EVENTS

MemphisDowntowner.com presents our staff selections for the top events of the month. Subscribe today to fill your calendar with scores of other events around town - art exhibits, theater, music, lectures, sports, and more.

July 2008 Special Events Highlights

Jul 2, 9, 16, 23, 30: Farmers' Market at the Botanic Garden. Shop from a variety of goods locally grown and made, including fresh produce, home-baked breads and sweets, honey, and more. 2-6pm, Wednesdays thru Oct 29. 750 Cherry, 636-4100, memphisbotanicgarden.com.

Jul 3: Cooper Young Night Out. Energy hums during an exciting neighborhood event held each month in this eclectic, historic district, where restaurants and retail establishments stay open late in a festive atmosphere that includes live music, discount specials, and more. 1st Thursdays, 5-9pm, free. Cooper and Young, 276-7222, cooperyoungnightout.com.

Jul 3: Flag City Freedom Celebration. This annual tradition teams Millington with the U.S. Navy to honor those who serve in America's armed forces, with food, fireworks, and music featuring Ricky Nelson's twin sons with former Elvis backer James Burton and other musical legends. Coolers and lawnchairs welcome; leave pets at home. 5pm music, 8:45pm fireworks, free. Navy Lake, Kerr-Rosemark, 874-5555, ci.millington.tn.us.

Jul 3: Thursdays @ the Gallery and Onix. The only connecting art gallery and restaurant Downtown mixes it up with a 25-and-older, business casual crowd for an evening of jazz, networking, art, music, libations, and hors d'oeuvres. 7-11pm, $5. Art Village Gallery and Onix Restaurant, 410-412 S. Main, 521-0782, artvillagegallery.com.

Jul 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Peabody Rooftop Parties (season finale). The rooftop tradition concludes another season with live music, dancing, cocktails, and views of the Mississippi River, with top local and regional entertainment acts rounding out the stage. This month's lineup: Conch Republic, Thanks for Nothing, Egypt Central, Mean Green Music Machine, Dr. Zarr's Amazing Funk Monster. 6-10pm, $5. Peabody Memphis, 529-4000, peabodymemphis.com.

Jul 3, 10, 17, 24, 31: Sunset Atop the Madison. The rooftop season reaches skyward with live music, appetizers, cash bar, door prizes, and as much dancing as your feet can stand! This month's lineup: Amy LaVere, Elmo and the Shades, Brian "Breeze" Cayolle, Reba Russell, Charlie Wood. 5:30-11pm, Thursdays thru Sep 25, $7. Madison Hotel, 79 Madison, 333-1200, madisonhotelmemphis.com.

Jul 4: CMOM Celebrates the 4th of July. A day filled with patriotic activities includes Fireworks Art, Apple Pie Fourth of July Storytime, Freedom Shakers, Independence Day Parade (2pm), Let Freedom Sing Karaoke, and more. 9am-5pm, Children's Museum, 458-2678, cmom.com.

Jul 4: July 4 to The MAX. A family fun day down by the river with 98.1 The Max broadcasting live. Music, food specials, park activities, and a perfect place to watch the fireworks on the Mississippi. 10am-conclusion of fireworks, free. Mud Island River Park, 576-7241, mudisland.com.

Jul 5, 12, 19, 26: Downtown Memphis Farmers Market. Get fresh, get local with area produce, meats, baked goods, flowers, herbs, and other homemade goods for sale in a family-friendly, health-focused atmosphere. Onsite pet-sitting, cooking demos, vendor talks, health screenings, live entertainment, special activities, and more to benefit and sustain local farms. Details on website. 7am-1pm, Saturdays thru Oct. 25, free entry and parking. Central Station Pavilion, G.E. Patterson and Front, 575-0580, memphisfarmersmarket.org.

Jul 10: Japanese Garden Candlelight Tour. See the garden in a whole new light, in addition to pre-tour cultural activities with stories of Japanese folklore and garden symbolism. 7:30-9pm, $8. Memphis Botanic Garden, 636-4110, memphisbotanicgarden.com.

Jul 11: Dog Daze in Memphis. Trot over to AutoZone Park for the unveiling of 75 artistically decorated Buddy Dogs, an animal welfare, tourism, and public art project launched by the Humane Society of Memphis & Shelby County. Then sit, stay for the Redbirds vs. Omaha Royals game that follows. 6pm, AutoZone Park, 937-3902, memphishumane.org.

Jul 11: Sleep Out on the Mississippi. Bring only a sleeping bag for this unique camping experience that includes dinner, entertainment, recreational activities, campfire, breakfast, and more. Tent provided. 2nd Fridays, 5pm, through Oct 10, $40/person. Mud Island, RSVP 576-7236, mudisland.com.

Jul 12: The Cotton Club. The 18-piece Memphis Knights swing-era band joins the Red Hot Lindy Hop dancers (free dance lesson!), Blues City Pastry desserts and coffee -- or BYOB -- for a night of swinging around the dance floor. 7:30pm, $10. Cotton Museum, 531-7826, memphiscottonmuseum.org.

Jul 12: Hotter Than July. This tribute to the legendary Stevie Wonder celebrates his life and music with a medley of favorites old and new to benefit the Rebirth Foundation, which assists students with art education. 7pm, $20. New Daisy Theatre, 330 Beale, 246-7454, memphisrebirth.com.

Jul 15: Downtowner Magazine Photo Contest Deadline. Calling all shutterbugs! The "Uniquely Memphis" photo contest captures those one-of-a-kinds that make Memphis, Memphis! Winners announced in the September issue; all entries will be displayed in Pembroke Square Lobby. For contest rules and submission details: 525-7118, memphisdowntowner.com.

Jul 19: Passport to Paris Family Day. Bonjour les Amis! Explore French culture with hands-on activities, story time, Passport to Paris exhibit, printmaking lesson, music, and refreshments. A bientot! 10am-4pm, free w/gallery admission. Dixon Gallery, 761-5250, dixon.org.

Jul 19: WEVL Blues on the Bluff. Bring blankets or lawn chairs for a guaranteed good time in front of the mighty Mississippi backdrop. Music from The Bo-Keys, Blind Mississippi Morris & The Pocket Rockets, and others. Central BBQ, wine, and beer available -- all to benefit volunteer radio station WEVL FM 89.9. 6-11pm, $15. Nat-l Ornamental Metal Museum grounds, 528-0560, wevl.org.

Jul 20: Legends Dinner. Celebrate the Liberty Bowl's 50th anniversary by joining stars of the past at this festive rendezvous with former bowl head coaches, most valuable players, and other football stars. 6pm cocktails, 7pm dinner, $100. Peabody Hotel, RSVP 795-7700, autozonelibertybowl.org.

Jul 20: Memphis Farmers Market Monthly Dinner Tour. Each month, a local chef shops the Downtown Memphis Farmers Market and prepares a menu from the delicious, fresh, and locally grown produce and meats discovered there. Five-course tasting menu with wine pairings benefits the market. 6pm, $65. Restaurant Iris, 2146 Monroe, 590-2828.

Jul 24: Altered Books Workshop. Helen Putnam teaches how to turn old hardback books into an artistic vision by aging paper, folding pages, decorating old text with collage, painting, and cutting niches and drawers. Bring personal mementos for your books. 6-9pm, $35 includes all materials. Memphis Botanic Garden, RSVP 636-4128.

Jul 25: South Main Art Trolley Tour. Hop a trolley or stroll through the historic arts district as shops, restaurants, and galleries open their doors, displaying unique art, merchandise, and cuisine. Last Fridays, 6-9pm. South Main Historic Arts District between Vance and St. Paul, 578-7262, southmainmemphis.org.

Jul 29: Tuesdays on the Terrace: Sonoma in Summer. Cool down with a colorful selection of Sonoma varietals, summer snacks, and painting demos by MBG Artists in Residence. 6-8pm, $35. Memphis Botanic Garden, RSVP 636-4131, memphisbotanic- garden.com.