The Fourth of July has arrived, and Memphis Maids is ready to celebrate!
Independence day has a way of bringing the whole community together, so we wanted to put together some ideas to help you make the most of it.
Around this time of year, Memphis takes on a certain energy and we love seeing it! String lights go up on porches, grills get fired up early, and you can usually catch a few sparklers being tested out the night before the big day.
This year’s Independence Day also happens to mark the nation’s 250th birthday, so the celebrations across the Mid-South are going to be bigger than usual. We put together a quick, practical guide to help you plan your day. We also have a couple of cleaning tips from us here at Memphis Maids.
While we’re at it, remember to check our cleaning services if you need Memphis Maids to help you before this day. We know most people like having guests over and enjoy with their friends and family.
Check our deep cleaning service if you want us to leave your house spotless and if it needs a more detailed cleaning. Or, just get a standard house cleaning service if you only need some maintenance and tidying up.
Whether you’re planning a full day of festivities or just looking for a few fun things to add to your schedule, here’s our guide to celebrating Independence Day in the Bluff City this year!
Start the Day with a Parade or a Walk in the Park
Plenty of Memphis families kick things off before the heat really start to set in. If you’re an early riser, Shelby Farms Park is a great spot for a walk or bike ride while the morning air is still cool.
You have every activity under the sun to enjoy: hiking, kaya, biking trails, SUP and canoe rentals… even having a walk is a fantastic experience at this park.
If you are looking for something more festive, visit the Central Gardens Fourth of July Parade. It takes over Belvedere Boulevard. Registration takes place between 9:00-10:30 AM so make sure you’re on time.
The attire contests are opening at 9 AM if you’d like to take part. You can also expect floats, costumes, live music, and food trucks. You don’t have to be a Central Gardens resident to enjoy the parade.
Graceland’s All-American Celebration
Memphis wouldn’t be Memphis without a little Elvis on the Fourth. Graceland’s All-American July 4th Weekend runs across several days and includes tribute performances, patriotic programming, and a fireworks show set to Elvis’s music.
It’s one of the more unique ways to celebrate Independence Day, and it draws visitors from well beyond the city.
Keeping the Party Clean While the Grill Does Its Thing
Once the parades wrap up, the afternoon usually shifts to backyards and cookouts across the Metroplex. This is really the part of the day where everyone slows down and just enjoys being together and share some ribs, baked beans, and cornbread.
Here’s a quick cleaning tip: you’re going to have guests coming in and out all day, so set out a couple of baskets or bins near the entryway so your guests can place their shoes, jackets, and bags and they don’t end up scattered across the living room.
It also helps to do a quick five-minute reset between activities. Wipe down counters after snacks, toss napkins and paper plates as you go, and run a damp cloth over sticky spots before they set in.
A little maintenance throughout the day will make the end-of-night cleanup so much easier, and you’ll get to enjoy the fireworks instead of facing a mountain of dishes when you get home.
Fireworks Along the River and Around the City
As evening approaches, the Memphis sky starts turning shades of orange and pink, and that’s your cue to grab a lawn chair and find a good spot.
Memphis actually ranks among the top ten cities in the country for Fourth of July fireworks according to USA Today. This means there are going to be so many great shows to catch!
Downtown, Independence Day on the River at Tom Lee Park is one of the biggest ones. Their gates open at 5:30 PM and there’s live music, food trucks, entertainment, a kids zone and more. starting 6:00 to 9:00 PM.
The night wraps up with a drone show followed by fireworks launched from Mud Island River Park, lighting up the Mississippi.
If baseball is more your style, AutoZone Park is hosting the Memphis Redbirds’ Red, White & Boom weekend, which culminates in what the team is calling the largest fireworks display in the ballpark’s history.
An Indoor Option for Beating the Heat
Not everyone wants to spend the whole day outside in the Memphis summer heat, and that’s completely fair.
Fourth Fest at the Renasant Convention Center offers a free, air-conditioned alternative with music, food, face painting, bounce houses, and yard games. You will also enjoy a view of the Downtown fireworks once it gets dark.
It’s a solid choice for families with younger kids or anyone who’d rather celebrate somewhere a little cooler.
Happy Fourth of July from Memphis Maids
However you spend the day, we hope it’s filled with good food, good company, and a great view of the fireworks tonight. And if your home needs a little extra attention before or after the holiday, you know where to find us.
Check out our cleaning services or head to our booking page whenever you need an extra pair of hands. Happy Fourth of July, Memphis!
~ The Memphis Maids Team