Cooper-Young Festival expects 130,000 this Saturday

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Cloudy skies and lingering showers from Hurricane Francine on Friday didn’t stop crews from setting up for the 36th annual Cooper-Young Festival .

Around 130,000 are expected to fill the streets of the Midtown neighborhood Saturday for the popular music and arts show. Organizers say 420 artisans from across the country will be selling their works.

The Cooper-Young Festival kicks off at 9 a.m. Saturday with a parade near Cooper and Central. Organizers say there should be plenty of parking, but the earlier you arrive, the better.

“All the forecasts say it’s going to be spotty showers Saturday. We are going with it,” said Tamara Cook, director of the Cooper-Young Business Association.”It’s going to be fun. We’ve only had four cancellations of the art vendors so far today. So, I think everyone’s praying about it.”

The Cooper-Young Festival is the largest event of its kind in Tennessee. This year, the Queen of Memphis Soul, Carla Thomas, will headline the musical lineup. Other artists from various genres, including folk, R&B, country, and rock, will perform on two different stages throughout the day.

Cook said the Cooper-Young Festival will also feature a Children’s Entrepreneur Market for the first time.

“That’s going to be in the First Congo parking lot. It’s for ages 5 years old to 17 years old. They will be setting up their own tents and selling their own items like friendship bracelets, art, and Rice Krispy treats. Things like that.” Cook said.

“You can always find a lot of parking early. If you wait you are going to walk for a minute but there’s parking all over the area. All up and down Central and all up and down cooper street.. All up and down young past Meda. So, you’ll find a way.”

The Cooper-Young Festival is free and ends at 7 p.m. Pets are not allowed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WREG.com.