Welcome back to This Week in Memphis! We’re glad you’re here. As we head into the week of September 6–13, 2026, we’ve got some fun stories from Memphis history and exciting events lined up. Let’s dive in.
On This Week in Memphis History
Piggly Wiggly Opens First Self‑Service Grocery
September 6, 1916
On September 6, 1916, Clarence Saunders flipped the switch on the world’s first self‑service grocery store at 79 Jefferson Ave right here in Memphis.
This revolutionary idea let shoppers pick out their own groceries instead of ordering from a clerk. It caught on quick and changed the grocery industry forever with its aisles, shopping baskets, and price tags.
The original Piggly Wiggly carved out Memphis’s place in history as the birthplace of self‑service shopping. The model lives on in every grocery store today from Midtown to the world.
Also this week in Memphis history:
- 🎂 Otis Redding — Birthday, September 9. Stax Records giant and timeless voice of ‘Try a Little Tenderness’ and ‘Dock of the Bay.’
What’s Happening This Week
Memphis is bursting with energy this week! From historic celebrations to iconic food festivals and open-air concerts, here’s your guide to the best happenings in the 901:
Baptist Health & Wellness Series: Pilates in the Park
🎨 Date & Time: September 9, 4:30pm
📍 Location: Overton Park
Join Ballet Memphis for free, all-ages Pilates pop-up classes in Overton Park. Perfect for all fitness levels seeking a wellness boost outdoors.
Shell Yeah! Benefit Series Presents Booker T. Jones
🎨 Date & Time: September 10, 6:00pm
📍 Location: Overton Park Shell
Kick off the Overton Park Shell’s 90th Birthday Shell-ebration weekend with a special performance from Booker T. Jones.
90th Shellebration: Birthday Picnic ft. Memphis Youth Symphony
🎨 Date & Time: September 11, 11:00am
📍 Location: Overton Park Shell
Celebrate at a daytime birthday picnic with live music from the Memphis Youth Symphony as part of the Shell’s 90th anniversary festivities.
Baptist Health & Wellness Series: Breath work and Meditation
🎨 Date & Time: September 12, 8:00am
📍 Location: Sarah’s Place at Shelby Farms
Take an hour to recharge with guided meditation and breath work during this free mental fitness class. Open to all levels.
90th Shellebration: Sounds of the Shell (9 Decades of Delight)
🎨 Date & Time: September 12, 6:00pm
📍 Location: Overton Park Shell
A tribute concert that spans every decade of Overton Park Shell’s musical history. Celebrate the stories and sounds that shaped Memphis.
Fall Bash: Bounce Houses & Free Family Fun
🎨 Date & Time: September 12, 9:00am
📍 Location: Audubon Park
Bring the whole family for bounce houses, games, face painting, and more. A free and festive day in the park.
Gumption Revival Lantern Workshop (Adults-Only, 21+)
🎨 Date & Time: September 12, 3:00pm
📍 Location: South Main Arts District
Create your own lantern for Tom Lee Day. Adults 21+ can enjoy a hands-on evening at this creative workshop.
90th Shellebration: The Gathering ft. Evvie McKinney
🎨 Date & Time: September 13, 11:00am
📍 Location: Overton Park Shell
Wrap up the Shell’s birthday week with a community celebration featuring performances by Tennessee Mass Choir and Evvie McKinney. All are welcome.
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