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Events

Carnival Memphis

A charitable tradition since 1931, Carnival Memphis strives each year to raise as much as possible in support of causes for underprivileged children. The Carnival is filled with a round of social events, including luncheons and balls presided over by the annually elected Carnival King and Queen, and a three-mile (5km) children's fun run.

Venue: Various
Date: May, various events held annually
Website: www.carnivalmemphis.org

Pink Palace Crafts Fair

A great outing for avid shoppers, the annual craft fair in aid of Memphis' Pink Palace Museum attracts tens of thousands of visitors. The event includes a juried show and the sale of works by about 300 artists, live music and ethnic food. For more information, call (901) 320 6408.

Venue: Audubon Park
Date: October 2009 TBA
Time: 10am to 6pm (Thursday to Saturday); 10am to 5pm (Sunday)
Website: www.artsandcraftsfestival.org

Beale Street Zydeco Festival

Not only is the famous Beale Street in Memphis the home of Blues and rock 'n roll, but it is also a centre for devotees of Zydeco music - accordion-driven Cajun sounds. On two days each year top zydeco artists converge on the local clubs and pubs, and offer street performances and jam sessions.

Venue: Various in Beale Street
Date: February 2009, TBC

Memphis in May

May is the month with the most celebrations in Memphis, when the city celebrates with a clutch of festivals designed not only to highlight the indigenous charms of Tennessee but also as a cultural exchange exercise, honouring a different 'guest' country each year (Turkey in 2008). Kicking off the merry month is the Beale Street Music Festival, billed as 'one outrageous party' taking place over three days, with four stages on 13 hectares (33 acres) alongside the mighty Mississippi. This is followed up by the Desti-Nations International Festival featuring activities, displays and cultural exhibitions relating to the chosen guest country. The other two main events of Memphis in May are the World Championship Barbecue Contest and the Great Southern Food Festival combined with the Sunset Symphony concert on the riverbank. For more information, call (901) 525 4611.

Venue: Beale Street Music Festival at Tom Lee Park, downtown Memphis; Desti-Nations Festival at Memphis Botanic Garden, Cherry Road, Audubon Park; Barbecue Contest at Tom Lee Park; Sunset Symphony and Food Festival on the river bank downtown
Date: Beale Street Music Festival: 1 - 3 May 2009; Barbecue Contest: 14 - 16 May 2009; Sunset Symphony: 23 May 2009
Website: www.memphisinmay.org

Elvis Week

Memphis boasts the most famous and most visited tourist attraction in the United States, Graceland, former home of rock ‘n roll legend, Elvis Presley. Each year on the anniversary of Presley’s death hundreds of thousands of avid fans flock to Graceland for a week of scheduled events, most of them having become traditional like the Candlelight Vigil, a 1950s style dance party, and a fun run in aid of charity. Live music and singing is provided all week.

Venue: Graceland mansion, Elvis Presley Boulevard
Date: August 2009 TBA
Website: www.elvis.com