901Fest-Celebrate Memphis
Memphis in May joins the city’s bicentennial commemoration with a new event: Celebrate Memphis on May 25, 2019! We’ll be honoring our city’s rich heritage and colorful history as we ring in a new century of soul. Gates open at 3:00 p.m. Blankets, lawn chairs and outside food, beverages and coolers are permitted for this FREE event.
See below for additional information on what our bicentennial event will include! Contact mim@memphisinmay.org if you have any questions about the event.
World’s Longest Picnic Table pres. by Walmart, Circle B, and King Cotton – In the spirit of uniting communities from around the city, an attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the World’s Longest Picnic Table will be made. The record-setting picnic table is being constructed now and will stretch more than 1,300 feet, with representatives from Guinness on-hand to certify the record-breaking attempt. Memphians are encouraged to bring their families and friends to take a seat at the table and help Memphis set the record and make it the world’s longest community picnic!
Live Music – A Memphis celebration wouldn’t be complete without incredible live music, and Celebrate Memphis will offer five stages filled with a broad array of Memphis performing artists who will be announced closer to the event. Thanks to ServiceMaster, nexAir, Direct General, Arts Memphis and Marathon Petroleum for sponsoring our musical stages!
Air Show pres. by Memphis International Airport with All Veteran Group Parachute Team – All eyes will turn to the skies for the commemorative airshow soaring over the Mississippi River, with a new addition to the Memorial Day weekend event, the All Veteran Group Parachute Team with members representing branches of the armed forces gliding into Tom Lee Park.
Fireworks pres. by Memphis Tourism – Mid-South’s largest fireworks show will conclude the event with a display taking place over the Mississippi River.
Drone Light Show pres. by FedEx – Witness the first public drone light show in Memphis take place over the Mississippi River. The show will be coordinated with something no other city can: The Mighty Lights that illuminate the Harahan and Hernando de Soto bridges, all set to Memphis music!
Mobile Memphis Mural powered by Bank of America – Everyone is welcome to grab a marker and colorfully complete a graphic design wrapped on a MATA bus. This Memphis Masterpiece will then cruise the streets of Memphis all year long!
Global Community Market & Expo pres. by International Paper – The area will include food tastings and cultural performances from the different countries represented within the local population.
Family Zone pres. by Ford – Includes “Touch a Truck,” an interactive experience that allows all ages to explore a fire truck, ambulance, FedEx truck, hula hooping, face painting and dance demos along with a musical instrument petting zoo
Sports Zone pres. by Baptist Memorial Hospital & Academy Sports – Meet members from the Grizzlies, Redbirds and 901FC.
The Creative Arts Tent pres. by Fidelity & Painting with a Twist – Pick up your paint brush and commemorate the moment with a Bicentennial keepsake!
Selfie Stations pres. By Downtown Memphis Commission & Delta Dental – Snap a photo and post it to social media!
Cornhole pres. by Regions – Southern Outdoor Games is managing the tournament play. Rules, regulations and sign up information is available on their site at https://southernoutdoorgames.weebly.com/. Advance registration is possible online but names of team members aren’t required.
All gates open at 3 pm.
What Can I Bring?
- Government issued photo identification
- Small bags, fanny packs and purses (16” x 16” x 16” maximum, any bag larger than 12” x 12” x 12” MUST BE A CLEAR BAG)
- Outside food & drink
- Picnic baskets / small coolers
- Camelback hydration packs (1.75Litres or less) MUST BE EMPTY
- Sunglasses & Hats
- Earplugs
- Sunscreen lotion – non-aerosol containers only (we’ll have sunscreen stations around the park too)
- Blankets
- Lawn chairs
- Hula Hoops
- Strollers
- Cell phones
- Non-professional flash/still cameras
What Can’t I Bring?
- Illegal substances
- Firearms, explosives and weapons of any kind (including pocket knives, pepper spray, mace, fireworks, etc.)
- Aerosol containers (including sunscreen & personal beauty products)
- Selfie sticks
- Drones**
- Cameras with detachable lenses
- Professional radios / walkie-talkies
- Glass containers of any kind
- Laser pointers (or similar devices)
- Yard games, marker pens and inflatables
- Chains / spiky jewelry
- Full or Oversized umbrellas (small, collapsible umbrellas are permitted)
- Tents, canopies or shade structures of any kind
- Totems, flags, banners or signs
- Water Guns
- Thrown objects (baseballs, footballs, frisbees, etc.)
- Recording Equipment
- Oversized purses, bags, backpacks, etc. (larger than 18” x 18” x 18”)
- Pets (with the exception of service animals)
- Bikes, rollerblades, hoverboards, skates, skate boards, scooters, etc.
- Musical instruments
- Bad attitudes
*These items are subject to change. Please recheck this section before attending the event to have the most up-to-date listing.*
**Drone operators flying in Tom Lee Park during Memphis in May events will be arrested and prosecuted by the City of Memphis**
