Things To Do Around Memphis, Germantown, and Collierville in May 2026
May is one of my favorite months in the Mid-South.
The weather is warm, school is winding down, patios are full, and it finally starts to feel like summer is right around the corner. And if you’re looking for a few fun things to do around Memphis, Germantown, and Collierville this month, there are some great events happening.
Here are a few May events worth adding to your calendar.
RiverBeat Music Festival
May 1–3, 2026 | Tom Lee Park, Memphis
RiverBeat Music Festival is back at Tom Lee Park in Downtown Memphis for a full weekend of live music, food, and riverfront views. It’s one of those big Memphis events that really kicks off the month with energy. Whether you’re going for the music, the atmosphere, or just an excuse to enjoy downtown Memphis, this is a fun one to have on your radar.
Fair on the Square in Collierville
May 2–3, 2026 | Collierville Town Square
If you love a good local tradition, Fair on the Square is always a favorite. Hosted by the Collierville Twentieth Century Club, this annual arts and crafts event has been around since 1976 and brings more than 160 vendors to Town Square. It’s a great weekend for shopping, food, local makers, and just enjoying the charm of Collierville’s historic square.
Art for All Festival at Dixon Gallery & Gardens
May 9, 2026 | Dixon Gallery & Gardens, Memphis
The Art for All Festival at Dixon Gallery & Gardens is a free, family-friendly event with local artists, hands-on activities, and live performances. This is a great option if you want something creative, relaxed, and a little different from the usual weekend plans. It’s also a beautiful place to visit in May when the gardens are showing off.
World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest
May 13–16, 2026 | Liberty Park, Memphis
It does not get much more Memphis than barbecue in May. The World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest returns to Liberty Park May 13–16, bringing together teams and pitmasters competing in one of the biggest barbecue events in the world. Even if you’re not competing, it’s one of those classic Memphis experiences that makes May feel like May.
Memphis Italian Festival
May 28–30, 2026 | Memphis
The Memphis Italian Festival is another fun May tradition, with food, music, family-friendly activities, and plenty of Italian festival energy. The 2026 festival runs Thursday, May 28 through Saturday, May 30, and kids 10 and under get in free.
Memphis Redbirds Games
Throughout May | AutoZone Park, Downtown Memphis
Baseball season is one of the easiest ways to enjoy a night out in Memphis. The Memphis Redbirds have games throughout May at AutoZone Park, and it’s always a good option for families, date nights, or a casual evening downtown. Grab dinner, enjoy the game, and make a night of it.
A Simple May Reminder
May gets busy fast. Between end-of-school events, graduations, sports, summer planning, and everything happening around town, it can feel like the calendar fills up overnight.
So pick a couple of things that sound fun, get them on your calendar now, and enjoy this season before the full Memphis summer heat settles in.
And if part of your summer planning includes thinking about a move, getting your home ready, or figuring out what projects are actually worth doing before selling, I’m always happy to help you think through it.
I’m Kelly Day with simpliHŌM, where we make buying and selling a home simple.
