Quick Summary: Autumn in the Memphis region offers active retirees a wonderful variety of seasonal festivals, outdoor garden walks, and cultural events. Seasonal highlights include attending the Pink Palace Crafts Fair, exploring local pumpkin patches, and enjoying crisp trail walks at Shelby Farms Park. Discover how fall weather creates the perfect backdrop for regional recreation and peer outings.
As The Byrds once sang, to everything there is a season. Summertime in Memphis, TN, is coming to an end, but with the turn of the calendar pages comes fall—one of the best times to visit Memphis as daily high temperatures hit the upper 70s by October and there’s a buzz of excitement in the air.
The cooler weather brings with it everything that makes fall fun: football, pumpkin patches, thrills, chills, and memorable afternoons with friends. This fall, Memphis has it all: a classic football showdown, pumpkin picking on the farm, festive celebrations, local markets, and so much more.
If your idea of retirement living is RSVPing yes to everything, there’s one community that puts you in the center of it all—The Farms at Bailey Station. Created to deliver the most rewarding senior living experience possible, The Farms offers luxury independent living residences, resort-style amenities, top-tier healthcare, and best of all, a maintenance-free lifestyle. Why spend your fall raking leaves and cleaning gutters when you could watch Shakespeare in the park, or spend the afternoon tailgating?
At The Farms, we believe in celebrating each day as its own unique experience, starting with today. We’ve put together this guide to everything happening in Memphis this fall so you can join in the celebration without skipping a beat.
September Events in Memphis
Southern Heritage Classic — Saturday, September 12, Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium
Nothing says fall like watching two rivals seeking gridiron glory. The Southern Heritage Classic is one of the most anticipated matchups between historically Black college and university (HBCU) teams every season. The 2026 Classic returns to its traditional slot on the second Saturday in September in grand style at the Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, which recently underwent major renovations. This year, the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff will take on Alcorn State.
The Southern Heritage Classic is more than a game; it’s a cultural celebration weekend with a parade, Battle of the Bands, a golf classic, and a fashion show. Even if you’re not a fan of the UAPB Golden Lions or the Alcorn Braves, there’s action on and off the field. Many older adults love watching the marching bands perform and attending multiple events throughout the weekend.
Mark Your Calendars: More September Events
- Free Concerts at Overton Park Shell — Friday, September 4 – Saturday, October 10
The legendary Overton Park Shell, where Elvis Presley played his first paid gig, offers free live music every Friday and Saturday from September to mid-October. The venue is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year with a free Shell-ebration Weekend September 10-13, featuring 90 years of music at the Shell, a Birthday Picnic with the Memphis Youth Symphony, and a salute to the music of Memphis’ recording studios, including the iconic Sun Studio.
While you’re in town, why not tour Sun Studio and other Memphis blues landmarks? Read our post on cruising the Blues Highway for more Memphis music history and nearby road trip destinations along Highway 61.
- “Clue” at the Orpheum Theatre — Tuesday, September 15 – Sunday, September 20
Whodunnit? Was it Miss Scarlet, Colonel Mustard, or Professor Plum? Find out when the Orpheum Theatre kicks off its season with “Clue” on Tuesday, September 15. Theater lovers will no doubt be back for an encore with the impressive lineup of Broadway hits the Orpheum is bringing to town.
The Orpheum conveniently offers accessible seating on the orchestra level, as well as elevator access. The theater makes the first act of your evening easy, with accessible parking and designated patron drop-off zones near the front of the building.
- Cooper-Young Festival — Saturday, September 19
One of the best fall festivals in Tennessee, the Cooper-Young Festival brings more than 130,000 people to the historic Cooper Street and Young Avenue district each year. More than 400 vendors will be sharing their wares, plus multiple music stages, food, drinks, and neighborhood camaraderie.
- Free Shakespeare on the Depot Platform — Saturday, September 26, 7:00 p.m.
The works of the Bard will be in our backyard when the 10th annual Free Shout-Out Shakespeare Series performs “Love’s Labour’s Lost” in Collierville’s town square. The performance is free, but be sure to bring a chair and a picnic if you’d like. Spots are first come, first seated, so get there early.
September Weather in Memphis
While weather in many parts of the country starts to cool off when Labor Day rolls around, it stays hot in Memphis through the end of September. Daily highs remain in the upper 80s until the middle of the month, according to the National Weather Service.
October Events in Memphis
Dixon Gallery and Gardens Pumpkin House
Fall wouldn’t be complete without pumpkins. For the greatest gourds in Memphis, visit the Dixon Gallery and Gardens Pumpkin House. Now in its sixth year, the Pumpkin House is constructed with more than 1,200 vibrant pumpkins. It’s the perfect place for a fall photo with the grandkids and it’s conveniently located right inside the entrance.
While you’re there, take advantage of the free admission and explore all this beautiful art and nature center has to offer. From a weekly Munch and Learn art lecture series to yoga classes, family scavenger hunts, great picnic spots, and their Park and Cherry Cafe, there’s always something blooming at the Dixon Gallery and Gardens.
Pumpkin Patches in Memphis
If you love visiting local farms for harvest fun and picking out the perfect jack-o’-lantern for your porch, here are some of the best pumpkin patches in Memphis to check out this fall:
- Priddy Farms — Bartlett, TN: A community staple for many years, the original Priddy Farms in Bartlett, TN, is about 30 minutes from The Farms in Collierville, TN. Beyond pumpkin picking, Priddy Farms also features hayrides, a train, a petting zoo, a build-a-scarecrow station, a nine-hole putt-putt course, and inflatables. If you’re looking for things to do with grandkids, put Priddy at the top of your list.
- Jones Orchard — Millington, TN: Another local favorite is Jones Orchard in Millington, TN. Jones Orchard offers a 10-acre corn maze that changes yearly to keep you guessing, plus farm scene investigations for the kids and a pumpkin patch. Known for their produce, apple and pear picking is available during the fall as well.
- Cedar Hill Farm — Hernando, MS: While technically over state lines, Cedar Hill Farm is still a great nearby option, less than 40 minutes from Collierville. Cedar Hill also has a host of attractions, including a tractor hayride, pirate ship, giant slides, a catch-and-release fishing pond, and chicken and pig racing in the “Pigadega 500.” They also have a Country Kitchen and Store. Senior discounts (65 and over) are available.
Memphis Weather in October
By late October, high temperatures cool down to the upper 60s, with lows around 50°F. Humidity is moderate, making it one of the best times to visit Memphis. October is generally dry, with light, manageable precipitation, according to the National Weather Service.
Visiting Memphis, TN—and Deciding to Stay
Everything you love about fall—football, family fun in cooler weather, pumpkin patches, festivals, and good times with friends—is waiting for you in Memphis. With so much excitement to discover, why not stick around?
There are several reasons why Memphis is a great place to retire:
- No state income tax: Tennessee doesn’t tax Social Security, pension income, IRA distributions, or 401(k) withdrawals at the state level. The state’s Property Tax Freeze Program can lock in the rate for qualifying homeowners 65 and older.
- Excellent healthcare: Located only five minutes from The Farms, Baptist Memorial Hospital-Collierville is part of Baptist Memorial Health Care, one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit health systems, known for delivering award-winning compassionate care. The Farms residents also have priority access to our Jordan River Health Campus, which offers a full continuum of care, including assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing care, senior rehabilitation, and short-term respite care.
- Convenient airport access: Although there are plenty of things to do nearby, getting to the airport is easy when you want to get away. Memphis International Airport is only 25 miles from Collierville.
- Small-town charm, big city culture: Living at The Farms puts you close to one of America’s Best Main Streets in Collierville, and 30 minutes from the history, art, soul, and cuisine of Memphis.
The best reason to retire at The Farms? No leaves to rake or gutters to clean. With our maintenance-free lifestyle, quality amenities, and a variety of upscale, thoughtfully designed residences to choose from, you won’t miss any of these great fall events working in the yard. You can spend your Saturdays making memories with the grandkids, grabbing dinner and catching a show with friends, enjoying a picnic and live music with your spouse, or just kicking your feet up and savoring all the beauty of fall.
We hope you’ll be visiting Memphis this fall for one or more of these events. When you do, why not stop by and discover the elegant, graceful, unhurried lifestyle waiting for you at The Farms at Bailey Station? Try one of our five dining venues, tour the Athletic Club, and walk through one of our gorgeous garden homes. You may find yourself wanting to stay a little while longer.
Contact our team today to schedule your visit to The Farms this fall.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What are some of the best fall activities in Memphis?
A: Some of the best fall activities in Memphis include:
- The annual Southern Heritage Classic showdown between two HBCU football teams takes place on September 12, 2026, with a kickoff parade, Battle of the Bands, a golf classic, a fashion show, and other community celebrations.
- The Dixon Gallery and Gardens will feature its annual Pumpkin House, featuring more than 1,200 brightly colored pumpkins.
- Local farms, including Priddy Farms in Bartlett, TN, Jones Orchard in Millington, TN, and Cedar Hill Farm in Hernando, MS, will offer apple and pear picking, pumpkin patches, and tons of family fun activities, from giant slides and hayrides to chicken and pig racing, inflatables, and more.
Q: When is the best time to visit Memphis, TN?
A: The best time to visit Memphis, TN, is during the spring and fall. In the fall, the weather begins to cool down in late September. By the end of October, highs drop to the upper 60s, lows hover around 50°F, and humidity is moderate with light precipitation.
Q: Why is Memphis, TN a great place to retire?
A: Memphis, TN, is a great place for active, social adults to retire because it offers a wealth of things to do, cultural experiences, and convenient access to essential services.
- No state income tax: Tennessee doesn’t tax Social Security, pension income, IRA distributions, or 401(k) withdrawals at the state level.
- Excellent healthcare: Located only five minutes from The Farms, Baptist Memorial Hospital-Collierville is part of Baptist Memorial Health Care, one of the nation’s largest not-for-profit health systems, known for delivering award-winning compassionate care.
- Convenient airport access: Although there are plenty of things to do nearby, Memphis International Airport offers dozens of nonstop flights to major domestic destinations.
The Farms at Bailey Station, located about 30 minutes from Memphis in Collierville, TN, is an ideal retirement community for older adults who want to enjoy all that Memphis has to offer. Living at The Farms puts you close to one of America’s Best Main Streets in Collierville, and close to all the history, art, soul, and cuisine of Memphis. The Farms residents also have priority access to our Jordan River Health Campus, which offers a full continuum of healthcare.
