We love to gather, don’t we?

It’s no secret that sometimes the best marks of the city are the ones that pop up for a day or so and then leave without a trace. We’re a people who love to gather, eat great food, see great art, and listen to great music so the Fall festival season is one of our best. Give us a slightly cool breeze and Memphians love to come out and play.

As you’re looking ahead to the new school year, the fresh commitments, and the busier schedule, be sure you make space for your favorite (or yet undiscovered) Fall fest in Memphis. With so many to choose from, there’s sure to be one in your neck of the woods or in a neighborhood you’ve always wanted to visit. 

Cooper Young Festival

The CY Fest is the largest one-day event in the city every single year. Boasting tens of thousands of participants in just a few city blocks, this music and crafts festival lines Cooper Street in midtown Memphis just past the Young intersection and meanders in and out of parking lots along the way. Multiple local bands play on two stages, over 400 art and crafts booths host the region's best artisans, and favorite food trucks keep you hydrated and happy. The single-day festival (two-day if you count the 4 miler run throughout the neighborhood the evening before) has been a city tradition for 36 years. It’s a not-to-miss event. Just pray that cool fall breeze starts a little early this year…the CY Festival is slated for September 14th.

Germantown Festival

The city of Germantown hosts its annual festival each year over a full weekend in early September. The event includes hundreds of vendor booths, 22 food trucks, a Kids Zone with pony rides, a rock wall, and bouncy slides, a car exhibition, live music, and much more. You can even catch the “Running of the Weenies” race Saturday, September 7th at 11 am! This festival sets right in the middle of Germantown and boasts being the area’s longest running arts and crafts festival at 51 years old. The dates this year are September 7th and 8th, admission is free, and the whole family will enjoy your time.

RiverArts Festival

For a real autumn experience, don’t miss the RiverArts Festival in downtown Memphis, October 19th & 20th. Just as the weather is getting nice and crisp, take a loved one on a walk through the South Main district to peruse fine art from all over the country, watch hands-on exhibits, and see live demonstrations for your favorite artists. RiverArts Fest offers an elevated experience with 150 vendors intentionally curated from not only Memphis but all throughout the United States. The perfect day date, this festival gives you a chance to speak with fine artists, add to your collection, buy holiday gifts, or simply window shop with a steaming cup of cider or hot chocolate in hand. 

Whatever you find yourself doing this Fall, get outside to enjoy the changing seasons and support local art by showing up at one, two, or three of the best arts festivals around.