Fall is in the air! Okay, Memphis might still be hitting 90 degrees most days, but there are definitely more leaves on the ground than there were last week, and our early mornings are blessedly free from humidity. The next couple of months are also some of our most beautiful, making this the perfect time to explore everything the city has to offer before the holiday season hits. Keep reading to learn more about our top 5 fun fall activities in Memphis and throughout the Mid-South!
Mid-South Fair
Sep 23-Oct 3, 2021
Landers Center
4560 Venture Dr.
Southaven, MS 38671
You know fall has arrived when the fair comes to town! The Mid-South Fair has been going strong since 1856 and offers visitors more than 50 thrilling rides in a safe and family-oriented environment. There will also be a huge variety of food and beverage vendors serving up fair favorites like funnel cakes, candied apples, corn dogs, and turkey legs: if you close your eyes, you can almost smell the sugar, spices, and other mouth-watering aromas.
This year’s fair will feature a few special events, including a live performance by country music star Sam Hunt and several chances to see an action-packed Monster Jam event. There will also be an art contest, talent competitions, and the Miss Mid-South Fair Pageant to round out the week. You can’t beat a good old-fashioned fair for good old-fashioned fun with the family!
49th Annual Pink Palace Crafts Fair
September 24-26, 2021
Audubon Park
751 Cherry Rd.
Memphis, TN 38117
Are you searching for another family-friendly way to get the kids out of the house this fall? The Pink Palace Crafts Fair could be just what you’re looking for! This annual fair is the largest fundraising event of the year for the amazing Museum of Science and History and is also one of the oldest crafts fairs in the country. For almost 50 years, this event has provided Mid-South families with unique arts and crafts, exciting demonstrations by master craftsmen, delicious food, and delightful entertainment.
This year may be the best one yet! Almost 150 artists from all around the country will be joining in on the arts and crafts action at Audubon Park. Get a headstart on your Christmas shopping with a huge variety of handmade goods, including pottery, jewelry, paintings, woven goods, and woodwork. The choo-choo train is always popular with kids, and there will be a petting zoo for them to explore, too. This is a fun opportunity for the whole family that you won’t want to miss!
Memphis Food & Wine Festival
October 16, 2021
Radians Amphitheater
Memphis Botanic Garden
750 Cherry Rd.
Memphis, TN 38117
Looking for a more upscale event to kick off the cooler months? The third Memphis Food & Wine Festival is back and better than ever, featuring dozens of renowned chefs—including local favorites like Kelly English and Nick Scott—along with vintners from around the country.
Taking place against the backdrop of the beautiful Memphis Botanic Garden, this celebration of culinary excellence will give you the chance to interact with acclaimed chefs from all over the world! Certified wine sommeliers and various wine enthusiasts will be on hand, as well.
This festival is more than just an excuse to get fancy and hit the town, though! Ticket sales benefit the FedExFamilyHouse, which provides housing for out-of-town families whose children are receiving treatment at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. Good food, good wine, and a good deed? Sounds like a good time to us!
Art on Fire
October 23, 2021
Dixon Gallery and Gardens
4339 Park Avenue
Memphis, TN 38117
It might be smack dab in the middle of autumn, but Art on Fire is still one of the hottest nights of the year in Memphis! Enjoy an enormous bonfire on the Dixon’s South Lawn along with live music, delicious food and drinks from more than 20 local restaurants, an art sale, and one of the largest auctions of the year. There may even be a fire dancer or two!
The price of admission includes beer, wine, and food, so you can take advantage of everything the event has to offer. This is another fun fall activity that benefits others—it supports the Dixon’s art and horticulture programs which include dozens of community outreach programs like tours, horticulture talks, and virtual programming. These projects connect seniors, students, and children of all ages across the city.
Historical Haunts of Memphis
Ongoing dates
552 S Main St.
Memphis, TN 38103
Are you ready for spooky season? Why not celebrate its arrival by booking a ghost walk or pub crawl with Historical Haunts of Memphis? House Beautiful magazine named this one of the spookiest ghost tours in the country, so you’re practically guaranteed to get your money’s worth of scares from this unique experience!
The Memphis Ghost Walk is suitable for ages 6+ and will share the dark history of downtown Memphis with you and your family. You’ll walk about a mile with a knowledgeable guide, with several stops along the way to discuss local legends, professional paranormal investigations, and official records to back up their twisted tales. It’s just a short walk or trolley ride back to the starting point once your tour is complete.
Ghost stories aren’t just for kids, though! The Historical Haunts Pub Crawl is for adults only and a fun way to explore the restaurants, bars, and taverns of downtown Memphis. This tour includes at least 3 pub stops while your host shares the intoxicating tales and paranormal experiences from the dark side of the city. Memphis is full of unexplained experiences and sightings, and you can learn about all of them with a Historical Haunts tour! Many tours sell out so be sure to book in advance.
Say hello to sweater weather with SCO
With school back in full swing and some lingering uncertainty about what’s ahead, you may be looking for ways to get outdoors and connect with your loved ones. It’s more important than ever to make happy memories with family and friends, and we hope this guide will give you a helpful place to start!
As we head into fall, remember to take good care of yourself, too. That includes your oral health! If you want to learn more about how our expert team can transform your smile, get in touch today to schedule your FREE consultation with Dr. Fagala. Happy fall, y’all!
Best,
