This Week's Tennessee Tourism Round Up

  • Thursday, May 31, 2018
  • Jill Kilgore

Soak in the summer with music festivals like CMA Music FestBonnaroo and RiverbendFree music is on tap across the state. Experience Bluegrass & Barbecue,Yoga & WhiskeyBrew at the Zoo and even a festival for pups. Here’s what’s going on across Tennessee this week. For a complete list of events, visit tnvacation.com/calendar.

Ongoing

Memphis – Helping build community through music and education, the Levitt Shell’s free live music series continues in the heart of Midtown at Overton Park. Live performances kick off at 7:30 p.m.

Nashville – The Rolling Stones Exhibit at the Musicians Hall of Fame tells the story of the most influential rock band in history through more than 500 artifacts, including a recreation of a Stones’ recording studio on display through Aug.

26.

Nashville –Join the Live from the Back Porch at Fontanel series for free live music, food, drinks and games, 6 p.m. Thursdays.

Arrington – Enjoy free live music 4-8 p.m. Saturdays & 2-6 p.m. Sundays April through October with “Bluegrass in the Barn” and “Jazz in the Courtyard” at Arrington Vineyards.

Chattanooga – In the new exhibit Embodied Beauty, works by Karen Lamonte explore the tensions between body and spirit, perfect and imperfect beauty with sculptures in cast glass, clay, bronze and iron at Hunter Museum of American Art.

Chattanooga – In the new exhibit at Creative Discovery Museum, sing, explore and pretend with friends and family in favorite places from Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, based on the award-winning PBS Kids television series.

Lookout Mountain – Enjoy bluegrass and a mix of modern and folk country music with a spectacular view of Seven States for Rock City’s Summer Music Weekends.

Nashville – Beat the early summer heat at the Frist Art Museum 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Family Monday the last Monday of each month. Enjoy story time in the galleries, an exhibition tour, café and gift shop discounts and Martin ArtQuest Studios-reserved just for families.

May 31

Jackson – Listen to free music or show off your picking skills as The Jackson Area Plectral Society hosts an open jam 6-9 p.m. at Casey Jones Village.

Nashville – Watch a movie under the stars with the family as Nashville Scene kicks off Movies in the Park at Elmington Park. This free event starts at 5 p.m. and includes food trucks, vendors and games. The movie Coco begins at sundown.

Nashville – Comedian, humanitarian and social activist Alan Cumming performs Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs 7:30 p.m. at Tennessee Performing Arts Center.

East Nashville – Sample bites from East Nashville restaurants, chefs, food artisans and specialty purveyors at Yum! East. The festival runs 6-9 p.m. at Pavilion East and also includes live music, craft beer and wine.

Chattanooga – Revitalize your spirits and drink them too at Yoga & Whiskey 6 p.m. at Chattanooga Whiskey Distillery. Yogis will start with an invigorating yoga class, a behind-the-scenes lesson on making Chattanooga Whiskey, followed by a tasting.

Chattanooga – Joy Williams (of the Civil Wars) takes the south stage 7 p.m. at Songbirds Guitar Museum.

May 31-June 2

Memphis – The Memphis Italian Festival in Marquette Park demonstrates the values of family, faith and fellowship in the Italian American tradition. Visitors can experience authentic music, food, events, games, arts and crafts and more.

Nashville – Experience the classical music event of the year with Verdi’s Requiem featuring the Violins of Hope, instruments used by Jewish musicians during the Holocaust, atSchermerhorn Symphony Center. Tickets start at $26.

Spring Hill – Rippavilla Plantation’s Swanky Plank Vintage Marketplace features vintage, antiques, repurposed items and handmade goods. The event will have food trucks and live music by Music City Strings, Elvis Shrugged and Spur of the Moment.

May 31-June 3

Morristown – The Tennessee State Disc Golf Championship return to Tennessee’s Disc Golf Capital for the sixth year. The tournament utilizes the courses at Cherokee Park, Frank Lorino Park, Wayne Hansard Park and Panther Creek State Park.

May 31-June 3June 7-10

Union City – The hilarious and heartwarming tale Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook, based on the book, takes center stage at Masquerade Theatre. Tickets are $10.

May 31-June 10

Pigeon Forge – Dollywood’s Barbecue & Bluegrass Festival offers free concerts by popular artists like Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver and the Grascals alongside a menu of tasty barbecue.

June 1

Memphis – Learn how to prepare Spanish tapas at this month’s The Art of Dinner interactive cooking class 6 p.m. at Crosstown Concourse. The class benefits Church Health.

Bolivar – Hear music from country, blues and bluegrass legends during Music on the Square 7 p.m. in historic downtown Bolivar behind the old courthouse, every Friday night through October.

Union City – Travel to infinity and beyond for free under the stars with Movies on the Lawn at Discovery Park of AmericaToy Story begins at dusk.

Lexington – Bring your lawn chair, enjoy live entertainment and shop for unique treasures at First Friday Night on the Square 6-9 p.m. at Lexington Court Square.

Troy – Tee off for a good cause and chance to win prizes at the 9th Annual Shriners Helping Children Golf Tournament 1 p.m. at Wynridge Golf Club. Lunch is at noon.

Cookeville – Join hundreds in the community and watch “The Secret Life of Pets” at 7:30 p.m. at Dogwood Park for the free After Dark Movies in the Park. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. The concession stand will be open.

Nashville – Beer lovers are in for a treat at Brew at the Zoo 6:30-11 p.m. at Nashville ZooNashville Scene voted this unique after-hours event with animals, live music, food trucks and more than 100 craft beers “the best beer event in Nashville.”

Nashville – Join the Tennessee Statehood Day Celebration 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. The free event includes living history reenactments, a 222ndbirthday cake cutting, Lunch & Learn Program, tours and more.

Silver Point – Not sure how to build a fire? Come out to the full circle in the campground at Edgar Evins State Park at 5 p.m. to learn the basics and snack at the s’mores buffet line.

Chattanooga – Get hog wild at First Tennessee Pavilion for the Bacon & Barrel Festival. The event 6-9 p.m. brings together 15 of Chattanooga’s best restaurants, a vast array of spirits, bacon, barbecue and live music.

Chattanooga – Dustbowl Revival performs at the free Nightfall Concert Series in Miller Plaza. Bring family and friends, lawn chairs and pets to enjoy great live music.

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.

Wildersville – Discover the wilderness and learn new skills at Natchez Trace State Park. Meet Ranger Mike at the Pin Oak Pavilion at 5:30 p.m. to learn how to use a compass and read maps.

June 1-2

Camden – The West Tennessee Basket Guild hosts the 13th annual "Weave In" at Briarwood School. This two-day event is open for public participation. Call 731-225-2206 to register.

Knoxville – Learn about Knoxville’s role in the Civil War, the dark deeds of Old City, the city’s musical history and Knoxville as a settlement during Knoxville’s Walking Tours. Meet on the porch of East Tennessee History Center. Click here for the schedule.

June 1-3

Stanton – Unique outdoor adventures and more than 200 species of birds await you on the Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge at the 2018 Hatchie BirdFest. This event is free and includes special speakers and demonstrations, hikes, and vendors.

Holladay – Kick back and relax at the Freedom Fest Christian Music Festival at the Outdoor Hoot Theater. Tickets are $15.

Nashville – The home of the 7th president marks its centennial at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage with historic tours, music, food and more.

Johnson City – The Blue Plum Arts & Music Festival in Founders Park downtown features music, regional arts & craft exhibitors, food vendors, Kids' world, rock climbing wall, bungee jump, and face painting.

June 1-17

Knoxville – A family from a small Texas town must come to grips with the accidental death of the elderly family matriarch in the dark comedy Sordid Lives at Theatre Knoxvilledowntown.

June 2

Brownsville – Visit historic homes, buildings and businesses on the National Register of Historic Places, and enjoy lunch at ZZ’s on the Court Square during the Second Annual Historic Home Tour.

Memphis – Find out how dugout canoes affected life and travel in the Americas. The new exhibit at Pink Palace Family of Museums features more than 100 unique objects, including a dugout canoe you can climb into and an ancient Florida canoe.

Memphis – The Young Guns of NASCAR are set to do battle at Memphis International Raceway in the K&N Pro East Series Memphis 150. Tickets start at $20 to see short-track action with practice, qualifying, drivers’ autograph session and the race.

Jackson – Get colorful for a cause for the 5th Annual Splash & Dash 5K and 1-mile Fun Run. There will also be a gigantic slip n’ slide, food vendors, snow cones and music. Activities start at 10 a.m. at West Jackson Baptist Church.

Ripley – Germantown Symphony performs live at 6:30 p.m. for Concerts on the Square downtown.

Clarksville – The Clarksville Hot Air Balloon Classic at Liberty Park includes live music, a kids’ zone, food trucks, craft vendors and a Hot Air Balloon Glow at dusk.

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 – Get ready for 80s nostalgia and explore the newest traveling exhibition, Beyond Rubik’s Cube at Adventure Science Center. Enjoy hands-on activities, live science demonstrations and more from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Nashville – Comedian Jerry Seinfield, nominated for an Emmy for his latest web series, Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, brings laughter 7 p.m. to Tennessee Performing Arts Center.

Murfreesboro – Sip craft beer and spirits for Boro Bites and Brews 6-9 p.m. at Murfreesboro Medical Clinic. Tickets are $35. Great local food trucks will also be on site.

Knoxville – Explore the city by bike or boat, walk by the river, bring your dog and grab a great local brew for Bike Boat Brew & Bark. The outdoor adventures kick off 10 a.m. atVolunteer Landing downtown.

Knoxville – From street magician to world famous performer, David Blaine tests the limits of the physically impossible 8 p.m. at Tivoli Theatre.

Ooltewah – Soak up the fun at Summertime on the Square. The free family festival at Cambridge Square features a petting zoo, food vendors, inflatables, craft vendors and live entertainment.

Oak Ridge – The Flatwater Festival noon to 9 p.m. at Melton Lake Park has fun for all ages including bounce houses, corn hole, face painting, beer, wine, food trucks and live music. Money raised benefits community projects, including new benches for the waterfront.

Red Boiling Springs – Celebrate the restorative power of nature with healing arts, organic farmers, artists, musicians, dancers, storytellers and more during the Folk Medicine Festivalon Main Street near the banks of Salt Lick Creek.

Elizabethton – Walk in frontier footsteps with a special guided walk at Sycamore Shoals State Park for National Trails Day. Meet at 8:15 a.m. at the Overmountain Man statue in front of the visitor center.

Huntingdon – Ranked among the top 100 country artists of all time, T.G. Sheppard brings his chart-topping hits to a sold-out crowd at Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center.

Eagleville – Put your hard hats on, get ready to dig and climb on a bulldozer, play a life-size Jenga game and play with the giant Lincoln log building sets for Kid’s Construction Day atLucky Ladd Farms.

Eva – Take part in ranger-led hikes, night hikes, history or nature hikes, education exhibits, workshops and other projects for National Trails Day at Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park.

Pigeon Forge – Travel the Rocky Top Wine Trail while picnicking along the way. Enjoy a glass of wine paired with delicious picnic foods at Mountain Valley WineryHillside Winery andSugarlands Cellars Winery.

Waverly – Tap into your creative side and compete for prizes for Art on the Square on Court Square. Drawings start at 7 a.m. and artists must finish their masterpieces by 11 a.m.

Cumberland Gap – See works from Appalachian artists, potters, jewelry makers and woodcarvers at the Art Extravanganza Festival 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Cumberland Gap Artist’s Co-Opfeaturing live music, a bubble painting station and wine tasting.

June 2-3

Franklin – Young lovers are caught between prejudice and warring street gangs in a retelling of Romeo & Juliet at the Franklin Theatre.

Dunlap – Explore the 88-acre Dunlap Coke Ovens Park and Museum, which preserves the remains of 268 beehive coke ovens that were part of a former coal mining operation. TheCoke Ovens Bluegrass Festival celebrates traditional bluegrass music of the Sequatchie Valley region.

Elizabethton – Experience culture, heritage, award-winning dancers, storytellers, artists and scholars who share knowledge and demonstrate skills during the Sycamore Shoals Native American Festival at Sycamore Shoals State Park.

Lenoir City – With more than 200 craft vendors, guests can shop for everything from ceramics, glassware, metalwork to baskets and jewelry on the banks of Fort Loudon Lake for theLenoir City Arts & Crafts Festival in Lenoir City Park.

Woodbury – You have two chances to hear the music of country music legends like Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline and Hank Williams at the Ultimate Oldies Classic Country Concert at theArts Center of Cannon County.

Blountville – The ATV MX National Championship Series at Muddy Creek Raceway lets pro and amateur riders compete for the championship. The event features racing ATVs of all sizes and riders as young as 5-years-old.

June 3

Nashville – Dogs are the stars of the show at the Paws & Play Music Festival 1-5 p.m. at Cumberland Park. The free outdoor event features doggie yoga, canine massage, games, food trucks, a beer and wine garden and a performance by Cassadee Pope.

Nashville – Legendary gospel artist Dr. Bobby Jones and his 20-piece band and choir will have you on your feet in the historic New Era Ballroom at Woolworth on 5th downtown.

June 3-9

Hurricane Mills – The 35th Summer Trail Ride at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch features more than 100 miles of trails. The event features saddle time, kayaking, swimming, live music, extreme trail ride competition, poker run and a scavenger hunt.

June 4

Memphis – Use dishes, spoons and nature’s decorations to make your own pie creations for Mudpie Mondays 10 a.m. to noon at Memphis Botanic Garden. Leave them to bake in the sun & see if garden fairies take them away.

June 4-10

Memphis – The FedEx St. Jude Classic at TPC Southwind, held annually since 1958, is a professional golf tournament and regular event on the PGA Tour, broadcasted nationwide on CBS and the Golf Channel.

June 5-10

Nashville – Brought to life by a groundbreaking all-female creative team, the irresistible hit Waitress comes to the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. Be sure to stop by Goo Goo Cluster downtown for a special themed pie for the show.

June 6

Memphis – Study up for your chance to win $50 as the Rock N’ Soul Museum hosts Memphis Music Trivia 7-9 p.m. at Crosstown Brewing Company.

June 6-10

Nashville – Grand Ole Opry member Blake Shelton celebrates the grand opening of his new restaurant, bar and music venue Ole Red, welcoming fans during CMA Fest.

June 7

Memphis – Grab your yoga mat and gear up for Friday with Zen and Zinfandel 6 p.m. at Memphis Botanic Garden. Tickets are $10.

Union City – It’s time for the Sanders family to head back to the church for good ole gospel music in Smoke on the Mountain: Homecoming! There will be a 3 p.m. & 6 p.m. showing in the chapel on the grounds at Discovery Park of America.

Jackson – Lace up your shoes for a 5k run or 1-mile fun run/walk, dinner and live music at West Tennessee Farmers Market downtown. All proceeds benefit Heaven’s Cradle.

Nashville – Country artist Frankie Ballard and songwriter Gunnar Nyblad (Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys) and Joe Denim take the stage for Nashville House Concerts 7 p.m. at War Memorial Auditorium.

Nashville – Watch a movie under the stars for free at Nashville Scene’s Movies in the ParkWonder Woman begins at sundown in Elmington Park. Bring a picnic or purchase eats from local food trucks.

Franklin – Learn about the 14th Amendment, how it defined American citizenship and the creation of the Confederate Cemetery at Carnton for the “United States Constitution and Confederate Memory” lecture series 6 p.m. at Fleming Center at Carnton.

Chattanooga – Bands on the Bluff welcomes I Can Japan to the stage. Everyone is invited to add their mark to the Japanese-inspired print mural, play Eastern-inspired games and enjoy Asian-inspired drinks in Bluff View Art District.

June 7-9

Elizabethton – The award-winning Covered Bridge Celebration includes live music, artisan crafts, fabulous food and kid’s island in Covered Bridge Park in the historic downtown.

June 7-10

Nashville – Country music’s biggest party brings country fans from around the world together with artists for four days and nights of live music, meet-and-greets and more for CMA Music Festival at venues across downtown.

Manchester – Music lovers spend days on a 100-acre farm to listen to the best performers in rock ‘n’ roll, jazz, Americana, hip-hop, electronica and more for Bonnaroo Music Festival. Sturgill Simpson, Muse and Eminem are among the performers.

June 7-July 25

Columbia – A new exhibit, Focus on Columbia’s Past, at Pryor Art Gallery and W7thCo Photo Gallery reconnects the community to its past while preserving a collection of photos spanning more than a century.

June 8

Jackson – Start your evening with “Local, Homegrown Musicians under the Tent” at West Tennessee Farmers MarketFree music for AMP at the Market starts at 7:30 p.m. with King Beez. Bring a blanket, picnic or visit one of the food concessions.

Lebanon – Enjoy an evening of music under the stars with the Nashville Symphony for a free Community Concert 7 p.m. at Cumberland University. Pack a picnic and celebrate summer with prize giveaways.

Ripley – The Cecil Henson Family performs at 7 p.m. for Concerts on the Square downtown. Bring a lawn chair or picnic.

June 8-9

Carthage – Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the fun at Defeated Creek Marina. The Defeated Creek Bluegrass Festival features talented musicians and the fest supports the Defeated Creek Fire Department.

Oak Ridge – Explore the arts, history, science, food, wine and live music during the Secret City Festival at A.K. Bissell Park. Dennis DeYoung and the Music of STYX and the Little River Band Perform. Wine tastings from four Tennessee wineries are $10.

June 8-10

Memphis – Prepare to be dazzled as the world’s best-selling magic show, The Illusionists: Live from Broadway, perform their astonishing acts at Orpheum Theatre.

Townsend – The Smoky Mountain Crawl at Townsend Visitors Center welcomes bike enthusiasts from around the world for races, rides, games and raffles with spectacular views of the Great Smoky Mountains.

June 8-10, 15-16, 21-24

Knoxville – The Tennessee Valley Players present everyone’s favorite storybook characters in “Into the Woods” at Carousel Theatre. Tickets are $20.

June 8-16

Chattanooga – Set against the backdrop of the Tennessee River at Ross’ Landing, the Riverbend Festival covers almost every genre of music on multiple stages. The festival also features 5K and 10K races.

June 8-24

Chattanooga – Fasten your seatbelts. The Tony-Award winning musical and groovy 1960s comedy, BOEING BOEING, touches down at Chattanooga Theatre Center.

June 8-July 27

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.

June 9

Memphis – Step back in time for an evening of food, live music, a silent auction, dancing, cocktails, photo book, live paint artist and tours 7-10 p.m. for Night at the Lorraine, benefitting the National Civil Rights Museum.

Memphis – Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives are live in concert 8 p.m. at the Guest House at Graceland Theater, coinciding with the opening of the new “Hillbilly Rock” exhibit featuring artifacts from Stuart’s Collection of Country Music.

Memphis – Savor delicacies prepared by more than 45 chefs from around the country, paired with select wines and specially-crafted cocktails by well-known mixologists 7 p.m. atCrosstown Concourse. There will also be a silent auction.

Selmer – The Rockabilly Highway Revival marks its 10th year with rockabilly music, motorcycles, hot-rods and great food at Rockabilly Park.

Eva – Kids 15 and under can reel in some free fun at the Kids’ Fishing Rodeo 9-11 a.m. at Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park.

Clarksville – Jim Gibson entertains at the free music series Jazz on the Lawn 6:30 p.m. at Beachaven Winery. Bring your lawn chairs, blanket and a picnic while enjoying the spectacular views and sipping on vino.

Nashville – Riders in the Sky, Charlie McCoy and Joshua Hedley are among the performers at Country with Heart for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Benefit Concert 5-9 p.m. atNashville Nightlife Theater.

Nashville – Ashley Monroe hosts a Songwriter Session 11:20 a.m. at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum as part of CMA Music Festival. Tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Museum admission purchase is required.

Nashville – Critically-acclaimed songwriter, musician and producer Charlie Worsham hosts a Songwriting Session and Book Talk at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum as part ofCMA Music Festival. Tickets are first-come first-served at museum admission price.

Hendersonville – Enjoy an evening of music under the stars with the Nashville Symphony for a free Community Concert 7:30 p.m. at Historic Rock Castle.

Tullahoma – Come enjoy juicy hamburgers, homemade cakes, pies and ice cream while sitting on the peaceful creek bank and listening to live music during the Old Fashioned Ice Cream Supper at the Raus Community Improvement Club.

Granville – David Davis & the Warrior River Boys perform at 6 p.m. at Sutton Ole Time Music Hour. Celebrate their early release party “Didn’t He Ramble: Songs of Charlie Poole,” a tribute to the legendary acoustic music artist.

Waynesboro – The Tour De Wayne Bicycle Tour features various lengths through rural Middle Tennessee, including rides on the antebellum Clifton Turnpike and visits to the Buffalo and Tennessee rivers and Crazyhorse Recreational Park.

Knoxville – Explore “The Great War” and its effect on Tennesseans for a free Family Fun Day 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at East Tennessee History Center with living history, exhibits, crafts, trivia and family activities.

Knoxville – The 20th Annual Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony honors “Trailblazers of the Game” 7 p.m. at Tennessee Theatre.

Chattanooga – Sample sweet treats and family fun for the Ice Cream Safari 3 p.m. at Chattanooga Zoo.

New Johnsonville – The Kentucky Lake Strike King Open Bass Tournament at Pebble Isle Marina draws anglers to compete on the Tennessee River.  

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