Things to do in Memphis! East High School, Memphis, Tennessee

East alumnus during a visit back to his old home town and on a Jimmy Ogle history tour in downtown Memphis said it was  "... the best thing I've done in Memphis." See tour information below.

Memphis: Best of the World 2013 National Geographic editors cite Memphis among the "Best of the World 2013," including it in the new year's 20 must-see places! ...[T]here’s something newly electric in the air." Read the article: travel.nationalgeographic.com Forbes names Memphis one of its "Great Urban Weekend Escapes" - ...a fantastic choice for a weekend getaway... In fact, I had been to Memphis thrice before but was still shocked by how many stand-out attractions...  Memphis excels, and I mean really excels, in four distinct areas, each worth a visit: attractions, culture/museums, entertainment, and dining... [Read more]

Specific Events Continuing Events/Exhibits Jimmy Ogle History Tours (FREE) The 2013 schedule of history tours is on this page, each type under its own heading Tuesday Downtown History Walking Tours Mississippi River Bridge Walks Shelby County Courthouse Tours Spillit Memphis (FREE) Saturday, June 1, 2013, 7 p.m. Crosstown Arts Performance Space, 430 N. Cleveland, Memphis Ages 18+  - Join Spillit for an evening of true, unscripted stories. The theme is Lessons Learned. www.spillitmemphis.org Made in the Shade Food Truck Rodeo (FREE*) Sunday, June 2, 2013, 11am – 3pm Overton Park, East Parkway Pavilion Entertainment may be free but the food will cost. Overton Park Conservancy and the Memphis Food Truck Alliance present a food truck rodeo every Sunday this spring and summer. Trucks will be on the East Parkway side of the park, so you can grab a bite and enjoy the playground, the pavilion, and the Old Forest trails. Vendors will change regularly and offer a variety of Memphis’ finest mobile cuisine. http://www.overtonpark.org East High School At least drive by the old school and look at the impressive architecture. But if I were you, I'd at least want to see the impressive marble lobby.If you wish to visit the campus or inside the school, contact the school's office. The school underwent a $12.7-million dollar renovation in 2007. From the outside, the only notable distinction is the appearance of the first floor windows, where a heavy screen has been added. It makes the lower windws appear dark or even completely covered when you look at it from a distance. For more information about the renovation, see the "Photo tour of $12.8 million renovation as construction rushes toward completion." By the way, the 2012-2013 school year will be the last that East High is a Memphis City School. The city school system voluntarily surrendered its charter so all city schools become part of the Shelby County school district with the beginning of the 2013-14 school year. Bistro Music Series (FREE music, other items with price) Every Saturday,  6pm – 8pm The Booksellers At Laurelwood, 387 Perkins Extended Every Saturday night The Booksellers Bistro offers live musical entertainment from local artists, half price bottle wine night, and delicious entrees all surrounded by the cozy atmosphere of books. http://www.thebooksellersatlaurelwood.com/event Jimmy Ogle’s 2013 Downtown History Walking Tours (FREE) It's fun, it's informative, it's free, and it's  not to be missed. Jimmy Ogle continues to delight his walking tour audience with history and lore of Memphis from its early days through downtown's rebirth. Tuesday, June 4, 11:45 a.m. Mississippi River & The Cobblestone Wharf (meet at Confederate/Memphis Park, Front Street & Court Avenue) Tuesday, June 11, 11:45 a.m. Madison Avenue (meet at Front Street & Madison Avenue) Tuesday, June 18, 11:45 a.m. Beale Street & Robert Church Park (meet at The Orpheum Theatre, 203 South Main) Tuesday, June 25, 11:45 a.m. Court Square & Surroundings (meet at Court Square, North Main & Court Avenue) There are two other sections of Jimmy Ogle events on this page, also. Don't miss those listings. This photo is one of Jimmy Ogle's Downtown History Walking Tours with at least 3 East High alumni in attendance! Farmers’ Market at the Botanic Garden (FREE* admission, but the produce costs) Every Wednesday  through September, 2013, 2pm – 6pm Memphis Botanic Garden Shop a variety of goods that are locally grown and produced, including fresh produce, flowers, home-baked breads and sweets, vegan foods, honey, artisan items, and more. If you see the Botanic Garden's Executive Director, Jimmy Duncan, say hello. He's a former East High faculty member! http://www.memphisbotanicgarden.com/farmersmarket 32nd Annual Outdoors, Inc. Canoe and Kayak Race (FREE) Saturday, June 15, 2013, 10am – 3pm The Mississippi River at the mouth of the Wolf River The 32nd Outdoors Inc Canoe & Kayak Race is held on the Mississippi River in Memphis, TN. The river is the largest in the U.S., and it has strong currents and powerful eddies. The wind can also create additional problems for the canoeist. The start of the race will be at the mouth of the Wolf River and will take you out of the Wolf River into the Mississippi River, down under the I-40 bridge on past Mud Island Park and up to Memphis Harbor to finish. It is a 5,000 meter or 3.1 mile race. Bring a picnic basket and watch from Greenbelt Park on Mud Island if you're not racing. Free to public; $45.00 to race. All ages. http://www.outdoorsinc.com/pages/canoe-race Four Seasons Cocktail Party (FREE*) Friday, June 21, 2013, 5:30pm – 6:30pm Playhouse on the Square, 66 S. Cooper "Donations to Overton Park Conservancy appreciated." Ages: 21+ Celebrate the summer solstice with free cocktails and light hors d'oeuvres at Playhouse on the Square in honor of Overton Park Conservancy. For more information: (901) 725-0776    South Main Trolley Night (FREE) When: last Friday of every month all year Where: South Main Arts District - Memphis Every last Friday of the month in the South Main Arts District. The ring of the trolley sounds as the shops, restaurants and galleries in the area open their doors to the throngs of Memphians and visitors who make Trolley Night on Main an fun downtown event. It's a good time to browse the stores and galleries for that unique piece of art, clothing or jewelry while sipping a glass of wine and partaking of the wide array of tasty party foods. Slip onto the trolley for a free ride to the next stop and more shops. Obviously, the merchandise is not free. http://southmainmemphis.net/trolley-nights/ Alex Ward's Pig 'n' Whistle 50's Rock 'n' Roll Party Every 3rd Sunday of the month) TJ Mulligan's, 362 North Main Street DJ Alex Ward plays oldies from the 1950's. "Bring your dancing shoes." Obviously, food and beverages are not free, but the music is. Memphis Farmers Market (Free) Saturdays, April thru October, 7 am to 1 pm, rain or shine Central Station, S. Front Street at GE Patterson in the Historic South Main District, Memphis There are several farmers markets in the Memphis area but this one seems more like a party than most. Live music, cooking demonstrations, historic bicycle tours of downtown, kids activities, etc. The ambiance is free but the produce isn't. http://memphisfarmersmarket.org Memphis Tech Coffee Every Tuesday morning,  7:30am – 9:30am WhereRepublic Coffee, 2512 Union Avenue A casual coffee meet up for the Memphis tech community. Come and go as you need to.  http://www.facebook.com Sunset atop the Madison Thursdays, 7 - 11pm (doors open at 6:30pm) Madison Hotel Rooftop, 79 Madison Avenue, Memphis Live entertainment, a special rooftop terrace menu created by eighty3 executive chef Connor O’Neill, a cash bar, and the best sunset view in Memphis! This is not free, admission/cover $7, cash bar. The Madison Hotel is in the renovated historic Tennessee Trust (Bank) building and is one of the city's finest hotels. This writer has never attended a rooftop party there but they sound like fun. The rooftop parties are held every Thursday. According to one observation, "The rooftop is relatively small and has limited seating.  There is room to dance, but the crowd (which is more mature than that of some other rooftop parties) does get cozy." Facebook site Lifeblood's Donor Fest (FREE) Saturday, June 15, 2013, 11am – 2pm Audubon Park (corner of Park and Goodlett The summer is often the most difficult time for Lifeblood, as the need for blood is high but donations are low. Food, music, magic shows, balloon animals, face painting, kids activities, donor recognition and more. Additionally, a mobile bus will be available on Saturday, June 15 at the celebration for those who wish to donate on that day. No pets, please. www.donorfest.org The 32nd annual OutdoorsInc Paddle Demo (FREE) Sunday, June 16, 2013, 10am – 2pm Patriot Lake at Shelby Farms Come try out Whitewater kayaks, sea kayaks, canoes, rec boats and stand-up paddle boards. All ages.  http://www.outdoorsinc.com/pages/canoe-race Jimmy’s Ogle's  2013 Tours of the Historic Shelby County Courthouse (FREE) Meet at noon on the southwest steps of the courthouse located at Second Street and Adams Avenue. Thursday, June 27 Jimmy Ogle's 2013 Memphis & Arkansas Bridge Walks & Talks (FREE) There is a sidewalk across this Mississippi River bridge and the group will walk it. All these events start at 2 p.m. Meet at Crump Park, just south of I-55 on Metal Museum Drive. The spring series of bridge walks has ended. Look for an autumn series. How-To Festival (FREE) Saturday, June 15, 2013, 1pm – 4pm Germantown Community Library, 1925 Exeter Rd. Germantown The Germantown Community Library is bringing crafting and the community together for the first annual How-To Festival. More than 30 crafters and community organizations will host tables to teach their diverse array of skills to attendees of this free family event. Adults and children alike are invited to explore a multitude of skills from cake decorating to beginning guitar to woodcarving and knitting. Bill Branch Opening Reception (FREE) Thusday, June 13, 2013, 5:30pm – 7:30pm Memphis Botanic Garden Important note: this is not East High's Bill Branch! Meet and greet the artists behind this month’s exhibit, as you enjoy light complimentary refreshments and view their new works in the Visitors Center Gallery. For more information: (901) 636-4100 Comedy Open Mic Night (FREE*) Thursday, June 13, 2013, (and every Thursday night) 9:00pm – 11:30pm P&H Cafe, 1532 Madison Avenue Free as in no cover, food and beverages cost. Open Mic Comedy features some of the best and worst comics in Memphis taking the stage every week at the famous P&H Cafe. All are welcome to test their comedy skills or just to come laugh and watch. Ages 21+ For more information:  901-726-0906 or PandHcomedy@gmail.com National Civil Rights Museum Located at the historic Lorraine Motel in downtown Memphis where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968. It chronicles the civil rights movement from 1619 to 2000 with historical exhibits, including Room 306, the hotel room where Dr. King stayed in April of 1968. Free for TN residents w/ID  Mondays after 3 p.m. (museum closes at 5 p.m.) Notice: The museum is undergoing renovations from November, 2012, through 2013. Certain parts will be closed during this time but some exhibits will remain available. Please see the web site for details. http://www.civilrightsmuseum.org/ Memphis Zoo Recognized as one of the top zoos in the nation - Free to TN residents with acceptable photo ID Tuesdays, 2 p.m. to close, except in March. If you do not attend when it is free, you will find it is fairly expensive and there is an additional parking fee if you park in the zoo's lot. The parking fee probably applies during the free admission period, also. http://www.memphiszoo.org/ Blacksmithing Demo and Hands-on Workshop (FREE) Friday, June 7, 2013, 11:45 a.m. Court Square, Memphis Artists and staff from the Metal Museum will demonstrate blacksmithing techniques on their mobile forge and help you make something fun to take home. MetalMuseum.org Pink Palace Museum (the exhibits are not what remember from our childhood) - Free Tuesdays from 1-5pm. (Enchanted Forest, IMAX and Planetarium shows are not included) http://www.memphismuseums.org/ Lichterman Nature Center Free Tuesdays from 1 p.m. until closing http://www.memphismuseums.org/lichterman-overview Mighty Souls Brass Band (FREE) Monday, June 10, 2013, 11:45 a.m. Court Square, Memphis Memphis' only brass band - bridging the gap between Memphis, New Orleans, and beyond! http://mightysoulsbrassband.com/ Brooks Museum of Art Overton Park Near free, Wednesdays, you set your own admission fee! From a penny to any dollar amount. http://www.brooksmuseum.org/ Trivia Night at Huey's Downtown (FREE*) Wednesday, June 19, 2013 (and every Wednesday), 8:30pm – 10:30pm Huey's Downtown, 77 S. Second Street Free as in no cover charge, food and beverages cost. Play trivia at Huey's Downtown. The winning team receives a Huey's gift card. All ages. http://hueyburger.com/live-music/events-calendar/ The Memphis Jazz Orchestra at Alfreds (FREE*) Sunday, June 9, 2013, 6pm – 9pm Alfred's on World Famous Beale Street Free, as in no cover, but food and beverages cots. The orchestra performs weekly on Sunday's 6pm-9pm. Ages 21+ https://www.facebook.com/MemphisJazzOrchestra Way Back When at The Poplar Lounge (FREE*) Tuesday, June 11,  2013, 9pm WhereThe Poplar Lounge, 2586 Poplar Avenue  Free, as in no cover charge. Food and beverages cost. Ages 21+. Their blurb says they sound like the Grateful Dead. You can hear some clips on the link on the page referenced below. http://www.reverbnation.com/show/10625454 TSPE Engineering Art Show (FREE*) Friday, June 28, 2013, 6:30pm – 9:00pm Robinson Gallery, 44 Huling Admission and voting for a piece of work is free, but $25 for food and drink. All ages. The Tennessee Society of Professional Engineers (TSPE) is presenting our 4th Annual Engineering Art Show in conjunction with Trolley Art Night. The TSPE Engineering Art Show is a fund raising event that benefits the 2014 MATHCOUNTS Competition Program. The Art Show is a competition for engineers, or aspiring engineers, to show off their creative talents by presenting an engineering-related project in an artistic manner. The submissions are judged by the public and by a panel of local celebrity judges. The professional and student submissions with the highest score for the judges will receive ""Best in Show."" There is also a “People’s Choice Award” for the submission that receive the most votes from Engineering Art Show attendees. It is free to enter and vote on your favorite piece. It will cost $25 for food and drinks. There will be musical entertainment. If the editor isn't mistaken, the Robinson Gallery is owned by East High alumnus Dan Oppenheimer. Dixon Gallery & Gardens Park Avenue & Cherry Road Tuesday: 10am-4pm: Pay-What-You-Can Saturday: 10am-noon: Free, galleries and gardens http://www.dixon.org/ Shelby Forest State Park (now know as Shelby-Meman State Park & T.O. Fuller State Park Tennessee state parks, free. Hiking, camping, picknicking, disk golf, fishing, biking, cabins, horseback riding (horse rental not available), swimming. Check individual park web sites for amenities available at each park. http://tn.gov/environment/parks/MeemanShelby/ http://tn.gov/environment/parks/TOFuller/ Sun Studio Union Avenue & Marshall Avenue Where the first rock 'n' roll record was ever recorded, whether you believe that was Elvis's "That's all right," or Ike Turner and his Kings of Rhythm band's "Rocket 88". Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and once again an active recording studio. A Natual Historic Landmark  Not free except on rare occasions but highly recommended. http://www.sunstudio.com/ Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum, by the Smithsonian Institution FedEx Forum Tennessee residents free admission any Tuesdays 2-7 p.m.with photo ID with proof of residence. http://memphisrocknsoul.org/ Gibson Guitar Factory Tour Second Street & Lt. George W. Lee Avenue, downtown Memphis, near Beale Street and the FedEx Forum. A tour is offered of the workshops where the guitars are made. Not free but it can be interesting, especially for muscians and woodworkers. There is also a retail store where the guitars are impressive and expensive! http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Locations/FactoryTours/ Graceland Elvis' home. Various tour packages. Expensive. Or as one person suggests, you can stand outside the pink Alabama fieldstone wall and driveway gate with the famous musical notes for free. http://www.elvis.com/graceland/ Major local parks Overton Park (FREE) - Golf course, trail through the Old Forest State Natural Area, Rainbow Lake, Overton Park Shell, etc. Some attractions are not free (Golf, some concerts at the shell, the zoo, etc.)  http://www.overtonpark.org/ Shelby Farms - (you remember it as the Penal Farm!) (FREE) - good but mostly flat hiking, lakes, horseback riding rentals (not free), etc. http://www.shelbyfarmspark.org/ Memphis Botanic Gardens (Not free) - managed by former East High faculty member & coach Jim Duncan (Faculty 1966-70) http://www.memphisbotanicgarden.com/ Greenlines & Rails to Trails (FREE): Greater Memphis Greenline - http://greatermemphisgreenline.org/ Shelby Farms Greenline - website Wolf River Greenway - website Mississippi River (FREE) Pretty impressive site. Walk along the Bluff Trail (daylight hours only) or the sidewalks in the parks along/overlooking the river. Mississippi River parks in Memphis - http://www.memphisriverfront.com/parks River Walk & Bluff Walk - http://www.memphisriverfront.com/parks/riverwalk Cooper-Young Night Out (FREE) Every 1st Thursday, 5–9 p.m. Live music, retail specials, and assorted cuisines in Midtown's historically hip district. Obviously food, drink, and merchandise is not free, but music venues often are. http://cooperyoung.biz/night-out/ And in sports... April-August: Memphis Redbirds AAA Baseball team in what is widely regarded as the best minor league baseball park in the nation. Not free. - website November-March: Memphis Grizzlies professional basketball team in the FedEx Forum. ESPN ranks the Memphis Grizzlies as the #5 professional sports franchise in its overall category! Not free.- website And of course, East High School sports: Schedules * Admission is free, however, there are possible costs for some activites, i.e. food and beverages, produce, products. If you choose not to purchase those items/services, the entertainment/activity shouldn't cost you anything.

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