The fall and Halloween festivals below are great family activities that are a nice alternative to trick-or-treating. Some of the festivals do not have Halloween themes at all, making them perfect for families that do not observe the holiday. If you are looking for something a little spookier, check out the haunted houses in the Memphis area.
1. Delta Fair and Music Festival
Location: Agricenter International, 7777 Walnut Grove Road in MemphisDates and Times: September 4-13, 2009, times vary by day
Admission: $8.00 adults, $5.00 children 5-12, free for children 4 and under.
Description: The Delta Fair and Music Festival features numerous concerts, rides, animals, exhibits, food, and more.
2. Germantown Festival
Location: C.O. Franklin Park, 7701 Poplar Pike in GermantownDates and Times: September 12, 2009, 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; September 13, 2009, 12:00 noon - 6:00 p.m.
Admission: Free
Description: This festival features a car show, arts and crafts booths, children's activities, food, and much more.
3. Cooper Young Festival
Location: Cooper Street and Young Avenue in MemphisDates and Times: Saturday, September 19, 2009; 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Admission: Free
Description: This festival features the work of numerous artisans, live musical performances, and more.
4. Mid-South Fair
Location: DeSoto Civic Center, 4560 Venture Drive, Southaven, MS 38671Dates and Times: September 25 - October 4, 2009, 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Admission: $10.00 ages 7 and older, free for children 6 and under
Description: The Mid-South Fair features concerts, rides, animals, exhibits, food, and more.
5. Memphest
Location: Mid-South Fairgrounds, 940 Early Maxwell Boulevard in MemphisDates and Times: September 25-October 4, 2009, times vary by day
Admission: Adults: $5 on Monday-Thursday and $10 on Friday-Sunday, Kids 12 and under: Free
Description: Memphest features numerous concerts, rides, games, food, and more.
6. Bartlett Festival and Car Show
Location:W.J. Freeman Park, 2629 Bartlett Boulevard in BartlettDates and Times: September 25, 2009 from 6-10pm and September 26, 2009 from 9am-5pm
Admission: Free
Description: This annual event features a car show, live music, hot air balloons, children's activities, arts and crafts, food vendors, and more.
7. Pink Palace Crafts Fair
Location: Audubon Park, 750 Cherry Road in MemphisDates and Times: October 1-4, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. (the fair closes at 7:00 p.m. on Friday and 5:00 p.m. on Sunday)
Admission: Adults $7, Seniors $5, Children $3
Description: The Pink Palace Crafts Fair is one of the city's most beloved annual events. In addition to the many artisans with their works on display, the fair will also feature live music, children's activities, and plenty of food.
8. Olive Branch Oktoberfest
Location: Olive Branch City Park, 8267 Goodman Road in Olive BranchDates and Times: October 3, 2009 all day beginning at 8:00 a.m.
Admission: Free admission
Description: This Oktoberfest features crafts, games, food, and fun. Call (662) 895-5448 for more details.
9. Zoo Boo
Location:The Memphis ZooDates and Times: October 16, 17, 23, and 24, 2009 from 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Admission: $10 for members and $12 for non-members in advance, $12 for members and $15 for non-members at the gate
Description: Features a not-so haunted tour of Primate Canyon, a costume contest, magic shows, Dracula's Disco, and the Little Beauty Shop of Horrors. In addition, kids are invited to dress up in their costumes and trick-or-treat at the Zoo.
10. Festival of Fun and Fright
Location: Bob Hailey Athletic Complex, 8750 Farmington Boulevard in GermantownDates and Times: October 23 and 24, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Admission: TBA -- 2008 fees were $2.00 per person, per trail
Description: The festival offers two trails for goblins, big and small, to enjoy. The Trail of Terror will scare you silly while the Fairy Tale Trail will provide a fun and humorous experience. In addition, there will be concessions, free carnival games and moon bounces.
11. RiverArtsFest
Location: South Main Street between Huling and Webster in MemphisDates and Times: October 24, 2009, 10:00 a.m.-7:00p.m.; October 25, 2009, 10:00 a.m.-6:00p.m.
Admission: Free
Description: The RiverArtsFest is a fine arts festival featuring art exhibitions, an art market, live music, food, wine, and more.
