November in Memphis... it's not just a place holder between Halloween and Christmas! This month has so many of my favorite things: leaves changing color, parades, pie Thanksgiving, and the promise of cooler temperatures (Hello boots and sweater weather!). With the cooler temps, it's a perfect time to get out an explore all that Memphis has to offer in the month of November! A good place to start would be the new Big River Crossing. BRX just opened and is the country's longest active rail/pedestrian/bike bridge. It's the perfect place for a family bike ride, a walk, or even search for some 901 Rocks! As a bonus activity, on Friday evenings at 8:00 you can catch the weekly LED light progression show.
Here at MMB, we have done the heavy lifting for you and compiled a list of November's family friendly happenings. This month's events range from heroic canines, to shopping opportunities, to rich cultural experiences. Looking to start your holiday celebration off early? There are events for that too! Check out our list below. There's something for everyone!
November 1-6, 2016
November 4: 9:00 am - 10:00 am Costco Moms Hour
Mom Hour – the holiday shopping event of the season is fast-approaching and will be even more exciting and enticing than last year. I'm talking swag galore, deals, and giveaways where you can win a year's worth of Tide! Have you ever wished that a trip to Costco could be less stressful? POOF! Wish granted! Join Memphis Moms Blog and Costco and shop at 9 a.m. on Friday, November 4, BEFORE Costco opens its doors to all of its members! Mom Hour will be held at both the NE Memphis and SE Memphis Costco locations. Register for your free tickets here.
November 5: 9:00 am - 11:30 am Fall Into the Colors of Autumn
The City of Germantown presents a free activity that allows families to experience the beautiful colors of autumn. The event focuses on the wildlife, flora, fauna and natural history of the area. Held at Bobby Lanier Farm Park, be prepared to get hands-on with Fall crafts and activities, water coloring and games for kids. Before leaving, enjoy a bonfire and weenie roast. Dress for outside activity and wear comfortable shoes. There is no cost, but pre-registration is required for this event.
November 5: 10:00 am - 8:00 pm India Fest 2016 @ Agricenter
Bring your family and experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of India without the need for a passport! The 16th Annual India Fest is a family friendly event that will feature vibrant and colorful displays from Festivals of India, Bollywood Dancing Shows, live music, Henna painting, authentic Indian cuisine, and shopping (50 vendors) all for the price of an event ticket. Be sure to visit the Youth area where children can explore the culture of India through story time, dance lessons, and educational activities. Adults $6, Kids 5-12 $1, Kids under 5 are free. Kids may bring 2 or more canned food for free entry to support the MidSouth Food Bank. Get your tickets here.
November 5: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Red Grooms Community Day @ Brooks Museum
This Community Day brings together family and friends for art-making and entertainment in celebration of the exhibition, Red Grooms: Traveling Correspondent. Learn more about this artistic storyteller through gallery activities and live performances both designed to immerse your family in the creative mind of international artist, Red Grooms. This free event is a great way to check out all the Brooks Museum has to offer!
November 5-6 {check website for show times} Paw Patrol Live: Race to the Rescue
If your child is as obsessed with these heroic pups as my kid is, this event is a MUST! This is first live tour of the popular cartoon and will feature Marshall, Chase, Skye, and the rest of the Paw Patrol as they race to find the missing mayor before the Great Adventure Bay Race. The Cannon Center of Performing Arts will have three showtimes: November 5 (10:00 am and 3:30 pm) and November 6 (3:30 pm). Tickets range from $18 to $55 and there is a VIP (Very Important Pup) meet and greet ticket available for $85. Get your tickets here.
November 5: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Free Thanksgiving Parade Event @ Macy's Wolfchase
March into Macy’s for an afternoon of fun as they get ready for the 90th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade! There will be exciting activities, giveaways, Pirate’s Booty snacks, Diary Of A Wimpy Kid temporary tattoos, and more for kids of all ages. Stop by the Memphis Moms Blog's zone and say hello! The event is free, but it is requested you register ahead of time. Click here to reserve your tickets.
November 7-13, 2016
November 7: 9:30 am - 12:00 pm Moms (and Pops) and Tots Bike Ride
Revolutions Bicycle Cooperative hosts a monthly bicycle ride from Revolutions to Overton Park (just over 3 miles). Bring a picnic snack and a blanket and get ready to pedal! Kids will have some time to play at the park. Bring a bike trailer, trail-a-bike, or bike seats loaded with kiddos. No bike? No problem! Revolutions offers adult rental bikes for $5 and family cargo bikes for $10 plus tax for the ride. Plan to arrive 15 minutes early if you're renting a bike. Ride is weather dependent and helmets are required. For more information, contact Revolutions Bicycle Cooperative directly.
November 11: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm Merry Marketplace - Here Comes Santa
Check off two things on your holiday list: shopping and Santa photos! Merry Marketplace presented by The Junior League of Memphis, is one of the area's premier holiday shopping events. Santa photos, presented by Vineyard Vines, are $8 (does not include admission to Marketplace) and will be available on November 11 from 11:00-2:00. The Merry Marketplace runs through the weekend. Check the website to purchase tickets and for additional details on events.
November 11: 11:00 am - 3:00 pm Vets Bowl Free @ Main Event
Veterans Day is a day set aside to thank and honor those who currently serve or have served in the military. Main Event is saluting our active or retired veterans by offering free bowling at Main Event Memphis from open to 3pm on Friday, November 11th. Valid ID required. Offer includes one hour of bowling for veteran and up to 4 guests. Includes free shoe rental for veteran and four guests.
Starting November 11 {multiple nights, check website for details} Peter Pan @ Playhouse on the Square
Wendy, Michael, and John Darling are in for the adventure of their lives when Peter Pan comes swooping into their nursery one seemingly average night. This timeless tale of fun, adventure, and of course, never growing up, is the perfect holiday treat for audiences of all ages. The show runs most weekends through December 31. Purchase tickets here.
November 11: 6:30 pm Brown Bear Brown Bear and Other Treasured Stories @ The Orpheum
The classic Eric Carle story comes to life onstage with imaginative puppetry and striking scenic effects. "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See" is joined by the ever popular "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" and the poignant story of a young girl’s unusual quest in "Papa, Please Get the Moon For Me." The show runs 60 minutes and is perfect for little ones. Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased here.
November 12: 9:30 am and 10:30 am Peanut Butter & Jam- Indian Song and Dance @ GPAC
GPAC's celebrated children's program is celebrating it's 20th season. Introduce your little ones to the beautiful and rich culture of India with local performance group, Team DanceVersify. The sessions will feature a combination of performances from elegant, Indian classical dance to Bollywood bonanza! Kids and adults will move and groove while learning steps from these unique dance styles. Tickets are $8 (includes up to 2 adults free). Showtimes are 9:30 and 10:30. You can purchase tickets here.
November 12: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm G.I.R.L Event at Memphis Cook Convention Center
This FREE event celebrates all the go-getters, innovators, risk-takers, and leaders in the Mid-South! Girl Scouts Heart of the South invites girls in grades K-12 and their families for games, inflatables, challenge course and much more. Meet the Disney Princesses and Miss Tennessee! While you're there, don't forget to try the brand new S'Mores Girl Scout cookie! MMMM... Cookies!
November 13: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Israel Festival 2016 @ Agricenter
Leave your passports at home and continue your family's world tour with the 9th Annual Israel Festival. Families are invited to come experience Israeli food and culture. Festivities include Falafel Eating contest, Matkot, bottle dancers, Klezmer music, camel rides, petting zoo, face painting, rock climbing walls, and more. Admission is $5. Free for children 12 and under. Click here for details.
November 13: 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm Holiday Open House at Dinstuhl's Candy
Dinstuhl's has been making decadent treats for over 100 years and on Sunday, November 13, they invite you to watch how they work their magic! The Open House will be held at the Pleasant View Road location and is FREE! Enjoy complimentary apple cider and Dinstuhl's Hot Chocolate as you eat your way through our candy kitchen! Watch Santa's helpers make the candy and enjoy a 20% discount during Open House hours. Santa will be here too so don't miss out!
November 14-20, 2016
November 17: 5:3- pm - 9:00 pm Chick-Fil-A Daddy Daughter Date Night @ Memphis Zoo
Don't miss an enchanting evening just for dads and daughters at the 5TH Annual Chick-fil-A Daddy-Daughter Date Night at the Memphis Zoo. Take in the spectacular Zoo Lights, enjoy a daddy-daughter dance, ice skating, and of course a great Chick-fil-A meal! This year promises to be a memorable night for the princesses in your lives from the snow-capped entry to the very last daddy-daughter dance. Dinner reservations will fill up fast so make yours now! Tickets are $18. All proceeds from Daddy-Daughter Date Night benefit Make-A-Wish of the Mid-South and will be used to provide a dream come true for a Mid-South child with a life-threatening illness.
November 18-20 {check website for times} Pups to the Rescue @ Children's Museum of Memphis
The chance to meet your child's favorite heroic pups will surely get their tails wagging. CMOM's Pups to the Rescue event will feature fun stations including: face painting, themed crafts, and balloons. Visit the stage to shake paws with your favorite pups and take a keepsake photo with them! There will also be a drawing for give-a-ways. Members are free and non-members are $15. You can reserve your tickets here.
Starting November 18 {multiple nights, check website for details} Starry Nights @ Shelby Farms Park
Shelby Farms beloved Starry Nights is back and bigger than ever with new LED light displays, Mistletoe Village, and more nights to experience the regions largest holiday light show! Load your family into your car (make sure you have enough gas!) and drive through glowing displays of over 1.5 million LED lights sure to get you into a holly-jolly holiday mood! Stop in at Mistletoe Village to visit Santa, roast s'mores, visit the petting zoo, and much more. Tickets start at $15 for members (car load) and $20 non-members for entry. Veterans, active military and first responders get $5 off with valid ID. Mistletoe Village activities are an additional fee. Check the website for event details, book a carriage ride, and a list of special themed nights. Don't miss this Mid-South tradition! You can purchase advance tickets (and avoid the line with pre-sale ticket entry) here.
Starting November 18 {multiple nights, check website for details} Zoo Lights @ Memphis Zoo
It doesn't get any better than this WILD Winter Wonderland. Head to the Memphis Zoo to experience live reindeer, LED light displays, and SNOW! There is so much for your family to experience at Zoo Lights; hop aboard the North Pole Express, take in a magic show, and don't forget about Santa!! Ice skating and special treats are available for additional cost. Zoo lights kickoff on November 18 and will run multiple nights. Check the Zoo website for event dates and times, additional information, and ticket costs.
Starting November 18 {multiple nights, check website for details}Polar Express Train Rides at Batesville Train Station
Dancing chefs, singing elves and a special gift from Santa himself – all of this awaits you and your family aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride departing from Batesville. Grab your hot chocolate and join the festivities on this round-trip train ride to the North Pole – in your favorite PJ's of course! Premium classes sell out fast, but our Standard class receives the same on-board show, golden ticket and visit from Santa, all at great savings. You can find details here or call 1-877-334-4783.
November 18: 6:00 pm -8:00 pm Cider Smash Party at Memphis Botanical Garden
Head to the Memphis Botanical Garden for a cozy campfire for the whole family. Use the cider press to smash apples, make your own hot spiced cider, and plant an apple seed to grow at home. Hot dogs, s’mores, and drinks will be provided. Reservations are required; call early as this event sells out fast! Purchase tickets online or call 901-636-4131 to confirm by phone. MBG members $8/non-members $12.
November 19: 9:00 am Santa lands at Pink Palace!
Who needs reindeer when you can fly around in a helicopter? Witness Santa land on the lawn of Pink Palace to kick off the Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees! Santa will land at 9:00am, so make sure you get there early! There will be a live remote from KIX 106, lawn activities, and hot chocolate for sale. Santa's landing and lawn events are free, but if you plan to attend Enchanted Forest or explore Pink Palace afterwards, you will need an admission ticket. More information can be found on Pink Palace's website.
November 19: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Memphis Moms Blog Birthday Bash
Memphis Moms Blog is turning ONE! And we want to party with YOU! Bring your family and come celebrate our Birthday Bash at St. George's Independent School! There will be FREE swag, activities, and all fun your family can handle at our Birthday Bash. We'll be announcing the details soon, so be sure to RSVP on our FB event page to get all the exciting announcements! Tickets will go on sale November 1st. This will be an event you definitely don't want to miss!
November 19 and 26: 12:00 pm Holiday Magic of Science @ Pink Palace
Pink Palace's elves are sharing the science behind their holiday magic! Add some science-y magic to your holiday season with the Holiday Magic of Science! Join us as we tinker with tinsel, create magic snow and light up the night with chemistry candles! For reservations, call 901.636.2362. Tickets: $4.00 (child and senior) / $4.50 (adults). This event takes place in the Discovery Theater.
November 20: 10:00 am-11:3- am Caring Santa at Wolfchase Galleria- Santa Visits for Children with Special Needs Ho Ho Ho! Autism Speaks is thrilled to be partnering with Simon Property Group, Inc. and the Noerr Programs Corporation on their Caring Santa program, in association with AbilityPath! Caring Santa is an opportunity to connect with multitudes of families that have children with autism and other special needs, providing a more controlled and welcoming environment to visit Noerr’s Santa Photo Experience! Tickets are free, but there are a limited number of reservations available. You can register for the event here.
November 20: 3:00 pm Germantown Youth Symphony Orchestra Winter Concert @ GPAC
Comprising of 7- 19 year old Mid-South students, the Germantown Youth Symphony Program presents it's Winter Concert. GYSO is an award-winning program that offers young musicians opportunities improve upon their technique, learn basic music theory, work with an ensemble and interact with professional guest artists performing at GPAC. Bring your family and be inspired by these hard working, talented kids! Tickets are $10 and can be purchase here.
November 21-30, 2016
Starting November 25 {multiple nights, check website for details} Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! @ The Circuit Playhouse
The world's funniest first grader is SUPER excited about the upcoming holiday sing-along and gift exchange at her school. That is, of course, until she draws Bossy-Head May for Secret Santa! Parents and kids alike will enjoy the zany adventures of Junie B. Jones and the themes of peace, kindness and true holiday spirit in the show. Tickets range from $15-$40. The show runs through most weekends until December 23. See website for dates and show times.
November 19 and 26: 12:00 pm Holiday Magic of Science @ Pink Palace
Pink Palace's elves are sharing the science behind their holiday magic! Add some science-y magic to your holiday season with the Holiday Magic of Science! Join us as we tinker with tinsel, create magic snow and light up the night with chemistry candles! For reservations, call 901.636.2362. Tickets: $4.00 (child and senior) / $4.50 (adults). This event takes place in the Discovery Theater.
So there you have it friends... a sampling of November's events sure to keep your family calendar as full as your tummy on Thanksgiving! If you know of an event around town we've missed, let us know! And as always, keep up with Memphis Moms Blog's events on our website and FB page!
