This Week in Memphis: October 26

Memphis Basketball is BACK, and Memphis prepares for another Haunted Halloween!

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This is Memphis 〽️
October 26, 2025

Welcome back to This Week in Memphis! The Grizzlies tipped off their season in style — winning the home opener against the Pelicans inside a packed FedExForum. The energy was pure 901. They stumbled midweek with a tough loss to the Heat, but bounced right back on the road as rookie Cedric Coward, the late draft pick turning heads, dropped 27 points to lead the squad past the Pacers.

Over at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, the Memphis Tigers pulled off an unbelievable 4th quarter comeback to take down #18-ranked USF, proving once again that no one fights harder than this city.

🎃 With Halloween just days away, Memphis is alive with spirit — from haunted tours to spooky pop-ups, it’s a perfect time to celebrate the grit, ghosts, and greatness that make the 901 special. Let’s dive in.

On This Week in Memphis History

Halloween reminds Memphis of it’s Haunted Past

This month, This Is Memphis took a look back at the spirits, legends, and memories that still linger across our city. From the glowing stage lights of The Orpheum Theatre to the smoky jukebox at Earnestine & Hazel’s, each haunting tells a story about who we are and how much history this city holds.

We revisited the scent of roses that fills Mollie Fontaine’s Rose Room, the footsteps echoing through The Green Beetle, and the friendliest ghost in town at The Arcade.

Every building, every bar, every street corner in Memphis has a story to tell. Some are written in song, others in whispers. Together they make up the heartbeat of a city that never forgets.

So pour a drink, dim the lights, and step inside our Haunted Memphis series — where the past still hums through the walls, the ghosts are friendly, and the stories are unforgettable.

💀 Read the full Haunted Memphis feature and explore all eight stories at ThisIsMemphis.co

Also this week in Memphis:

🎂 NLE Choppa celebrates his birthday on November 1st. NLE Choppa first rose to fame with the single "Shotta Flow," putting Memphis on the national hip hop map once again. His style and presence are a continuation of the city’s rich musical legacy. Can you believe he is only turning 23?!

📷: @markweberphoto / The Daily Memphian

What’s Happening This Week

Memphis is bursting with energy this week! From historic celebrations to iconic food festivals and open-air concerts, here’s your guide to the best happenings in the 901:

University of Memphis Men's Basketball is BACK!

It’s officially hoops season in the 901, and the Tigers are tipping things off with two epic exhibition matchups. First up, Coach Cal makes his long awaited return to the FedEx Forum and his new squad at Arkansas at home to raise money for St. Jude, followed by a showdown against Auburn, last year’s NCAA runner up in Atlanta.

October 27th - 7:00 PM Tip-off against Arkansas - Tickets

October 30th - 6:30 PM Tip-off against Auburn - Tickets

Lakers @ Grizzlies

🎨 Date & Time: October 31, 2025 at 8:30 PM

📍 Location: FedExForum, Downtown Memphis

Tip off Halloween night by spooking Luka, Lebron and gang at the Forum! Don’t miss the Grizzlies as they take on the Los Angeles Lakers in a home showdown. Be there to cheer loud and show Memphis pride!

University of Memphis Football vs Rice

🎨 Date & Time: October 31, 2025 at 6:00 PM

📍 Location: Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium

The Memphis Tigers return for a key matchup against Rice. Grab your blue and join the energy in the stands.

Brandy & Monica 'The Boy is Mine Tour'

🎨 Date & Time: October 30, 2025 at 7:00 PM

📍 Location: TBA

See R&B icons Brandy and Monica together for a night of music and nostalgia, joined by special guests. A must for 90s and 2000s R&B fans.

Hot Rods on Beale

🎨 Date & Time: October 28, 2025 at 5:00 PM

📍 Location: Beale Street

See rows of classic cars as Hot Rods on Beale takes over the heart of downtown Memphis. Free to attend and perfect for all ages.

Learn more

Looking for Halloween related events? Here are some fun options for this week:

Here are 5 great Halloween-week things to do in Memphis starting after October 26:

  1. Park & Treat: Trunk or Treat Night (Oct 28 at Tobey Dog Park) — Bring your pup for the costume contest, live DJ, adoptable dogs & vendor goodies. All ages.

  2. Spooky Barking Bingo Benefiting Streetdog Foundation (Oct 29 at Flyway Brewing) — A fun bingo night (costumes encouraged) to support dog rescues, prizes, drinks.

  3. All Hallows Eve: A Darkwave Descent (Oct 30 at Memphis Brooks Museum of Art) — A gothic art-and-music night with darkwave/post-punk DJs, live performances, and gallery exploration «dress in your darkest attire».

  4. The Official Halloween Bar Crawl (Oct 31 at multiple downtown Memphis venues) — A two-day bar crawl (Oct 31 & Nov 1) for 21+, with drinks specials, pro photography, and Halloween vibes.

  5. Día de Los Muertos Parade & Festival (Nov 1 at Memphis Brooks Museum of Art) — Celebrate Day of the Dead with art-making, face-painting, music and dance. Free with registration.

Thank you for reading and being part of the Memphis story. We hope you all have a fun, spooky and safe Halloween!! This newsletter exists because of you.

If there’s an event we missed, or a Memphis history story or birthday you’d like us to highlight, email us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you.

See you next week, Memphis!