Summer is packed with unique festivals like Red, White & Blueberry at Milky Way Farms, the Peach Festival, Grainger County Tomato Festival, Summer Jamz Music Festival, Butcher Board Festival, Music City Brewer’s Fest and the Toast of Jackson. Here are the events going on across Tennessee this week. For a complete list, visit tnvacation.com/calendar.
Ongoing
Memphis – Turn Memphis into a giant game board with the Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure. Guided from any smart phone, teams solve clues and complete challenges while learning local history. Sign up online here.
Collierville – Meet family and friends at the bandstand 7-9 p.m. each Thursday night in June and July on the Historic Town Square for live music, food and fun for Main Street Collierville’s 2018 Summer Concert series.
Nashville – Get up close and personal with legendary hit songwriters 2:30 p.m. for Big Stage Mondays at 3rd and Lindsley.
McMinnville – Downtown McMinnville comes alive on Friday nights in the summer with local food vendors, a beer garden and live music for Mainstreet Live! Concerts on the Plaza.
Knoxville – Explore downtown Knoxville during the month-long Where’s Waldo Scavenger Hunt in boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops, at the Farmers Market and on the free downtown trolley.
Knoxville – Shakespeare on the Square features two of William Shakespeare’s plays, rotated 7 p.m. nightly through Aug. 12 outdoors on Market Square in the heart of downtown. A $10 donation is suggested.
Gatlinburg – The Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales street performance festival takes place each night through Aug. 11 in downtown Gatlinburg and features musicians, storytellers, artisans, cloggers and more at different locations along the Parkway.
Andersonville – Kick back, relax and enjoy live music during Sundown Saturdays 6 to 10 p.m. on the patio of Stardust Marina, voted one of the top five marinas in East Tennessee.
July 19
Jackson – Come and pick or just come and listen as the Jackson Area Plectral Society sponsors an Open Jam every Thursday night from 6-9 p.m. at Casey Jones Village.
Nashville – The Gulch Night Market hosts an exciting mix of local artisans, food and drink vendors and live music 5-9 p.m. at the corner of 11th Ave. South & Laurel Street. The free event is also pet-friendly.
Nashville – Bring a blanket, chairs, a picnic and your pup on a leash to enjoy a free Movie Night at Public Square Park. “Space Jam” begins at sundown. There will be frozen treats and local eats from food trucks on sale, as well as giant lawn games.
Goodlettsville – Red Light 11 takes the stage for the free concert series Music on Main 6:30-8 p.m. on the lawn next to Goodlettsville City Hall. The event will also include a kid’s zone with children’s activities.
Chattanooga – Ocean explorer Fabien Cousteau, grandson of Jacques Cousteau, shares his memories of ocean exploration while raising awareness and support for conservation projects, 6 p.m. at Tennessee Aquarium. Tickets are $50.
July 19-21
Kingsport – Pat Benatar, the Avett Brothers and Casting Crowns are among the performers who will take the stage during Kingsport Fun Fest in venues across town with children’s activities, hot-air balloons and a fireworks show.
July 19-21, 26-28
Elizabethton – See the Revolution as told by the Overmountain Men: colonists who defied British law and settled on Cherokee lands. Witness the drama of the 40th Annual Liberty! The Saga of Sycamore Shoals at Fort Watauga.
July 19-22
Nashville – Enjoy Nashville’s best burgers at a special $5 price during Nashville Scene’s Burger Week. Participating restaurants include The Slider House, Burger Republic, The Nashville Jam Co., Hopdoddy Burger Bar and Bavarian Bierhaus.
Gatlinburg – Voted one of the Southeast’s “Most Popular Events,” the Summer Craftsmen’s Fair at Gatlinburg Convention Center hosts artisans and craftsmen from all over the U.S. with 200 booths of impressive creations and a kids’ corner.
Lawrenceburg – Lawrenceburg Community Theatre presents the musical comedy, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, based on the classic 1954 film starring Howard Keel and Jane Powell.
July 19-25
Columbia – The exhibit “Focus on Columbia’s Past” at Columbia State Community College’s Pryor Art Gallery reconnects the community to its past while preserving a collection of photos spanning time for more than a century.
July 19-28
Livingston – More than 250 booths highlight handmade arts and crafts at the 80th annual Overton County Fair at the Overton County Fairgrounds. There will also be an open mule pull, family activities, truck and tractor pulls.
July 19-29
Murfreesboro – The Center for the Arts presents Memphis the Musical, the fictional story of DJ Huey Calhoun, a good ole’ local boy with a passion for R&B and Felicia Farrell, an up-and-coming singer he meets one fateful night on Beale Street.
Knoxville – Stop by to see gorgeous underwater photography by Bryce Gibson at Ijams Nature Center. The exhibit captures the beauty and diversity of wildlife living in East Tennessee’s waters.
July 20
Memphis – Roller skate and jam out to your favorite songs for the Sunset Skate: Flash Back Friday 7:30 p.m. at RiverPlay Pop-Up Park in The Core/Civil Center. Food trucks will be on site, so grab a bite and get your roll on.
Memphis – Memphis Zine Fest IV, 4-7 p.m. on the Theater Stair at Crosstown Concourse, will feature zine vendors from across the city. The event is free.
Memphis – Beat the heat with the summer film series 7 p.m. at the Orpheum Theatre with the film “Selena.”
Clarksville – Gather for great live music, beer and a street fair for the Downtown at Sundown Concert Series and Street Fair 6-10 p.m. at Downtown Commons. Restaurants and local artists will be on Strawberry Alley and Franklin Street.
Cookeville – Bring a chair or blanket and get ready to laugh for “Santa Claus Conquers the Martians” 8 p.m. for Summer Cinema at the Cookeville Depot. Grab popcorn and soda for just $1 each. The movie is free.
Nashville – Lightning 100’s Half Christmas Beer Fest 7-11 p.m. at Marathon Music Works include tastings, access to snow machines, a sweater decorating station, a photo booth, food trucks, a costume contest and karaoke. Tickets are $40.
Murfreesboro – Step back in time and listen to a free live concert 7-9 p.m. at Cannonsburgh Village’s 3rd Friday Night Concert.
Franklin – A huge backyard party with all-you-can-eat catfish, an old-fashioned social with bluegrass and R&B/jazz music, the 44th annual Bethlehem UMC Fish Fry kicks off at 4:30 p.m. at Bethlehem United Methodist Church.
Roan Mountain – Local favorites The Roan Mountain Moonshiners bring a toe-tappin’ good time with their old-time music and fiddle tunes for the free concert 7:30 p.m. at Roan Mountain State Park’s amphitheater.
Gatlinburg – Learn about spiders and their relatives living in the Great Smoky Mountains during the free family-friendly event Science at Sugarlands 1-3 p.m. at Sugarlands Visitor Center.
July 20-21
Townsend – Bring the whole family to see all kinds of Volkswagen vehicles and enjoy children’s activities, a swap meet, new and used parts, vendors, games and more during the Summer Jam Volkswagen Car Show at Tally Ho Inn.
July 20-22
Brownsville – The Summer Jamz Music Festival kicks off with three days of live music at various locations around town. The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center will also host its first Book Jam with more than 10 local authors showcasing their works.
Murfreesboro – The Murfreesboro Antique Show & Sale, a long-standing Murfreesboro tradition, attracts some of the finest antique dealers from across the country at the Middle TN Convention Center. Admission is $7 for a three-day pass.
Red Boiling Springs – Ever wanted to stay in a notoriously haunted hotel? Join paranormal investigators at the overnight Ghost Hunt at the Thomas House Hotel Friday or Saturday night. The event includes lodging, a meal and guided tours of the property.
Dayton – Experience one of the most famous court trials in Tennessee with an informational play at the historic Rhea County Courthouse. The Scopes Trial Festival also features a car show, bluegrass music and more.
Knoxville – Charlotte Bronte’s great love story comes to life with music to lift your heart as The Word Players present the musical drama, Jane Eyre, at the historic Bijou Theatre.
July 20 & 22
Knoxville – Travel back in time and see classics on the big screen at the historic Tennessee Theatre. “Treasure of the Sierra Madre” shows at 8 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Sunday for Summer Movie Magic. Tickets are $9 for adults, $7 for kids.
July 21
Memphis – Practice yoga with a brew. Enjoy a beginner-friendly yoga class 10:45 a.m. at Crosstown Brewing Co., followed by a beer tasting. The Bendy Brewski Yoga class (with one beer) is $15.
Memphis – Six-time World Boxing Champion and future Hall of Famer Demarcus “Chop Chop” Corley faces off against former WBA Jr. Welterweight Champion Vivian Harris in “The Big Payback” Championship Boxing Fight 6 p.m. at FedEx Forum.
Buchanan – Join hundreds of lake lovers on boats and jet skis for the “Water Fun Run” at Paris Landing State Park. Decorate your boat with a pirate theme for a chance to win gift certificates.
Nashville – Solve the clues to discover the location of the next Pop-Up Right Shakespeare play, Titus Andronicus, at 2 p.m. Get your tickets here for the secret show as part of Nashville Shakespeare Festival’s 30th anniversary.
Franklin – Enjoy a five-course meal with locally-sourced, organic and healthy ingredients for the Farm-to-Table Dinner 6:30 p.m. at Gratitude Ranch. A portion of the proceeds benefit SAFE, a local non-profit serving foster children and families in need.
Cookeville – The CrossFit Culinary Ninja Workshop at CrossFit Mayhem is a one-day, highly-interactive course where you get to learn directly from Chief Culinary Ninja Nick Massie and leave with 16 self-prepared nutritional meals.
Granville – The Foxfire Newgrass Band entertains at Sutton Ole Time Music Hour 6-8 p.m. at the T.B. Sutton General Store. Tickets are $20 for dinner and admission.
Manchester – Compete and learn the history of the Stick Ball game 5:20 p.m. at Old Stone Fort. Each game is $5 per team. Prizes will be rewarded to the overall winner of each Archaeo Olympic competition.
Pulaski – Celebrate summer at the Red, White & Blueberry Festival 10-4 p.m. at Milky Way Farms with tours, hayrides, guided hikes, Southern charm and treats. Tickets are $12 for adults. Kids under 10 get in for $8.
Mt. Pleasant – Put a picnic basket and goodies together with family and friends to enjoy “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” during Movies on the Square 8 p.m. on Public Square.
Chattanooga – Barbecue, bluegrass and brews are in store for Q’n Brew 6-9 p.m. at the Chattanooga Zoo. Taste the best barbecue in the city and sample tasty beer while also enjoying the zoo and listening to bluegrass musicians.
Knoxville – Author, teacher and storyteller Fred Sauceman shares stories of an Appalachian family during Pigs and Hickory: A Southern Barbecue Seminar 2-4 p.m. at the Historic Ramsey House. $25 tickets include a barbecue buffet.
Knoxville – Beat the summer heat for a Free Family Fun Day 1-4 p.m. at the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture. Visitors can make their own artworks inspired by the museum’s collection.
Knoxville – Teams of 4-6 people compete in teams and individual games to earn points to be King of the Field for Adult Field Day 4-7 p.m. at World’s Fair Park. Hexagon Brewing Company will serve beer. There will also be live music and food trucks.
Bristol – Local musicians can gather and pick, collaborate and share their experiences during a free Community Jam Session 2-5 p.m. at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.
Pigeon Forge – Lace up your shoes for a colorful, fun-filled day in the Smoky Mountains as the Titanic Museum hosts the Titanic Color Run 5K. The race starts at 7:30 a.m. and benefits autism awareness.
Pigeon Forge – Award-winning country artist Neal McCoy performs some of his biggest hits 8 p.m. at Country Tonite Theatre.
Maryville – Grab coffee and dessert as Smoky Mountain Storytellers present Laughter! 6 p.m. at Vienna Coffee House. Donations go to storytelling programs.
July 21-31
Memphis – Summer is the perfect time to be a kid again and the Pink Palace Museum’s CTI Giant Theater is offering all adults admission to movies at the children’s price of $8, $2 off the regular ticket price.
July 22
Memphis – Sample the best local meats, pickled products, fruits, sweets and cheeses and pair them with wine, beer and cider at the Butcher Board Festival 4-7 p.m. at the South Main Market.
Millington – Come and try your luck at archery at Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park. The free class starts at 4 p.m. at the Nature Center.
Nashville – It’s a night of nonstop fun and tunes from the Fab Four. The Weeklings, along with the Nashville Symphony, will take you down memory lane with the Beatles Bash 7:30 p.m. at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
Franklin – Dress up in your 80s and 90s NYC streetwear and visit New York City from your theatre seat while singing along to the fan-favorite movie musical “RENT” 2 p.m. at the Franklin Theatre.
Hampshire – Kick back with family & friends and enjoy live music and award-winning wines during Music on the Ridge 12:30-6 p.m. at Amber Falls Winery.
Chattanooga – Enjoy fresh picked peaches, peach salsa, peach lotion, peach cobbler and more during the Peach Festival at Chattanooga Market. Pea Heart Pickins will perform at 12:30 p.m., followed by Emily Earle at 2 p.m.
July 23
Limestone – Making corn shuck dolls was a pastime shared by mothers, daughters and grandmothers on the frontier. Visit the Crockett Homestead at David Crockett Birthplace State Park to make your own. The class is $5 and starts at 3 p.m.
July 24
Memphis – Bring your mat or towel and unwind during the Free Weekly Yoga Series every Tuesday 6-7 p.m. in Memphis Park.
Jamestown – Join Ranger Martin on an adventurous two-mile round trip Lantern Hike 8:45 p.m. at Pickett CCC Memorial State Park. Experience the park from this unique perspective under the stars as old-fashioned lanterns light the way.
July 25
Memphis – Children of all ages can create a variety of art projects using different materials, watch short films and have a blast in Brooks Museum’s hands-on family gallery Inside Art. The free event, Wacky Wednesdays, is from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Memphis – Join the Stax Museum of American Soul Museum 6-8 p.m. for a special celebration during which Satellite/Stax Records Founder Jim Stewart presents a donation of memorabilia and live music by the Stax Music Academy Alumni Band, John Paul Keith and Krista Wroten.
Nashville – Join some of Nashville’s most talented singers and musicians 7:30 p.m. at 3rd & Lindsley for a live concert tribute to the songs and artists of the year 1971, featuring Jonell Mosser, John Cowan, Michael Mishaw, Mark Jones, Lee Carroll, Dylan Jones and Ben Lacy.
July 25-28
Lawrenceburg – As the birthplace of Southern gospel music, Lawrenceburg hosts the James D. Vaughn Quartet Festival at the Historic Crockett Theatre. The Kellys, Kingsmen and several other well-known groups will perform throughout the week.
July 26
Nashville – Cool down with Christmas in July for the free Movie Night at Public Square Park. A Christmas Story begins at sundown. The fun starts at 6 p.m. with giant lawn games and frozen treats for sale.
Nashville – An intergalactic night of reckoning awaits at the Way Late Play Date: Star Wars vs. Star Trek 6:30-10 p.m. at Adventure Science Center. The adults-only event features science demos, drinks and food available from local vendors.
Tullahoma – Dance under the stars to the sounds of a big band for A Midsummer Night’s Swing 7 p.m. at South Jackson Civic Center with a dance class, great music, delicious ice cream and fantastic company.
White House – Enjoy a free night of Music under the Stars 7-9 p.m. at the White House Splash Pad. Jeff Allen and White House middle schooler Ava Hurst will perform. There will be food trucks and free inflatables for the kids.
Ooltewah – Vote for your favorites at the Tomato Tasting at Ooltewah Farmers Market. Sample more than 70 varieties of tomatoes, like cherry tomatoes, slicers, beefstake and more.
July 26-29
Nashville – Corteo, the newest production from Cirque du Soleil, celebrates life’s unforgettable moments. Join the parade and get caught up in the show at Bridgestone Arena.
July 27
Jackson – Stacy Mitchhart performs for Amp at the Market 7:30 p.m. at West Tennessee Farmers Market. Guests can bring picnic baskets or visit one of the food concessions.
Memphis – There’s no place like the Orpheum Theatre for the Summer Movie Series. “The Wizard of Oz” starts at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. for fun activities, drink specials and a photo booth with movie–themed props and quotes. Tickets are $8.
Cookeville – Follow the yellow brick road for Summer at the Depot 8 p.m. at the Cookeville Depot. “The Wizard of Oz” shows at 8 p.m. under the stars. Popcorn and sodas are just $1 each.
Nashville – Wander the Nashville Zoo’s trails while enjoying unlimited samples of wine from around the world while listening to live music 7-10 p.m. for Red, White and Zoo. Tickets are $60. Food will be available for purchase through local vendors.
Nashville – Listen to Bluegrass and roots pickers jam in circles under the trees 7-11 p.m. at the Full Moon Pickin’ Party at Percy Warner Park. Tickets are $25 and money raised protects Warner Parks, its education programs and special projects.
Nashville – The Frist Art Museum presents Frist Friday 6-9 p.m. inspired by the exhibits Chaos and Awe: Painting for the 21st Century and The Presence of Your Absence is Everywhere with live music, food trucks and tastings by Chef Maneet Chauhan.
Hohenwald – Put on your dancing shoes for line dancing, clogging, two-stepping and live music for Stepping at the Strand 7 p.m. at Strand Theatre & Art Gallery. Concessions will be available. The series is the fourth Friday of every month.
July 27-28
McEwen – The 164th St. Patrick Irish Picnic and Homecoming is said to be the oldest-running festival in Tennessee, serving up 16,000 pounds of brisket and 4,200 chicken halves with secret sauce, as well as games, live entertainment and dancing.
July 27-29
Nashville – Nashville Patriot Fest at Nissan Stadium honors Tennessee heroes with live music, a rock climbing wall, kids’ zone and fun activities like the Patriot Olympics and Hattie B’s Iron Stomach Olympics.
Rutledge – Honoring the world-famous Grainger County tomatoes, the Grainger County Tomato Festival features tomato wars, live music, pageants, line dancers and lots more.
July 27 & 29
Knoxville – The kids from “The Sandlot” return to the big screen once again for Summer Movie Magic at the historic Tennessee Theatre. Show times are 8 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $9 for adults, $7 for kids.
July 28
Memphis – It’s the battle of the superheroes during the Orpheum Summer Movie Series: Superman/Batman Double Feature 5 p.m. at the Orpheum Theatre. Activities start in the lobby at 6 p.m. with a photo booth. Tickets are $8.
Jackson – Raise your glass Saturday for wine samples, food pairings, seminars & art during the Toast of Jackson Wine & Art Festival 1-6 p.m. at the Jackson TN Fairgrounds.
Nashville – Sample some of the most respected beers from more than 40 breweries for Music City Brewers Fest 5-9 p.m. at Walk of Fame Park. There will also be giant Jenga and dodgeball. Money raised benefits the Nashville Humane Association.
Clarksville – Richard Waters featuring the Stacy Mitchart Band performs 6:30-9:30 p.m. during the free Jazz on the Lawn concert series at Beachaven Winery.
Columbia – Foster Party of 8 returns to the Riverwalk Park to headline Summerstock. The free concert from 7:30-10:30 p.m. will honor fallen military members during the finale.
Granville – Cumberland Heart takes 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.
Knoxville – The Historic Ramsey House presents The Life and Music of Stephen Foster, who composed songs like “Oh! Susanna” and “My Old Kentucky Home, Good Night.” The workshop from 10-11:30 a.m. includes live music and a sing-along.
Chattanooga – From jugglers, to musicians or even mimes, the Busker’s Festival at Chattanooga Market promises to be fun and entertaining for all ages. Buskers are any street performers who perform for tips.
Bristol – Explore fun, games and activities during the free Family Fun Day 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.
July 29
Franklin – Enjoy a night of live music on the lawn at Carnton 6-8 p.m. at the Sunset Concert Series featuring Resurrection, a Journey tribute band. Guests can bring picnic dinners or take advantage of delicious local eats at food trucks.
