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A book fair meets beer, cat videos go big and a ramen shop has a birthday party
 
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Welcome back to The To-Do List, where Daily Memphian staffers suggest their favorite events and activities for the coming week.

In this week’s To-Do List, you’ll learn about Memphis Botanic Garden’s new Fun Studio and where to hear about the magic of “biscuit and cornbread culture.”

View all events & submit your own

Heirloom House’s one-year anniversary party at Heirloom House, Thursday:

Dorothy Collier and Alice Kerley opened Heirloom House last year. (Courtesy Heirloom House)

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This whimsical Midtown gift shop, where you can find everything from cross-stitched art to vintage salt-and-pepper shakers, is celebrating its first year in business with a party. Expect drinks and sweets, plus the debut of new — and probably very Instagramable — vintage collections from Mint Condition, Galey Grimes and Kimmie’s Killer Vintage. 6-8 p.m. Free. 2129 Central Ave. More info here. — Bianca Phillips

Elvis Week at Graceland and various locations, starts Friday:

Elvis Week events include the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest at 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9 at Graceland Soundstage (Jim Weber/The Daily Memphian file)

This year marks the 49th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death, and as always, fans will flock from all over to honor his life. The Elvis Week events start Friday, Aug. 7, with an Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist kickoff party at The Guest House at Graceland, and the week (which is actually a week and a half) ends with the annual candlelight vigil on Saturday, Aug. 15, and a gospel celebration on Sunday, Aug. 16. As for what’s in between, you’ll find lots of concerts, the tribute artist contest, photo ops and special tours. Reporter Noah McLane has a rundown of highlights and a look at a new generation of Elvis fans. Here’s a schedule, and there’s more info here. — Phillips

Bubble Run at Shelby Farms Park, Saturday: 

Summer 5Ks can be brutal in this Memphis heat. And running through multihued foam may not cool you off much, but it’ll probably take your mind off the heat for a bit. Participants are encouraged to wear white clothing for maximum colorful foaminess. The pre-party starts two hours prior to the race with a DJ, dancing and more. And the DJ will be spinning at the after-party, too. All runners will get a finisher’s medal. Race starts at 8 a.m. As of Thursday, Aug. 6, admission was currently free. But it may go up to $54.95 for regular registration or $99.95 for VIP. 512 Pine Lake Drive. More info here. — Phillips

The Lion’s Gate Portal Metaphysical Market at the Hi-Tone, Saturday:

The Lion’s Gate Portal is created when the Sun in Leo aligns with the star Sirius, Orion’s Belt and the Earth and occurs every year from July 28 through Aug. 12. It’s said to be a time of spiritual awakening and growth, intention-setting and an increased ability to hear spiritual messages. Whether you believe all that probably depends on how woo-woo you are. And that’ll also determine if you’re interested in this market, where vendors will sell crystals, tarot cards, prayer candles and other witchy things. Noon-6 p.m. Free. 413 N. Cleveland St. More info here. — Phillips

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Skol-astic Book Fair at Soul and Spirits Brewery, Saturday:

Soul and Spirits will host the Skol-astic Book Fair on Saturday, Aug. 8, 1-7 p.m. (Jennifer Biggs/The Daily Memphian file)

A take on the Scholastic Book Fair of your (my) childhood, this version includes beer and book-themed vendors to go along with the actual books for sale. Food for purchase will be provided by Smoke & Toast food truck and The Stroopwafel Cart. The brewery will have a limited-release, book-inspired beer, Lyric, which is an Earl Grey tea farmhouse ale. 1-7 p.m. Free admission. 845 N Main St. More info here— Elle Perry

Cat Video Fest at Pink Palace Museum, Saturday:

If your Instagram algorithm is showing you nothing but cat videos, this one’s for you. Cat Video Fest is one giant compilation reel of the latest and best cat videos on the internet, and you can watch it on the Pink Palace’s giant screen, thanks to the Like You Film Club. A portion of ticket sales will go toward helping local cats with Mewtopia Cat Rescue. 2:30 p.m. $15. 265 Lafayette St. More info here. — Phillips

My Big Backyard Jam Session at Memphis Botanic Garden, Saturday:

At a past My Big Backyard event at the Memphis Botanic Garden, families gathered on the Leaping Lawn to watch a family-friendly musical performance. (Courtesy Memphis Botanic Garden)

The Botanic Garden will host the grand opening party for its new Fun Studio playhouse with an outdoor concert. The interactive playhouse was inspired by Sun Studio with kid-friendly instruments designed by Memphis artists Anne Froning and Sean Murphy. The Saturday concert features the Fun Studio Band, a supergroup with Graham Winchester, Jeff Hulett, Ben Church, Lori McStay and Frank McLallen, as well as outdoor games and other activities for kids. 6-8 p.m. General admission is $20 with free admission for kids under 12. 750 Cherry Road. More info here. — Phillips

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Memphis Chicken & Beer Festival at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, Saturday:

What could be more refreshing on a sweltering summer Saturday than piles of chicken and cold, refreshing beer? Probably a spritz and a seafood tower by the Adriatic, but we don’t all have that Italy money. Instead, enjoy August the Memphis way at the Memphis Chicken & Beer Festival. The ticket includes admission and access drink samples, music and games. Food is for sale from vendors like Gus’s, Hattie B’s, Trap Fusion, Smurfey’s Smokehouse and more. Important: bags bigger than 4 by 6 inches must be clear; parking is $10; this event is 21 and up. 6-10 p.m. $54.35 general admission, $94.87 VIP. 335 South Hollywood St. Click here for more information. — Holly Whitfield

‘Self-Rising: The Magic Rise Behind Biscuit and Cornbread Culture’ book talk at Novel, Tuesday:

Mindy Merrell and R.B. Quinn, authors of “Self-Rising,” will be in conversation with Muddy’s Bake Shop founder Kat Gordon to celebrate the book’s release. “Self-Rising” is both a historical account and a cookbook centered on the rise of self-rising flour and cornmeal. The book starts in Tennessee — “the self-rising capital of the world” — and includes the rest of the South. Topics range from flour-sack fashion to recipes for pickle chips. Mindy Merrell and R.B. Quinn are also the authors of “Cheater BBQ: Barbecue Anytime, Anywhere, in Any Weather.” Merrell won the reality cooking show “Chopped” in 2014 and has worked for the baking brand Martha White. Both are former Tennessean columnists. 6 p.m. Free admission (register here). 387 Perkins Ext. — Perry

Good Fortune’s 5th anniversary party at Good Fortune Co., Tuesday:

Good Fortune will celebrate five years with a party on Tuesday, Aug. 11. (Patrick Lantrip/The Daily Memphian file)

Five years of tan tan ramen and coco curry, five years of Impossible dumplings and tofu bites, five years of my favorite restaurant in Memphis. Good Fortune is celebrating with a free party with free food and drinks (while supplies last). The owners and staff want to celebrate, too, so they’re having the food catered (don’t expect noodles and dumps!). DJs Kid Mestizo, Oddyssey and Mala Leche will provide the tunes. 8-11 p.m. Free. 361 S. Main St. More info here. — Phillips

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