Apr 14, 2023

When spring has sprung in Memphis, TN, the atmosphere of this already-fascinating city kicks up a notch. Enjoy the best this Southern classic has to offer with these fantastic spring activities.

4 Fun Spring Activities You Can Drive to Near Memphis, TN

1. Memphis in May

The entire month of May is a love letter to this city’s far-reaching heritage. This international festival kicks off with the Beale Street Music Festival, which honors this iconic downtown locale’s musical contributions with incredible concerts featuring talented musicians far and wide.  Stick around and honor a spring tradition at the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. The best pork BBQers in the nation will have you wanting to kiss the chef.

If you want to see downtown and the mighty Mississippi River in a whole new way, sign up for the Great American River Run: a half-marathon and 5K race that tests your athletic endurance. And every year, a different country gets its turn in the spotlight during International Week, which boasts performances, crafts, and cuisine with a global flair.

2.  Connect with Nature

Memphis may be among the South’s biggest cities, but it offers plenty for the outdoors enthusiast too. Beautiful Shelby Farms Park at 500 N. Pine Lake Drive celebrates in late April with the Earth Day Festival and Fun Run, captained by park mascot Bob the Buffalo. Soak in the rest of spring on 40-plus miles of amazing hiking and biking trails, including the uber-popular Shelby Farms Greenline. Or try your hand at fishing, horseback riding, or even buffalo-watching at one of the country’s biggest urban parks.

If you can’t get enough of Mother Nature’s spring inhabitants, spend a sunny afternoon at 2000 Prentis Pl.’s Memphis Zoo: home to giant pandas, Cat Country, and 3,500-plus majestic animals representing every corner of the globe. For a smaller-scale but no less grand experience, stop by the Peabody Memphis at 149 Union Ave. during late morning, when the Peabody ducks get the royal treatment, complete with red carpet and a true king’s march from the Royal Duck Palace.

3. Go Grizzlies!

Memphis’ NBA home team has set the Southwest Division on fire in recent years with rising hoops superstars like Ja Morant. During spring, the three-pointers and slam dunks go into overdrive at 191 Beale Street’s FedEx Forum as the blue, gold, and gray vie for playoff and championship bragging rights.

Own the parking lot with a ride draped in your favorite team’s colors. The Subaru Outback is available with inviting exterior options such as Cosmic Blue Pearl and Magnetite Gray Metallic.

4. Music for Memorial Day and Beyond

Beale Street’s always a reliable go-to for blues music, soul music, and more. But one cannot mention Memphis and music without tipping a hat to the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll himself, Elvis Presley. The King’s sprawling Graceland home routinely hosts spring musical tributes to legendary acts from Fleetwood Mac to Led Zeppelin.

The music scene really heats up during Memorial Day weekend, when you’ll find festivities from Huling Ave.’s Hoedown on Huling block party to Overton Park Shell’s Sunset Symphony sending spring out in style.

If you want a vehicle perfect for the season, spring into action now. Visit Jim Keras Subaru for an inventory of affordable autos sure to impress.