Happy Tuesday 901!

Memphis has a community-focused issue today, with city investment, new housing options, youth sports, local business momentum, and a few easy ways to get out around town.

In this edition, we’re looking at nearly $6 million in housing and community grants, the completion of Belle|Mont near Crosstown, a new field milestone for Memphis Inner City Rugby, fresh events to keep on your radar, and a quiet West Tennessee outdoor escape at the Hatchie River.

Whether you’re following neighborhood development, looking for a local event, or just trying to learn one new thing about the city, we’ve got you covered.

Which Memphis park is home to the Greensward, the Old Forest, and the Shell?

Memphis is investing almost $6 million in local nonprofits to bolster housing, neighborhood services, and community development efforts.

The City of Memphis Division of Housing and Community Development is presenting its annual FY27 Strategic Community Investment Fund awards at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library.

These grants will be distributed to organizations addressing housing support, neighborhood revitalization, and vulnerable residents, as well as community and internship initiatives.

Funding covers emergency housing, rental assistance, neighborhood partnerships, and public-service programs, all designed to strengthen local groups serving Memphians.

Residents may see direct impact through improved services for homelessness, housing stability, youth opportunities, and neighborhood resources—often vital but easy to overlook until urgently needed.

This broad approach gives multiple nonprofits more capacity at a time when affordable housing and essential services are in high demand across the city.

The community now awaits specifics on how these funds will be allocated and which new programs or resources will become available.

Regas Bros Seasoning

Belle|Mont adds new middle-income housing near Crosstown

Memphis is celebrating the completion of Belle|Mont, a new middle-income housing development in the Medical District.

The project is located at 281 N. Montgomery Street, less than half a mile from Crosstown Concourse. The city says the development includes 23 rental units arranged as a cottage court community, with a mix of cottages, duplexes, and fourplexes.

Belle|Mont is part of the City of Memphis’ Middle-Income Housing Pilot Program, which is aimed at expanding attainable rental options for residents who may not qualify for traditional affordable housing but still struggle to find housing that fits their budget.

The design also makes the project notable. Instead of a large apartment building or single-family-only development, Belle|Mont uses a “missing middle” model — smaller-scale housing that fits between detached homes and larger apartment complexes. That type of housing can add more rental options while keeping a neighborhood-scale feel.

For residents, the project adds new housing near major job, health care, education, and transit corridors. Its location near Crosstown also gives renters access to nearby restaurants, services, and community spaces without being far from the city’s core.

The completion ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday at the North Montgomery Street site. As the city looks for more ways to address housing demand, Belle|Mont gives Memphis another example of how smaller developments can add options in growing neighborhoods.

Memphis Inner City Rugby celebrates new field with community day

Memphis Inner City Rugby is celebrating a new chapter with a Field Grand Opening & Community Day on Friday, June 26, from 2 to 5 p.m.

The free event gives families, students, supporters, and neighbors a chance to see the organization’s new field and celebrate the work behind it. Memphis Inner City Rugby has built its reputation around using rugby as more than a sport, giving young people opportunities to build confidence, leadership, teamwork, discipline, and community connection.

The new field is a meaningful step for the program because dedicated sports spaces can become long-term neighborhood assets. They give students a place to practice, compete, gather, and grow while also creating a visible sign of investment in youth development.

Community Day is expected to be more than a ribbon-cutting. Events like this help introduce more families to the program, welcome new supporters, and show how athletics can create positive pathways for Memphis students.

For 901 Daily readers, this is a strong local community story: youth sports, neighborhood pride, and a new public-facing milestone for an organization focused on Memphis kids. Anyone planning to attend should check the event listing for the exact location, parking details, and any weather updates before heading out.

Memphis public meetings to watch this week

Memphis residents have several city meetings and public events to keep on the calendar this week.

The City of Memphis calendar lists a Board of Adjustment meeting, an MCCC Board meeting, a Coffee and Conversations event, and a Landmarks Commission meeting. Together, the items offer residents a chance to follow decisions and conversations tied to development, community services, civic engagement, and historic preservation.

The Board of Adjustment is often worth watching because it can involve zoning, land-use requests, variances, and property-level decisions that affect neighborhoods. These meetings may matter to residents who are tracking nearby development or proposed changes close to home.

The Landmarks Commission is another useful civic item, especially for readers interested in historic properties, neighborhood character, and preservation decisions. Memphis has many older commercial corridors and residential areas where preservation questions can shape future redevelopment.

The Coffee and Conversations event gives residents a more informal way to connect around local issues, while the MCCC Board meeting may be relevant for readers following city-supported community or convention-center-related activity.

Residents who want to attend or follow along should check the City of Memphis calendar for exact times, locations, agendas, and any virtual-access details before the meetings. For 901 Daily, this works best as a short Community Pulse item: a quick reminder that public meetings are where many local decisions begin before they become neighborhood headlines.

Monroe Avenue storefront adds creative workshops downtown

A Monroe Avenue storefront is becoming more than a place to shop.

Local entrepreneur Valencia Leonard, founder of Oh Sweets Natural Skin Care, has launched creative workshops after opening a storefront downtown, according to Memphis Business Journal and the Downtown Memphis Commission. The business is tied to Leonard’s growth as a maker and small-business owner, with workshops becoming a new way to bring customers into the experience rather than simply selling finished products.

The idea fits well with downtown’s broader push to fill storefronts with locally owned businesses and activity. Leonard previously applied for the Downtown Memphis Commission’s Open on Main initiative, which pairs emerging retailers and entrepreneurs with vacant storefronts in and around the Main Street Mall. The program is designed to help small businesses test retail concepts, strengthen downtown’s retail mix, and improve the pedestrian experience.

For readers, the appeal is simple: downtown storefronts are most valuable when they give people a reason to walk in, linger, learn something, and connect. A workshop-based business can do that by turning a retail space into a more interactive experience.

It also adds a useful local-business angle to the week’s community coverage. Instead of focusing only on big developments or public meetings, this story highlights a smaller kind of downtown momentum — one entrepreneur, one storefront, and one creative idea growing into something residents can participate in.

Anyone interested in attending a workshop should check Oh Sweets Natural Skin Care or downtown business listings for current class details, registration, hours, and location updates before heading out.

Memphis soccer fans can look forward to another major World Cup watch party this week.

USA faces Turkey on Thursday, June 25 at Celtic Crossing in Cooper-Young, with festivities from 6 to 11 p.m. and the match kicking off at 9 p.m.

The free event features live music, game sound both inside and out, along with host-country food specials, Wiseacre beer deals, and a special raffle, making it one of the week’s top local soccer gatherings.

Celtic Crossing remains a favorite spot for Memphis fans, especially during big U.S. matches, while several bars citywide—like Brass Door, Max's Sports Bar, and Soul & Spirits Brewery—will also show tournament action.

Attendees are encouraged to check match times, seating, and other details with venues—arriving early is strongly advised for popular matches.

Five fresh Memphis events to keep on your radar

Memphis has a fresh set of events coming up for readers who want something beyond the usual weekend list.

Music fans can start with a strong Beale Street pick: the B.B. King “Lucille Talks Back” 50th Anniversary event at the New Daisy Theatre. Scheduled for Thursday, June 25, at 7 p.m., the event celebrates the legacy of B.B. King and his iconic guitar, Lucille, while giving Memphis another music-history moment in the heart of the entertainment district.

For readers looking for a classic summer night out, the Peabody Rooftop Party continues Thursday, June 25, from 6 to 10 p.m. at The Peabody Memphis. The 21+ event offers live entertainment, skyline views, and an indoor backup plan in the Skyway Ballroom if weather becomes an issue.

Crosstown Arts also has a busy week for arts-minded readers. On Thursday, June 25, the venue lists a film-series presentation of “Bugonia” at 7 p.m., along with a Green Room concert by jazz drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts at 7:30 p.m. It is a good indoor option for readers who want a film, a concert, or a full Crosstown evening.

The next night, Crosstown Arts has a New Summer Exhibition Opening Reception scheduled for Friday, June 26, from 6 to 8 p.m. Opening receptions are a low-pressure way to check out new work, meet local artists, and make an easy arts stop before dinner.

For a quieter daytime option, Memphis Botanic Garden has “Kaleidoscope” by Artists’ Link on view through June 30 in the Visitors Center and Grand Hallway. It is a good pick for readers who want something calmer than a concert or festival, especially paired with a walk through the garden.

Together, the list gives Memphis readers a little bit of everything: music history, rooftop views, film, jazz, visual art, and a slower garden stop. Readers should check event pages for tickets, age restrictions, parking, and any weather updates before heading out.

Memphis Tequila Festival brings tastings, music, and local food to The Kent

Memphis Tequila Festival is set for Saturday, June 27, giving local tequila fans an adults-only summer festival at The Kent, located at 61 Keel Ave. in Memphis.

The event runs from 5 to 8 p.m. and includes tequila tastings, music, photo opportunities, and food available for purchase from local vendors. Organizers say general admission includes 12 tequila tastings, while VIP admission adds lounge access, light bites, specialty tastings, a dedicated entry line, and a welcome cocktail.

Ticket prices are listed at $59 for general admission and $99 for VIP, with group party-pack options also available. Memphis Travel lists the festival as a 21+ event, and the ticketing page says attendees should plan to travel responsibly.

The festival also includes a community-benefit angle. Proceeds support Volunteer Memphis, an initiative of Leadership Memphis that connects people with service opportunities across the Greater Memphis area.

Not every Memphis weekend needs crowds or tickets.

The Hatchie River and Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge invite locals to enjoy a quieter outdoor escape with lush bottomland forests, peaceful wetlands, and picturesque oxbow lakes close to the city.

Stretching along 23 miles in Haywood County, the refuge protects vital Mississippi River ecosystem habitats, making it a haven for birds, wildlife, and native plants.

Visitors can explore short, scenic trails like Bear Creek or Heron Crossing, perfect for anyone seeking a brief walk or birdwatching break.

It’s also a prime spot for anglers, with daylight fishing for bass, catfish, and crappie allowed in oxbow lakes and creeks.

Less than an hour from Memphis, this peaceful refuge is best for those who enjoy slow-paced nature, photography, and quiet moments in the outdoors.

Green Leaf Container Cafe + Farm Stand opens in South Memphis

Green Leaf Container Cafe + Farm Stand has opened at 1025 College St., adding a breakfast-and-lunch spot connected to Knowledge Quest’s broader neighborhood work. The cafe is built around a farm-to-table approach, with menu options that include paninis, omelettes, salads, burgers, and other fresh items.

The opening stands out because it is more than a new place to grab a meal. By pairing a cafe with a farm stand, Green Leaf gives South Memphis residents another option for prepared food and fresh ingredients in the same location.

For Knowledge Quest, the project also fits into a larger vision around food access, youth development, neighborhood investment, and community wellness. The cafe gives residents, workers, and nearby families a practical place to stop during the week while also supporting a local organization rooted in the neighborhood.

For 901 Daily readers, this is a strong local business and community item: a new food spot, a South Memphis location, and a mission tied to fresh food access. Anyone planning to visit should check current weekday hours and menu updates before heading to College Street.

Quote Of The Day

“Live music is one of the few things that can still make a whole city feel like one neighborhood.”

JoJo’s Espresso adds a new Memphis location

JoJo’s Espresso is growing its Memphis footprint with a new location listed among local restaurant and coffee updates for 2026.

The expansion gives coffee drinkers another local option to keep on the radar, especially readers who like finding neighborhood cafés for morning espresso, casual meetings, study time, or a quick stop between errands.

Local coffee openings tend to be useful for residents because they quickly become part of daily routines. A new café can serve nearby workers, students, families, and neighbors while adding more foot traffic to the surrounding area.

Library programs, health resources, and social events to watch

Memphis seniors have a few good connection points coming up, especially through the library system and community resource groups.

Memphis Public Libraries has several adult/senior-friendly programs on the calendar, including the Ladies & Gentlemen of Distinction Book Club at Levi Library on Friday, June 26, and a houseplant-care program with Booker T. Leigh at Parkway Village Library on Saturday, June 27. The library’s event listings tag both programs for Adults and Adults-Seniors, making them easy, low-pressure options for social connection and learning.

A larger senior-resource event to keep on the future radar is the PNA Senior Expo, a free consumer fair for seniors that includes vendors and information on retirement homes, Medicare and insurance, transportation, home care, assisted living, senior centers, hospitals, financial services, and more. The 2026 event has already passed, but it is a good annual resource to remember for future coverage.

For a publishable item this week, the library programs are the cleanest choice. They are current, free or low-cost, and directly useful for older adults looking for something social, educational, and indoors during the summer heat.

North Mississippi summer roundup includes markets, fireworks, and big concerts

North Mississippi has several summer events worth keeping on the radar for 901 readers who live, work, shop, or spend weekends across the state line.

One of the easiest recurring options is the Olive Branch Farmers Market, held Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon at City Hall, 9200 Pigeon Roost Road. The market runs from June through September and gives shoppers a morning stop for Mississippi-grown produce, baked goods, crafts, and other local items. It is a simple family-friendly outing before the day gets too hot.

Southaven also has a major family event coming up with its Fireworks Extravaganza on July 4 at BankPlus Amphitheater. The city calendar lists gates opening at 5 p.m., music beginning at 7 p.m., and fireworks planned for 9:15 p.m. For families thinking ahead to Independence Day, it is one of the clearest North Mississippi save-the-date items.

BankPlus Amphitheater also has a busy concert stretch later in July. Upcoming shows include Men at Work and Toad the Wet Sprocket with Shonen Knife on July 22, followed by Luke Bryan’s Word on the Street Tour on July 23. Those dates make Southaven a regional entertainment stop for Memphis-area music fans who do not want to travel far for larger touring acts.

Looking farther ahead, Landers Center has several later-season events on its calendar, including “Weird Al” Yankovic during the Mid-South Fair on Sept. 26 and the Memphis Tri-State Blues Festival on Oct. 17. Those are not immediate weekend plans, but they are useful for readers who like to plan around concerts and regional entertainment.

Together, the listings show why North Mississippi belongs in the greater Memphis calendar. From Saturday markets to holiday fireworks and major concerts, Olive Branch and Southaven continue to give 901 readers more options for summer plans just across the state line.

Hernando’s Sunset on the Square continues Thursday night

Hernando’s Sunset on the Square continues Thursday at 7 p.m., giving North Mississippi residents and greater Memphis-area readers another free summer music option.

The concert series brings live music to Hernando’s historic town square, creating a relaxed weeknight outing for families, friends, and anyone looking for a low-cost evening outside. For DeSoto County residents, it is a simple way to support local restaurants, shops, and downtown activity while enjoying music in a familiar community setting.

For 901 readers, the event is also a reminder that the Memphis metro extends across the state line. Southaven, Olive Branch, Hernando, and other North Mississippi communities are part of the same daily rhythm for many commuters, families, shoppers, and weekend planners.

Anyone planning to attend should bring a chair or blanket and check the latest Hernando Main Street Chamber or city update for performer details, weather notes, parking information, and any schedule changes before heading to the square.

Interesting Facts

1. Memphis in May began as a civic festival celebrating the city and its international connections.

Overton Park

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