
Mid-South Book Festival benefiting Literacy Mid-South
One of many presenting authors, Corey Mesler, will be on hand along with cover model Jon W. Sparks. Sparks will be one of many artists opening the festival with the Words Matter event.
Playhouse on the Square, 66 S. Cooper
Through Sept. 11
We have a lot of area festivals this weekend starting in Midtown Memphis and spreading all the way to Eads. The Book Festival benefits Literacy Mid-South, but try these diverse scenes too; Art on Tap, Unreal Film Festival, Out of the Closet: 10-minute Play Fest, Zoo Rendezvous: An Evening in Africa, Outflix Film Festival, 45th Annual Germantown Festival, Delta Fair & Music Festival, and ICCT Ganesh Nimajjan Festival 2016. Just for fun, I think you should try and make them all. It would make good conversation around the water cooler on Monday.
Artist reception for "Architect Artists: A Collective Exhibit”

Photo courtesy of ANF Architects
Architect Art at ANF Architects on Union
ANF Architects, 1500 Union
Fri., Sept. 9, 5:30-7 p.m.
Memphis, we have a problem. There are so many extraordinary artist receptions and happenings this weekend. I showcased this one because my friend—and a friend to Memphis—Clark Buchner is showing off his talent in this one. But by no means should you choose your weekend art fix on this criteria. Or do. Your choice. No pressure. Please find other wonderful artist receptions and happenings by clicking here and here.
27th Southern Heritage Classic

Photo courtesy of Southern Heritage Classic
Southern Heritage Classic
Various locations, see website for more information
Thur.-Sat., Sept. 8-10
I’m just going to admit this now, I’m not a huge fan of sports. Ever since I made that shot in the opposing team’s hoop during my short-lived stint as a basketball player in the eighth grade—not a fan. I mean, it’s hard enough to make a shot, you have to do it in a designated hoop? Be that as it may, I’m no dummy. Memphis loves sports. So don’t miss these fun-filled events that include two concerts, parade, fashion show, golf tournament, tailgating, and football game between rivals Jackson State University (JSU) and Tennessee State University (TSU), and much more. Go y’all! I'll be on the Fall 2016 Architects Bike Tour for my sporting event this weekend or watching others do the dance at Carnival of the Animals.
Southern Junkers Vintage Market

Photo by Emily Adams Keplinger
Memphis Second Line Jazz Band marches to the opening of Southern Junkers Vintage Market in Overton Square
The Tower Courtyard at Overton Square, 2092 Trimble Place
Sat.-Sun., Sept. 10-11, 10 a.m.
They’re back! This time in Overton Square. Market will open with Memphis Second Line Jazz Band marching from Playhouse on the Square, where Mid-South Book Festival benefiting Literacy Mid-South will be held, to the opening of a picker’s dream market. My vintage heart is full.

DNA Annual Boat Ride
Beale Street Landing, Beale and Riverside
Sun., Sept. 11, 4-8 p.m.
I want to recommend this humble ride on our fabulous riverfront. This particular DNA is not in double helix form. In this instance, DNA is Downtown Neighborhood Association and is for anyone who lives, owns property or a business, or otherwise has an interest in Downtown Memphis. And if you live in this tristate area and use Memphis International Airport, that person is you. Cities are defined by their core. Downtown is the core of this area and the face of Memphis. Get involved and put a smile on our welcoming face to all those who visit, live, and enjoy our unique area. And a little ride down the river with some nice folks is just a nice way to wrap up a weekend at the very least.
For a full list of what’s happening this weekend in and around Memphis, check out our calendar of events. Also, be sure to tag your favorite Instagram photos of Memphis while you are out and about with the #memphismagazine hashtag. I hope you have a great weekend.