April at Rhodes College means a few things. It means your professors are handing out final project prompts, and diplomas are just around the corner—but mainly it means Rites of Spring, three days of concerts and free food! But once you’ve sampled all the food truck fare and danced to Waka Flocka Flame, venture outside the gates to see what Memphis has to offer in the month of April.
22nd Overton Square Crawfish Festival – April 8
Start the spring season off right—with as much crawfish as you can eat! The food, artists, vendors, and live music start where Madison Ave and Cooper intersect, and ends at where Morrison cuts Madison. This free event runs from noon until 6 p.m.
30th Africa in April Festival – April 19-23
Learn about African culture in a variety of ways, through music, art, fashion, education, and food! While the festival runs for longer than three days, the public part of the festival starts on Friday with the Children & Senior’s day. Each day of the festival features a specific theme. Located at Robert R. Church Park, admission is $5, and the events last all day.
Memphis Redbirds – April 11
One of Memphis’ most beautiful and impressive venues is AutoZone Park, a newly-renovated baseball stadium that occasionally features live music performances. The Redbirds’ season starts on April 11, and rumor has it that there’ll be great food and fireworks. Depending on where you want to sit, tickets can go from $15 to $75. Be sure to put on sun screen before you spend the whole day outside!
Paint the Ceiling Art & Music Show – April 15
Held at Crosstown Arts 430, this multimedia art show features a variety of art created by young women. This event is in celebration of young women, and all of the proceeds go towards Girls Inc. Admission is $10, and the show runs from 7-10pm.
Sasheer Zamata at Rockhouse Live Memphis – April 29
Get your laughs in before finals start with SNL cast member Sasheer Zamata at Rockhouse Live Memphis! Zamata has performed at festivals such as SXSW and Bonnaroo, as well as other comedy-centered festivals. The show starts at 8 p.m. with $15 advance tickets and $20 day-of tickets.
By Swaneet Mand ’18