MEMPHIS EVENTS

July 2009 Special Events Highlights

Jul 2: Cooper Young Night Out. In Midtown’s historically hip entertainment district, restaurants and retailers stay open late in a festive atmosphere of live music, discount specials, and assorted cuisines. First Thursdays, 5–9pm, free. Cooper and Young intersection, 276-7222, cooperyoungnightout.com.

Jul 2, 9, 16, 23: Peabody Rooftop Party. This is the last hoorah this year to enjoy the South’s Grand Hotel’s roof parties, with national and local acts accompanied by food, drink, and dancing on the roof. 6–10pm, $5, ladies free till 8pm. Peabody Hotel, peabodymemphis.com.

Jul 2, 9, 16, 23: Sunset Atop the Madison. Thursdays through Sep 24, the rooftop shakes with live entertainment, cash bar, special tapas menu, and one of the best riverview sunsets in the city. 5:30–11pm, $7. 79 Madison, 333-1200, madisonhotelmemphis.com.

Jul 4: Fireworks on the 4th Rooftop Party. A sky-high view of the city’s fireworks display, music by Ingram Hill, and a summertime picnic buffet 12 stories up in the center of the city. 6–11pm, $20. Peabody Hotel, 529-4000, peabodymemphis.com.

Jul 4: Fourth of July Bash. Exceptional night of live entertainment, dancing, after-party, two ballrooms, and dress-down summer attire. 8pm, $46+. Peabody Memphis Hotel, 753-5573, degmagazine.com.

Jul 4: Fourth of July Family Fun Day. Live radio broadcasts, music, food specials, park activities, and evening fireworks. 11am–conclusion of Downtown fireworks, free. Mud Island Park, 576-7241, mudisland.com.

Jul 4, 11, 18, 25: Memphis Farmers Market Downtown. Along the trolley tracks, the not-for-profit outdoor market offers local, seasonal produce, kids-friendly events, live music, market cafe, health events, and more. Saturdays through Oct 31, 7am–1pm, free entry & parking. Central Station Pavilion, G.E. Patterson and Front, 575-0580, memphisfarmersmarket.org.

Jul 10: Sleep Out on the Mississippi. Bring just a sleeping bag for this unique camping experience that includes dinner, entertainment, campfire, breakfast, and a tent. Every 2nd Fri through Oct. Pre-registration: 576-7241, mudisland.com.

Jul 18: Bright and Bold Family Day. Fun-filled day of hands-on activities, performance, interactive gallery guide, and more. 10am–1pm, free. Brooks Museum, 544-6200, brooksmuseum.org.

Jul 20: Downtowner Magazine Photo Contest Deadline. Calling all shutterbugs! The “Memphis at Play” photo contest captures the frolic and fun of the city. Winners announced in September, and all entries will be displayed in Pembroke Square Lobby. Registration and contest rules online. 525-7118, memphisdowntowner.com. Enter Here

Jul 25: Blues on the Bluff. Bring blankets or lawn chairs and settle in for live music, Central BBQ, wine, beer, and a Mississippi River backdrop to benefit volunteer radio WEVL FM 89.9. 6–11pm, $15. National Ornamental Metal Museum, 528-0560, wevl.org.

Jul 25: Laid-By Party. Party the night away on the trading floor of the Cotton Exchange with open bar, hors d’oeuvres, and Jim Pettit and Friends to benefit the Cotton Museum. 8pm, $100. Union & Front, 531-7826, memphiscottonmuseum.org.

Jul 27: Fort Pickering Annual Reunion. The oldest settlement in the state holds the largest community reunion in the U.S. with games and community spirit. Bring food and folding chairs, but cookies, chips, lemonade, watermelon, and ice water provided. 1pm, donations appreciated. DeSoto Park (corner of Delaware and California), 774-0910.

Jul 28: Girls Night Out. Live jazz band, more than 15 vendors, delicious appetizers, and silent auction to benefit the Memphis Child Advocacy Center. 6–9pm, $150, $250/couple. Hard Rock Cafe, 315 Beale, 545-8372, themedfoundation.org.

Jul 28: Tuesdays on the Terrace: Disco Night. Stayin’ alive in the heat of the summer means cool wines and light seasonal appetizers. 6–8pm, $35, RSVP. Memphis Botanic Garden, 636-4131, memphisbotanicgarden.com.

Thru Jul 31: No-Go Gala. You’re invited to not attend MIFA’s most successful non-event. Instead, make a donation to MIFA, then enjoy your night in with a collection of culinary creations from the online cookbook. 529-4525, mifa.org/cookbook.

Jul 31: South Main Art Trolley Tour. Beat the heat! Hop a trolley or stroll through the historic arts district as shops, restaurants, and art galleries open their doors, displaying unique art, merchandise, and cuisine. Every last Friday, 6–9pm, free. South Main between Vance and St. Paul, 578-7262, southmainmemphis.org.

Jul 31–Aug 2: Memphis Riverfront Int’l Championship Regatta. Watch the world’s best tunnel boats test, qualify, and compete as part of the national Powerboat Superleague tour, including jet ski acrobatics, family amusement park, live music, food and beverage vendors, and kayak races. Free, Tom Lee Park, 312-9190, memphisregatta.com.