Labor Day Music and Fun in Downtown Memphis

Memphis has become a real party town since the renovation of the Downtown riverfront and the old cotton warehouse district. Added to that is the relocation of some large companies like International Paper and the concerted effort to support and encourage tourism. Since the late 1970s many venues and activities have become available to those wanting to celebrate the long vacation weekends like Memorial Day and Labor Day. 

Starting off the weekend in downtown Memphis is one of the most impressive musical displays anyone can imagine: the Drumline competition sponsored by the Memphis Music and Heritage Festival. It begins on Sept 1st at 3:30 in the Memphis Cook Convention Center. This competition began modestly from drum bands competing locally and has grown into an incredibly impressive display of some of the best marching bands in the entire country—all centered on drums. If you have never heard the rumble of a drum band marching to the intense, creative beats created solely by percussion instruments you have not lived. The energy and excitement of this display is awe-inspiring. The pre-show begins at 4:00 p.m. Tickets are available at the Center for Southern Folklore (http://www.southernfolklore.com/) for $7.00 in advance and $10.00 the day of the show. The next two days the Center is sponsoring a “Drill-O-Rama” which is a street festival parade and competition—a free-for-all with bands, vendors, and folk art galore. The bands are top-notch Memphis and regional groups, many of whom have achieved national recognition. The event begins at 100:00 a.m. at Main and Peabody Place and lasts through the afternoon and evening both Saturday and Sunday.