2026 Tom lee day sponsors
Shine bright at the second annual Tom Lee’s Mississippi River Gumption Revival Lantern Parade!
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 Sunset Canopy
6:00 PM - Head to the Beale Street Landing rooftop with your lantern in hand (251 Riverside Drive)
6:15 PM - Listen to a special announcement at Beale Street Landing
7:00 PM - Parade steps off! March with the Lucky 7 Brass Band and Chantelle Rytter’s giant lantern puppets with gumption
Can't make a lantern workshop? You can view the materials list here to create your own at home.
No lantern? No problem! Freddie the Art Bus will be on-site beginning at 5pm at Beale Street Landing for anyone who wants to make a lantern on the spot. 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!
This event will proceed as planned regardless of weather. Follow @memriverparks for real-time updates.