What’s Happening Around Memphis This Weekend: September 18–20

What’s Happening in Memphis This Weekend: September 18–20

If you’re anything like me, sometimes Friday rolls around and you realize, “Wait…what are we doing this weekend?”

Luckily, Memphis is not exactly known for sitting around with nothing going on. September is one of those months when our city really starts showing off, and this weekend is packed with festivals, football, live music, family activities, food and plenty of reasons to get out of the house.

So, if you’re looking for something to do around Memphis this weekend, here are a few things I’d have on my radar!

Cooper Young Festival — Saturday

If you’ve lived in Memphis for any amount of time, you probably already know about the Cooper-Young Festival. And if you haven’t been in a while, this is a great year to go back.

The 38th annual Guaranty Bank Cooper-Young Festival takes over the Cooper-Young Historic District on Saturday, September 19, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. The festival is free and features more than 425 artists, local musicians, food, shopping, a children’s area and an international bazaar. (Memphis Travel)

This is one of those Memphis events where you can go with absolutely no plan and still have a great time. Walk around, listen to some music, grab something good to eat, shop from local artists and inevitably find something you didn’t know you needed.

Just a heads-up: it’s going to be HOT. The forecast is calling for temperatures around 100 degrees during the afternoon, so sunscreen, water and comfortable shoes are not optional. (https://www.actionnews5.com)

Memphis Tigers Football

Football season is officially in full swing, and the Tigers are back at Simmons Bank Liberty StadiumSaturday night.

Memphis takes on UT Martin at 6 p.m. Saturday, September 19. The game is part of the Tigers’ Youth Day and Student Appreciation events. (University of Memphis Athletics)

Honestly, there’s something about a Saturday night football game in Memphis that just feels like fall — even when Mother Nature apparently hasn’t gotten the memo yet.

If you’re heading to the game, give yourself some extra time for parking and getting around the stadium. And if you’re looking for a fun family outing, this could be an easy way to turn Saturday into a full day of Memphis activities.

Zoo Boo Is BACK!

Okay, I know we’re technically still in September…but Memphis Zoo Boo is officially here!

Zoo Boo kicks off this weekend at the Memphis Zoo, with Friday and Saturday night events from 6–9 p.m.Tickets are listed at $23–$25.

This year’s experience includes more decorations, more candy, a new 7-foot-tall maze, interactive play areas, photo opportunities, a Toxic Waste Zone and even a digital costume contest. The event runs on select nights through November 1. (https://www.actionnews5.com)

If your kids are already asking when Halloween starts, consider this your sign.

And honestly? Evening events are probably the move this weekend because of the heat.

Live Music at the Garden

If you’re looking for more of a date-night kind of weekend, Friday night has a big one.

Kool & the Gang and Patti LaBelle are closing out the Live at the Garden season Friday night at Radians Amphitheater at the Memphis Botanic Garden. The concert runs from 8–11 p.m., with lawn seating and tickets starting around $69. (https://www.actionnews5.com)

There’s something pretty great about listening to live music outside on a Memphis night — especially when you can bring a chair, a blanket and make an evening out of it.

Shop Local in Bartlett

If crowds and huge festivals aren’t really your thing, head toward Bartlett Saturday morning for the Shelby Street Market.

The market runs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and features more than 50 vendors, including local makers, artists, clothing, flowers, jewelry and more. There are also several fall drink specials from Pharmacy Coffeehouse. (Memphis Magazine)

This one feels like the perfect Saturday-morning plan: grab a coffee, walk around, support some local businesses and maybe find something you absolutely did not come looking for. You know how that goes.

Aldo’s Pizza Fest

Need another excuse to eat pizza? Memphis has you covered.

Aldo’s Pizza Fest is happening Saturday at Aldo’s Pizza Pies in Midtown. The event includes local artwork, sweet treats, pizza and drink specials. (https://www.actionnews5.com)

Because sometimes the best weekend plans really are just pizza + friends + somewhere with a good vibe.

A Little Something for the Kids

If you’re looking for something that doesn’t involve standing outside in 100-degree heat, there are some good indoor options around town.

The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art is hosting Super Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon, with free drop-in art making. This weekend’s activity is inspired by autumn landscapes, and all ages are welcome. (What’s happening in Memphis)

Or make a day of it at the Memphis Museum of Science & History, especially if you’ve got kids who need to burn off some energy while staying somewhere with air conditioning.

Free Music Under the Stars

And because this is Memphis, we can’t forget the music.

Saturday night, Larry Springfield, a Marvin Gaye tribute artist, takes the stage at the Overton Park Shell from 7–9 p.m. The show is free. (https://www.actionnews5.com)

Bring a chair or blanket, grab something to eat beforehand and enjoy one of those simple Memphis nights that doesn’t require spending a fortune.

One Local Tip: Pace Yourself

I love a good Memphis festival as much as anyone, but this weekend is going to be HOT.

Forecasts are calling for near-record heat, with feels-like temperatures potentially pushing above 105 degrees during the afternoon. (https://www.actionnews5.com)

So if you’re heading to an outdoor event, I’d personally plan around the heat. Go early, take breaks, drink plenty of water and save some of your outdoor activities for later in the evening when temperatures start coming down.

My Ideal Memphis Weekend?

Friday: Dinner + Kool & the Gang and Patti LaBelle at the Garden.

Saturday morning: Coffee and shopping at Shelby Street Market or an early trip through Cooper-Young Festival.

Saturday evening: Memphis Tigers football OR Zoo Boo with the kids.

Sunday: Sleep in, grab brunch, and pretend Monday isn’t coming.

That’s the beauty of living in Memphis — you don’t have to travel far to have a weekend that actually feels like a getaway.

Whether you’re looking for something kid-friendly, a date night, live music, local shopping or just an excuse to get out of the house, there’s plenty happening right here in our own backyard.

Now the only question is…what are YOU getting into this weekend?