Top 5 Outdoor Summer Festivals in Memphis, Tennessee

5. Memphis Italian Festival- Memphis Italian Festival is held every summer on the last weekend in May or the first weekend in June (2012 dates are May 31-June 2). This is a family event that takes place in the heart of East Memphis in Marquette Park. The event includes many areas for food tasting, cooking demos, and craft vendors. Visitors can purchase full course Italian diners, beer, wine, and much more. There are daily concerts and events including grape stomping and cook off contests. Children under twelve are admitted free. There is no admission for pets or outside food or drink. Ticket prices are as follows: Thursday- $8, Friday-$10, Saturday $10, Saturday after 4p.m- $15

4.Sunset Symphony- The Sunset Symphony is the grand finale to the series of month long Memphis in May events. Held at Tom Lee Park on Memorial Day weekend, it is a family event in which visitors are welcome to bring picnics with their own food and drinks, or they may purchase refreshments from the many present vendors. The events start in the late afternoon with multiple concerts and are topped off with a spectacular fireworks show over the river and a beautiful performance by the Memphis Symphony. Tickets can be purchased online in advance for $8 or at the event for $9. No pets will be admitted to the event.

3. Memphis Zoo Brew- Zoo Brew is held twice a year on the Fridays of Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends. The event is held at the Memphis Zoo and hosts over 30 different beer vendors. You must be 21 to enter this event. At the door you will receive tasting cups in which you can collect samples from each vendor throughout the zoo grounds. There is music throughout the event including a live band. Wine and food may also be purchased. Tickets are $30 for zoo members and $35 for non-members. Buy your tickets in advance because they almost always sell out.

2. BBQ Festival- Memphis BBQ Festival is one of the most popular events of the Memphis in May series. Taking place from Thursday-Saturday in the middle of the month at Tom Lee Park, BBQ fest is the world champion BBQ cooking contest. Participants come from all over to set up tents in which they cook by day and party by night. Children are allowed, but the atmosphere is best suited for those who are 21 and over. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance and are $9. No outside food and drink, or pets are allowed.

1. Beal Street Music Festival- Beale Street Music Fest is the kickoff event to the Memphis in May series and is the largest of all the events. For three days visitors from around the country gather in Tom Lee Park, on the river, to hear many big name bands play each day, with a different headliner on each of the three large stages. Food, drink, and crafts can be purchased from vendors. After the concerts end the party continues onto world famous Beal Street. Any age is admitted to the concerts, but you must be 21 to enter Beale Street. Tickets prices range from $75 for a three day pass, $40 for single day at the gate, or $32.50 for single day presale.