their talents by granting scholarships, as well as hosting art contests, competitive youth talent competitions and the Miss Mid-South Fair Pageant. Fairgoers will have the chance to enjoy more than 50 rides and a wide array of ground acts stationed around the property. Food and beverage vendors will be out in full force serving up Fair favorites such as funnel cakes, candied apples, turkey legs, corn dogs and a variety of beverages for the whole family.

For more information, visit Landerscenter.com.

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Bourbon & Bacon Festival

Sept. 20, FedEx Events Center at Shelby Farms

The Memphis Bacon & Bourbon Festival will offer bacon-inspired dishes of all kinds from some great Memphis restaurants, plus a vast array of distilled spirits to tempt your tastebuds. There will be music and merriment and a whole lot of bacon and bourbon, with a portion of all proceeds going to the Memphis Farmers Market. Tickets $50-$99.

For more information, visit Memphisbaconandbourbon.com.

Memphis Greek Festival

The Memphis Greek Festival will celebrate its 65th event Sept. 20-21 at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 573 N. Highland.
The Memphis Greek Festival will celebrate its 65th event Sept. 20-21 at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 573 N. Highland.

Sept. 20-21, Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

The Memphis Greek Festival will celebrate its 65th event Sept. 20-21 at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 573 N. Highland. Attendees can enjoy live music, eat Greek cuisine and take a tour of the church. The popular "drive-thru" featuring Greek dishes like souvlakia, pasticcio and moussaka will once again be back. Tickets are $3 per person.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Memphisgreekfestival.com.

Memphis Brewfest

Sept. 21, Memphis Sports and Events Center

The Memphis Brewfest is an annual celebration of all things beer. The 14th edition of the event is set for Sept. 21 at the Memphis Sports and Events Center, 995 Early Maxwell Blvd. The popular beer lovers' fest features local food trucks, live music, games, vendors and — as always — unlimited beer samples from 50-plus breweries and cideries from around the world. A VIP ticket gets you fast entry, private restrooms and special beer samples.

For more information and tickets, visit Memphisbrewfest.com.

Latin Fest 901

Dancers perform during Latin Fest in Memphis on Sept. 25, 2021.
Dancers perform during Latin Fest in Memphis on Sept. 25, 2021.

Sept. 21, Overton Square

Presented by Cazateatro Bilingual Theater Group, the annual Latin Fest 901 is part of the celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. The free event — which takes place at Overton Square on Sept. 21 — will offer a place to gather with family and friends to listen and dance to live Latin music and enjoy Latin food and drinks. There will also be crafts for kids and various vendors on hand.

For more information, visit Cazateatro.org.

Gonerfest 21

Sept. 26 to 29, Railgarten and other venues

The annual rock festival staged by Cooper-Young-based Goner Records will bring more than 30 bands over four days to Memphis. Headlined by Bay Area Budget Rock legends The Rip Offs and Derv Gordon of '60s/'70s UK freakbeat heroes the Equals, Gonerfest 21 will showcase another unique and wide-ranging bill featuring bands, MCs and DJs from Memphis and around the world.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Gonerfest.com.

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Elixir Ultimate Cocktail Party

Sept. 28, Hilton Memphis

Elixir is the perfect blend of the hottest sounds and lavish cuisine in Memphis. Enjoy the Ultimate Cocktail Party featuring 10 DJs, live music performances and six different themed party rooms — including the Velvet Room, Silent Room, Lit Lounge, Space Age Lounge, Cigar Lounge and the newly added Reggae Room. Tickets for the event — set for Sept. 28 at the Hilton Memphis, 939 Ridge Lake Blvd. — start at $35. VIP packages are also available.

To purchase tickets or for more information, visit Eventbrite.com.

Mempho Music Festival

Oct. 4-6, Radians Amphitheater

Phish frontman Trey Anastasio, rockers Queens of the Stone Age, "outlaw" country artist Cody Jinks and hip-hop collective The Roots are among the acts set to perform during this year's seventh annual Mempho Music Festival. The event is scheduled for Oct. 4-6 at Radians Amphitheater at the Memphis Botanic Garden, the festival's home since 2021.

For three-day passes or single-day tickets, visit Memphofest.com.

Black Arts & Wine Festival

Oct. 5, Museum of Science & History

Experience Black-owned wine brands while shopping with Blacks artists and creatives, as the annual Black Arts & Wine Festival returns to the MoSH. Shop with local vendors, vibe with local DJs and try dishes from popular Memphis food vendors. Tickets are $65 with VIP packages at $150.

To purchase tickets and for more information, visit Blackartsandwinefestival.com.

Cooper-Young Beerfest

Cooper-Young Beerfest is an annual beer festival that raises funds for the Cooper-Young Community Association.
Cooper-Young Beerfest is an annual beer festival that raises funds for the Cooper-Young Community Association.

Oct. 19, Midtown Autowerks

The 14th annual Cooper-Young Beerfest will take place Oct. 19. This annual fundraising event benefits the Cooper-Young Community Association (CYCA) and the proceeds are used to keep the beloved Midtown Memphis neighborhood clean, friendly, safe and welcoming to all who visit. The regional festival will offer beers from breweries located within a day’s drive of Cooper-Young. As in years past, the festival will be held at Midtown Autowerks, 795 S. Cooper.For more information and tickets, visit cybeerfest.org.

RiverArtsFest

Oct. 19-20, Riverside Drive

The annual RiverArtsFest is a celebration of fine arts and local music with live artist demonstrations and hands-on art activities for all ages. More than 150 artists from around the country and from Memphis gather to exhibit and sell their latest works in what’s become the largest juried artist market and urban festival in the Mid-South. The event — which takes place on Oct. 19-20, Downtown on Riverside Drive — is free.

For more information, go to Riverartsmemphis.org.

Downtown Dining Week

Date TBA, Various locations Downtown

Downtown Dining Week returns in 2024 for its 15th year. The exact dates have yet to be set, but it is traditionally the first week of November. Expect a variety of Downtown restaurants to take part, from fine dining to casual eateries to gathering spots like bars and coffee shops. The Downtown Memphis Commission supports the Downtown Memphis restaurant community with this annual Downtown Dining Week each November.

For more information, visit Downtownmemphis.com.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Things to do in Memphis in the fall: A look at fairs, festivals & more

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