News Summary
This weekend, Memphis offers a wide array of cultural events for residents and visitors alike. The Memphis Italian Festival features music, rides, and a spaghetti sauce competition. Trolley Night encourages community exploration of local businesses, while the Memphis Garden Walk showcases beautiful gardens. Comic-Con brings pop culture fun with a special guest, and the Margarita Festival promises refreshing drinks. The weekend concludes with a book fair at Novel. With events catering to diverse interests, Memphis shines as a hub of community engagement.
Memphis is set to host a variety of exciting events this weekend, including the returning Memphis Italian Festival, Trolley Night in South Main, the Memphis Garden Walk, and a special Comic-Con event featuring former Saturday Night Live cast member Chris Parnell. From food to entertainment, there is something for everyone to enjoy from May 30 to June 1, 2023.
Memphis Italian Festival
The Memphis Italian Festival will take place on Friday, May 30, and Saturday, May 31, at Marquette Park. Doors open at 11 a.m. on Friday, and attendees can expect a rich array of activities, including live music performances, carnival rides for children, and a spirited competition for the best spaghetti sauce. Over 40 teams will participate in the sauce competition, making it a highlight of the festival. Tickets cost $15 for Friday and $20 for Saturday, giving visitors access to a vibrant celebration of Italian culture.
Trolley Night in South Main
Also on Friday evening, Trolley Night in South Main will be held, starting at 6 p.m. This event invites locals and visitors alike to explore the historic South Main Arts District, featuring food and drink specials at various local businesses. While attendance is free, patrons should note that there will be no trolley service during this event.
Memphis Garden Walk
On Saturday, May 31, the Memphis Garden Walk will take place in the Binghampton neighborhood, specifically at Hein Park. This yearโs garden walk will showcase 13 beautifully curated gardens, offering visitors a chance to appreciate local horticulture. Attendees can also enjoy artist pop-up displays and sweet treats from Muddyโs Cupcakes. Starting at 9 a.m., this event is free to attend, welcoming anyone interested in gardening or simply looking to enjoy a scenic stroll.
Comic-Con Event Featuring Chris Parnell
For comic enthusiasts, a special Comic-Con event will occur on Saturday morning at the Ben Hooks Library, featuring native Memphian and former SNL star Chris Parnell. This engaging event will include a cosplay contest, encouraging participants to showcase their favorite characters. The festivities will begin at 10 a.m. and are free for all attendees, making it an unmissable opportunity for fans of comic and pop culture.
Margarita Festival at Overton Square
The weekend will continue with the Margarita Festival on Saturday at Overton Square, where attendees can sample 12 different margarita varieties for a price of $59. The festival will run until 6 p.m., providing a great chance to relax and enjoy refreshments in a lively atmosphere.
Sunday Book Fair at Novel
On Sunday, June 1, the Summer Stock-Up Book Fair for Grownups will take place at the bookstore “Novel,” starting at 9 a.m. Offering a 10% discount on all items in the store, this event caters to literature lovers looking to stock up on summer reads.
Upcoming Memphis Pride Fest
Looking ahead, the Memphis Pride Fest will kick off on June 5 to celebrate 50 years of Pride in Memphis. This historic event will feature a grand parade on Beale Street, a silent disco after-party, and a variety of activities, including a Kink Pride event, a Grand Marshal Drag Brunch, and live entertainment. With nearly 200 vendors and exhibitors, it promises to be a vibrant celebration of diversity and inclusion.
This weekend in Memphis is filled with festivities that cater to a wide range of interests, promising fun, creativity, and community engagement. Residents and visitors alike are encouraged to participate in these events and enjoy the rich cultural tapestry Memphis has to offer.
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Additional Resources
- Local Memphis: Memphis Italian Festival
- Commercial Appeal: Memphis Pride Fest 2025
- WREG: Fun Events Happening in Memphis This Weekend
- GlobeNewswire: B.B. King 100th Birthday Celebration
- StyleBlueprint: Memphis Events in June
- Wikipedia: Memphis
- Google Search: Memphis events
- Google Scholar: Memphis cultural events
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Memphis
- Google News: Memphis events
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
