About this Event
Gumption--the spark of courage and initiative that carried Tom Lee when he rescued 32 strangers from the Mississippi River. As night fell during his rescue, Tom Lee tied a lantern to his skiff and kept going.
This Tom Lee Day – October 3, 2026 – let’s honor his bravery and revive our own at the Gumption Revival Lantern Parade at Tom Lee Park.
Schedule – Tap into the Mighty:
- 5:00 - 8:00 PM - Tom Lee Day celebration featuring music and community fun under the Sunet Canopy
- 6:00 PM - Head to the Beale Street Landing rooftop with your lantern in hand
- 6:15 PM - Listen to a special announcement at Beale Street Landing (251 Riverside Drive)
- 7:00 PM - Parade steps off! March with the Lucky 7 Brass Band and Chantelle Rytter’s giant lantern puppets with gumption
Want to march in the parade? Join a family-friendly or adults-only workshop this September to create your own Tom Lee kerosine, catfish or parasol lantern. Workshops are just $12—materials included.
Can't make a lantern workshop? You can to create your own at home.
No lantern? No problem! Come cheer on the parade participants and enjoy the magic from inside Tom Lee Park. Let's make this Tom Lee Day one to remember, Memphis!
https://vimeo.com/1118752922?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci
Event venue & nearby stays
Tom Lee Park, 422 Riverside Drive, Memphis, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.