This Week's Tennessee Tourism Roundup

  • Thursday, March 1, 2018
  • Jill Kilgore

 A taste of spring is in the air with tours of botanical gardens, home and garden shows, tributes to the Irish, a wine festival and even a bourbon tasting.  Here’s what’s going on across Tennessee this week. For a complete list of events, visit tnvacation.com/calendar.

Ongoing

Townsend – The very best quilts from the Foothills Quilters Guild will be on exhibit at the Townsend Visitors Center.

The event is free.

Pigeon Forge – The entire month of March is a tribute to the Irish and where they built Titanic in Belfast, Ireland. The Titanic Museum will host multiple events to honor the 159 Irish passengers and crew aboard Titanic.

Nashville – Rome: City and Empire brings more than 200 of the British Museum’s most engaging and beautiful Roman objects to tell the story of how Rome grew to a mighty empire on display at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts.

Cookeville – Geared toward preschool-age, bring the little ones to the Cookeville Depot Museum for the free event Train Tales, a train story that talks about railroad friends 10:30-11 a.m. every Friday.

Memphis – Every Friday in March, take a Tram Tour across the beautiful grounds of the Memphis Botanic Garden. The tram leaves every 20 minutes 10 a.m. to noon. Free with regular garden admission (cancelled if storming).

Memphis – Stunning photography at the Black Resistance: Ernest C. Withers and the Civil Rights Movement exhibit at Memphis Brooks Museum of Art captures pickets, sit-ins, the 1968 sanitation workers’ strike and the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

March 1

Memphis – Seniors can enjoy a tour of the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art’s special exhibit African-Print Fashion Now! A Story of Taste, Globalization and Style followed by tea and treats 2-4 p.m. in the Terrace Room.

Nashville – Music City Roots on the Road takes the show to 3rd & Lindsley with DADDY (featuring Will Kimbrough & Tommy Womack), Lillie Mae, Katie Pruitt & Kevin Gordon 7 p.m.

Nashville – Eddy Raven and rising country artist Kalie Shorr perform for the unique new variety show Nashville House Concerts at the historic War Memorial Auditorium.

Nashville – An exciting celebration of the songs that made Music City, Opry Country Classics features “The Songs of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash” on what would’ve been their 50th wedding anniversary 7 p.m. at Ryman Auditorium.

Pigeon Forge – See the world’s largest Titanic ship built with 56-thousand LEGO bricks, built by a boy from Iceland. It was an, 11 month undertaking for Brynjar Karl Birgisson, known as LEGO Boy, to build the ship, now on display at the Titanic Museum.

March 1-4

Nashville – Come experience the timeless appeal and importance of gardens at The Fairgrounds for the Nashville Lawn and Garden Show. Each year brings a new theme with floral displays, speakers and more.

Nashville – Leave your troubles outside, life is beautiful at Cabaret. Listen to some of the most memorable songs in theatre history as the Tony Award-winning musical takes center stage in the Tennessee Performing Arts Center.

March 1-6

Clarksville – The wildly funny one-man tour de force, FULLY COMMITTED, features nearly 40 characters, all played by Executive Director Ryan Bowie. Catch the show for four nights only at Roxy Regional Theatre.

March 2

Knoxville – Art, music, fun and food fill the streets of downtown for the free First Friday Art Walk. Explore art galleries, studios, exhibits and live music in the streets and a variety of venues.

Knoxville – Knoxville’s own Ambassadors of Goodwill, the Tennessee Children’s Dance Ensemble, will perform stunning choreography 8 p.m. at Knoxville Civic Auditorium. Tickets are $26 for adults, $13 for children.

Murfreesboro – The 5th annual Wine & Whiskey at the Wetlands features more than 150 local and crafted wines, fine whiskeys and spirits provided by Stones River Total Beverages 5 p.m. at the Discovery Center. Proceeds benefit Discovery Center.

Nashville – Come fly with the Nashville Symphony as crooner Steve Lippia brings hits by Frank Sinatra to life 8 p.m. at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

Nashville – TAO: Drum Heart’s modern, high-energy performance showcases the ancient art of Japanese drumming and a combination of contemporary costumes and choreography atTennessee Performing Arts Center.

Union City – Sample new bourbons, delicious meats and sides at Sip & Savor: A Steak and Bourbon Tasting at Discovery Park of America. Stations will be set up around Dino Hall. Tickets are $45 and $50.

Memphis – Families can discover wonder under the stars for a night of hot dogs, s’mores and cider at the Night Lights Campfire Party 6-8 p.m. at Memphis Botanical Gardens.

Memphis – Renowned as one of music’s most distinctive voices, Raul Midon’s guitar skills shine 7:30 p.m. at the Halloran Center at the Orpheum Theatre. Tickets are $30.


March 2-3

Chattanooga – RUMOURS: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute takes center stage at the Songbirds Guitar Museum. The tribute band captures the energy of Fleetwood Mac at the height of their career. Tickets are $15-$18, standing room only.

Memphis – The first-ever Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Weekend takes over the Graceland Soundstage at Elvis Presley’s Memphis.

Huntingdon – Escape with the Knights of the Round Table to Medieval England with “Camelot the Musical,” presented by The Dixie Players at the Dixie Performing Arts Center.

Pigeon Forge – Rev up your engines for the Corvette Expo in the Smokies at The LeConte Center at Pigeon Forge, featuring horsepower, hot roads, technical seminars and celebrity guest Danielle Colby from American Pickers on the History Channel.

March 2-4

Jonesborough – The play “I Am Home” at the McKinney Center tells the stories of the people who helped shape the Jonesborough of today. Tickets are $14, $12 for seniors and students.

Memphis – The second annual Vintage901Fest celebrates wine, food and music at various locations across the city, including tastings at Crosstown Concourse, pairings dinner atMemphis College of Art and Sparkling Brunch at Shelby Farms Park.

Memphis – Ballet Memphis Fly Studio presents “I Am” in honor of MLK50. The performance is a powerful show aimed at giving a voice to the voiceless. Tickets are $15. The show is at7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday2 p.m. Sunday.

Knoxville – There’s truly no place like home as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz follows the yellow brick road to the historic Tennessee Theatre.

Cookeville – The Upper Cumberland Home & Garden Show showcases builders, landscapers, home improvement ideas and trends at the Hyder-Burks Pavilion.

March 3

Granville- The East Nash Grass traditional Bluegrass band performs during Sutton Ole Time Music Hour 6-8 p.m. at the T.B. Sutton General Store. Tickets are $20 for dinner and admission.

Knoxville – Riley Baugus’ powerful singing takes audiences back to the American roots tradition 8 p.m. at the Laurel Theatre.

Nashville – Art galleries and venues along the Fifth Avenue of the Arts and in the Historic Arcade host receptions and art openings for the free First Saturday Art Crawl 6-9 p.m.downtown.

Nashville – Enjoy a special evening with CMA and Grammy Award-winning country artist, Travis Tritt during an intimate performance at the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum8 p.m.

Nashville – Nashville’s only daytime hit songwriters’ show Backstage Nashville features Steve Bogard, Byron hill, Ray Stephenson and Szlachetka 12:30 p.m. at 3rd & Lindsley.

Brownsville – The monthly series “Stories and Songs” kicks off 2 p.m. at West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center. The free event features up-and-coming songwriters sharing their inspirations and original music. Guests can enjoy the museum during intermission and food prepared by local food trucks.

Memphis – Christian music’s most groundbreaking annual tour, Winter Jam 2018 Tour Spectacular returns to the FedEx Forum with performances by Skillet, Kari Jobe, Cody Carnes, Building 429, KB, Hollyn and Jordan Feliz.

Chattanooga – Meet your favorite superheroes and get your photo made with them on ZOOperhero Day at the Chattanooga Zoo.

Murfreesboro – Laughs and adventure ensue as Thomas O’Malley and his band of swingin’ jazz cats must save the day during The Aristocats Kids at The Center for the Arts. Tickets are $12.

Pigeon Forge - Shine your boots and embrace the ways of the Wild West with fun entertainers, a chuck wagon cook-off, workshops, a cowboy dance and cowboy church at Clabough’s Campground.

Farragut – The 13th annual “Shamrock Ball-A Father Daughter Dance” welcomes fathers and daughters of all ages, as well as family members, 7-9 p.m. at The Town of Farragut and Kiwanis Club.

March 3-4

Clarksville – The great outdoors is calling. The Tuckessee Hunting & Fishing Expo at Wilma Rudolph Event Center features boats, trucks, outdoor and fishing gear.

March 3 & 10

Woodbury – Seussical, the fantastical one-act cut of the musical based on the books of Dr. Seuss, entertains audiences at the Arts Center of Cannon County, including favorites like “Horton Hears a Who!” and “Miss Gertrude McFuzz.”

March 4

Jackson – Eat, drink and be married. Jackson Bridal Show 2018, the largest bridal show in West Tennessee has wedding professionals, swag, show-only specials, drinks and giveaways that can save you thousands on your dream wedding.

Nashville – Walk the red carpet, enjoy food and drinks, a silent auction, a glamorous backstage lounge and plenty of movie buzz at A Red Carpet Evening at the Belcourt Theatre. Proceeds benefit the non-profit Belcourt Theatre.

Elizabethton – Beginners and seasoned dancers are all welcome to learn English Country Dancing and early Appalachian dance techniques 1-4 p.m. at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park. Coffee and hot cocoa are provided.

Greeneville – The I-81 Motorsports Park will host a “Warm-Up Race” to get riders tuned up and ready to start the 2018 outdoor racing season. Sign up starts at 9 a.m.

Knoxville – Big Ears presents An Evening with Julian Lage Trio 8 p.m. at The Mill & Mine. The special seated event will include the show, food and wine pairings.

March 5

Greeneville – Leading dancers from the Moscow Festival Ballet tell the story of Don Quixote de la Mancha, Sancho Panza and Dulcinea at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center.

March 5-11

Memphis – Eat, empower and engage during Memphis Black Restaurant Week. Indulge in dishes from some of the best restaurants for a deal, while supporting minority-owned eateries.

March 6

Knoxville – Their intense and bombastic live shows are the stuff of rock legends. Now, the Flaming Lips are bringing it to The Mill & Mine at 8 p.m. Tickets are $47 in advance, $50 day of show.

March 7

Granville – Historic Granville’s theme for 2018, “Strolling through the 1950s: Let the Good Times Roll,” kicks off. Sutton Homestead Historic Home will be decorated in the 1950s theme of “Strolling through the 1950s: The Postwar Boom;” the Antique Car Museum will display 1950s automobiles; and Granville Museum will have memories of the 1950s.

Nashville – Volunteer Jam: A Tribute to Charlie marks its 43rd year honoring the music legend, featuring performances by Charlie Daniels, Alabama, Alison Krauss, Chris Young, Sara Evans, Chris Janson and more at Bridgestone Arena.

March 7-25

Memphis – What really happened in the Land of Oz? Wicked transfixes audiences with its inventive, untold story of the witches of Oz at the Orpheum Theatre.

March 8

Memphis – The Pure Memphis Music Series continues as spellbinding performer and Memphis born Talibah Safiya performs at Old Dominick Distillery.

Bristol Radio Bristol presents the Farm and Fun Time Variety Show, live from the Birthplace of Country Music Museum with the rootsy jazz of Bumper Jacksons and the Tin Pan Alley sound of Roochie Toochie & the Shepherd Kings.

March 8-10

Memphis – The Blues Cultural Center presents a musical revue titled Down on Beale. The musical experience captures the essence of Memphis and Beale Street with multiple performances at Clayborn Temple.

March 8-11

Memphis – The Memphis Comedy Festival features stand-up comedy, improv, podcasts, open-mics, seminars and shows at venues across the city with headliner Lizz Winstead, co-creator of The Daily Show and co-founder of Air America Radio.

March 9

Nashville – Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s American Currents: The Music of 2017 exhibit features a behind-the-scenes look of major country music happenings and artifacts from Brothers Osborne, Eric Church, Maren Morris, Randy Travis and more.

Nashville – Comedian, author, playwright and actor Lewis Black drums up the laughs as his The Joke’s on US Tour hits the Ryman Auditorium.

Knoxville – Take a seat in the historic Tennessee Theatre for an intimate performance and evening with a solo acoustic performance by Jason Mraz.

March 9-10

Union City – Masquerade Theatre Co. presents the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at 7:30 p.m.

March 9-April 8

Chattanooga – During the Spring Break Safari, families can explore the city and attractions by solving clues with a scavenger hunt at their own pace. Pick up a free guide at the Chattanooga Visitors Center or download it online.

March 10

Smithville –Savor a wine tasting, appetizers and a gourmet buffet dinner crafted to compliment the tasting at Evins Mill. Mark Ray of Northfield Vineyards will discuss the history of his winery as you sample Northfield wines.

Memphis – March Madness takes over the Orpheum Theatre with an evening of laughter for “The Greek Comedy Tour.” A mix and mingle cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres that begins6:30 p.m. before the main event. A DJ’d after-party will follow the show.

Castalian Springs – Grab a lawn chair or blanket for live music, beer, food, costume contests, hurling, Gaelic football and Irish ghost stories at the County Sumner Irish Festival atBledsoe Fort Historical Park. Tours will be given of the Rogan cottage, an authentic Irish dwelling, as well as guided hikes of the park.

Nashville – The Tennessee Performing Arts Center celebrates 50 years of Pink Floyd with a Pink Floyd Laser Show featuring “Dark Side of the Moon” 8 p.m.

Nashville – Guests can meet, get autographs, take photos with princesses and take part in magical games and activities at the Nashville Zoo. Guests can dress up as their favorite princess characters.

Goodlettsville –Kids can bring their favorite American Girl doll for a Tea Party 10-11:30 a.m. or noon to 1:30 p.m. at Historic Mansker’s Station with fun activities and crafts, dessert and tea.

Nashville – Families are invited to a royally special party this spring, featuring fun games and crafts. Young knights and princesses should come in their best costume dress for a Tea Party 10 a.m. at Belle Meade Plantation.

Pigeon Forge - Enjoy a glass of wine paired with breakfast at Mountain Valley WineryHillside Winery, and Sugarland Cellars Winery. Take home a commemorative coffee mug and wine glass after visiting all three locations on the Rocky Top Wine Trail.

March 10-11

Franklin – Charles Esten will sing the songs of Deacon Claybourne, his character from the hit television series “Nashville” at the Franklin Theatre. 

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