The annual Cooper Young Festival is approaching! The 31st iteration of the event will be held on Sept. 15 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and it’s set to feature an abundance of fun outdoor activities for the whole family. These include—but are by no means limited to—those listed below.
Shopping
Ready to give your wallet a workout at the Cooper Young Festival? To browse a wide assortment of clothes, music, art and other wares sold by local entrepreneurs, head to the festival’s designated “vendor areas” at the following locations:
- The First Congregational Church parking lot
- The parking lot at the corner of Young Ave. and Cooper St.
- From Nelson Ave. to the trestle
Dining
Memphis is known across the nation and beyond for its top-notch BBQ, and the food vendors at this year’s Cooper Young Festival will show you why! In addition to delicious BBQ, you’ll have an array of other gastronomic options to enjoy, including beer; smoothies, juice and other non-alcoholic beverages; doughnuts; burgers; and much more.
Music
Three stages will be set up during the festival, so you can rotate according to your musical tastes. The main stage will be located at the front of the Young Avenue Deli, while the second stage can be found at the First Congo and the third will be set up at the intersection of Young Ave. and Meda St. Whether you drop by to hear chart-topping artists, experience new talent or jam to the stylings of local musicians, you’re bound to find something you love. Check the Cooper Young Festival Schedule to make sure you know who to see and where to go!
Tips for the festival
If you plan on driving to the festival, be sure to arrive early, as parking at the Cooper Young University lot will undoubtedly be in high demand. A shuttle will be running all day to transport festival-goers from the university to the event and back again. For guests who arrive on bikes, Bike Corral will provide free, secure bike parking.
More than 130,000 people are expected to attend the festival this year, so you might want to consider heading over early in the day to beat the evening rush. Carry cash to be on the safe side, as not all vendors accept plastic. To beat the heat, stay hydrated, apply sunscreen and wear protective accessories like sunglasses and hats. Oh, and one more thing—have a great time!
