Memphis boasts several events, festivals, and celebrations as a result of its large melting pot of cultures. One of its largest, Memphis in May, is a month-long celebration of Memphis' rich heritage that includes four main events: the
Beale Street Music Festival, The World Championship Barbeque Cooking Contest (largest port barbeque contest in the world!), the Sunset Symphony, and International Week.
Downtown in April, arts, culture, and diversity are celebrated at the three-day long event—Africa in April or the April Cultural Awareness Festival. There you'll find vendors, fashion, blues, and an international diversity parade. In June, musical acts, artisans, and Italian cooking competitions among other demonstrations and tournaments are held at Marquette Park during the Memphis Italian Festival. Another popular event, the Cooper-Young Festival, is held every year in September in the Cooper-Young District in Midtown. This is a market and arts festival featuring displays, contests, and local music. Throughout