My girlfriend just moved to Memphis and I was hoping to visit in the fall but I want to go during a weekend where there is an event/concert/festival or fair- any ideas?

I would try googling Memphis and get some local websites with tourist information. I know that the big blues festival is Memphis in May, so you'll have to wait a bit for that one.

There is lots to do there, even if there's no festival. The Civil Rights Museum is amazing and not to be missed. There is a Gibson Guitar Factory with tours, which is supposed to be fun. Sun Studios, Graceland, and the Rock and Soul Museum are all there too. Through October, the Wonders Exhibit on the paintings and sculptures of Florence, Italy is at the Pyramid. The zoo has pandas now!
The Orpehum, their theater, gets some great traveling Broadway shows throughout the year.

You can probably find a ton of stuff to do--it's a great city to visit!

I agree with all of Lee's suggestions. We travel to Memphis for all the exhibits at the Pyramid. I have never been disappointed.
Of course, one touristy thing to do is top go the Peabody Hotel and watch the world famous ducks walk down the red carpet to the inside fountain. They have a nice bar to have a drink at as well.
Mud isalnd is fun. You take a tram over and the museum there is quite good.

I think you must hit Beale Street. There are fabulous retaurants, great jazz clubs, etc... I love to people watch there.
have fun!!

The Mid-South Fair is in the fall of the year. They always have a great rodeo with a well known country artist performing, plus they usually have some pretty good concerts during the week.

the ducks at the peabody are a must see! must have bbq at cliffs. suns studios is cool too. maybe check out the river, ride the trolly. it's a great long w'end place!