Celebrate the legacy of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, soar with a spectacular airshow, see free Shakespeare plays, listen to free live music during Live on the Green, float on a canoe at sunrise or sunset or soak in the last days of summer with festivals across Tennessee. For a complete list of events, visit tnvacation.com/calendar.
Aug. 9
Clarksville – Savor peach delicacies using the famously delicious Peach Truck Peaches during the Peach Party 6-9 p.m. at Miss Lucille’s Marketplace. The event will also feature live music by Carl Wockner.
Knoxville – Billy Bob Thornton and the Boxmasters perform for the new Music Feeds concert series 7:30 p.m. at World’s Fair Park. Food trucks and vendors will be on site at 5:30 p.m. Proceeds benefit Second Harvest Food Bank.
Knoxville – The mothership lands in Knoxville for one night only. Funk legends George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic bring their final tour 8 p.m. to The Mill & Mine stage.
Chattanooga – Sing, explore and pretend with friends and family in some favorite places at the new exhibit Explore Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood for free 5:30-8 p.m. at Creative Discovery Museum.
Chattanooga – Singer and songwriter Mary Chapin Carpenter shares her stories and tunes 8 p.m. at Tivoli Theatre.
Bristol – Radio Bristol presents the Farm and Fun Time variety show live 7 p.m. from the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, featuring musical guests Che Apalache and Jesse Lege and the Old-Fashioned Aces. Tickets are $30.
Aug. 9-10
Chattanooga – Visit nine area museums during the Museum Hop for just $20, including Songbirds Guitar Museum, Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum and Bessie Smith Cultural Center. Pick up your passport at any of the participating museums.
Aug. 9-11
Franklin – Stroll the midways, snack on funnel cakes and fair food, ride rides, check out educational exhibits, livestock shows, live music and family fun during the Williamson County Fair at the Williamson County Agricultural Expo Park.
Aug. 9-12
Knoxville – Shakespeare on the Square features two of William Shakespeare’s plays, rotated 7 p.m. nightly outdoors on Market Square in the heart of downtown. A $10 donation is suggested.
Aug. 9-18
Memphis – Fans from around the world gather at Elvis Presley’s Graceland to celebrate the life and legacy of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll during Elvis Week with unprecedented concerts and special performances. Highlights include a special tribute to the 50th anniversary of the legendary ’68 Comeback Special, annual Elvis 5k, dance party and candlelight vigil.
Clarksville – The high-spirited rivalry between cowboys and farmers sets the backdrop for a love story in Roger’s & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma at Roxy Regional Theatre. Tickets are $25.
Aug. 9-19
Knoxville – Join Knoxville native and Broadway veteran Laura Beth Wells and her husband Metropolitan Opera singer David Crawford as they share their stories through song, ranging from Mozart to U2 at the Flying Anvil Theatre.
Aug. 9-26
Nashville – There’s just a few weeks left to see The Rolling Stones exhibit at Musicians Hall of Fame. Artifacts include Keith Richards’ diary, album cover art design, a recreated Stones’ studio and interactive concert experience.
Aug. 9-Sept. 1
Nashville – The free outdoor concert series Live on the Green kicks off at Public Square Park downtown. The event is every Thursday at 6 p.m. with live music, food & drink vendors and a beer garden.
Aug. 9-Sept. 9
Nashville – The Centennial Park Bandshell sets the stage for A Midsummer Night’s Dream 7:30 p.m. for the 30th Anniversary of the Nashville Shakespeare Festival. A $10 donation is suggested.
Aug. 10
Jackson – Bryan Moffitt entertains for the free AMP at the Market concert series 7:30 p.m. at the West Tennessee Farmers Market. Guests can bring lawn chairs, a picnic or visit the food concessions. Free parking is available throughout downtown.
Jackson – Fun, games and a chance to win prizes. The Jackson-Madison County Fabulous Feud Gameshow and Dinner is back 6-9 p.m. at Carl Perkins Civic Center. Doors will be open 2-4 p.m. to register to play or be in the audience.
Livingston – Soak up the last days of summer with a free family-friendly movie at dusk. “Coco” starts at sunset at Central Park for the Central Park at Dark Summer Movie Series.
Limestone – Bring an instrument, your voice and come out for singalongs and old songs for Pickin’ on the Porch 7 p.m. at David Crockett Birthplace State Park.
Memphis – Grab your tissues and a group of friends for Orpheum Theatre’s Summer Movies Series. The doors open at 6 p.m. for fun activities, drink special and photos. The movie “Steel Magnolias” begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $8.
Memphis – Elvis tribute artists Jacob Roman and Cote Deonath will sing the hits made famous by the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll in Elvis: The Younger Years noon at the Halloran Centre for Performing Arts and Education.
Nashville – Emmy and Grammy Award winner David Cross brings his inventive work to the stage 8 p.m. at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center.
Nashville – Learn about the legacy of Wynonna and Naomi Judd, who dominated the country charts during the 1980s and 90s as The Judds: Dream Chasers exhibit opens at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Knoxville – Folk & acoustic rock artist and Knoxville native Candice McQueen will get your feet moving at the free Concerts in the Park series 6 p.m. at Fountain City Park.
Chattanooga – Musician and incredible fiddle player Lillie Mae takes the stage for the free Nightfall Concert Series starting at 7 p.m. in Miller Plaza. Enjoy live music, food and drinks during the fest.
Elizabethton – New Creation rocks the chapel with their southern country gospel music during the free Summer Concert Series 7:30 p.m. at Roan Mountain State Park’s amphitheater.
Bristol – The Malpass Brothers’ songs portray life’s joys, heartaches, problems and happiness. Hear their soul-stirring tunes 7 p.m. live at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.
Townsend – The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center will host its “Music in the Round” benefit concert with singer-songwriters Dave Gibson, Benita Hill and Becky Hobbs. Dinner starts at 6:20 p.m., followed by the show. Tickets are $80.
Jamestown – Experience sandstone bluffs, abundant wildlife and various plants as you paddle during the Sunrise Canoe Float 6 a.m. at Pickett CCC State Park. Meet at the boathouse. Life jackets, canoes and paddles will be provided. Admission is $5.
Aug. 10-11
East Nashville – The 15th annual Tomato Art Fest welcomes everyone to the Five Points area for fun and wacky art, live music, food, costumes, contests, shopping and kids activities.
Johnson City – The Little Chicago Downtown Music & Arts Festival fills the streets of downtown Johnson City with families and fans enjoying regional live music, fine arts and crafts, and the best in local foods.
Aug. 10-12
Hurricane Mills – The oldest race on the ATV national circuit draws riders to Loretta Lynn’s Ranch for the ATV MX National Championship race.
Tullahoma – Music, comedy and dance all roll into one performance for South Jackson Goes Country at South Jackson Civic Center.
Lawrenceburg – Travel back through time for David Crockett Days. This pre-1840s celebration of Crockett’s birthday at David Crockett State Park includes shooting matches, tomahawk throwing, fire starting, crafts of the time, food and wares.
Pigeon Forge – Burt Reynolds, Richard Petty, Lee Majors and more are scheduled to make special appearances during Bubba Fest at the LeConte Center. The fest will include activities, contests and family-friendly movie screenings.
Knoxville – Revisit the romantic comedy “When Harry Met Sally” for Summer Movie Magic 8 p.m. at the Tennessee Theatre.
Aug. 10-25
Woodbury – The Arts Center of Cannon Co. welcomes the musical play Titanic. The cast introduces the audience to real-life individuals who played an integral part in the fateful voyage.
Aug. 10-26
Nashville – Set in the turn-of-the-century New York City, the Tony Award-winning, Newsies, tells the tale of Jack Kelly, who rallies his fellow newsies to fight for what’s right. The play takes center stage at the Looby Theatre.
Aug. 11
Memphis – Enjoy samples of some of the best brews for the inaugural Memphis Chicken & Beer Festival 4-8 p.m. at the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. There will be live entertainment, yard games and food available for purchase from local restaurants.
Union City – Get ready for some of the craziest food eating contests you can imagine at the Food Fest Contest 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Discovery Park of America. Competitors will try Dippin’ Dots (no hands allowed), pizza, spaghetti and donuts.
Jackson – Enjoy live music from We are Messengers, KB, Rush of Fools and Scott Dawson for the free Christian music event Barnfest 5-9 p.m. at the Barn at Snider Farms.
Halls – Enjoy a day of family fun, food and watching at least 30 aircraft perform during the Wings Over Halls airshow 9:30 a.m. at DYAAB Veterans’ Museum.
Collierville – Train Heritage Day celebrates Collierville’s train history. Come to the Morton Museum of Collierville 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to learn about the history, make train hats, view model train displays and take train tours on the historic town square.
Springville – Get up-close with hummingbirds during the Hummingbird Banding event 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge. There will also be children’s arts and crafts activities and educational programs.
Cookeville – Sip and stroll during Wine on the WestSide. The festival 6-10 p.m. provides more than 125 wines and craft beers with tasting tents, live bands, a DJ, food samplings and vendors.
Nashville – Songwriters Steve Dean and Bill Whyte share the stories behind their work in an intimate performance setting with an audience Q&A 12:30 p.m. at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Tickets are included with museum admission.
Arrington – Celebrate the late days of summer with friends and family at the 6th annual Harvest Party 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Arrington Vineyards with music, hot air balloons, food and wine.
Spring Hill – Faith, fun and music are the focus of Tennessee’s new No. 1 Christian concert, the Impact Festival noon to 8 p.m. at the Rippavilla Plantation. Brandon Heath, Tim Timmons and Joel Vaughn will perform.
Portland – Savor the summer night by enjoying live free classic rock music as Legacy performs at August Music on Main 7 p.m. on Main Street. The event is free. Bring a lawn chair or rent one for $2.
Granville – Michael Feagan & the Fiddlegrass Band will have you stomping your feet at Sutton Ole Time Music Hour 6-8 p.m. at the T.B. Sutton General Store. Tickets are $20 for dinner and admission.
Linden – Celebrate the end of summer with a Back-to-School Bash 4:30 p.m. at Mousetail Landing State Park. The event will consist of the 100-foot slip-n-slide and sprinkler area for children.
Knoxville – The new concert series Music Feeds continues at World’s Fair Park. The concert kicks off at 7:30 p.m. with a performance by Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. Food trucks and vendors will be on site. Proceeds benefit Second Harvest.
Knoxville – Take part in crafts, activities, giveaways, yoga lessons and explore how to keep the mind and body healthy through exercise, diet and more during the free Family Fun Day 1-4 p.m. at McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture.
Oak Ridge – Runners lace up their shoes for the 6-7 mile course for the Haw Ridge Trail Race through Haw Ridge Park before a festive post-race celebration. The race begins at 5:30 p.m. with a children’s race at 5 p.m.
Wartburg – Heritage Day celebrates the folk music, demonstrations and crafts of traditional Appalachian and Cumberland Plateau culture. The festival 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Frozen Head State Park will have live bluegrass music.
Buchanan – Stargaze and watch the Perseid Meteor Shower on the most prominent viewing night 10 p.m. at Paris Landing State Park. Bring a blanket, chairs and binoculars.
Aug. 11-Oct. 21
Bristol – The exhibit Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion through Your Eyes highlights images of bands and musicians, buskers on the street and the festival through the eyes of attendees. The exhibit is on display at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.
Aug. 12
Memphis – The NEED TO BREATHE Forever on Your Side Tour with special guest JOHNNYSWIM takes over the Mud Island Amphitheatre at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $36.
Nashville – A star-studded night downtown as Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle and Dwight Yoakam entertain fans 6:30 p.m. for the LSD Tour at Ascend Amphitheater.
Greeneville – Legendary singer-songwriter and co-founder of Motown Records William “Smokey” Robinson, Jr. entertains 7:30 p.m. at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center.
Aug. 13-22
Gatlinburg – Celebrating the region’s rich musical heritage, the Smoky Mountain Songwriters Festival invites songwriters to share the craft of songwriting in venues throughout Gatlinburg with ongoing performances.
Aug. 13, 20 & 27
Memphis – Tour the historic Orpheum Theatre and its sister venue, the Halloran Centre for Performing Arts & Education at 10 a.m. or noon. Admission is $10. All proceeds benefit the Orpheum Theatre Group’s nonprofit mission.
Aug. 13
Nashville – The Big 98 Birthday Bash with Billy Currington, Jordan Davis, Maddie & Tae and more 4:30 p.m. to midnight at Wildhorse Saloon raises money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Aug. 14
Knoxville – Two of the greatest musical acts of all time face off in a high-octane tribute show. Find out who wins in The Beatles vs. Elvis 7:30 p.m. at the Bijou Theatre.
Aug. 15
Nashville – Imagine how the world could be so very fine as the Happy Together Tour takes its outrageous concert to the Ryman Auditorium. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. with music by The Turtles, Gary Puckett & the Union Gap and more.
Aug. 16
Goodlettsville – Country singer Adam Cunningham from NBC’s “The Voice” brings his soulful voice and high energy to the free concert series Music on Main 6:30 p.m. at Goodlettsville City Hall Gazebo Park.
Nashville – Central City Productions, Inc. presents the 3rd Annual Black Music Honors live taping 7 p.m. at Tennessee Performing Arts Center. Honorees include: BeBe and CeCe Winans, Whodini and Dallas Austin. Tickets start at $14.50.
Chattanooga – The Hunter Museum of American Art lays out the red carpet for Teen Night: Glass Dresses and Silver Screens. The teens-only event starts at 6 p.m. and includes a fashion discussion and movie screening.
Aug. 17
Memphis – Escape the heat with Orpheum Theatre’s Summer Movie Series. Doors open at 6 p.m. for fun activities in the lobby, a drink special and photo booth, followed by the movie “Love & Basketball” at 7 p.m. Tickets are $8.
Nashville – One of the most respected, prolific singer-songwriters, Lori McKenna, captivates the audience 8 p.m. at the CMA Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Murfreesboro – Take a step back in time and listen to live music during the 3rd Friday Night Concert Series 7-9 p.m. at Cannonsburgh Village. The event is free. Please bring a lawn chair or a blanket.
Clinton – Spend the evening browsing stores and local vendors for Market Night 5-8 p.m. in historic downtown Clinton. Local vendors will be set up and stores will stay open late. The event has food trucks, ice cream, music, shopping and is pet-friendly.
Aug. 17-18
Jackson – The 16th annual Lexington St. Jude’s Rodeo features bareback bronc riding, bull riding, calf roping, cowgirl’s barrel racing, cowgirl’s breakaway roping, saddle bronc riding and steer wrestling at the Natchez Trace Arena.
Memphis – Spoken words give artists the platform to shine during the Drop the Mic Poetry Slam & Symposium at the National Civil Rights Museum. The free symposium kicks off Friday with workshops and the free slam is Saturday.
Memphis – The Continuum Music Festival celebrates collaborations among musicians and artists of diverse genres, brings to life unique performances and interactive workshops at Crosstown Concourse.
Aug. 17-19
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.
Farragut – Pet lovers and their pooches have three days of competition, fun, food and shopping for Dog Daze II at Village Green Shopping Center. Registrants will be able to gain qualifying points towards attendance at the World Championships.
Aug. 17-25
Lebanon – Considered one of the most popular county fairs in Tennessee, visitors can pick from a packed schedule of live music, pageants, tractor pulls, games, livestock shows and demolition derbies at the Wilson County Fair.
Aug. 18
Memphis – Enjoy programs for the whole family, authentic food from various countries, live performances, info booths and more family fun at the Germantown International Festival 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Agricenter International.
Memphis – Put on your glass slippers and watch “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella” 2 p.m. for Orpheum Theatre’s Summer Movie Series. Doors open at 1 p.m. for fun activities in the lobby, including a drink special and photo booth. Tickets are $8.
Clarksville – Enjoy the free movie “Spiderman Homecoming” on the big screen 6 p.m. outside at Liberty Park. Bring a blanket and/or lawn chairs and come hungry for food available for purchase from on-site concessions.
Nashville – Dress as your favorite princess, enjoy magical games and activities and meet Sleeping Beauty, the Frog Princess and the Little Mermaid for Meet Me at the Zoo 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Nashville Zoo.
Nashville – The Family Day at Oz Arts lets children and their families come together and create during artist-led activities. This year’s extravaganza at 11 a.m. highlights the stars above and the water below, merging science and art.
Gallatin – The Fire on the Water Festival at Lock 4 Park has two stages and more than 10 acts, craft brews, fire entertainers, aerialists, bonfires and food trucks with a spectacular view of the Cumberland River.
Portland – Savor locally-sourced dishes at the 2nd annual Farm-to-Table Dinner under the lights 7:30 p.m. on Main Street. Live music & appetizers start at 7 p.m. Sample wines from Sumner Crest Winery. Tickets are $75.
Franklin – Bring your blankets, chairs, Frisbees, footballs and friends for a free End-Of-Summer Concert 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Moore Elementary School. There will be live music, food trucks, outdoor games, tournaments and door prizes.
Murfreesboro – Football, dinner, drinks, music and more are in store for the MTSU Pigskin Pregame 6 p.m. at Steel Barrel Brewery at Hop Springs. All proceeds benefit the Alumni Legacy Scholarship.
Chattanooga – A night of art and family fun under the light of the fireflies. Enjoy food, films and fun at the Nature of Art series 8:30 p.m. at Hunter Museum of American Art.
Knoxville – The East Tennessee History Fair 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the East Tennessee History Center, Market Street and other locations downtown celebrates the region’s history with live music, reenactments, activities, crafts and historic tours.
Knoxville – A celebration of music, comedy, improv, brunch and the south side of the river, the Second Bell Festival 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Suttree Landing Park joins Knoxville’s entertainment scene with the vibrant river front community.
Eagleville – Win prizes in corn eating, corn shucking and sweet corn selfie contests. The Sweet Corn Festival 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lucky Ladd Farms has exciting animal encounters, inventive playgrounds, wagon rides, mega slides and pony rides.
Townsend – The sky fills with a spectrum of color against a backdrop of a breathtaking Tennessee sunset for the Great Smoky Mountain Hot Air Balloon Festival with live entertainment, face painting, rock wall crafters, food truck court, local craft beers and wine tastings 3-9 p.m. at the Townsend Visitors Center.
Pigeon Forge – Salute America’s military veterans 9 a.m. at the Veterans Homecoming Parade on Pigeon Forge Parkway. This year’s tribute is followed by a free James Rogers concert 1 p.m. at Country Tonite Theatre.
Bristol – Fierce classes and heart-stopping finishes as the sun goes down. The Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway gives fans a unique experience at this extremely popular nighttime race.
Aug. 18-19
Clarksville – The Hummingbird & Butterfly Festival 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Dunbar Cave State Park natural area features hummingbird banding demonstrations, guided hikes, pollinator gardening tips, children’s activities, crafts and more.
Aug. 19
Knoxville – Award-winning journalist Barbara Aston-Wash will sign her new book “Bless Her Heart: The Life and Times of Ellen McClung Berry” 2:30 p.m. at the East Tennessee History Center. The lecture is free and open to the public.
Monteagle – Learn about one of the most important pollinators, the honey bee. The National Honey Bee Day Celebration noon at South Cumberland State Park offers gardening programs, wildflower walks and live bee hive talks.
Aug. 22-Sept. 1
Shelbyville – Division champions compete at the world championship show of Tennessee’s native breed of show horse, the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration. The World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse will be named.
Ongoing
Memphis – A 79-year tradition continues with Peabody Rooftop Parties 6-10 p.m. at the historic Peabody Hotel. Admission is $10-$15 and includes live music and snack buffet.
Clarksville – Bring your lawn chairs, blanket and a picnic while enjoying the spectacular views and sipping on vino at the free music series Jazz on the Lawn 6:30 p.m. Saturdays at Beachaven Winery. The Rhythm Kings perform Aug. 4.
Nashville – Enjoy the Nashville Zoo for a bargain during Kroger Safari Fridays. Kroger Plus Card holders can take advantage of the “buy one, get one” free zoo ticket deal Fridays in August. Guests must have their Kroger Card to get the deal.
Cookeville – Answer trivia questions and learn about the past during the free History Hike 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. between the Cookeville Depot Museum and Cookeville History Museum, the second Saturday of each month (April-October).
Arrington – Pack a picnic and purchase award-winning wine while listening to Music in the Vines every Saturday and Sunday from April-October. The concerts are free.
Jonesborough – Hosted on Sundays throughout the summer, check out Brews and Tunes 4-7 p.m. at the plaza at the International Storytelling Center for craft beer, local music and a food truck.
Gatlinburg – Saturdays in the Summer at Ober Gatlinburg features local musical talent ranging in genres from soul, country, jazz and rock. Head up the mountain 6-8 p.m. Saturdays through Aug. 25 to the Season of Ober restaurant.
Pigeon Forge – During the month of August, participating businesses in Pigeon Forge will Celebrate Freedom by offering discounts to active military and veterans, military personnel, police, firefighters, paramedics and first responders.
Andersonville – Kick back, relax and enjoy live music during Sundown Saturdays 6-10 p.m. on the patio of Stardust Marina, voted one of the top five marinas in East Tennessee. The event continues Saturdays through Sept. 1.
Clinton – Curl up on a blanket with friends and listen to live music for Jazz on the Hill 6-9 p.m. at Green McAdoo Cultural Center.
