17 events you won&#8217;t want to miss

Anyone who claims there is nothing to do in Memphis is either lying or just doesn’t know where to look.

The fall will once again bring tons of fairs, festivals and fun events to Memphis and the Mid-South. From cultural events to music fests and cocktail parties, there’s something for all interests and ages.

Here are the events you won’t want to miss this fall in the Memphis area.

Delta Fair & Music Festival

Aug. 29-Sept. 7; Agricenter International

Carnival rides, games, live music and delicious fair food are back again at the annual Delta Fair & Music Festival at the Agricenter. More than 55 artists and bands are scheduled to perform live throughout the fair’s run.

For more information, visit Deltafest.com.

Germantown Festival

Sept. 6-7, Germantown Civic Club

One of the longest, continuously run festivals in the area, the 52nd annual Germantown Festival will once again provide a free weekend of family fun at the Germantown Civic Club Complex, 7745 Poplar Pike. 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. 5, 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 Smash Mouth. This is a 21-and-over event. Tickets run for $200 per person.

For more information, visit Memphiszoo.org.

Craft Food & Wine Festival

Sept. 7, Memphis Brooks Museum of Art

The sixth annual Craft Food & Wine Festival — set for 6-9 p.m. Sept. 7 at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art — will feature 35 vendor stations offering food, drink and artisan retail. The festival, presented by Feast & Graze and owner Cristina McCarter, celebrates Memphis’ culinary excellence and creative community. General admission tickets to this 21-and-over event cost $70, while VIP tickets are $105.

For more information, visit craftfoodandwinefest.org.

Cooper-Young Festival

Sept. 13, Cooper-Young intersection

This classic Midtown arts and crafts fest is back for its 37th year as the largest outdoor festival in Memphis. The 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.

Southern Heritage Classic

Sept. 25-27, various locations

The 36th annual edition of the Southern Heritage Classic will run Sept. 25-27, with a series of concerts and cultural events, culminating in a football game between Arkansas-Pine Bluff and Alcorn State at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. Events include a fashion show, parade, golfing event, tailgating and music from the Branford Marsalis Quartet.

For more information, visit Southernheritageclassic.com.

Gonerfest 22

Sept. 25-28, Wiseacre Brewery

The annual rock festival staged by Cooper-Young-based Goner Records will bring 35 bands over four days to Memphis. Headlined by Lighting Bolt, Radioactivity, W.I.T.C.H., Silkworm and Snooper, Gonerfest 22 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.

Mid-South Fair

Sept. 25-Oct. 5, 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 aimed to educate those living in the Mid-South and provide opportunities to grow and showcase their talents by granting scholarships and hosting art contests, competitive youth talent competitions and the Miss Mid-South Fair Pageant. Fairgoers can enjoy more than 50 rides and a wide array of acts set up around the property. Food and beverage vendors will serve 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.

Latin Fest 901

Sept. 27, 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. 27 — 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.

Elixir Ultimate Cocktail Party

Sept. 27, Hilton 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 newly added Karaoke Room. Tickets for the event — set for Sept. 27 at the Hilton Memphis, 939 Ridge Lake Blvd. — start at $43.

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

Mempho Music Festival

Oct. 3-5, Memphis Botanic Garden

Widespread Panic and Tyler Childers are among the acts set to perform during the 2025 edition of Mempho Music Festival. The event is scheduled for Oct. 3-5 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.

Bourbon & Bacon Festival

Oct. 10, FedEx Event Center at Shelby Farms Park

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. Expect music, “party activities” and a whole lot of bacon and bourbon, with a portion of all proceeds going to the Memphis Farmers Market. Tickets range from $48-$102.

For more information, visit Memphisbaconandbourbon.com.

Cooper-Young Beerfest

Oct. 18, Midtown Autowerks

The 15th annual Cooper-Young Beerfest will take place Oct. 18. This annual fundraising event benefits the Cooper-Young Community Association (CYCA), and the proceeds are used to keep the historic 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. Tickets go on sale Sept. 1.

For more information and tickets, visit cybeerfest.org.

RiverArtsFest

Oct. 18-19, Riverside Drive

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 along Riverside Drive in Downtown — is free.

For more information, visit Riverartsmemphis.org.

Downtown Dining Week

November, Various locations

Downtown Dining Week will return for its 16th 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.

Memphis Japan Festival

Nov. 2, Memphis Botanic Garden

This family-friendly, interactive and hands-on experience of Japanese culture features food,entertainment, games, crafts and more. With 13 music groups and artists, six martial arts groups and a cosplay show, it’s sure to be a good time for any enthusiast of Japanese culture.

For more information, visit memphisjapanfestival.org.

Memphis Crafts & Drafts Holiday Market

Nov. 8, Crosstown Concourse

The Memphis Crafts & Drafts Holiday Market celebrates its 10th anniversary on Nov. 8. Shop some of the best local makers and artists, savor delicious local craft beers and enjoy all of the great dining, shopping, museums, kids activities and more at Crosstown Concourse.

For more information and tickets, visit memphiscraftsanddrafts.com.