Spirits and Soul Festival
April 25th-27th
"Spirits & Soul is a 2-Day Festival that brings the Tennessee Whiskey Trail to downtown Memphis, TN as part of the kick-off to the city’s Bicentennial Celebration, A New Century of Soul."
spiritsandsoul.com/

Mid-South Food Truck Fest
April 27th
"70+ trucks from cities along the mighty Mississippi River and beyond come together to celebrate food and help local non-profits raise funds for their organization. This is an event to encourage people from all over to visit Memphis, TN and see that the city has a lot to offer. "
www.midsouthfoodtruckfest.com/

Taste the Rarity Wiseacre Brewing Co.
April 27th 
"TASTE the RARITY will feature the release of UNICORNUCOPIA 2019. Live Music from Mighty Souls Brass Band, Obruni Dance Band, the Griz Line, circus acts, some surprise entertainment, and more with backyard games and food trucks."
http://tastetherarity.com/

Foster Care Awareness Community Festival and Parade
April 27th
"Vendors from the health care industry, government agencies and private sector will be onsite to provide free services and support to the residents of our community."
www.eventbrite.com/e/foster-care-awareness-community-festival-parade-tickets-55936537690

Lucy Music & Arts Festival
April 27th
"Vendors will be selling food, art, and other home-made crafts. There will be a variety of fun games for children to participate in. We will also be featuring a number of musical acts from various musical styles and genres. This event is FREE"
www.lucyfestival.com

Grind City Flow Festival
April 27th
"The Grind City Flow Festival is a one day festival that will include workshops throughout the day in a variety of flow arts, aerial, yoga, and dance. The goal is to create a welcoming environment in which all performance artists, beginners and experts, can practice their craft safely under the guidance of trained professionals."
grindcityfestival.com/

CommUnity Festival at Snowden
April 27th
"Free to attend, there will be free food, a dunk tank, rock climbing, face painting, an obstacle course, food trucks, Mempops, local businesses and vendors, and other fun activities as well!!"
www.facebook.com/events/2308178956137291/

Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival
April 28th
"Enjoy live music on three stages from nationally-known and local award-winning artists in Memphis, games including crawfish bobbing, eating, and racing, arts & crafts vendors, and a play zone for children ages 12 and under all for FREE."
www.porterleath.org/rajun-cajun-home

Memphis in May International Festival
May 3rd-5th, 15th-18th, & 25th
(Multiple dates in May. Please click the link below for full event list)
"The mission of Memphis in May International Festival is to promote and celebrate Memphis culture, foster economic growth, and enhance international awareness through education"
www.memphisinmay.org/

Cinco de Mayo Popup Festival
May 5th
"A Cinco De Mayo Popup Festival at Primas Bakery and Boutique!
The festival will host local artists and makers in the outdoor space directly next door to Primas Bakery and Boutique! There will be Cinco de Mayo deals and dessert specials inside Primas!"
www.facebook.com/events/273459033546635/

Memphis Greek Festival
May 10th-11th
"This will be a two day festival filled with delicious Greek food, music, dancing, pastries, activities for the children, and more"
www.memphisgreekfestival.com/

Water Lantern Festival
May 11th
Water Lantern Festival is filled with fun, happiness, hope, and great memories that you'll cherish for a lifetime. This is a family friendly event that can be shared by everyone. 
www.waterlanternfestival.com/memphis.php

Memphis Margarita Festival
May 11th
"The festival includes 15 margarita samples from your favorite restaurants, with awesome entertainment! Food will be available for purchase, and there will also be a cash bar with full-sized drinks available. " 
www.memphismargaritafestival.com/

Memphis Brewfest
May 11th
"Memphis BrewFest highlights quality beers from the local region and beyond. The festival features a wide variety of American craft beers as well as exotic international brews, with a background of live music and the scenery of downtown Memphis."
www.eventbrite.com/e/memphis-brewfest-2019-tickets-54057732132

Memphis Local Music Festival
May 11th 
"The Memphis Local Music Festival is a Celebration of Memphis’s Greatest Natural Resource - Our Talent! Come out and enjoy a day of Fun, Local Memphis Food, and Great Local Music!"
www.eventbrite.com/e/memphis-local-music-festival-tickets-44650107674

Ruby Bridges Reading Fest
May 18th
"Children pre-K through elementary school receive free books at the festival, enjoy storytelling and entertainment. Educators, with their valid school ID, can also get free books for their classroom. The event will feature fun activities including face painting, balloon animals, dance and musical performances and food trucks."
www.civilrightsmuseum.org/ruby-bridges-reading-festival

Hattiloo Black Arts Festival
May 18th
"Free festival showcases the diversity, energy, and exceptional talent of various local Black arts groups and artists."
www.hattiloo.org/

Memphis Italian Festival
May 30th-June 1st
"The Memphis Italian Festival presents family-oriented fun in music, food, events, games, and more for the benefit of the children of Holy Rosary Parish School."
www.memphisitalianfestival.com/

Tour de' Toast
June 8th
"Tour Dé Toast is designed to educate a diverse group of cultured individuals in the community about champagne through a physical tasting while enjoying food curated by local chefs, libations, musical entertainment and art all under the sun and green lawn of the historic Pink Palace Museum."
tourdetoastmemphis.com/

Juneteenth Urban Music festival 
June 14th-16th
"This free three-day festival provides fellowship, fanfare and a great time. Don't miss the Ultimate Juneteenth Showdown featuring majorettes, drummers, cheerleaders and steppers. They'll be a Kids Zone and health and wellness stations, rap, R&B, pop, hip-hop and gospel music entertainment."
www.memphisjuneteenth.com/

Craft Food and Wine Festival
June 23rd
"It'll be a day of tastings of artisan breads, cheeses, fruit preserves, cured meats, oils and more paired with beer, wine and cider. Craft Food and Wine Festival benefits Church Health so you will be enjoying your favorite craft foods and beverages for a great cause!"
www.craftfoodandwinefestival.com/

Mid-South International Festival
June 29th-June 30th
"Come celebrate the many cultures of the world! Marvel at the performances of traditional dancing and costumes. Eat and drink from an International menu. Shop through clothing and jewelry!"
www.eventbrite.com/e/mid-south-international-festival-2019-tickets-54451748646

Asian Festival 
July 27th 
"CAPA will host an APA Festival with Asian Cuisine, Music, Culture activities and traditions shared by multi-generations as community celebration and family fun day."
www.eventbrite.com/e/asian-festival-2019-tickets-54758863234

Bacon & bourbon Festival
August 24th
"Bacon & Bourbon Festival hosted by the Memphis Flyer, we have creative bacon-inspired dishes of all kinds from some of Memphis' best restaurants, plus a vast array of distilled spirits to tempt your tastebuds. Music and entertainment provided"
www.memphisbaconandbourbon.com/

Beale Street Cigar Festival
August 31st
"Relax, eat, drink, smoke and play at the 5th Annual Beale Street Cigar Festival! Whether you’re a serious cigar connoisseur or new to the joy of a smooth smoke, you will appreciate this festival during Labor Day Weekend."
www.facebook.com/events/382680755821545/

Cooper Young Festival
September 14th
"Held in Memphis' largest historic district, guests will enjoy an appealing mix of art, music and crafts presented by over 435 artisans from around the country. "
cooperyoungfestival.com/

​Audacity Festival
September 27th- 29th 
"This festival is the safe space for black and brown travelers from around the world, to build ideas, meet travel influencers, and experience parts of the world through on site activations. The day includes panels, one-on-one fireside chats, international music & DJs, celebrity appearances, food, vendors, and community love."
audacityfest.com/

Memphis Japan Festival
September 29th 
"A family-friendly, interactive and hands-on experience of Japanese culture featuring food, 
​entertainment, games, crafts and more!"
www.memphisjapanfestival.org/

Soulsville USA Festival
October 19th 
"One of the goals of the Soulsville USA Festival is to educate the city about those who have contributed to Memphis's soulful musical history and introduce them to those of us who are contributing to the city's soulful future."
www.soulsvilleusafestival.com/

Mempho Music Festival
October 19th-October 20th
"Mempho Music Festival blends today's top performers with Memphis' rich musical history, creating a festival experience filled with music, food, and nature for people of all ages."
memphofest.com/ 

All descriptions quoted from the actual event websites

Alright fellow food and wine lovers, this one is for you! 2019 is bringing you Memphis' first ever Craft Food and Wines Festival and you don't want to miss it! On June 23, 2019 from 4 pm - 9 pm you will be able to enjoy some locally- produced breads, cheeses, fruit preserves, cured meats, and more from 40 vendors. Located at Columns at One Commerce Square, 40 S. Main Street Memphis, TN 38103,  this event will have shops for you to purchase what you've sampled, cheeseboards, and more. The festival will be split into two 2 hour tasting sessions, 4 pm and 6:30 pm to make sure that attendees get the most out of their visit.
.  Since there is alcohol consumption you do have to be 21 or older to attend this event. There will be live entertainment brought to you by Will Lang Jazz Trio and DJ Crystal Mercedes.

Tom Lee Park
In 2020 Tom Lee Park as we know it will no longer exist. On February 2nd I attended the Tom Lee Park Engagement Center Grand Opening. I was able to see a model of the park, read about the history and future of the park, test out a pair of super cool virtual reality goggles, and give my opinion of what I think Downtown Memphis needs more/less of. I want Memphis to make no moves without me knowing so if there is something to see or discuss I try to be there. If you too are interested in doing the same head to Beale Street Landing on Wednesdays (4 pm - 7 pm) and Saturdays(12 pm - 3 pm)to see the design, ask questions, and learn more about the future of the riverfront. Also, the South Main Association and Memphis River Parks Partnership is having a meeting on February 12 at 6 pm - 7 pm discussing the redesign.
​

St. Jude
St. Jude just celebrated its 57th anniversary and at 57 years they show no sign of them slowing down. They continue to expand and make more efforts to support the families that travel to them from all over the world for treatment. Soon St. Jude will start construction on its new patient family housing project in the Pinch District. In 2016 they purchased the Downtown Animal Hospital and Promedica Clinic that was located in that area for this project. With more construction to come St. Jude is moving forward with its 6 six year expansion plan mentioned in previous Top Things You Need to Know blog. I have yet to hear or read any information about a completion date.


Swanky's + Chisca
Last year Lyfe Kitchen surprisingly closed both of its locations. The Poplar location was immediately turned into a Central BBQ but I wondered what would replace the downtown location that was connected to The Chisca On Main. While on a City Tasting Food Tour, which is a must experience, the founder, Cristina McCarter informed me that Swanky's Taco Shop may be taking over. I wasn't too hype about it because I was hoping something different would be coming and maybe even another vegan option to add to the list. However, Cristina would be right and Swanky's would be taking over. By April of this year, Downtown should have it's own Swanky's Taco Shop located at 272 S. Main Street with the cutest outdoor patio for all your summer night adventures.


We Are Memphis
We Are Memphis is looking for Memphians who are making a difference in the city! In honor of Memphis' bicentennial celebration, you may nominate a "Next Century Memphian" by clicking on the link below and filling out the form. I'm down for anything that shines a positive light on the city so when I saw this I had to share. "We Are Memphis" is Powered by the Memphis Brand Initiative, a collection of organizations and individuals with the intent to "elevating Memphis, captivating audiences locally and globally, to create catalytic positive change" according to the website.
www.wearememphis.com/meet/artist-submissions/


LeMoyne- Owen College + Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
When I read that my beloved organization pledged 100,000 to Lemoyne-Owen College I had to post about it. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. has implemented AKA-HBCU Endowment Fund with the purpose of investing in the future of the youth and helping to sustain HBCUs such as LeMoyne. As I continued to read I started to wonder how we have a whole HBCU but people barely know. I think Memphis often tosses things to the side after it feels there isn't much need for it anymore. LeMoyne wasn't even an option to me for college and a lot of times I made jokes about how it was barely a school. But why wasn't it an option? Why hasn't it been cared for like other Historical black colleges and universities have? It may not be as popular or advanced as others but it's still a gem and it's still apart of our history. I'm sure their leadership has played a part in things as well but I hope in the future we support and protect it more!


Orange Mound
Orange Mound is hosting its own Black Restaurant Week! It starts today, February 11th and continues until February 15th. Currently, the participating businesses are Pop's Hot Tamales, Smacker's, The Wing Factory, and Toney's Corner Grocery Store. I have included the flyer with more details about the week and addresses of the participating businesses. Go out and show the businesses in my old neighborhood some support!


MATA
MATA will be offering free bus and rail trolley rides on April 25, 2019. I know this date is a little far off so I'll be sure to repost this to my page when the date is closer.
l'll definitely be getting a free trolley ride that day!


Culture & Cocktails
This Wednesday, DMaze & Rob Love will be hosting Culture & Cocktails Writers Block Edition with Steph Jones & Underground Poet Society at LOVE. I'm a sucker for poetry, vibes, a good happy hour, and food, so I was happy to find out that Culture and Cocktails have all of the above! I went to the first Culture & Cocktails Writers Block and had a great time! If you're looking for more things centered around the arts or to just vibe with your friend this is your spot. You can even treat bae to a pre-valentines day adventure with some spoken word and witness some of Memphis' most talented poets. Happy hour is from 4 pm - 7 pm and you don't want to miss it. LOVE is located at 7144 Winchester Ave. See flyer for information on booths and tables. 


Midtown Donuts 
Midtown has a new donut shop. Midtown donuts, located at 1776 Union Ave, opened on February 9th. It is replacing Midtown's old Donald's Donuts. Midtown Donuts will be serving lunch items and coffee in addition to the donuts. They will be opened Monday - Sunday from 4 am to 7 pm. 


Manhood University 
Last year I shared this program that the City of Memphis started called Manhood University. It was started to assist the men in Memphis with finding jobs, creating better relationships, stress the importance of them building up their communities, and more.  Manhood University is facilitated by a partnership with the faith-based community and is a six-week program. The curriculum topics will be developing goal-setting, time management, financial literacy, conflict resolution, job readiness, and communication skills. The program is for males between the ages of 16 and above. If you know someone who would benefit from this program click on the link provided to register online. I also have a copy of the application and I can send it to whoever needs it. 
https://www.memphistn.gov/Manhood   ​


Bonus:

BHM
Saturday, February 16, 2019, THE University of Memphis NPHC (National Pan-Hellenic Council) presents its Black History Month step show at the Elma Roane Field House. Doors open at 6 pm and the show starts at 7 pm. Tickets are $10 for students, 15 for general admission, and $20 the day of the show. If you plan to attend you may want to get there early for a good seat. 
"The Fieldhouse" as it is often referred to is located on the University of Memphis campus. If you're familiar with the campus then the fieldhouse is next to the Rose Theatre. If you are not familiar with the campus please go to the University Center for directions. Put 499 University St Memphis, TN 38152 in your GPS and it will take you right to it.  

​
311
So usually for potholes, trash on the highways, an abandoned vehicle, or other issues we report to the city we dial 311 but there is actually an app for it. It was created in 2013 as a more convenient option for Memphians to report issues. I downloaded and it seems to be user-friendly. In addition to you being able to submit your own request, there is an option for you to see all the issues/service request that has been issued in the city. Go to your designated app store to download it and help fix the issues in the city. 

**Update
The first State of the County address will be given by Mayor Lee Harris on Friday February 15th at 3 pm. The location is Halloran Centre, 225 S Main Street Memphis, TN 38103. You can RSVP to Deon.shelton@shelbycountytn.gov or 901-222-2000  

Tchulahoma Road
Soon there will be a new gated community near Memphis’ International Airport. Located between 4503 and 4563 Tchulahoma Road the 6 acres of the area will have about 25 homes selling for $170,000. The hope is to bring new life and attention to an area where most of the homes were built in the 1950s. 


Explore Bikes
I’m sure you’ve seen all the explore bikes stationed around downtown almost on every block! Well, soon there will be even more bikes in other locations. This fall 60 new bikes will be placed at The University of Memphis and in surrounding areas. The university received a $580,000 grant from congestion mitigation and air quality for the expansion. 


Museum Lofts
A four-story, 68-unit apartment building will be replacing a long-time vacant building next to the Lorraine Motel. 138 Huling Ave will soon be demolished (if not started already) and replaced with 580-square foot micro units, 830-square-foot studios, 10 two-bedroom units that will be at least 1,200 square feet with large windows that open into the courtyard, 3,300 square foot courtyard, secure parking below the building and a fitness center. For more details and photos click on the Memphis Business Journal link below. 


Lifestyle Hub
64 S. Main Street will soon be a lifestyle hub. Local businessman Gabriel Velasquez was recently approved for a 15-year PILOT incentive and will be turning the vacant building into a space geared toward helping you pursue a healthier lifestyle and all-around better life. Each floor will be different with some of the options being a boutique, fitness and wellness center with personal training and group classes, meal-prep services, and healthier eating options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There will also be retail space for small pop-up shops for local businesses and a co-working space for business owners to focus or hold meetings, in addition to permanent office space for interested parties. Eventually, Velasquez also wants the lifestyle hub to have a high-end, intimate restaurant. Velasquez will be hiring local artists to paint murals and design custom light fixtures. No information on how that selection process will take place.
 

MATA
On the last things you need to know I informed you all that MATA would be adding 10 new electric buses and a new route to help our public transportation system be more reliable. Well, now a new transportation fee may be headed our way.  As the city works on making public transportation more reliable, they are also looking for ways to fund these necessary changes. This transportation utility fee is “something charged to property owners or users based on the estimated amount of vehicle trips their property generates” according to the Memphis Business Journal reporter Samuel Hardiman. Change is good and imperative for Memphis to grow, so we must remember that most times it comes with a price. Hopefully, while the city is considering fees to fund projects, they are also considering our pockets and increasing working wages.
 

SkyCops
The SkyCops surveillance cameras have been a big thing in recent years so much that more and more neighborhoods are wanting them installed. It has been said that some neighborhoods are donating cameras to other areas, Belle Meade being the first to do so in 2016. Now the Castalia Apartments and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis want to donate two cameras (totaling $24,760), Fairfield Circle residents would like to donate one camera ($5,980), Kellogg's is planning to donate two cameras ($9,410) and Loeb Properties plans to donate two cameras for ErinWay Shopping Center ($13,540). I found it interesting that all donated cameras have to be approved by city council.
 

Downtown Dining Week
Tomorrow starts DOWNTOWN DINING WEEK!!!! From November 5th- 11th participating restaurants will have special menus with lunch and dinner specials. Restaurants will have 3-course meals for 20.18 and two for one lunches for 10.18! There are also available parking garage discounts for guest to utilize! This event features restaurants such as 117 Prime, Aldos, Automatic Slims, Evelyn&Olive, Felicia Suzanne’s, Rizzo's, The Majestic Grille, Cupcake Cuties for your sweet tooth, and MUCH more!! There are a total of 49 restaurants so allow this week to be your cheat week, loosen your belt buckle and dig in! Visit http://www.downtowndiningweek.com the full restaurant list and more information about the week.
 
 
Bicentennial
Memphis’ bicentennial celebration is racking in funds.  Memphis and Shelby County may be helping to fund the project by giving $600,000 and Shelby County Commission moved forward with a $300,000 contribution. Bicentennial planners are also seeking $1.4 million in private funds for activities. This will be a yearlong celebration and a few of the activities have already been planned. May 22nd will be the kickoff event, May 25th will be a celebrate Memphis day dedicated to showcasing new and old Memphis musical talent, and November 24th will be the closing event. Full details of the events have yet to be made public.

 
City Gear
First of all, I’m late because I did not know that City Gear was a Memphis based company but that makes a lot of sense. City Gear was acquired by Hibbett Sports which is Birmingham-based for $88 million. City Gear has 135 stores in 15 states will operate as a subsidiary of Hibbett and the senior management of City Gear will continue to lead the company out of its Memphis headquarters. The two companies are hoping that the acquisition will lead to growth financially for both and help the companies reach a new customer base.   


November 6th
I saved the most important for last. Early voting ended last Thursday, and Tuesday, November 6th is the absolute last day to allow your voice to be heard!  These last few years have shown us exactly why voting and being informed is important. We cannot continue to allow individuals who don’t consider us as human beings to make decisions that affect our every day. We have people in positions of power who are creating hostile environments allowing ignorance to have a place in society and it is time to bring an end to it. We must let elected officials know who put them in these positions and who really has the power. Don’t let fear or a lack of knowledge hinder you from exercising your right to vote. No more acting like we don’t care, or things don’t affect us because they do. Your life can end up a news story just like anyone else. We have rights for a reason, apply and know them! Links below can tell you who will be on your ballot as well give you some data on the election. If you Google "Where do I vote in Memphis, TN"
there will be a search bar for you to enter your address, once entered click the magnifying glass icon for it to generate the search and your voting locations will be listed. 
. Also, if you’ve seen these campaign ads, they really tell you all you need to know about some of these candidates. Happy voting, polls open at 7:00 am and if you need a ride call 901-570-0307!
www.ballotready.org/v/positions/46229
​www.whenweallvote.org
www.commercialappeal.com/data/elections/2018/outlook/senate/