Good morning, Memphis!
It’s kind of crazy to think that our country has been around for 250 years, and people still haven’t figured out how to use their blinkers on their cars.
In today’s edition:
Firework shows across the mid-south
Best Chicken Tenders in Memphis?
The (Newest) Oldest Restaurant in TN
Let’s get to it.
Events
Your Guide to Fourth of July Fireworks Across the Memphis Area
Image: Wes Hale
There is no shortage of ways to celebrate the Fourth this weekend in Memphis. From free neighborhood shows to rooftop views and dinner cruises on the river, there's something for every crowd. Here's what's happening across the area:
Thursday, July 2
Bartlett Performing Arts Center – City of Bartlett Extravaganza, 6–9:30 p.m. Live music, food trucks
Liberty Park (Memphis) – Liberty for All Celebration, 5–9 p.m. Free. Live music, food trucks, city fireworks show
Millington (Navy Mid-South Conference Center field) – Flag City Freedom Fest, starts 6 p.m. Free. Fireworks at 9 p.m.
AutoZone Park – Redbirds game; first 1,500 fans get anniversary patch hat
Friday, July 3
Graceland – All-American Weekend begins; Party & Fireworks Extravaganza, 7:30–9:30 p.m.
Sand Beach Lake (Bolivar) – Red, White & Bolivar, gates 5:30 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
AutoZone Park – Redbirds game with postgame fireworks; first 2,000 fans get a 4th of July top hat
Saturday, July 4
Central Gardens – July Fourth Parade, steps off 10:30 a.m. on Belvedere Blvd.
Tom Lee Park – Independence Day on the River, starts 5:30 p.m. Fireworks over the Mississippi
Renasant Convention Center – INDOOR 4th Fest, free activities, front-row view of downtown fireworks
Peabody Rooftop – Two fireworks shows (riverfront + AutoZone Park). $20 adults / $10 kids; hotel guests free
Memphis Riverboats – Fireworks & Dinner Cruise, departs 8 p.m., returns 10 p.m. $74/person
Germantown Municipal Park – Fireworks Extravaganza, 5–9:30 p.m., grand finale at 9:10 p.m.
Collierville, Cox Park – Starts 6 p.m., fireworks at 9:30 p.m.
Hernando, Renasant Park – Front Porch Fireworks, starts 7 p.m., fireworks at 9 p.m.
AutoZone Park – Redbirds game with postgame fireworks; first 2,500 fans get American-themed jersey.
Sunday, July 5
Horn Lake, Latimer Lakes Park – Annual fireworks display, 7–10 p.m.
Food
The Great Chicken Tender Debate Is Heating Up
Round 1 of the Commercial Appeal's Best Chicken Tenders in Memphis bracket is in the books, and the results are in.
With more than 3,000 votes cast so far, here are the eight restaurants advancing to Round 2:
Who do you think deserves to move on to the final four? Click here to cast your vote.
Restaurants
The Arcade Is Officially Tennessee's Oldest Restaurant!
South Main's beloved Arcade Restaurant has been officially recognized as Tennessee's oldest restaurant.
Since 1919, this diner has been a genuine piece of history. Elvis Presley and many other iconic figures sat and ate in booths here. Today it continues to be a go-to destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a timeless atmosphere that is uniquely Memphis.
From the Arcade’s Facebook post:
“We are proud to announce that we are officially Tennessee’s oldest restaurant! A spot where the griddle has been hot for over 100 years, and the coffee has never stopped pouring.
Locals have been sliding into the same booths since 1919, ordering the same comforting plates that somehow taste just as good today as they did back then.
It isn’t some polished, modern brunch place trying to look old school, but the real deal where generations have gathered to eat, catch up, and start their day right.”
901 Daily Picks
In Other News…
🚗 AAA's Tow to Go runs free this holiday weekend (Fri 6 p.m.–Mon 6 a.m.) — they'll drive you home and tow your car up to 10 miles, no membership needed. Call (855) 2-TOW-2-GO or (855) 286-9246. More details here.
🏀 Mike Conley is reportedly signing with the Boston Celtics, bringing the Grizzlies legend's 11-year Memphis chapter full circle as he chases a title in green.
⚾ Cameron Boozer and Karim Lopez — the Grizzlies two first round picks from this year's NBA Draft — are throwing out the first pitch at the Redbirds game tonight at AutoZone Park. You can also get $2 PBR and Pabst Light!
🎨 The Memphis Art Museum (formerly Brooks Museum) is on track to open Downtown on the riverfront this December, and the Daily Memphian's AM/DM podcast this week previewed what's coming, including the planned restaurant operator. Click here to listen.
📦 FedEx is selling its supply chain subsidiary to a French company for $1.4 billion, letting the Memphis giant sharpen its focus on specialized delivery — think auto parts, aerospace, and pharmaceuticals. The deal is expected to close by year's end. Read more about the transaction here on Fedex’s website.
🏓 Pickleball 901 is hosting a free Fourth of July tournament this Friday — free spots are still available, with a few paid divisions in the mix too if you want to compete at a higher level. Good excuse to get out and play. Register here.
📡 Starlink is offering Mid-South residents satellite internet for around $55/month (about half the standard rate) and waiving the $350 hardware. The catch: the fine print allows Starlink to use your personal data to train AI models and share it with third-party partners. The deal is currently covering parts of Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas. You can see if your address qualifies on the Starlink website.
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That's your Thursday, Memphis. See you tomorrow.
— 901 Today