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Memphis to Host Vibrant Barbecue Weekend and Garden Walk

Crowd enjoying barbecue food at a festival in Memphis.

News Summary

Memphis is gearing up for a lively barbecue weekend with two major barbecue festivals and a variety of cultural events for families and garden enthusiasts. Highlights include the Cooper-Young Garden Walk, featuring 70 gardens, guided bike tours uncovering hidden gardens, and a Family Fun Day at the Metal Museum. Additionally, the final Time Warp Drive-In event will take place, showcasing a trilogy of cult comedies. This weekend promises to unite the community through food, art, and outdoor activities, celebrating Memphis’s rich heritage.

Memphis is set to celebrate a lively barbecue weekend, featuring two exciting barbecue festivals alongside a mix of cultural events aimed at families and garden enthusiasts. This annual celebration promises a variety of activities, bringing the community together for food, art, and nature.

The Cooper-Young Garden Walk will showcase 70 beautiful gardens, allowing visitors to explore the fascinating flora and design choices of this vibrant neighborhood. To facilitate access, a shuttle service will run throughout the area, connecting attendees with gardens, local shops, and restaurants. The event is free and forms part of the broader Experience Memphis Gardens tour, which will feature various gardens across the city on select dates through June.

In addition to garden visits, the Urban Bike Food Ministry will host guided bike tours, offering participants a chance to discover “secret gardens” while their bikes are safely watched by volunteers. Several gardens may also include vendors, live music, educational programming, and other surprise attractions, creating a festive atmosphere for all attendees.

Beyond the garden tours, the Metal Museum will hold a Family Fun Day on Saturday, May 17, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This event will feature hands-on activities, live demonstrations, and free admission to the museum, allowing families to enjoy a day of creativity and learning. Attendees may participate in a signature iron pour, where they can create their own tiles for casting at a small fee of $22. In addition, local artists and businesses from the Uptown neighborhood will be on-site, selling a variety of food, goods, and high-quality art.

The weekend will also mark both a bittersweet and celebratory moment for film enthusiasts as the Malco Summer Drive-In closes its doors, hosting the final Time Warp Drive-In event. Attendees can enjoy a cult comedy trilogy featuring *Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure* (1989), *Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey* (1991), and *Bill & Ted Face the Music* (2020). Tickets for this last screening are priced at $25 per car, providing an affordable outing for families and friends looking to enjoy cinema under the stars.

Memphis has long had a reputation for its rich barbecue culture and artistic community, making this weekend an ideal time to celebrate these vibrant elements. The dual offerings of gardening and culinary experiences create an opportunity for locals and visitors alike to engage with their community and connect through shared interests.

The Experience Memphis Gardens tour not only promotes local horticulture but also aims to educate the public about garden design and sustainability practices. Through events like the Cooper-Young Garden Walk, Memphis showcases its commitment to enriching the lives of its residents and visitors through culture, art, and outdoor enjoyment.

As the barbecue weekend kicks off, Memphians are encouraged to come together with friends and family to partake in these festivities that highlight the rich heritage of the city, from gardening to outdoor entertainment.