Memphis offers a huge number of events, festivals, and shows all over the year. Here you can find a big list of the major holiday events and festivals in Memphis.
If you are looking for a quiet place to stay in Memphis, away from the central traffic, but close enough to reach the center in 20 minutes by car, the Memphis Vitality Hotel is the perfect place for your needs.
Located near the Business Discrict in East Memphis and close to the Memphis International Airport, the Memphis Vitality Hotel provides a range of useful services to make your stay comfortable and relaxing while you make the most of the city’s events: elegant and fully equipped accommodations, daily room cleaning service, laundry, bar, restaurant, heated whirlpool, indoor and outdoor swimming pool, gym, sun terrace, free wi-fi and a simple and fast self check-in. You can also bring your pet who will be welcome in our pet-friendly hotel.
To learn more about holiday events and festivals happening in Memphis
- Holiday events in Memphis
- Festivals in Memphis
- Memphis Vitality Hotel: your base for discovering holiday events and festivals in Memphis
Holiday events in Memphis: the ultimate guide
What is your favourite holiday? Tell us and we’ll show you how to celebrate it in Memphis.
From vibrant spring blooms and dazzling summer fireworks to festive fall costume parties and magical winter light displays, Memphis welcomes you to join the celebration all year roound.
New Year’s Eve in Memphis
New Year’s Eve in Memphis kicks off with a huge party and live music on Beale Street. Every year on New Year’s Eve, this iconic Memphis street hosts dance parties that last late into the night, live music, karaoke, shows, and fireworks.
Thousands of people gather to celebrate the arrival of the new year. As midnight approaches, the crowd gathers to watch the 15-meter disco ball descend from the tower. At the peak of the evening, a burst of confetti and fireworks lights up the Memphis sky. The New Year’s celebration on Beale Street is open from 9:30 p.m. to people aged 21 and over. The Beale Street after party starts at midnight and goes on until late!
New Year’s Eve at Overton Square is another memorable event. During the day, the square is filled with family-friendly entertainment, while in the evening, crowds fill the square and nearby venues like Lafayette’s Music Room to continue the celebration.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day in Memphis
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is celebrated each year on the third Monday in January, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday (January 15), one of the most charismatic leaders of the twentieth century.
On this special day, there are plenty of activities to mark the occasion:
- volunteer alongside local community members for the MLK Days of Service, an opportunity to connect and give back to the community.
- visit the National Civil Rights Museum, one of the most significant historical sites in Memphis in the global struggle for civil rights. This museum is a must-see for visitors, with immersive multimedia exhibits that tell the story. You can also continue on to visit the square and balcony where Martin Luther King Jr. was present when he was assassinated. On the day of the commemoration, the museum is open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- stop by the Memphis Pentecostal Church, the site where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered the “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech the night before his assassination.
- visit the “I AM A MAN” plaza, installed in 2018 in honor of the 1968 sanitation workers’ strike and those supported by Martin Luther King Jr.
Valentine’s Day in Memphis
Don’t worry, we have the perfect solution for a romantic Valentine’s Day in Memphis. The Memphis Vitality Hotel offers special packages to make your Valentine’s Day unique and unforgettable. Start with a stay in one of the beautiful deluxe king rooms, then enjoy gifts like a stunning orchid paired with a bottle of wine, and finish with a romantic breakfast decorated with heart-shaped details.
St. Patrick’s Day in Memphis
On St. Patrick’s Day, everyone dresses in green and starts the celebration by visiting Memphis’ bars. The day continues on Beale Street, which will be decked out in green and feature parade floats along one of America’s most iconic streets. Live music, bands, steppers, twirlers, and many other performances await on Beale Street. And don’t forget to grab a beer at Silky O’Sullivan’s before the parade begins.
Easter Brunch in Memphis
Celebrate Easter at the Memphis Vitality Hotel with a grand Easter brunch served in the newly renovated dining hall of the hotel. The meal is inviting and distinctive, offering everything from appetizers to main courses with an Easter touch, without skimping on sides and desserts.
Memphis in May
Memphis in May is a month-long celebration showcasing the best of Memphis. Throughout May, you can experience numerous musical, culinary, and cultural festivals and events.
Highlights include the three-day Beale Street Music Festival, the week-long World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, the Great American River Run attracting runners from across the country, and much more.
Juneteenth in Memphis
Every summer, Memphis hosts a series of community events and music festivals in commemoration of Juneteenth, an American holiday celebrating the emancipation of African-American slaves. On this federal holiday, you can visit sites like the National Civil Rights Museum and join the annual Juneteenth Urban Music Festival.
4th of July in Memphis
On the 4th of July, Memphis celebrates Independence Day with live music shows, fireworks, food trucks, and fun throughout the city.
Halloween in Memphis
Every year, for the trick-or-treat night, the city fills with themed decorations, parties, eerie corn mazes, and pumpkin patches.
Holiday Season in Memphis
The holiday season in Memphis is one of the most beautiful times of the year. In the weeks leading up to Christmas and throughout the festive season, Memphis offers light displays, decorated trees, seasonal events, live music, holiday parades, and sightings of Santa Claus in the streets and public squares.
Festivals in Memphis: the ultimate guide to holiday events and festivals in Memphis
In Memphis, there is never a dull moment!
No matter what time of year you visit, Memphis hosts musical, culinary, artistic, and cultural festivals where both visitors and locals can experience the best that this incredible city has to offer. This guide to holiday events and festivals in Memphis will help you navigate all the exciting celebrations.
Elvis Week
Let’s start with Elvis Week, held in August. During this week, thousands of rock ‘n’ roll fans flock to Memphis to celebrate the life, music, and movies of the King of Rock. The event also includes pilgrimages to Graceland.
Memphis Tattoo Festival
The world’s best tattoo artists will converge in Memphis for the Memphis Tattoo Festival. For three days, the city hosts contests, walk-ins, and ink competitions.
World Championship Hot Wing Contest & Festival
Food, music, competitions, and fun are the hallmarks of the World Championship Hot Wing Contest & Festival. Here you can sample the best Memphis recipes for chicken wings, enjoy outdoor entertainment, and support a noble cause, as proceeds benefit the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Memphis.
Shell Daze Music Festival
The Shell Daze Music Festival is an outdoor live music evening held at the Overton Park Shell. In addition to the music, there will be food trucks, craft beer stands, and performances by local and national artists.
Memphis in May International Festival
The Memphis in May International Festival is a month-long celebration that honors a specific foreign country each year through concerts, exhibits, and contests.
Beale Street Music Festival
The Beale Street Music Festival spans three days and features national and international talents paying tribute to Memphis’ musical heritage. This festival kicks off the Memphis in May celebrations. Four stages and many performances are set up along Beale Street itself.
901Fest
Memphis’ 901Fest focuses on local musicians, artists, and vendors. Youth talents, poetry readings, dance flash mobs, and more are part of this vibrant event in Memphis.
Mid-South Pride Parade & Festival
The Memphis Gay Pride Festival parade is a colorful and fun event that takes place each year along the iconic Beale Street and historic neighborhoods of the city.
Delta Fair & Music Festival
Entertainment, live music, and food trucks are the main features of the Delta Fair & Music Festival, held at the Agricenter International in East Memphis.
Cooper-Young Festival
The Cooper-Young Festival is a street celebration that offers live music, food trucks, and stands featuring local producers.
Mempho Music Festival
The Mempho Music Festival is an event where world-class musicians and artists perform over three days at the Radians Amphitheatre and the Memphis Botanic Garden.
River Arts Fest
The River Arts Fest is a festival celebrating fine arts and local music. It features performances by over 150 artists from across the country, making it one of the most important artistic events in the Mid-South.
Cooper-Young Beerfest
The Cooper-Young Beerfest is among the best craft beer festivals in Memphis. More than 30 craft breweries showcase their top selections in the Cooper-Young neighborhood.
Indie Memphis Film Festival
The Indie Memphis Film Festival is a showcase for independent feature films, documentaries, short films, international auteur films, experimental works, and recently restored classic masterpieces. For six days, the festival creates a community atmosphere that everyone is invited to join.
Raised by Sound Fest
The Raised by Sound Fest is a music event held at the Crosstown Theater, featuring live performances by international artists and after-parties with DJ sets.
Memphis Vitality Hotel: your best base for a guide to holiday events and festivals in Memphis
Memphis is a city rich in festivals and events all year round. No matter when you arrive, there are always festivals, shows, and events to participate in.
Bookmark our guide to holiday events and festivals in Memphis and check availability to book a room at the Memphis Vitality Hotel. Enjoy a comfortable and convenient home base during your stay in Memphis, and let our guide to holiday events and festivals in Memphis help you experience the very best of the city.