Hey you. Put on that ugly sweater and make the most of this winter, dammit. To get you through the holidays and start 2019 on the right foot, we have a mix of serious and fun events for you to partake in. Balance is key, so compliment the Nerf Gun Battle Brunch with a day of delivering Meals for MIFA. Then go ahead and stay up late listening to local musicians, but don’t forget to check out the performance artists, too. Think about the local food system, tackle local hunger issues, and then, you know, go play a little drag bingo. There’s also Elvis’ birthday and the International Blues Challenge to look forward to. Looks like winter's gonna be pretty damn fun after all.
Discover what you’ve been missing all your life: fish pudding
Now through April 12
Calvary Episcopal Church (102 N. Second St.)
Now in its 96th year, Calvary’s Lenten Waffle Shop is a must-do for all Memphians, regardless of religion. Meals are served in conjunction with the preaching series, but there’s no obligation to attend. It’s a volunteer-run affair and tips go to the church’s Sunday community meal for the homeless. It’s also the only place you’ll ever find fish pudding on the menu, and it’s a shame since it tastes a million times better than it sounds. Other favorites include waffles (of course) plus additional favorites including tomato aspic, chicken salad, shrimp mousse, peppermint ice cream and Boston cream pie. Seating is communal and both cash and cards are accepted.
Cost: Depends on how much you wanna eat
See Memphis ten ways at the Memphis Ten Group Show opening
March 29
Jack Robinson Gallery (44 Huling Ave.)
The Memphis Ten Group Show features ten incredible Memphis artists including Houston Cofield, Brandon Dill, Ivy-Jade Edwards, Paige Ellens, Amy Hutcheson, Ziggy Mack, LaAndrea Deloyce Mitchell, Sara Moseley, Robert Sims, and Najee Strickland. It almost seems impossible to contain so much talent in one space. The show runs through April 30, but the March 29 opening reception is where it’s at, and not just for the free snacks! Meet the artists, hear them talk and, most importantly, buy something amazing for your walls.
Cost: Free
Check out the latest in condom fashions at Condomonium
March 30
The Columns (One Commerce Square)
Condomonium is the signature fundraiser for CHOICES, a small non-profit organization providing reproductive health care, education, and policy advocacy around reproductive health and rights. It is also an amazing party and annual public awareness event where fashion and theater designers create apparel and accessories out of condoms for the wildest fashion show in town. It typically draws about 500 people, who all get to vote on their favorite design. And of course there’s great food, cocktails and music to round out the evening. The theme this year is “Roaring Into the 20s: The Future Is Fierce.”
Cost: $25-$50
Cut and swap houseplants with other green thumbs
April 2
Cooper-Young Community Association (2298 Young Ave.)
Looking to expand or start a houseplant collection? Have a bunch of old containers just lying around? Then the Midtown Houseplant Swap is for you. Hosted by the Cooper-Young Community Association, participants are asked to bring cuttings from their houseplants, old containers, and helpful growing tips. They'll provide the potting soil and a number of repurposed containers.
Cost: Just some clippings of your houseplants
Raise a glass and write a check at Cocktails for a Cause
April 5
1509 Peabody Ave.
Popular backyard fundraiser Cocktails for a Cause is back for its eighth season of giving. Hosted by the Fishes in their amazing Midtown yard with an outdoor bar/kitchen, it’s the epitome of Margaret Mead’s “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” The receiving organization slated for April 5 is the Coliseum Coalition, which is advocating to reopen rather than tear down the historic Coliseum. Held the first Friday of the month through November, all events feature “celebrity” bartenders and a matching donation for every dollar contributed.
Cost: All donation-based
Get your veggies at the Memphis Farmers Market opening day
April 6
Corner of S. Front St. & GE Patterson
A lot has happened since the Memphis Farmers Market closed for its winter nap (the neighboring movie theater has opened and the adjacent hotel with ground floor retail is getting closer by the minute.) Our biggest and best local market, now in its 14th year, is -- to put it simply -- getting bigger and better. Don’t miss opening day. Do your shopping, chat with the growers and artisans, listen to some local musicians, have a bite at one of the food trucks and spend the day enjoying all that downtown has to offer. Markets run from 8am-1pm every Saturday through October.
Cost: Free
Calling all wolfmen (and wolfwomen)
April 7
Shelby Farms Gate 11
The Wolfman Duathalon, named for its proximity to the Wolf River, now features a three-mile trail run, so there’s no bike required. (As a bonus, a bunch of sweaty people can now cheer on the duathletes at the finish.) The duathalon is a three-mile trail run followed by a six-mile mountain bike ride on the “Tour de Wolf” trail, finishing with a one-mile trail run. Compete as an individual, single speed, male relay, female relay, mixed relay or parent/child. Two training days (March 30 and 31) are being held to familiarize participants with the course. And yes, everyone gets a killer t-shirt with a wolf on it.
Cost: $25-$80
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