This past Sunday, Memphis came alive in celebration of 901 Day, the unofficial holiday that honors all things Memphis. From energetic dance performances to mouth-watering food festivals, the city was buzzing with excitement, showcasing its creativity, resilience, and community spirit.
What is 901 Day?
901 Day, named after the city’s area code, is a celebration that brings the people of Memphis and Shelby County together to honor the culture, history, and vibrant energy of the Bluff City. This year’s festivities, backed by local influencers like Ladia Yates, Mayor Paul Young, Choose901, and BlackFoodieFinder took the celebration to new heights.
A Day of Unity and Celebration
This year’s 901 Day held special significance as it marked the first major celebration under the leadership of Mayor Paul Young, who took office in January 2024. The day saw collaborations from various local organizations.
901 Day Beale St. featuring Shell on Wheels
Memphis jookin’ sensation Ladia Yates headlined the event, bringing her dynamic energy to the celebration. Known as a Red Bull dance consultant, Nike brand ambassador, superstar dancer, and founder of the L.Y.E. Academy, Yates delivered an unforgettable performance.
The event was packed with festivities that highlighted Memphis’ rich cultural heritage, including:
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- Flash Mob: Led by Ladia Yates, a surprise dance performance brought the crowd to life, featuring elements of Memphis jookin’, the city’s iconic dance style.
- Youth Talent Showcase: Young Memphians took the stage, showing off their creativity and skill in music, dance, and art.
- Poetry Portion: Spoken word artists celebrated the city’s literary talents with powerful performances.
- Fashion Show: Local designers showcased their creativity, highlighting the unique fashion of Memphis.
- Musical Performances: A diverse lineup of local musicians rocked the stage, with genres ranging from hip-hop to soul.
- Headliner: Rapper Big Boogie brought his signature BIG Dude energy to the stage.
- Key to the City: Glorilla was awarded a key to the city, solidifying her place as a Memphis icon.
- The BFF Cookout Festival: A Feast for the Culture
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Another highlight of 901 Day was the BFF Cookout, the ultimate food festival presented by Black Foodie Finder. Held at Tom Lee Park, the event drew crowds eager to experience the best of Memphis’ food culture, live music, and entertainment. The BFF Cookout featured a wide array of delicious offerings from top chefs, food trucks, and vendors, such as:
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- Slutty Vegan
- 18 Wayz Wings & Thingz
- Mattie’s Foods (Award-winning vegan soul food)
- ESCO Restaurant & Bar
- Fat Tuesday
- Cxffee Black
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The crowd stayed energized all day with live performances, DJ sets, and entertainment, including “The Bell Ring” by DJ Stan Bell. Attendees also enjoyed a meet and greet with producer HitKidd.
“It felt good seeing the city come together peacefully at such a big event. It also felt good seeing how many people were excited to see me,” said HitKidd. “Very inspiring.”
To top it off, the event featured a dedicated kids’ zone hosted by Heal The Hood, offering family-friendly fun for all ages.
A City-Wide Celebration
Whether you were enjoying the flash mob on Beale Street or savoring gourmet soul food by the river, 901 Day 2024 was an unforgettable celebration of Memphis’ unique culture. From the high-energy performances to the community-focused events, it was a day filled with pride, joy, and plenty of local flavor.
If you didn’t attend one of these incredible events, how did you celebrate your 901 Day? Let us know how you spent the day honoring all things Memphis!
