Memphis culture is intricately linked with the musical iconic culture surrounding Elvis Presley.  Most people who visit Memphis take the time to stop and see Graceland (that is, if they weren’t going there specifically to visit that spot in the first place).  More information about Graceland and other Elvis-related cultural events in Memphis can be found at www.elvis.com/graceland.

The people of Memphis like to celebrate and not all of the celebrations are related to Elvis.  The best time to visit Memphis in terms of cultural activity is in the month of May.  Throughout the entire month, Memphis puts on a series of events promoting the heritage and history of the city.  Annual events which are a part of Memphis in May ( www.memphisinmay.org) include the Beale Street Music Festival ( www.thebealestreetmusicfestival.com), International Week celebrations, the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, the FedEx St. Jude Classic Golf Tournament and the Sunset Symphony performance ( www.memphissymphony.org).

Other cultural events include Carnival Memphis ( www.carnivalmemphis.org) which is a Mardi Gras style week of parties in the early summer months, the Mid-South Fair ( www.midsouthfair.org) in the fall, and the Cooper-Young Street Festival ( www.cooperyoungfestival.com).  Recently, the Voodoo Music Experience Halloween Celebration moved from New Orleans to Memphis, bringing with it a history of traditions.