Your guide to free events (and more) this weekend in Memphis 〽️❤️

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Happy Thursday, Memphians! Welcome to the This is Memphis newsletter, where we fill your social calendar better than that friend who ALWAYS knows what’s going on in the city.

In today’s newsletter:

• Grizz select Zach Edey in NBA Draft

• 9 things to do in the 901 this weekend

• New Athletic Director hired at U of M

And much more. Let’s get to it!

-Jonah Baer

🗞️ The Rundown

Grizz select Zach Edey at No. 9 in NBA Draft 🏀 

The Grizzlies needed a big man and came out of the 1st round doing just that, selecting Purdue center Zach Edey in the NBA Draft on Wednesday. Edey, who’s a 7-foot-4, 299-pound two-time national player of the year, averaged 25.2 points and 12 rebounds last season before falling to UConn in the 2024 National Championship. There were rumors of the Grizzlies looking to trade up in order to draft Donovan Clingan, but presumably the price was too high.

Our opinion: The Grizz made the right decision getting a big man who can rebound, play defense, set picks, and space the floor — something they’ve desperately needed since losing Adams. Only time will tell. Now, the Grizz have two more picks tonight for the 2nd round at No. 39 and No. 57.

Rising cost of living in Memphis with tax hike 💰️ 

Your wallet might be feeling a bit lighter in the year ahead as tax rates are officially going up for Memphians. On Tuesday, the Memphis City Council took three votes to approve a 40% higher trash pick-up fee; a doubling of vehicle registration fees; and 18.2% increase in property taxes.

How does this break down for you? For example, property taxes for a $200,000 house will now cost $250 more per year. Trash pick-up will now cost $144 more per year. And motor vehicle registration fees are going from $30 to $60. Hopefully, this raise in taxes will get some more potholes and infrastructure problems fixed this next year. Learn more about the breakdown here.*

More restaurant closings 😅 

If you’re a big fan of Buckley’s Grill, we have bad news for you. The East Memphis steakhouse on Poplar, around for 30+ years, has officially closed. Also, the Fino’s Germantown location closed recently. In a year that’s seen restaurants like the OG Jerry’s Sno Cones, Frank Grisanti’s, and Vice & Virtue close, the list keeps getting longer. Go out and support your local restaurants if you can, folks!

New Athletic Director Hired at U of M 🏅 

The wait for a new athletic director at Memphis is over. On Wednesday, the U of M announced Ed Scott as the new AD, replacing Laird Veatch. Scott comes from University of Virginia, where he served as deputy AD for the last 2 years and AD at Morgan State before that. He’s also the program’s first Black athletic director. Welcome to Memphis, Ed!

_{*Indicates paid 3rd party source}

〽️ A Taste of Memphis History

It’s been 15 years since Michael Jackson passed. RIP to the King of Pop! Here is a picture of when he visited Memphis in 1977 on top of the Woolco store.

🤸 9 Things To Do in the 901

There are tons of cool things to do in the M this weekend. Get out there and have some fun this weekend. 〽️❤️ 💃 

• Kix on Beale with Frank Ray and Annie Bosko | Thursday, 7 PM | Handy Park on Beale
  
  This summer, Kix on Beale celebrates 20 years with six free shows in Handy Park. All ages are welcome and the shows start at 7 p.m. 
  

• Peabody Rooftop Party | Thursday, 7 PM | Peabody Rooftop
  
  Every Thursday night. All Summer long. Get downtown tonight if you want some drinks and the best views of the city!
  

• Free Concert Series at The Shell | Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7 PM | Overton Park Shell
  
  The FREE Summer Concert Series at the Shell are coming to an end this weekend until the Fall. Sit back in the grass or in your lawn chair and enjoy nights of funk, soul, hip-hop, house music and more. This weekend: Shamarr Allen on Thursday, Cowboy Mouth on Friday, and Stax Music Academy on Saturday.
  

• Whet Thursday: Salsa on the Bluff | Thursday, 5 PM - 8 PM | Metal Museum
  

  

  
  Have you ever watched someone salsa dancing and thought, “I would LOVE to dance like that?” Well, now’s your chance. The June 27 edition of Whet Thursday will be one big dance class party! Edgar Mendez and his instructors will be joining us to give us salsa lessons. El Mero Taco food truck will be on hand to serve some of the best Mexican food around. The Tipsy Tumbler will be pouring as usual, and MemPops will be serving cool sweet treats.
  
  Cost: Free
  Learn more here.
  

• Concerts and Happy Hour in the Grove | Thursday at 6 PM, Friday at 5 PM | Outdoors in The Grove
  
  More live music for the whole family or friend group to come out to! On Thursday, Alice Hasen and Josh Threlkeld will be performing in the Grove. Want more fun in Germantown? Then, on Friday, come back on out for their signature happy hour event.
  
  Cost: Starting at $5
  Learn more here.

• Trolley Night | Friday, 6 PM | South Main Street, Downtown
  
  It’s that time of the month again… Trolley Night! Every last Friday of the month, join us at Trolley Night on South Main to experience longest-running street festival in Memphis. Stroll around South Main and explore the many galleries, shops, restaurants, and bars in the area.
  

• Canoes + Cocktails | Friday, 7:15 PM - 9:45 PM | Shelby Farms
  
  This event is the hottest ticket in town and has the best views of Memphis sunsets from iconic Hyde Lake! Enjoy a guided evening sunset paddle on the lake followed by specialty cocktails provided by Old Dominick, snacks from Cheffie's, yard games and music.
  
  Cost: Starting at $45
  Get your tickets here.
  

• 901 FC vs. Phoenix Rising FC | Friday, 5:30 PM | AutoZone Park
  
  Craving some soccer in this Summer heat? Catch the Beale Street Boys on Friday night as they take on Phoenix.
  
  Get your tickets here.
  

• Queer Prom: A Night Out With OutMemphis | Saturday, 7 PM | Crosstown Concourse
  
  The Pride Month celebrations are coming to an end this weekend with Queer Prom on Saturday. Celebrate queer resilience and pride by joining an evening of drinks and dancing to benefit OutMemphis’ life-saving services for LGBTQ+ youth and adults.
  
  Cost: $35
  Learn more here.

📸 Photo of the Week

📸 @MorrisV via r/Memphis | The American Heritage riverboat docked in Memphis for their 9-day cruise.

DM us on Instagram to have your photography showcased in the newsletter!

📰 IG Post of the Week

What does everyone think about the Zach Edey draft pick? 👀 Reply and let us know your thoughts.

🌡️ WEEKEND WEATHER

Friday

92 🌡️ 77 | ⛅️ | 9%

Saturday

95 🌡️ 78 | ⛅️ | 12%

Sunday

91🌡️ 70 | 🌦️ | 38%

THANK YOU, MEMPHIS!

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See you next Thursday!

-The This is Memphis Team

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