Memphis in September: A Cultural Extravaganza with Theatre, Music, and Community Events

August 29, 2025
Memphis in September: A Cultural Extravaganza with Theatre, Music, and Community Events
  • Memphis is buzzing with a vibrant cultural scene, featuring a diverse array of entertainment options, from live theatre and music festivals to community events, creating a lively atmosphere throughout September.

  • Saturday’s 'Woofstock' at Wiseacre HQ raises funds for dog rescue, featuring live bands including Alvin Youngblood Hart’s Duo Sonik, with raffle prizes and a $25 entry fee.

  • The Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center offers a variety of performances, including free Shakespeare in the Park and family musicals like 'The Wedding Singer'.

  • Music Export Memphis hosts an AmericanaFest preview at The Ravine on Thursday, featuring local artists like Cyrena Wages and John Nemeth, with free entry from 6 to 9 p.m.

  • The Orpheum Theatre Group continues its tradition of hosting major Broadway productions and special events, including the 50th anniversary of 'Rocky Horror Picture Show'.

  • The Delta Fair & Music Festival runs from Friday through September 7 at Agricenter International, offering rides, live music, dinosaur exhibits, and livestock shows.

  • Theatre Memphis, established in 1920, offers performances like 'Something Rotten!', 'Hamlet', and 'Legally Blonde, The Musical' across its two venues.

  • Labor Day weekend features a free house music picnic at East Parkway Pavilion, hosted by House in the MidSouth, with Chicago house legend Larry Heard and local DJs performing from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

  • Emerald Theatre Company presents its '10 Minute Play Festival: Monday’s Child' from Friday to Sunday, showcasing seven plays inspired by children’s poetry at Monroe Ave, with tickets at $23.18.

  • The River City Jazz & Music Fest at the Cannon Center on Sunday features artists like Angela Winbush, Major, Leela James, and Peabo Bryson, with tickets starting at $79.70.

  • Memphis commemorates Eliza Fletcher with the annual 'Finish Liza’s Run' on Friday morning, an 8.2-mile memorial race starting at Central Ave, honoring her life and legacy.

  • The city’s rich artistic heritage is reflected in its numerous theatre venues hosting performances like 'Come From Away', 'A Christmas Carol', and 'Sweeney Todd', along with Shakespeare in the Park and family-friendly musicals.

  • On Wednesday, enjoy a free screening of 'Back to the Future' at Slider Inn, paired with sliders and drinks, at 7:30 p.m. on Mulberry Street.

  • Music lovers can catch indie singer-songwriter Simon Joyner at Crosstown Arts’ Green Room on Friday, with tickets ranging from $18 to $22.

  • Major concerts include ZZ Top on September 6, James Taylor on September 13, and Gladys Knight at FedExForum on September 21, highlighting Memphis’s vibrant live music scene.

  • The final Sunset Skate of the season, themed 'Yeah Glow!', takes place Thursday at Tom Lee Park, offering free skate rentals, glow necklaces, and music from 6 to 9 p.m.

  • The Metal Museum hosts a 'Whet Thursday' rave-themed happy hour on Thursday evening, featuring DJs, food, drinks, and craft activities, all free of charge.

  • Legendary blues musician Bobby Rush performs at Overton Park Shell on Friday evening, supported by Rodd Bland and the Members Only Band, in a free concert.

  • The upcoming Cooper-Young Festival on September 13 will showcase art, music, and food in Memphis’s trendy neighborhood, drawing locals and visitors alike.

  • New Day Children’s Theatre provides inclusive performances for young audiences, with upcoming auditions for the musical 'Crazy for You'.

  • Shinedown headlines at FedExForum on Saturday, supported by Bush and Morgan Wade, in a concert celebrating Memphis’s strong rock scene.

  • The Cannon Center hosts concerts and dance performances, serving as a key venue for the city’s performing arts, despite no musicals scheduled at the moment.

  • Venues like Theatre by the Lake and TheaterWorks USA present performances such as 'Much Ado About Nothing' and 'Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Bus! The Musical'.

  • Memphis Pride Festival, rescheduled to September 14 at Overton Park Shell, will celebrate LGBTQ+ pride with music, vendors, and community activities.

  • Hattiloo Theatre offers performances like 'Jaja’s African Hair Braiding' and 'Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom', focusing on African American stories and culture.

  • Memphis Black Arts Alliance continues to promote African American arts and culture, with upcoming performances to be announced.

  • The 52nd Germantown Festival on September 6-7 celebrates local tradition with arts, crafts, food, and entertainment at the Germantown Civic Club.

  • Memphis’s 901 Day on Monday features Beale Street celebrations, music, vendors, a block party at Memphis Made Brewing, and a lantern parade at Tom Lee.

  • Playhouse on the Square presents a diverse lineup including 'Come From Away', 'A Christmas Carol', and 'Sweeney Todd', reinforcing Memphis’s vibrant theatre scene.

  • Starting Monday, Memphis celebrates '30 Days of Opera' with performances at various locations, including a Family Day event at Opera Memphis headquarters.

Summary based on 3 sources


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