There are lots of opportunities to get out of the house this month. Here is a look at some of the fun things you and your family can get out and do this month. This is not all inclusive by any means - these are just a few of my favorites!
Sep 8: Japanese Bon Festival Family Day. Enjoy the history,
culture, and people of Japan, with origami, chopsticks, kimono dressing, koi
ponds and games. 10a–4p, $10. Memphis Botanic Garden, 636-4131,
memphisbotanicgarden.com.
Sep 8: Polo for Preservation. Enjoy a polo match,
VIP-catered scotch-tasting tent, antique car show at halftime, and tailgate
decoration awards to benefit Memphis Heritage. 2p, $20. Memphis Polo Club,
Rossville, TN, 272-2727, memphisheritage.org.
Sep 8: Southern Heritage Classic. Tailgating, golf classic,
parade, battle of the bands, fashion brunch, and college fair lead up to the big
Liberty Bowl game between Jackson State and Tennessee State. Times, locations,
and costs: 729-4344, southernheritageclassic.com.
Sep 8: Zoo Rendezvous. Four live bands, more than 90
restaurants and bars, and the wildest place in Memphis. 7–10:30p, $200. Memphis
Zoo, 333-6757, memphiszoo.org.
Sep 9: Symphony on the Lawn. A Community Arts Showcase
begins a special evening with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra on the lawns of
LeMoyne-Owen College. 4p showcase, 6p symphony, free. 807 Walker at Dr. Hollis
Price St., 435-1527, loc.edu.
Sep 11: Food Truck Garden Party. Live music, cash bar, and
food from the Memphis Food Truckers Alliance. 5:30–8:30p, $10. Memphis Botanic
Garden, 636-4131, memphisbotanicgarden.com.
Sep 14–15: Cooper-Young Festival. More than 374 artist
booths, 15 bands on three stages, retail sales and specials, food stands, and
evening fireworks. 9a–7p, free. Cooper-Young District, 276-7222,
cooperyoungfestival.com.
Sep 14–16: Smokin' Aces BBQ Festival. BBQ competitions, live
music, carnival rides, games, pig races, and petting zoo to benefit
Porter-Leath. Times vary, free. Harrah's Tunica, 800-946-4946,
smokinacesfestival.com.
Sep 15: Riverbank Cleanup Day. Help clean up the banks of
Harbor Town, by The Pyramid. Tools, bags, and gloves provided by Memphis City
Beautiful. 9–11a, meet at Mud Island south of traffic turnaround, 678-3084,
memphiscitybeautiful.org.
Sep 15: Downtown Museum Day. More than 15 Downtown museums
and attractions offer TN residents free or discounted admissions. For a list of
participants: facebook.com/downtownmuseumday.
Sep 15–Oct 31: The Mid-South Corn Maze. Wander the stalks
with the aid of Corn Cops and — if you make it out alive — enjoy refreshments
and kids activities. Times and costs vary. Cash only. Agricenter Int'l,
870-6338, midsouthmaze.com.
Sep 16: Stomp in the Swamp. Live music, silent auction,
clever scarecrow exhibit, and a BBQ dinner to benefit Pink Palace Family of
Museums. 5–8p, $15. Lichterman Nature Center, 767-7322, memphismuseums.org.
Sep 21: Park(ing) Day. Metered parking spots turn into
artistic, temporary parks for the public good — and are judged accordingly for a
contest. 11a–6p, free. Peabody Place between Front and Second, 575-0540,
parkingday.org.
Sep 22: Dragon Boat Races. Teams of 20 paddlers, a drummer,
and a steerer race in authentic Hong Kong–style, 46-foot dragon boats. 10a–3p,
spectators free, rowers pre-register. Mud Island, 865-742-4306,
memphis.racedragonboats.com.
Sep 25: Tuesdays on the Terrace Wine Tasting. Autumn arrives
in a bottle! Adults only, 6–8p, $35 RSVP. Memphis Botanic Garden, 636-4131,
memphisbotanicgarden.com.
Sep 28: Fall of the House of Fontaine. Evening tour by
lamplight held on the 100th anniversary of Noland Fontaine's death. 8–10p, $15.
Woodruff-Fontaine House, 526-1469, woodruff-fontaine.com.
Sep 28: Oktoberfest Garden Party. Celebrate autumn with
music, brats, and brews in the Pine Grove. 6–8p, $12. Memphis Botanic Garden,
636-4102, memphisbotanicgarden.com.
Sep 28: Pyrate's Ball. Dress in swashbuckling attire and
enjoy an evening filled with buried treasure to benefit Commission on Missing
and Exploited Children. 7–11p, $15. River Terrace at Mud Island. 857-0787,
midsouthpyratefaire.com.
Sep 28: South Main Art Trolley Tour. Stroll through the
historic arts district as shops, restaurants, and art galleries display unique
merchandise, cuisine, and art. Every last Fri, 6–9p, free. Main between Vance
and St. Paul, 578-7262, southmainmemphis.net.
Sep 29: Big Scoop Ice Cream Festival. Chill out with ice
cream treats, snacks, and drinks, as well as children's games, activities, and
contests to benefit Ronald McDonald House. 11a–4p, $10. AutoZone Park, 312-7479,
rmhc-memphis.org.
Sep 29: Mid-South Pyrate Faire. Welcome to the year 1718!
Celebrate the Golden Age of Piracy with family-friendly fun, historical
reenactments, and plenty of swashbuckling activities. 10a–2p, free. Mud Island,
576-7241, midsouthpyratefaire.com.
Sep 30: Best Memphis Burger Fest. Cooking competitions,
burger-eating contests, live music, vendors, and food trucks to benefit
Mid-South Spay & Neuter Services. 10:30a–5p, free. Minglewood Hall,
233-1425, bestmemphisburgerfest.com.
Sep 30: Symphony in the Gardens. A magical evening of
splendor with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra. Lawn chairs and creative picnics
welcome. 5p, gates open 3p, $20. Dixon Gardens, 537-2525, dixon.org.
Thanks
Memphis Down Towner!

Don't Miss a Thing,
Subscribe NOW!