August 1, 2026
August is the end of a lot of things on the backroads, but also has plenty of events to look forward to. The heat of summer may be ending soon, but with these events up and down the backroads, you can squeeze in plenty of summer fun. If you’re looking to visit any of the counties we cover, these dates would be the best to do it.
August To-Do List Across the Backroads
Horn Lake in the Park After Dark Movie Night
5633 Tulane RD Horn Lake, MS 38637/Aug. 1st/7-9:30 pm/Free
Bring some lawn chairs, blankets, and some snacks to watch the Minecraft Movie under the stars! Enjoy some games before the movie starts as you play in a nice local park, then snuggle up with your family when the sun goes down.
The Desoto Connect
Looking for a more professional opportunity? Here’s an evening mixing good barbeque with networking of all kinds. Marketed as a relaxed business communication event, you’re sure to make a connection with someone you never could’ve met otherwise. If you’re interested in making professional connections in that area, this is a can’t miss.
Crittenden County Farmer’s Market
1 Court Street, Marion, AR/Aug. 8th/8-10am/Free
Locally, farm-grown food is harder to come by these days, but if you’re willing to make the trip to Marion, Arkansas, you’ll have access to healthy food straight from a farmer’s hands. If you’re willing to try somewhere new location-wise on the Backroads, why not apply that to food?
Memphis Chicken and Beer Festival
Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium Field 335 S. Hollywood St. Memphis,Tennessee 38104/Aug. 8th, 6-10pm/Tickets $30/
When you ask a Memphian what we’re known for, our famous chicken restaurants are usually in the top five. For a crowd who wants to have one more celebration before the summer winds down, this 21+ festival will scratch that itch. Featuring food from Gus’s and several other chicken shops across the city, you’ll have plenty to choose from.
Walk The Block Party For Alzheimers
Front Street, Halls, TN/August 8th/10:30-12pm/Free
If you’re ever near Lauderdale County, there’s a walk for a good cause just around the corner. This event has musical performances, several local vendors supporting it, and helps raise awareness and money for Alzheimer’s treatments. Make sure to wear purple!
Sunset Yoga at Silo Square
2903 May Boulevard/Aug. 11th and Aug. 25th./6pm-7pm/Free
Feeling like stretching and staying fit while watching the sun set? Meet at the Belltower in Desoto County for some yoga! Bring a mat and some water, and meet the group to relax and unwind. Participants will receive a free body assessment and one free class at Jane’s Gym, an inclusive women’s fitness community just down the road.
Somerville-Fayette County Library Family Game Night
216 W. Market St./August 13th/ 6-7:30 PM/Free
Want a fun board game outing with the family? This event is a fun way to get out of the house and support a local library! If you want to visit the community during the day and cap the day with fun games and fun times, this’d be a perfect way to end the night.
Elvis Week 2026
3764 Elvis Presley Boulevard/ August 8th-16th/Free
If you’re a fan of Elvis Presley, visiting will be a can’t miss experience. Centering around his famous home of Graceland, there’s a concert series throughout the week, guests that knew The King of Rock and Roll, and a candlelight vigil on the 15th to celebrate 49 years since his tragic passing.
Town of Atoka Rock the Block
Walker Park, 1197 Walker Parkway/August 22nd/7pm-9pm/Free
A family-centered free activity filled event, Rock the Block has fireworks, food vendors, and room for blankets to lay out and see it all. This Fourth of July-esque event is sure to be a fun time for the kiddos who really miss the fireworks.
Fort Pillow State Historic Park
3122 Park Rd, Henning, TN 38041/Whenever/8am-4:30pm/Free
In a different vein than the events mentioned, a park with both beauty and historical significance! As the site of a Civil War battle preserved, it’s got things for those who live history and for those who just want a nice day at the park. If you want a nice day at the park up in Lauderdale County to close out the summer, this is the place for you.
As the weather changes and seasons end, one thing that will never change is that there’s always something to do if you just pick a direction and go. Hope to see you out there.
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