This weekend in Desoto County, MS

Join Milan Vigil for a Taijiquan session focused on moving intentionally and staying present through flowing, graceful tai chi movements. This Saturday morning class welcomes beginners and all experience levels, with a judgment-free, community wellness vibe set in the outdoor gardens of Dixon Gallery and Gardens. Come ready to breathe deeply, learn the art step by step, and leave feeling centered and energized.

Build practical knife-based self-defense and survival skills in Southaven, Mississippi. Offered by Kingdom Elite Tactical, this training focuses on both defensive responses and controlled offensive techniques with edged weapons to help protect yourself and your family, including in places where firearms are restricted. It welcomes families with participants ages 10 and up, and can be especially relevant for people who run or want personal protection strategies in everyday settings. The cost is $65 per person, with a $30 rate for each additional family member. This class also qualifies for professional continuing education hours for law enforcement.

Senior Citizen Day at the Hernando Farmers Market, sponsored by the Desoto County Farm Bureau Federation, is a special market day focused on senior citizens. The first 100 visitors who are 50 or older receive $5 in Farmers Market tokens to spend with market vendors, distributed on a first come, first served basis. The market is Mississippi Certified through the Department of Agriculture and Commerce and is set on the historic Town Square, offering local produce, milk, pork, pasture raised eggs, honey and preserved goods, nursery plants and cut flowers, baked items, fresh salsa and guacamole, and handmade crafts. Throughout the season there is live music, free fitness classes, and other special happenings during market hours. Credit cards and SNAP EBT are accepted at the market table in exchange for tokens to use with vendors, and SNAP shoppers can receive additional tokens for fruits and vegetables through the Double Up Food Bucks Mississippi program.

Complimentary registration for the Memphis Bubble Run remains open. At Shelby Farms Park, this playful 5K blends movement and celebration in an untimed, noncompetitive format. Participants can run, walk, or dance through colorful bubble filled sections and swirling foam, with lively music and plenty of laughs along the way. Open to every age and ability, it welcomes strollers as well as walkers and runners. Comfortable clothing is suggested, and groups of friends and families are welcome. Cross the finish splashed in every color, covered in bubbles, with memories to share.

Held on the lawn outside City Hall, the Olive Branch Farmers Market showcases Genuine MS produce alongside fresh-baked treats, craft items, and other finds. Explore the stalls and discover a mix of foods and handmade goods in a friendly outdoor setting.

The 7th Annual Sweet Cheeks 5K has a new name, now presented as the Summer Fun Run 5K with a companion Kids Dash. This family friendly gathering supports Sweet Cheeks Diaper Ministry and brings attention to poverty and diaper need in Shelby County and surrounding areas. Participants of any pace can take on the course by running, walking, or even dancing to the finish. A Kid’s Fun Run is available for ages 8 and under, and a child ticket includes a shirt, entry to the fun run, and access to a kids zone with games, face painting, and more. U of M’s Pouncer will be there to cheer on the youngest racers.

Community Mental Health Day brings neighbors together for a welcoming celebration of well-being at the parking lot of Desoto Family Counseling and Pediatric Therapy Center. With a focus on caring for mind, body, and spirit, this family-friendly gathering offers hands-on options like rock painting, nature and art activities, making flower bouquets, bounce houses, visits with animals from the humane society, and refreshments from coffee and food trucks. Admission is free and open to the entire community.

Get moving with Hustle & Flow HIIT, a free, high-energy interval workout led by Coach Cy under the Sunset Canopy at Tom Lee Park. Expect a fast-paced blend of exercises designed to build strength and endurance while boosting confidence, set against a scenic riverfront backdrop. The class welcomes all fitness levels and offers a sweat-filled push to power up your weekend.

Hosted at New Direction Christian Church, this community pantry offers groceries to families in a respectful and reliable setting, reflecting a hands-on faith that cares for neighbors. The focus is on meeting practical needs with compassion and consistency. No advance registration is required, and the process is simple and welcoming.

Overton Park Conservancy is setting up waterslides on the Greensward beside Veterans Plaza, giving kids a fun way to beat the heat. The pop up takes place on the second Saturday of July and August. It is free to attend and no registration is needed.

Enjoy cartoons on the projector, endless bowls of cereal, and unlimited arcade play in one fun session. Admission is $12 for kids and $15 for adults, which covers all-you-can-eat cereal and nonstop access to the games. The Cereal of the Week is announced regularly, so there is always something new to pour.

Celebrate August and the back-to-school season with a playful giveaway at the Batcave. During this freebie event, every visitor receives a complimentary $5 gift card, with no purchase required. One card is available per person, and it cannot be combined with other offers. The card can be used on anything at the Batcave throughout the month of August. No catch, it is simply free.

Paintball and low impact paintball arrive at Shelby Farms Park in Memphis, offering a high energy outing that welcomes newcomers as well as seasoned players. Beginners are encouraged, and no prior experience is required. It is suited for groups of any size, from birthdays and workplace gatherings to team building or friends simply looking for something different to do. The focus is on safety, thrills, and creating lasting memories, with action packed games that bring everyone onto the field together.

At Memphis Public Libraries - Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, this free legal clinic offers a chance for people with civil legal questions or problems to speak in person with an attorney. Staff attorneys from Memphis Area Legal Services, Inc., together with volunteer attorneys, provide brief guidance on civil matters. There is a designated intake period that must be completed in order to receive assistance. Space is limited, and help cannot be guaranteed. Attorneys can offer advice only when the person with the legal issue is present. Participation does not include representation in court or acceptance of a case.

Join Barnes and Noble for Saturday morning storytime, with a different picture book featured each week. This is a relaxed, family-friendly event at the Wolf Chase Galleria store.

Designed for ages 16 and up, this Taijiquan session welcomes both newcomers and seasoned practitioners. Guided by Milan Vigil, participants explore a Chinese martial art that nurtures relaxation, steadier balance, and an aerobic workout without impact. There is no charge to attend. Attendance is limited and spots are allocated by order of arrival, and capacity may vary with the weather and location.

Meet lovable dogs looking for homes and learn about fostering. Get details on monthly microchip clinics, explore local low-cost spay and neuter resources, and more.

The debut Lion’s Gate Portal Metaphysical Market transforms Hi Tone into an indoor, free-entry celebration of spiritual arts, tools, and community. Rooted in an annual celestial alignment involving the Sun in Leo, Sirius, Orion’s Belt, and Earth, the gathering centers on themes of activation, awakening, intention setting, intuitive guidance, abundance, manifestation, and deeper cosmic connection. With a powerful triple eight resonance, the focus extends beyond personal empowerment to possibilities for collective transformation as well. Shoppers will find a wide range of items for meditation, ritual, and spiritual practice, including crystals and stones, prayer and divination candles, wands, tarot cards, pendulums, crystal daggers, and handcrafted journals. Vendors will also showcase natural stone and chainmail jewelry, rune sets, stained glass pieces, pottery, natural body products, sacred geometry jewelry, and original paintings. Many are creating special offerings inspired by the market’s metaphysical theme and the Lion’s Gate alignment. Various tarot and oracle readings will be available. Refreshments take the form of themed potions, with options such as alcoholic beverages, natural juices, Third Eye teas, other herbal blends, and gourmet homemade desserts from Tiffanie’s Charming Cupcakes. Vendor spotlights are being shared on the event page. All vending spaces are taken. Posts or messages claiming to sell vendor spots are scams, and only the organizer, Just Jewelry Memphis / Laura Sullivan, is affiliated with the event.

Classroom ABC hosts an informative session led by experienced nurses that introduces the essentials of breastfeeding and includes dedicated time for Q&A. To register, contact the Maternity Care Coordinator at Beautiful.Beginnings@bmhcc.org or call 901-227-9873.

Build beginner Spanish skills at no cost in a class designed for adults. Learning materials are provided at the beginning of each session to help you get started. Advance registration is required. The class takes place at Memphis Public Libraries - Cordova Branch in Cordova.

Feline fans can gather for a big-screen celebration of cats as the leading cat video festival returns with a fresh mix of never-before-seen clips. The program is locally presented at the Pink Palace by Like You Film Club in association with Oscilloscope Laboratories. Expect a curated reel featuring recent favorites drawn from unique submissions alongside animated pieces, creating family-friendly fun for all ages. Available only in theaters, the event also supports cats in need through collaborations with local charities, animal welfare organizations, and shelters. For this screening, 10 percent of ticket sales will be donated to Mewtopia Cat Rescue. There is only one local showing, and sellouts happen.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the leaders, volunteers, and neighbors who worked together to bring the New Direction Community Garden to life. Because the community showed up and pitched in, the garden is already off to a strong start. Continued help is welcome through donations and other support, with sign up options available for those who want to contribute.

Kids are invited to drop in for Lego Club at the Randolph Branch Library. This is a hands-on Lego program for children and tweens, meeting on the second Saturday of each month.

Support Lovin’ Local with a giveback at Chipotle. Present the flyer or provide code VB3TEK6 to participate.

War Room Hobbies presents a Magic: The Gathering The Hobbit prerelease with three rounds of play. The buy in is $40 and includes a prerelease pack with everything needed to participate. Prizing awards a pack for every match victory, with store credit distributed to winners based on attendance.

Get ready for the 8th Annual Memphis Chicken & Beer Festival, a beer fest with a chicken twist. There will be live music, more than 90 beverage samples, and tickets include a souvenir tasting glass and admission. Food will be available for purchase on site, and the event is rain or shine with no refunds. You’ll need to be 21+ to attend.

Set sail on a two hour Mississippi River cruise that pairs live entertainment with a full dinner. Booking ahead is recommended for this evening Memphis outing, and optional celebration packages for birthdays, anniversaries, or an extra special night can be added during checkout. A bar will be available for alcoholic beverages, sold separately, and it accepts both cash and cards, while tea and water are complimentary. Dinner features a Memphis barbecue inspired selection with pulled pork, marinated grilled chicken, baked beans, mac and cheese, a house salad, buns, and dessert. The menu is the same for all sailings of this experience, substitutions are not available, and offerings may vary based on availability. Meals are served by staff from behind the service area on disposable dinnerware. Parking is off site, with the nearest lot requiring an estimated 8 to 10 minute walk and it is not operated by the organizer. There is no formal dress code, and most guests choose casual to semi formal attire.

Barnacle Boi is bringing a lineup of drift phonk and trap energy to Growlers in Memphis. Along with Barnacle Boi, the show features Von Storm, Ponsuda., Tom Skeemask, Phonk Around & Find Out, Hoodiemane, and Imperivm for an evening of electronic-heavy performances.

Enjoy karaoke at Rockhouse Live Raleigh Lagrange.

Cousins Maine Lobster brings Maine lobster favorites to Olive Branch, serving rolls, tots, tacos, and more. To view the event in the app, select the Nashville truck as your preferred truck, as the Nashville team is visiting the city. Payment is cashless, with debit or credit cards and Apple Pay accepted. Order ahead on the mobile app to skip the line, with mobile orders available for posted same-day events and typically opening at least one hour before each truck stop once the previous event has finished. Earn points in the app and redeem for rewards. If mobile ordering is limited or unavailable, place an order directly at the truck. The menu can be found on the Cousins Maine Lobster website.

Barista Olympics is a spirited, field day style competition for the coffee community. Expect hands on challenges that let you steam, pour, and show off espresso technique while helping build stronger, more sustainable coffee communities. Teams of three take part, with a $25 entry fee for competitors, and free admission for spectators who want to cheer and enjoy the atmosphere. Competitors receive an official event T-shirt, a GCX tote sponsored by Minor Figures and Thirty Three Ink, and a 10 ounce beer courtesy of Ghost River Brewing. The lineup features the Latte Run, several rounds of Puck Toss, the Coffee Sack Hop, the Latte Duet, and a fast paced Grand Speed Round finale. Demos that explain each challenge will be shared so participants know what to expect.

This microchip clinic offers on-site microchipping for pets for 20 dollars per pet, and registration is included in the fee. Payments are accepted via cash, Venmo, PayPal, and major credit or debit cards, and checks are not accepted. To speed up check-in, complete a registration form ahead of time, fill out one form per pet, and give it to the volunteers when you arrive. The SmartTag microchip features anti-migration technology designed to help it remain in place so it can be easily found and scanned. If a pet becomes lost and is taken to a shelter or veterinarian, staff can scan the chip to read its unique ID, which SmartTag uses to match the pet with the owner’s contact details and facilitate a reunion. SmartTag membership also includes 30 days of PetFirst pet insurance as an introductory plan that helps reimburse veterinary expenses.

Have your pet microchipped at a simple, affordable clinic. Each pet is $20 and includes registration. Payment options include cash, Venmo, PayPal, and major credit or debit cards, and checks are not accepted. To speed up check in, complete the registration form in advance, fill out one per pet, and hand it to the volunteers when you arrive. The SmartTag microchip is designed to resist migrating so it stays in place and can be located and scanned easily. If a lost pet is brought to a shelter or veterinarian, staff can read the chip’s unique ID number, which SmartTag uses to access your contact details and help reunite you with your pet. A SmartTag membership also includes 30 days of PetFirst pet insurance to help with veterinary expenses, and SmartTag notes it is the only ID tag provider that includes insurance with membership.

A smooth jazz evening unfolds at D’Bo’s Daiquiris Wings & Seafood, with The Saxman, Calvin Jerry Smith, setting the mood on saxophone. Guests can pair the music with wings, seafood, and refreshing drinks, and step into karaoke if they want to take the mic. The atmosphere is grown and relaxed, ideal for unwinding after work or meeting friends for a laid back night out. It is a Memphis spot for live music, tasty bites, and easygoing energy.

Settle in for a two-hour Dinner & Music cruise on the Mississippi River that pairs live entertainment with a full meal. Advance reservations are recommended for this evening Memphis outing, and optional celebration add-ons are available at checkout for birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion. The onboard bar offers alcoholic beverages for purchase, and both cash and cards are accepted. The menu features Memphis-style pulled pork barbecue, marinated grilled chicken breast, baked beans, mac and cheese, a house salad, buns, dessert, and complimentary tea and water. All Dinner & Music Cruises serve the same menu, and substitutions are not available. Meals are served by staff from behind the service area on disposable dinnerware due to COVID-19 restrictions, and the menu may change based on supply availability. Parking is not on site, and the nearest option involves an 8 to 10 minute walk. There is no set dress code, and most guests choose attire ranging from casual to semi-formal.

FreeWorld brings Memphis to life on Sunday nights with a high-energy blend of funk, soul, blues, and jam band flair at the Band Box inside Blues City Cafe. Expect punchy horn lines, deep-in-the-pocket grooves, and that signature Beale Street swagger in an intimate room built for live music. The show leans into danceable jams and sing-along favorites, matched by a welcoming crowd, classic Beale Street atmosphere, and drinks to keep the good times rolling. It is an easy way to turn Sunday into a standing tradition with friends.