Summer in Tennessee

Scenic beauty, unique culture, diverse cities, small towns and the Soundtrack of America. There are many ways to sum up the state of Tennessee.

Explore the best of the state and get a taste of genuine Tennessee hospitality this summer. There are numerous fascinating festivals and events which showcase the Volunteer State’s diverse culture and lifestyle, music, art and sense of fun.

 

NEW EXPERIENCES

Memphis – Elvis Presley’s Graceland‘s newly reimagined ’68 exhibit with artifacts like tickets to the legendary 1968 NBC television special, a replica stage and ELVIS in red lights, Elvis’ made-for-TV outfits and more. Check out 15 reasons to visit Graceland this summer, including Elvis Week.

Nashville – Enjoy an enlightening experience of luminary exhibits by a British installation artist during LIGHT: Bruce Munro at Cheekwood, also featuring live music and food trucks on Thursdays.

Clarksville – The newly opened Ford Ice Center, the third location in Tennessee, will offer public skates, figure skating, ice hockey tournaments and more for the community.

Monterey – Summer is perfect for soaking in scenic beauty. Outdoor Experience has a new location at Meadow Creek Park offering kayaking, mountain bike rentals and hiking.

South Cumberland – Plan your farm-to-table adventure with Tennessee’s South Cumberland Mountains of Adventure with farm visits, farmer’s markets, local farm products and handmade items.

Chattanooga – Enjoy a three-mile guided kayak tour, soak in scenic views and potentially spot otter, osprey, bald eagles and bats leaving a cave at dusk during the Nickajack Bat Cave Sunset Kayak Tour.

South Pittsburg – Lodge Museum of Cast Iron takes visitors on a journey of how cast iron is made, celebrates food, culture and stories and features the world’s largest cast iron skillet. Don’t miss the new Big Bad Breakfast inside, serving up custom-created meals, fresh biscuits and preserves.

Pigeon Forge – Big Bear Mountain is the longest roller coaster at Dollywood, taking guests on an unforgettable ride in search of Big Bear.

Bristol – The Birthplace of Country Music Museum‘s new exhibit, “I’ve Endured: Women in Old-Time Music” honors the hidden heroines, activities and success stories of women who’ve impacted the roots of old-time music, from Mother Maybelle Carter to Rhiannon Giddens.

Kingsport – Kingsport is the home of the Original Long Island Iced Tea. To celebrate the history, there’s a new Long Island Ice Tea Trail with a mural, local restaurants and specialty stores offering their own creations.

Johnson City – Enjoy mini golf under the stars. Glow Golf at Paradise Acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains features lighted golf balls, glowing holes and colored landscaping lights.

Sevierville – Cool off this summer at Soaky Mountain Waterpark‘s two new water coasters, new double decker cabanas and regional musicians performing on Mondays and Wednesdays.

 

MILESTONE FESTIVALS

Memphis (June 16)– Guests can get down to 70s music, sip creative cocktails and create a beaded hanging planter or pet rock at Memphis Botanic Garden’s Groovy Garden Party, in honor of its 70th anniversary. Dress to impress in your best 70s gear.

Knoxville (Aug. 26) – Celebrating its 10th year, the exciting outdoor Knox Asian Festival involves culture, food, performances and more from China, Japan, Korea, India, Thailand and other countries. Enjoy authentic Asian cuisine from vendors throughout the day. Admission is free.

 

SUMMER FESTIVALS & EVENTS

McMinnville (Now-July) – Bring a lawn chair, blanket and friend, try some local food truck fair and listen to live music all summer long at Main Street LIVE downtown.

Rugby (Now-July 29) – Join Historic Rugby for the quirky sport of Irish Road Bowling, as teams roll an iron ball down Rugby Parkway. The event is free. Check the full schedule.

Hendersonville (Now-August)- The Summer Concert Series is each Thursday night with a variety of live music at The Streets of Indian Lake. Enjoy snacks from food vendors.

Nashville (Now-Sept. 4) – Gaylord Opryland Resort’s “Summer of More” features a variety of seasonal activities, including fantasy-filled Pirates and Princesses themed experiences, enchanting indoor gardens, water adventures and cuisine through Sept. 4.

Leiper’s Fork (Now-Oct. 7) – Farmstead Roots Creek Dinner Series at Wines in the Fork are multi-course meals prepared by local chefs paired with wine under the stars, live music, cocktails and cigar-rolling.

Manchester (June 15-18) – Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival is a magical weekend of music, fun and friendship on the farm featuring performances by Kendrick Lamar, Odesza, Tyler Childers and more.

Bell Buckle (June 17) – Visitors from all over the world stream into the historic downtown to find music, cloggers, MoonPie games and a parade during the RC Cola-MoonPie Festival.

Smithville (June 30-July 1) – The Smithville Fiddler’s Jamboree and Crafts Festival features live music, dance competitions, streets full of handmade crafts and food booths.

Knoxville (July 1-31) – Put on your striped shirt and black-rimmed specs for a good old-fashioned Waldo Scavenger Hunt in dozens of locations downtown with photo ops and chances for prizes.

Nashville (July 4) – Brad Paisley, Langhorne Slim and Tiera Kennedy are among performances at Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th, with one of the largest July 4th fireworks shows in the country synchronized to a live performance by the GRAMMY-winning Nashville Symphony.

Clinton (July 4) – The Independence Day Anvil Shoot at Museum of Appalachia includes the anvil shoot, national bell-ringing ceremony, flag procession, live music and southern food. There are demonstrations from blacksmiths, beekeepers, dulcimer makers, spinners, weavers, rail splitters and more.

Clarksville (July 22) – Immerse yourself in stories at the Storytelling Festival at Historic Collinsville with story activities and stations, book sale featuring books written by local authors

LaFollette (July 29) – Little Italy comes to Tennessee. The Tally Town Festival celebrates Italian heritage from over 100 years in Campbell County.

Nashville (Aug. 3) – Raise a glass to the past. History Uncorked at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage is a night of whiskey, wisdom and words featuring Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery’s head distiller Andy Nelson.

Johnson City (Aug. 18-19) – Meet the Mountains is a free, family-friendly festival to experience all of the region’s outdoor activities including live music, zipline, bike course, demo pool, air dog shows, yoga, rock wall and more.

Memphis – A rooftop dance party to jumpstart the weekend. Peabody Rooftop Parties each Thursday at the iconic hotel hosts a live DJ, bars, dance floor and scenic views of downtown.

Chattanooga – Rock City’s Summer Music Weekends features live country, folk and bluegrass music every weekend, delicious southern cuisine, Rock City raptors’ shows and beautiful views.

Jonesborough – Enjoy local music, craft beer, cider and good eats during Brews & Tunes on the plaza in front of the International Storytelling Center every Sunday 4-7 p.m. June through September.

For a full list of events happening this summer in Tennessee, visit tnvacation.com/calendar.