Spend a date night around the campfire, experience a 3D Rolling Stones’ concert, find out the latest runway fashions, interact with dinosaurs, savor barbecue or a slawburger and take a Tennessee Whiskey adventure. Here’s what’s going on across Tennessee this week. For a complete list of events, visit tnvacation.com/calendar.
Ongoing
Nashville – Fifty photos in the exhibit We Shall Overcome: Civil Rights and the Nashville Press, 1957-1968 at the Frist Art Museum shows Nashville’s role in the civil rights movement, including lunch counter sit-ins.
Nashville – The Rolling Stones Exhibit at the Musicians Hall of Fame showcases more than 500 artifacts and memorabilia, a recreation of a Stones’ recording studio with their original instruments, plus a backstage-to-onstage 3D concert experience.
Arrington – Enjoy free live music every Saturday & Sunday, April through October, with “Bluegrass in the Barn” and “Jazz in the Courtyard” from 4-8 p.m. on Saturday and 2-6 p.m. on Sundays at Arrington Vineyards.
Knoxville – Experience Navitat’s zip line adventure park in a whole new way as Ijams Nature Center lights up for Navitat at Night, 6-8 p.m. Friday and Saturday evenings.
Memphis – The exhibit African-Print Fashion Now! A Story of Taste, Globalization, and Style introduces audiences to the dynamic traditions of African dress featuring colorful, boldly patterned printed cloth at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art.
April 11-17
Memphis – Memphis Fashion Week showcases spring and summer collections with local designers, models, photographers and stylists with fashion events at venues across the city.
April 12
Columbia – Discover the art of live storytelling during “Stories on the Square” 7 p.m. at Square West Arts Loft.
Clarksville – Lay out your yoga mat in a tranquil setting for Yoga at the Cave 6 p.m. at Dunbar Cave State Park. Classes are $10.
Nashville – An exciting celebration of the songs that made Music City, Opry Country Classics features the Oak Ridge Boys, Janie Fricke, Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers 7 p.m. at Ryman Auditorium.
Memphis – Learn to salsa 5-7 p.m. at the Crosstown Getdown in the central atrium of Crosstown Concourse. Dance instructor Corey Strong of Baila! Memphis will lead the free dance lesson and party.
Memphis – The famous Peabody Hotel kicks off its Rooftop Parties happening 6-10 p.m. every Thursday night through the summer. On April 12, The Molly Ringwalds will take you back to the 80s playing all the hits from the radical decade.
Jackson –Jackson Area Plectral Society hosts its Open Jam every Thursday night 6-9 p.m. at Casey Jones Village.
Jackson – The First Ladies Luncheon, United Way of West Tennessee’s largest fundraising event, highlights the work of women in the community. Caty Davis, Miss Tennessee 2017, will sing and provide the keynote address, noon at Fairgrounds Park.
Chattanooga – Sculptor Albert Paley talks about his monumental work, “Resurgence,” which will soon be installed along the Riverwalk at Blue Goose Hollow 6 p.m. at the Hunter Museum of American Art.
Bristol – Radio Bristol presents the Farm and Fun Time variety show; live from the Birthplace of Country Music Museum at 7 p.m., featuring performances by Ralph Stanley II & the Clinch Mountain Boys and David Davis & the Warrior River Boys.
Franklin – Bring your friends and show off retaining random facts for Trivia Thursday 6 p.m. Mill Creek Brewing Co.
Knoxville – The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra presents Mozart Piano Concerto No. 21 6:15 p.m. at the Tennessee Theatre.
April 12-15
Memphis –Something Rotten tells the story of Nick and Nigel Bottom, two brothers desperate to write their own play while the “rock star” Shakespeare gets all the hits. The hilarious Broadway musical takes over the Orpheum Theatre.
Nashville – Walk through more than 150,000 blooms spilling from Cheekwood Botanical Gardens, like snowdrops, hyacinths, daffodils, magnolias, redbuds and dogwoods, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Cheekwood in Bloom.
Kingsport –Seeds of Change tells the story of the creation of a small city in the hills of Tennessee in 1917 at Kingsport Ballet.
April 12-22
Knoxville – The Dragon Lights Chinese Lantern Festival features 40 larger-than-life lantern displays at Chilhowee Park.
April 12-29
Pigeon Forge – Dollywood’s Spring Mix features three weeks of stellar performances across multiple genres, with performances from Crystal Gale, Pam Tillis, Suzy Bogus, Amy Grant, The Marshall Tucker Band and The Drifters.
April 13
Memphis – Unwind after hours and cozy up for a Date Night Campfire 7-10 p.m. at Memphis Botanic Garden. There will be fire pits, lawn games, a lounge, live music, body art, hot dogs and s’mores. Tickets are $15. A cash bar will be available.
Jackson – Songwriter, recording artist, actor and playwright Henry Gross performs at 7:30 p.m. at The NED. Tickets are $20.
Crossville – Jerry J. Thomas performs an intimate acoustic concert 6 p.m. at Grinders House Coffee Shop, benefiting Hospice of Cumberland County.
Cleveland – A free educational symposium commemorates the 180th Anniversary of the Trail of Tears and 50th anniversary of the National Park Service National Historic Trails system 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Cleveland State Community College.
Jamestown – Take a guided, quiet cruise around Arch Lake and take in the sights and sounds of a beautiful night at Pickett State Park. The Moonlight Canoe Float costs $5 and starts at 8 p.m. at the boathouse.
Greeneville – Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo LIVE at Niswonger Performing Arts Center guides you on a tour beginning in prehistoric Australia. You’ll observe, meet and interact with life-like dinosaurs and other creatures presented in a theatrical performance.
April 13-14
Savannah – The Kansas City Barbecue Society-sanctioned cook-off, TN River BBQ Battle & Music Fest at Green Acres RV Park has food vendors, arts & crafts, a muscle and classic car cruise-in, corn hole tournament and live music.
Memphis – Memphis Botanic Garden’s largest plant sale of the year features perennials, annuals, tropical, herbs, shrubs, trees and specialty garden items by local artisans, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Jackson – The 3rd Annual Jacob Barker Music Festival at Amp at the Market is a two-day music festival featuring bands from all across the Mid-South. Profits for the fest benefit “Make a Wish,” providing a wish for a local child and their family.
Pulaski – Whether you’re a backyard bird watcher, gardener or want ideas on home improvement and landscaping, get inspired at the 9th Annual Southern Lawn-Garden-Home Show at Giles County Agri-Park.
Huntingdon – Take a trip back to New York City in 1922 as Thoroughly Modern Millie takes center stage at the Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $15.
April 13-15
Nashville – Take a Tennessee Whiskey Adventure to Corsair, H Clark and Leiper’s Fork Distilleries. The tasting tour leaves from the Omni Hotel in Nashville on Friday at 10 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 a.m., returning at 6:30 p.m. Book here.
Middle Tennessee – Don’t miss the Bourbon Women Road Trip to Jack & Back exploring the Tennessee Whiskey Trail, including tastings and tours at Jack Daniel Distillery, Leiper’s Fork Distillery and Green Brier Distillery. Book online here.
Monteagle – Celebrate the natural wonder of South Cumberland State Park at Trails and Trilliums, with guided hikes on scenic trails, programs, workshops, native plants for sale and Art in the Park, featuring works of guest artists.
Gatlinburg – Hands-On Gatlinburg Arts & Crafts Weekend provides arts and craft lovers the opportunity to own a beautifully crafted piece of artwork made with their very own hands in the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community.
April 13, 20 & 21
Clinton – The Museum of Appalachia hosts Sheep Shearing Days with shearing, sheep herding, Appalachian music, an animal meet & greet, storytelling, soap carving, beekeeping, blacksmithing, weaving and more 10 a.m.to 3 p.m.
April 13-May 5
Jonesborough – Some of the finest artists in the region present paintings, sculptures, mixed media and photography at the 6th Annual Jonesborough Open Juried Art Show at the McKinney Center, 10 a.m.to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.
April 14
Jackson – Lace up your running shoes for the 3rd Annual Cowboy Canter 8 a.m. at Lift Wellness Center. This 5K will be the first qualifier of 2018 in the West Tennessee Race Series. There will also be a one-mile walk and stick horse race for kids under 10.
Millington – The Shelby Forest Spring Fest in the old UA Moore Ballpark at Shelby Forest State Park features live music, arts and crafts vendors, wildlife and cultural exhibits, a corn hole tournament and steak competition.
Memphis – The 9th Annual Memphis Brewfest on the field of Liberty Bowl Stadium celebrates craft and exotic beers from around the world. Proceeds benefit Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy.
Granville – Get out your poodle skirts and leather jackets, Granville is going back to the 1950s for its Upper Cumberland Wine Festival with wine tastings, 50s car show, 50s DJ music & band, grape stomp, sock hop, costume and dance contests.
Nashville – Sample wine, food and learn about cooking or pairing and meet chefs at the Nashville Wine & Food Festival at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, featuring wineries, local restaurants, breweries and an artisanal market of local producers.
Nashville – Celebrate spring at the Cherry Blossom Festival in Public Square Park, including a Cherry Blossom Walk, exhibits of Japanese culture, Japanese products, food from local Japanese restaurants, live entertainment and more.
Nashville – Deacon’s New South hosts “Barre3 + Brunch” at 9 a.m. Attendees will take part in a 60-minute intense complimentary barre class, followed by a discounted brunch, half off mimosas and skinny sangrias.
Nashville – Rockin’ Road to Dublin combines the art of Irish dance with a rock concert at Tennessee Performing Arts Center.
Cookeville – Take part in WOW, an international festival at Tennessee Tech University, celebrating cultural diversity and global harmony with both symposium and festival components, including food, performers, and cultural displays. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.
Cookeville – Get active and learn with a free History Hike between the Cookeville Depot Museum and the Cookeville History Museum. Find the answers to trivia and enter to win a prize.
Livingston – Car enthusiasts kick off spring with the Overton County Cruise-In and Swap Meet on the town square.
Franklin – Enjoy home grown goodies, fresh produce, herbs, flowers and crafts at the Farmer’s Market at the Factory.
Nolensville – The 19th Annual Historic Nolensville Buttercup Festival will feature more than 100 artisans, food vendors and a petting zoo in Nolensville’s Historic District. Shops will be open with specials all day.
Elizabethton – Hear history come alive, 2 p.m. at Sabine Hill Historic Site in Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park. The concert features ballads, fiddle tunes and spirituals.
Columbia – The Food Truck Festival 5:30-8:30 p.m. at AMUSE’UM Columbia Children’s Museum has samples from some of the best food trucks in the region, live music, dancing and local beers from Asgard Brewery. Tickets are $40.
Columbia – Taste fine chocolates during Cocoa Bella 6-8 p.m. at the Memorial Building. This year’s theme will be “A Midspring Night’s Dream,” complete with live music and a lawn and garden auction benefiting Agathos Classical School.
Granville – David Parmley & Cardinal Tradition take the stage at Sutton Ole Time Music Hour 6-8 p.m. at the T.B. Sutton General Store. Tickets are $20 for dinner and admission.
McMinnville – The Secret Sisters and Lilly Hiatt perform in the World Famous Volcano Room 1 p.m. Cumberland Caverns.
Winchester – Come pick, enjoy good music, coffee and snacks for Saturday Nite Pickin’ 5:30 p.m. at Tims Ford State Park.
Wildersville – Author John R. Scales will sign his book “The Battles and Campaigns of Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest” 1 p.m. at Parkers Crossroads Visitors Center. Scales is a retired Special Forces Brigadier General.
Gatlinburg – The Mountain Man Memorial March is a 26.2 mile march in the Great Smoky Mountains as a tribute to the men and women in uniform, in memory of University of Tennessee ROTC Cadet – 1LT Frank Walkup, who was killed in action in Iraq.
Gatlinburg – Sample award-winning Tennessee wines and artisanal foods at the Gatlinburg Smoky Mountain Wine Fest 1-6 p.m. at the historic Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts.
Townsend – Townsend Founders’ Day Festival at venues across the mountain town focuses on history, with a unique walking tour starting at the Little River Railroad Museum, local food and woodworking demonstrations.
Sevierville – Show off your true colors at the Third Annual Color Me Mutt 5K Color Run, 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk and Pet Parade at NASCAR SpeedPark. All proceeds benefit Pets without Parents and the PARC Foundation.
Pulaski – Grab lawn chairs and your friends for A Grape Event: Free Music under the Stars 5 p.m. at Big Creek Winery.
Wartburg – Hike among the wildflowers at the 51st Annual Wildflower Pilgrimage 10 a.m. at Frozen Head State Park.
Guild – Live like an Italian for a day at Look Out Winery. The Annual Italian Festival features an all-you-can-eat authentic Italian buffet, tiramisu, cannoli, an Italian Paint Class, live opera and singers under the new festival lights and patio 11 a.m.to 5 p.m.
Knoxville – Knoxville Opera’s Rossini Festival International Street Fair transforms downtown Gay Street into a colorful international festival with four stages, live music, games, upscale artisans market, and a taste of Europe with food and drinks.
Knoxville – The classic-rock band America, known for hits like “A Horse with No Name,” takes the stage at Tennessee Theatre.
Bristol – NASCAR drivers get their first dose of short-track racing at the Last Great Colosseum at Bristol Motor Speedway for the Fitzgerald Glider Kits 300 and Zombie Auto 150.
Silver Point – Guided wildflower hikes, wild animal presentations, a performance by Cannon Arts Dance Studio, face painting and crafting are in store at the 11th Annual Celebration of Spring at Edgar Evins State Park.
April 14-15
Nashville – Grab a blanket and listen to music at Natchez Hills Winery at Fontanel. The free concert series Rhythm and Vine is every Saturday and Sunday in the tasting room.
Spring City –The wit of Oscar Wilde meets the cunning of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle in Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Jersey Lily at Tennessee Valley Theatre.
East Ridge – The Master Your Garden Expo at Camp Jordan Arena features educational seminars, Q&A with master gardeners, vendors and a children’s area with hands-on gardening projects.
April 14-21
Winchester – High on the Hog, a can’t-miss Kansas City Barbeque Sanctioned Contest, includes a fierce barbecue competition, live music, 5K and 10K trail run, corn hole tournament and a beauty pageant. The week-long fest is in Winchester City Park.
April 15
Memphis – Join the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art for a special gallery talk led by Barbara Andrews, co-curator of Black Resistance: Ernest C. Withers and the Civil Rights Movement.
Memphis – The Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival downtown on Wagner Place and Riverside Drive between Union Ave & Beale Street has a crawfish-eating contest, crawfish races, crawfish bobbing, live Cajun and Zydeco music and a kids’ zone.
Nashville – Monica Ramey performs the Life and Compositions of “Miss Peggy Lee” for the free Jazz on the Move 3 p.m. at the Frist Art Museum.
Franklin – The Westhaven Residents’ Club hosts Songwriter Night with special guests Tony Lucca & Ernie Halter 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $15.
Chattanooga – Family Fun Day at Hunter Museum of American Art explores new exhibits, has live music, dancing, art and a scavenger hunt. There will also be ice cream treats from Clumpies available to buy.
Knoxville – Join the Tennessee Theatre for a special screening of the film “To Kill a Mockingbird” at 3 p.m. The civil rights panel discussion “What Real Courage Is” explores what Knoxville was like in the mid-1960s when theaters showed the film.
Bristol – Race fans cheer their hearts out at the Bristol Food City 500, the annual 500-lap, 266.5-mile NASCAR Sprint Cup Race. Stop by the Fan Zone Stage for driver appearances, live music and a pre-race show.
April 16
Knoxville – Parents and caregivers and their little ones are welcome for Stroller Tour: Ice Age at the McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture. The event is free, but attendees must register to attend online.
April 16-19
Jackson – The Generals take on the Birmingham Barons at Jackson Generals Ballpark. Thursday night features Dollar Dogs.
April 16-22
Nashville – The Nashville Comedy Festival has some of the funniest comedians in the world at venues across the city, including performances by “Weird Al” Yankovic, Jeff Dunham, Tim Allen and more.
April 17
Nashville – Strong Leads is a four-part, after-school seminar for high school girls spotlighting films about and made by women. The sessions at the Belcourt Theatre take place 4-7:30 p.m. each Tuesday from April 10 to May 1.
Knoxville – Acclaimed documentary filmmaker Ken Burns discusses the Civil War in his presentation Mystic Chords of Memory, 7:15 p.m. at the historic Tennessee Theatre. Burns’ upcoming projects include films on the history of country music.
April 18
Nashville – Comedians Kristin Hensley and Jen Smedley will make you laugh with #IMOMSOHARD at Ryman Auditorium.
April 18-21
Townsend – The Bronco Truck Show at Tally Ho Inn features hundreds of trucks, Smoky Mountain cruises, show & shine, vendors, trophies & a raffle, famous celebrity trucks and games.
April 19
Jackson – Come pick or just listen as the Jackson Area Plectral Society sponsors an Open Jam 6-9 p.m. at Casey Jones Village.
Memphis – The Peabody Hotel’s Rooftop Party features a snack buffet, drink specials and live music 6-10 p.m. Star & Micey will perform.
Memphis – Ghostland Observatory entrances with electro-dance soul rock 8 p.m. at The Mill & Mine.
Knoxville – Instrumentalist Tim O’Brien gets in touch with bluegrass as he takes the stage 8 p.m. at the Laurel Theater.
April 19-21
Oliver Springs- Don’t miss the mud, music and fun at the Spring Jamboree at Windrock Park. Enjoy mud bogs, an obstacle course, guided rides and the Windrock Schindig concert featuring country music stars Morgan Evans, Michael Ray and Jon Pardi.
Pigeon Forge – The Pigeon Forge Rod Run at the LeConte Center is a must-attend event for car enthusiasts. Guests can attend a swap meet with hundreds of show cars and a car corral.
April 19-22
Cookeville – The Wall That Heals, a traveling 375-foot replica of the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Wall, will be on display at Putnam County Sports Complex. Motorcycle ride-ins and events accompany the 4-day display.
April 20
Memphis – Art + Soul at Art Village Gallery every third Friday exhibits the latest works from African-American artists around the country, infused with live music and art curators sharing the value and importance of investing in art.
Memphis – Jim Witter’s Fire & Rain pays tribute to James Taylor 7:30 p.m. at the Halloran Centre.
Crossville – Songwriter Cyndi Torres shares her melodies and lyrics when she performs 6 p.m. at Grinders House Coffee Shop.
Columbia – Dance the night away at the Spring Fling Dance at Puckett’s. The $25 ticket includes the dance lesson, spinach dip, pico de gallo & chips, chicken skewers, Southern sliders, coleslaw and a scoop of Hattie Jane’s ice cream.
Knoxville – Black Jacket Symphony performs Guns N Roses’ “Appetite for Destruction” 8 p.m. at the Tennessee Theatre.
Knoxville –Grammy nominees T’Monde present French and Creole ballads and Cajun dance music 8 p.m. at the Laurel Theater.
April 20-21
Jackson – The Bunny Run Jackson Rod & Custom Show at Fairgrounds Park is a must for car lovers with approximately450 cars, a swap meet and vendors.
Nashville – Vanderbilt University showcases a weekend full of live music during Rites of Spring. This year’s lineup includes Gucci Mane, Cheat Codes and more.
April 21
Fayetteville – The Slawburger Festival in the historic downtown square is centered around the town’s famous slawburger, featuring an eating contest, live music, street food, shopping, a kids’ zone and vendors.
Holladay –The Old Time Bluegrass and Fiddler’s Jamboree at Holladay Elementary School includes a beauty pageant, parade, street dance, variety show, games, barbecue dinners, bluegrass and fiddler’s competitions and a clogging contest.
Nashville – Celebrate indie record stores and classic vinyl. Indie record stores like Grimey’s, Ernest Tubb Record Shop and Jack White’s Third Man Records will offer special releases, concerts and other events for Record Store Day.
Murfreesboro – Escape for a day into the woods for Boro Adventure Fest noon to 4 p.m. in Barfield Park. The fest features live music, campfires, food, hammocks, rock climbing and face painting. Admission is $10 for adults. Kids under 12 get in free.
Knoxville – The Chalk Walk street painting festival in Market Square transforms Knoxville’s downtown sidewalks into a canvas.
April 20-22
Jackson – Experience what life was like from 1861-1865 for Civil War Days at Discovery Park of America, with reenactors in period clothing and live firing demonstrations.
Townsend – The Smoky Mountain Fiber Arts Festival at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center offers family activities, demonstrations, classes, vendor marketplace and live animal displays.
Lookout Mountain – Go on a RockQuest Adventure, climb to the top of the Rock Climbing Wall at Lover’s Leap and learn how to use recycled materials like making your own rain barrel 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Earthdayz at Rock City Gardens.