Events in Memphis today

Elvis Week is the annual celebration held at Graceland, featuring a lineup of contests, concerts, panels, fan meet-ups, and more. On August 8, 2026, the schedule includes Elvis Double Trouble at the TCB Showroom, a Fan Welcome Mixer in the Guest House Lobby, the Ultimate ETA Meet ‘n’ Greet at Jungle Room Bar in the Graceland Exhibition Center, and Elvis Vegas Nights at the Graceland Soundstage, along with additional on-site experiences like the Hidden Graceland Tour and Dean Z’s Late Night Love Songs.

A foam-filled 5K returns to Memphis at Shelby Farms Park, inviting participants to run, walk, dance, and play their way through colorful bubble bogs and billows of sudsy fun. The course is non-competitive and untimed, making it a welcoming choice for all ages and fitness levels. Runners, walkers, and strollers can move at their own pace while enjoying lively music, plenty of laughter, and bubbles from start to finish. Expect to cross the finish line splashed in every color and covered in foam. Free registration is still available.

The 7th annual community 5K, formerly the Sweet Cheeks 5K, has a new summer-themed name and welcomes participants of all ages. The event aims to raise funds for Sweet Cheeks Diaper Ministry while highlighting poverty and diaper needs in Shelby County and surrounding communities. Participants can run, walk, or even dance to the finish. A Kids Dash is part of the festivities, and a ticket for children 8 and under includes a shirt, a short fun run, and access to a kid zone with games, face painting, and other activities. U of M’s Pouncer will be on hand to cheer for the young runners.

Hustle & Flow HIIT offers a free high intensity interval training class at Tom Lee Park, led by Coach Cy beneath the Sunset Canopy. Expect quick bursts of effort with short recovery periods to build strength and elevate energy. All fitness levels are welcome, and the riverfront setting creates a lively atmosphere for a focused sweat session that leaves you feeling energized and ready for the day.

New Direction Christian Church offers a food pantry dedicated to serving families with compassion, consistency, and respect. This outreach extends care beyond the worship space and into the neighborhood, providing bags of groceries as practical support. Help is available without advance registration or added hurdles.

Overton Park Conservancy sets up refreshing waterslides on the Greensward next to Veterans Plaza, offering a fun way for kids to cool off. Families can drop in for splashes and smiles. The event is free and no registration is required.

Try an exciting new experience at Shelby Farms Park with paintball in Memphis. Choose between traditional paintball and a low-impact option that welcomes first-time players, with no prior experience needed. It is a fit for groups of any size, whether celebrating a birthday, planning a work outing, organizing team building, or getting friends together for fun. The focus is on safety, thrills, and creating memories that last. Bring your group, head to the field, and feel the rush together.

At the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, this free legal clinic offers a chance for people dealing with civil legal questions or problems to meet in person with an attorney for brief guidance. Staff from Memphis Area Legal Services, Inc., together with volunteer attorneys, will provide limited advice on civil matters. Capacity is limited and help is not guaranteed. A required intake is part of the process, and attorneys can only give advice when the person with the legal issue is present. Participation does not create representation, and there is no promise that an attorney will take your case or appear in court on your behalf.

A freebie celebration at the Batcave gives every visitor a five dollar gift card to spend on anything at the Batcave. The card is provided at no cost, one per person, and it cannot be combined. The giveaway embraces a back to school, back to cool vibe... a lighthearted chance to get a little nuts and walk away with free spending power.

Take part in a guided session in a traditional Chinese martial art led by Milan Vigil, focused on relaxation, better balance, and aerobic benefits without impact. This free class welcomes both newcomers and seasoned practitioners. It is a drop-in offering with entry handled in the order of arrival. Capacity may vary with the location and weather, so admission depends on available space.

An easygoing, spiritually themed market fills the Hi-Tone with indoor browsing and free entry. Centered on the Lion’s Gate Portal, which is associated with the Sun in Leo aligning with Sirius, Orion’s Belt, and the Earth, the gathering highlights activation, awakening, intention setting, abundance, manifestation, and deeper cosmic connections. The emphasis includes both personal empowerment and the potential for collective transformation, and a triple eight theme adds an extra charge to the atmosphere. This is the debut edition of this metaphysical market. Shoppers will find tools and handmade pieces for meditation, spiritual, and ritual practice, including crystals and stones, herb-infused prayer candles, wands, tarot decks, pendulums, crystal daggers, handcrafted journals, and candles intended for divination. Vendors will also offer natural stone jewelry, rune sets, stained glass artwork, chainmail jewelry, pottery, natural body products, sacred geometry jewelry, and paintings. Many are creating special items inspired by the metaphysical focus and the Lion’s Gate alignment, guided by their own intuition. Various types of tarot and oracle readings will be available. Refreshments styled as potions include alcoholic beverages, natural juices, Third Eye and other metaphysically oriented teas, and homemade herbal blends. Gourmet homemade desserts will be sold by Tiffanie’s Charming Cupcakes. Vendor spotlights with details and photos are being shared. All vending spaces are taken. Posts or comments anywhere offering vending opportunities are scams and should be ignored, and only Just Jewelry Memphis and Laura Sullivan are affiliated with this event.

Learn the essentials of breastfeeding in Classroom ABC with guidance from nurse experts. The session includes a discussion of breastfeeding basics and dedicated time for questions and answers. To register, contact the Maternity Care Coordinator at Beautiful.Beginnings@bmhcc.org or 901-227-9873.

Adults new to Spanish can get started in a free introductory class at Memphis Public Libraries - Cordova Branch. All learning materials are provided at the beginning of each session, so there is no need to bring anything in advance. Registration is required.

CatVideoFest, the leading celebration of feline footage, returns with a freshly curated reel of brand new cat videos made for the big screen. Hosted at the Pink Palace Museum and Planetarium and presented locally by Like You Film Club in association with Oscilloscope Laboratories, this theatrical-only program gathers standout clips from unique submissions and sourced animations. Enjoy the shared fun of watching cat antics together on a giant screen with popcorn, a lighthearted outing that suits all ages. The event also supports cats in need through collaborations with local cat charities, animal welfare groups, and shelters. For this screening, 10 percent of ticket sales will benefit Mewtopia Cat Rescue. There is only one local showing, and tickets often sell out quickly.

Leaders, volunteers, and neighbors are celebrated for helping bring the New Direction Community Garden to life. The garden is off to a strong start thanks to many hands working together. Donations and support are still welcome to help sustain the momentum.

Bring your imagination and build with other kids at Lego Club at the Randolph Branch Library. This monthly program is held on the second Saturday, and it’s geared for young children through tweens.

War Room Hobbies presents a Magic: The Gathering The Hobbit prerelease with three rounds of play. Entry is $40 and includes a prerelease pack with everything needed. Prizes are awarded per match win with a pack for each victory, plus store credit to winners based on attendance.

Get ready for the 8th Annual Memphis Chicken & Beer Festival, a beer festival with a chicken twist. Enjoy live music and sample over 90 different beverages. Food will be available to purchase, and admission includes a souvenir tasting glass. VIP tickets offer early entry at 5:30 PM and include access to the VIP lounge plus light bites. The event is rain or shine, and refunds aren’t offered for any reason. Attendees must be 21+.

Set sail for a relaxed evening on the Mississippi with a two hour dinner and music cruise. Take in the views while enjoying live entertainment and a hearty Southern style buffet featuring Memphis style pulled pork barbecue, marinated grilled chicken breast, baked beans, mac and cheese, a house salad with buns, and dessert. Complimentary tea and water are included, and a full bar is available for purchase with cash or card. The meal is served by staff from behind the service area on disposable dinnerware, the menu remains the same for these cruises, substitutions are not available, and items may change based on supply. Advance reservations are recommended, and celebration add ons for occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries are available during checkout. Parking is off site, with the closest option requiring about an eight to ten minute walk. There is no set dress code, and most guests opt for attire ranging from casual to semi formal.

Catch BARNACLE BOI with a lineup of other artists including Von Storm, Ponsuda., Tom Skeemask, Phonk Around & Find Out, Hoodiemane, and Imperivm. The show takes place at Growlers in Memphis.

Sing your favorite songs at a karaoke night at Rockhouse Live Raleigh Lagrange.

A playful coffee competition is brewing, blending skill, speed, and lots of good energy. Baristas and coffee lovers are invited to a field day style challenge that celebrates espresso craft while supporting stronger, more sustainable coffee communities. Teams of three compete, welcoming both seasoned pros and first timers. The lineup features creative contests such as the Latte Run, multiple rounds of Puck Toss, the Coffee Sack Hop, the Latte Duet, and a fast paced Grand Speed Round finale. Entry to compete is $25, and watching is free. Competitors receive a swag bag that includes an official event T-shirt, a GCX tote sponsored by Minor Figures and Thirty Three Ink, and a 10 ounce beer from Ghost River Brewing to toast their efforts.

Smooth saxophone sets the tone at D’Bo’s Daiquiris Wings & Seafood with live jazz from Calvin Jerry Smith. Settle in for wings, seafood, and drinks while the music creates an easygoing, weekend-worthy vibe. It is a comfortable, adult-focused setting with karaoke for anyone in the mood to take the mic. Whether meeting friends or unwinding after work, this spot offers real live music, good food, and a relaxed Memphis atmosphere.

Set out on a two hour Mississippi River dinner cruise that blends live entertainment with a full meal. Advance reservations are recommended for this evening Memphis outing, and celebration add ons are available at checkout for birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion. A full bar is on board with alcoholic beverages available for purchase, and both cash and cards are accepted. The menu typically 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. The same menu is offered on all Dinner & Music cruises, no substitutions are available, and meals are served by staff from behind the food service area on disposable dinnerware due to COVID 19 restrictions. Items may change based on availability. Parking is off site, with the closest option requiring an estimated 8 to 10 minute walk, and the lot is not operated by the cruise company. There is no dress code, though most guests choose attire ranging from casual to semi formal.

FreeWorld turns Sunday nights into a high-energy showcase at the Band Box inside Blues City Cafe, serving up a blend of funk, soul, blues, and jam-fueled improvisation. Expect a punchy horn section, locked-in rhythms, and the signature swagger of Beale Street, all inside a cozy room made for live music. The set leans danceable and familiar, sparking singalongs, while good drinks and a welcoming crowd round out the classic Beale Street atmosphere. It is an easy Sunday tradition to share with friends.

Explore the work of painter Kim Jorgensen in an exhibition presented in the Grand Hallway. With more than a decade of practice in acrylic and mixed media, this mostly self-taught artist emphasizes rich color, layered surfaces, and the ability of images to tell stories. Early experiences with fiber arts and needlework shape her love of texture and build-up, while faith and art history continue to guide her creative approach. Her background includes eight years teaching ancient, medieval, and church history, often using art to illuminate people and ideas, and she still teaches Bible narratives with a focus on visual imagery and historical context. The collection turns to moments when light breaks through, both literal and metaphorical, in history, faith, nature, and the layered skin of paint... expressing themes of illumination, beauty, renewal, and hope through color, texture, and expressive gesture.

At the Guest House Patio in My Big Backyard, children get hands-on with nature as they dig, squish, and shape their own mud pies with materials found in nature. Participation is included with garden admission, and the activity will be canceled if it rains.

A weekly, loosely structured writing club for adults of any age and experience level focuses on dedicated writing time along with chances to share work and exchange feedback with fellow participants. Snacks and basic supplies such as paper, pens, and pencils are provided, and attendees are welcome to bring preferred writing devices like laptops or tablets. This is not a class, there is no formal instruction, only feedback from peers.

Enjoy a lively Pilates session along the riverfront under the Sunset Canopy at Tom Lee Park, led by instructor Bridget and offered free each week. Bring a mat, towel, and water. During festival periods at the park, some classes move to River Garden, and there are no sessions on select holidays.

This class, led by a certified professional from Methodist North Hospital, focuses on getting the most from a healthcare encounter. It covers how to prepare before a doctor visit, what to do during the appointment, effective ways to communicate with providers, steps for follow-up, and guidance for navigating the healthcare system.

Designed for adults 65 and older, this studio course centers on fabric collage with Cari Harris. Participants work with cloth to tell personal stories while building skills in stitching, visual composition, and narrative art. Each session combines step by step instruction with group conversation, fostering practice, idea sharing, and connection in a welcoming creative setting.

Tuesday is turning into a family night at Chick-fil-A, with dinner covered so parents can take a break from the kitchen. The message focuses on Memphis families and parents and encourages tagging someone who would appreciate an easy mealtime tradition.

Connect with new people in a relaxed, international setting where you can make local and global friends, practice English, and have fun. The format is casual mingling. English is the main language, and some local language is welcome too. If you would like help starting conversations, a simple matchmaking option is available to pair you with someone to chat with. To keep things running smoothly, please register on the website before attending. The venue requires each attendee to order at least one drink, and outside food or beverages are not permitted. Be courteous to the venue and its staff, and be kind, open-minded, and respectful toward others. Anyone who does not follow these rules may be removed or banned without notice. Photos and videos may be taken during the gathering. If you prefer not to appear, let the photographer know. Keep an eye on your belongings, as the organizers are not responsible for lost items. For easier event management, the time shown on Facebook may be updated shortly after the real start so the same links can be reused. The displayed date and attendee count on Facebook may not be accurate. For updates and more information, visit the organizer’s website. BlaBla Events is active in more than 150 cities worldwide.

Build your bellydance skills with IDA’s Troupe Captain and instructor, Sasha, in a semester-long series focused on beginner foundations with mixed intermediate technique and full choreographies. The curriculum is designed to help new and continuing dancers progress toward advanced-level study. No previous experience is required. Tuition for the semester is $175, with payment accepted via Paypal or by credit card through an invoice upon request. A minimum of five registered students is required for the class to be held. Sessions take place at the Evergreen Theatre. Suggested attire includes black or dark pants with a workout tank or shirt. Dancers typically practice barefoot, and ballet slippers are welcome. Please bring a mat or towel for stretching and water.

K3 hosts a long-running weekly open mic where performers can share music, comedy, poetry, and other talents. The setup now includes a refreshed stage and updated speakers to enhance each act. This community staple has been going strong for more than nine years.

Marking the 19th anniversary of the first pool party, this celebration keeps the beat going and honors 70 years of The King’s hits, from 1956 through 2026.

Enjoy a light, health-focused yoga session guided by instructor Laura Gray McCann. The practice adjusts to the needs of the group, with options for beginners and experienced participants alike. This is a free, drop-in offering, and entry is based on order of arrival. Capacity may vary depending on the setting and weather conditions.

Bookseller Zackary "Binks" hosts the third meeting of the Genre Benders Book Club to discuss Piranesi by Susanna Clark. Copies are available in store at a 10 percent discount for book club participants, or can be ordered online using code BOOKCLUB10. Acclaimed as an award winning New York Times bestseller, this fantasy unfolds in a dreamlike alternative world inside a vast House of endless rooms and corridors lined with statues, where an ocean surges through halls and up staircases. Piranesi devotes himself to exploring and charting the tides and the patterns of this labyrinth. He regularly meets a man called the Other, who seeks help with research into a Great and Secret Knowledge, until clues suggest someone else may be present and a deeper truth points beyond the only world Piranesi has known. From the author of Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, the novel is noted for its vivid imagery and uncanny atmosphere.

Kick off your weekend with a rooftop party at The Peabody Memphis featuring live music from The Neon Mooners, plus special guest Baylee Littrell. Enjoy classic ’80s and ’90s country hits with sky-high views of the Mississippi River. The event is for ages 21 and up, and if weather moves things indoors, the band and party will shift to the Skyway Ballroom on the rooftop level. Tickets are non-refundable.

Join a co-ed special recreation art class focused on creating something new. Students get step-by-step instructions, and all art materials are provided so everyone can take their finished creation home. Space is limited.

Tarsem Singh’s sweeping fantasy grows from the tales an injured stuntman shares with a young girl in a hospital set in the 1920s. Filmed across striking real locations, it unfolds with vivid imagery and a sense of wonder. The result is a heartfelt tribute to storytelling, imagination, and the magic of cinema.

Head to The Harrell Theatre for A1A: The Official and Original Jimmy Buffett Tribute, a high-energy show celebrating Jimmy Buffett’s music and laid-back coastal spirit. The night includes front doors at 6:00 PM, doors to seating at 6:30 PM, and the show running from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

Enjoy a two-hour Dinner & Music Cruise on the Mississippi River featuring live entertainment and a meal served by staff. Advance reservations are recommended for this evening Memphis cruise. Celebration package add ons are available at checkout for birthdays, anniversaries, or any occasion that calls for something extra. A full bar is on board for purchase, not included in the ticket price, and accepts cash and cards. 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 offer the same menu and do not provide substitutions. Meals are presented by staff behind the service area on disposable dinnerware due to COVID 19 restrictions, and items may change based on availability. Parking is off site and the nearest lot involves an estimated 8 to 10 minute walk. There is no dress code, with most guests choosing casual to semi formal attire.