Time warp at the Orpheum Theatre, go to a throwback party at Tennessee Aquarium and get your funnel cake and carnival ride fix at county fairs. Soak in the final days of summer at festivals like Bacon & Bourbon, Live on the Green, Flavor of Franklin, Ice Cream Fest, Delta Fair and Music Festival or welcome fall with the CreepyCon Halloween and Horror Convention. For a complete list of events across Tennessee this week, visit tnvacation.com/calendar.
Aug.
23
Jackson – Come and pick or just listen to tunes as Jackson Area Plectral Society sponsors an Open Jam 6-9 p.m. at Casey Jones Village.
Memphis – Share a sip and the sounds of Pure Memphis at Old Dominick Distillery’s Pure Memphis Music Series. The fall season kicks off Aug. 23 with a performance by Harlan T. Bobo and continues the second and fourth Thursday of each month.
Memphis – Learn how to create your own indoor terrarium which you can take home during It’s a Plant Party 6 p.m. at Memphis Botanic Garden. Tickets for non-members are $40.
Clarksville – Thursday is the new Friday at DJ on the Dock. Join Beachaven Vineyards & Winery at 6 p.m. for happy hour fun with Blush wine spritzers, listening to tunes from DJ Benton Lewis and playing cornhole games.
Nashville – It’s picnic weather in Music City. The Wine & Picnic Pairing 6:30-8 p.m. at City Winery will pair delicious small bites with four locally-made wines. Tickets are $30.
Nashville – A night on the town for a good cause. Rhythm & Roses 6 p.m. at The Listening Room Café will feature tastings, beer, wine, cocktails, live music and a silent auction all benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Nashville – Soak up the summer with Cheekwood’s Thursday Night Out series. Stroll through the summer gardens until 10 p.m. and see the outdoor exhibit Cracking Art as you crawl from bar to bar tasting signature craft cocktails and play lawn games.
Spring Hill – Farmers, bakers and artisans all grow, bake and make the goods they sell within 50 miles of Spring Hill during the Spring Hill Farmers Market 3-7 p.m. at Harvey Park.
Chattanooga – Saved by the Bell, The Wonder Years, Grease and 90210. It’s a throwback party at the Tennessee Aquarium After-Hours: (Throw)Back to School. Guests ages 21 and up will enjoy a tour of the River Journey building, hands-on activities, scavenger hunt and animal encounters 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Chattanooga – Vision and Verse welcomes back talented Rhyme N Chatt poets to perform original pieces created in response to art in the Hunter Museum of American Art. The program and walking tour is free and starts at 6 p.m.
Chattanooga – Blending bluegrass and hip-hop, the Emmy-nominated group Gangstagrass entertains 9 p.m. at Songbirds Guitar Museum.
Aug. 23-25
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.
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. 23-26
Nashville – Just a few days 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.
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.
Oak Ridge – Twists, turns and mysteries abound in the gripping Tony Award-winning thriller Deathtrap at Oak Ridge Playhouse.
Aug. 23 & 28
Knoxville – Bring your kids, lawn chairs, blankets, pets and friends to enjoy the outdoor Free Concerts on the Square with live music, food, fun and community 7-10 p.m. in Market Square.
Aug. 23-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.
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.
Aug. 23-Sept. 2
Knoxville – Full of comedy and thrills, one of American’s most enduring stories, Mark Twain’s “Tom Sawyer” comes to Knoxville Children’s Theatre.
Aug. 23-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. 24
Jackson – Iron Horse takes the stage at AMP at the Market. “Local Homegrown Musicians Under the Tent” starts at 6:45 p.m. at West Tennessee Farmers Market. Music on the main stage kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Bring a picnic or visit the food concessions.
Jackson – The hills are alive with “The Sound of Music” on the big screen 6:30-9 p.m. at The Ned. Tickets are $3.
Memphis – Do the time warp at the Orpheum Theatre’s Summer Movie Series. Grab a movie-themed drink or stop by the photo booth. The movie “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” starts at 8 p.m. Come early to get a $5 prop bag.
Clarksville – Sip craft cocktails and enjoy a menu of culinary creations with bacon and/or bourbon at the first Bacon & Bourbon Festival 6-10:30 p.m. at Old Glory Distilling Company.
Nashville – Come out to the barn for the Full Moon Pickin’ Party 7-11 p.m. at Warner Park. Bluegrass and roots pickers jam in circles, while three headlining bands perform on stage. Grab delicious fare from local food trucks and stop by the photo booth.
Nashville – Expect a high-energy show and authentic musical tribute to two of music’s greatest performers with deep cuts and fan favorites at Piano Men: A Tribute to Elton John and Billy Joel 7:30 p.m. at 3rd & Lindsley.
Franklin – Sample tasty appetizers and decadent desserts during the Flavor of Franklin 6 p.m. at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm. Proceeds benefit the local culinary arts program. Tickets are $20.
Knoxville – Explore and investigate ground zero of the 1897 Million Dollar Fire during Knoxville’s Great Fire Ghost Hunt 6:30 p.m. at Maple Hall. Paranormal historian J-Adam Smith leads the investigation.
Knoxville – Get ready for fun and exploration during the Free Family Night 5-8 p.m. at The Muse Knoxville. The exhibit floor will be open for play and there will be several shows in the planetarium.
Hohenwald – Put on your dancing shoes and head to Steppin’ at the Strand at 6 p.m. . There will be live music, line dancing and clogging lessons. Admission is $6. The dance series is the fourth Friday of every month.
Aug. 24-25
Nashville – Disruptive, inspiring and resisting the traditional; the Defy Film Festival at Studio 615 brings filmmakers and fans in a creative experience to connect people with features and shorts that defy standards and expectations.
Knoxville – Love Halloween, haunted attractions, scary movies and the paranormal? The CreepyCon Halloween and Horror Convention at World’s Fair Exhibition Hall has a zombie beauty pageant, costume contest, cabaret and aerial performances.
Johnson City – Want to paddle a kayak or paddle board, cast a fly rod or ride a full-suspension mountain bike? No problem. Find the gear, people and resources for an outdoor adventure during the Meet the Mountains Festival. On-site festival activities and entertainment will be at Founders Park, while off-site competitions will take place in Erwin and Elizabethton.
Aug. 24-26
Nashville – Get all the decorations you need for fall at Nashville Flea Market Shades of Autumn at The Fairgrounds Nashville. It’s considered one of the top 10 flea markets in the country with an average of 3,000 booths.
Chattanooga – The River Gorge Omnium and Downtown Criterium includes a road race on the roads surrounding the Tennessee River Gorge, a time trial around the TVA reservoir on Raccoon Mountain and a criterium downtown.
Knoxville – Get inked, enjoy sideshows, tattoo contests and vendors during the Knoxville Tattoo Convention at Holiday Inn World’s Fair Park, within walking distance of the historic downtown.
Aug. 24 + 26
Knoxville – Laugh with friends over buttered popcorn for the Summer Movie Magic at the historic Tennessee Theatre. “Mrs. Doubtfire” shows at 8 p.m. Friday and 1 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $9.
Aug. 25
Memphis – Puppypalooza takes over Crosstown Concourse Plaza 8 a.m. to noon. Have a barking good time with jazz, a dog training demonstration, cool off with pops for dogs and humans and pick up a custom-made dog tag or stylish bandana.
Jackson – Mandy Harvey lost her hearing at 18 years of age, but her timing, pitch and passion are perfect. Experience An Evening with Mandy Harvey 6-9 p.m. at Carl Perkins Civic Center.
Jackson – Enjoy music, a silent auction, food trucks, vendors and more 6-9 p.m. at Union University’s Bell Tower during the Let Love Glow 5K & Fun Run that raises awareness of suicide prevention in West Tennessee.
Jackson – Have you ever heard of a Cowboy Astronomer? You’ll be surprised what you learn from watching the sky. The fun-filled show starts at 9:30 a.m. at the University Memphis Lambuth Planetarium.
Shiloh – Shiloh celebrates the 102nd birthday of the National Park Service with a free outdoor concert 5:30 p.m. on the front lawn of the Shiloh National Military Park’s visitor center. The Kerry Gilbert Band and WIRED will take the stage.
Milan – The Milan Dawg Daze Festival 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Milan City Park is packed with family-friendly activities like chalk art, a pet pageant, craft and food vendors, live music, an antique car show and Milan Dawg Daze 5K.
Clarksville – Enjoy live music in the Liberty Park’s amphitheater 6 p.m. during the Road to Riverfest Summer Concert series. Food and beer vendors will be on site.
Cookeville – The Farm-to-Fork dinner 6 p.m. at Dogwood Park celebrates one local chef and one local farmer. Guests will enjoy a beautiful summer night full of food, drink, conversation and all things local. Tickets are $75.
Nashville – The Bluebird Cafe travels to the Dyer Observatory for live music under the stars. Hit songwriters play 8-10 p.m. for Bluebird on the Mountain. After the performances, the telescope is opened for visitors to get a look at the night sky.
Nashville – A perfect girl’s day, Nashville designer boutiques come together under one roof offering fashionistas and bargain hunters discounted apparel, handbags and jewelry duringFashion for a Fraction 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at City Winery.
Nashville – It’s the ultimate showdown in The Beatles vs. the Rolling Stones Tribute 9 p.m. at Mercy Lounge featuring Bones Owens, Emma Hern, Bre Kennedy and more. Tickets are $12 at the door.
Granville – The East Nash Grass traditional Bluegrass band performs at Sutton Ole Time Music Hour 6-8 p.m. at the T.B. Sutton General Store. Tickets are $20 for dinner and admission.
Franklin – Touch, pick up and play all kinds of instruments, discover the joy of music and meet the Chick-fil-A cow 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the free Musical Petting Zoo at Sky Studios.
Franklin – The air will be filled with the aroma of hickory smoke and simmering sauce for the Great American Barbecue Festival 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm. Savor barbecue, enjoy the car show, live music and visit craft vendors.
Spring Hill – Enjoy storytelling, participate in a home-churned ice cream contest, as well as food trucks, arts, crafts vendors and an evening concert 3- 8 p.m. during the Ice Cream Festival at Rippavilla Plantation.
Hampshire – Grab a glass of wine while helping a good cause during Swine & Wine 2-9 p.m. at Natchez Hills Vineyard with live music, food, drinks and family fun. Money raised benefits the Maury Magic Riders, a therapeutic riding program.
Knoxville – PostModern Spirits holds its first anniversary party noon to 11 p.m. with a special “Full Circle” whiskey release. The party includes raffles, special whiskey releases, food trucks and tours of the distillery. The event is free.
Knoxville – Travel back to the 80s for a fantasy-filled Movie under the Stars with the cult classic, “The Dark Crystal” at Ijams Nature Center. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the movie starts at dark. Food trucks and a beer garden will be open during the event.
Chattanooga – Learn about the Civil War around Chattanooga through programs that feature living historians firing artillery demonstrations 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Point Park.
Chattanooga – Witness the Battle below the Clouds 6 p.m. at Ruby Falls. Twenty teams of amateur grillers and smokers put their skills to the test. Cheer on your favorite team, listen to live bluegrass music, eat barbecue and have a chance to win prizes.
Chattanooga – Kick back with a brew in the beautiful Glenn Miller Gardens 6-11 p.m. at the Chattanooga Choo Choo. The Rail and Hops Brewers Festival focuses on the artistry of brewing hand-crafted beers, showcases chefs and features live music.
Gatlinburg – Join the last Saturdays in the Summer concert of the season 6-8 p.m. at the Season of Ober restaurant at Ober Gatlinburg featuring local musical talent ranging in genres from soul, country, jazz and rock.
Pigeon Forge – Get the best of both worlds during Dollywood’s Rock the Smokies event. The daylong celebration pairs the thrill of Dollywood rides and a powerful Christian rock experience with performances by Toby Mac, Crowder and more.
Kodak – Various breweries from across the state and region bring their best brews for Tennessee Smokies Beer Fest 4-8 p.m. at Smokies Stadium. Tickets start at $30.
Mosheim – The Goodwater Grape Stomp at Goodwater Vineyard includes a stomp competition, wine slushees made in-house, smoked meats from The Giggling Pig and live music from Pulp Friction and The Bean Tree Remedy.
Aug. 25-26
Knoxville – See the newest in home improvement products & services, furnishes, accessories, landscaping, decorating, and remodeling ideas during the Knoxville Home & Garden Show at Knoxville Expo Center.
Knoxville –LEGO artists from around the world showcase more than 30 LEGO displays, including the largest skyscraper in the world and the Westminster Palace in London at theBrickUniverse LEGO Convention at Knoxville Convention Center.
Aug. 25 & Sept. 1
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.
Aug. 26
Baxter – Enjoy an afternoon of wine and furry shelter friends during Wine & Whiskers 2-4 p.m. at Del Monaco Winery. There will be a silent auction, smooch-the-pooch photo booth, pet vendors and pour for a paw.
Knoxville – Celebrate Asian culture with traditional dance, instrumental music, martial arts, authentic food, fashion, crafts and kids activities during the Knox Asian Festival 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Market Square.
Elizabethton – Enjoy the rich musical traditions of the region. Musicians of all levels and those who just want to enjoy the tunes are welcome at the Old Time Music Jam led by Art Lang1:30-4 p.m. at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park.
Aug. 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.
Nashville – Bring the entire family for the price of one adult admission for Family Monday at Frist Art Museum for special programming, storytime and Martin ArtQuest Gallery.
Aug. 27-Sept. 1
Trenton – Carnival rides, livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, drawings, heart-pounding entertainment and delicious food are in store at the 163rd annual Gibson County Fair at the fairgrounds.
Aug. 28-Sept. 1
Columbia – Visit the fair for 4-H blue ribbon competitions, beef and dairy cattle shows, live music, tasty foods, motocross, the Fairest of the Fair contest, amusement rides and more at the Maury County Fair.
Aug. 28-Sept. 3
Sevierville – Come and enjoy summer with fun, games, rides, cotton candy, funnel cakes, special activities and livestock shows at the Sevier County Fair.
Aug. 30
Jackson – Bring an instrument to come and pick or just soak in the sounds at the Open Jam at Casey Jones Village.
Aug. 30-Sept. 2
Hurricane Mills – Southern gospel and country music meet at Gospel Fest at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch. Bring your instruments and play along with the house band for a sing-a-long at the fest kick-off 8 p.m. Thursday.
Jackson – Learn about African culture with live music, entertainment, workshops, educational seminars and more at the African Street Festival at the Oman Arena Field.
Cookeville – Named a top festival by Rolling Stone, experience three days of music, camping, vintage cars, vendors and pinups during the Muddy Roots Music Festival. Guests can enjoy music ranging from punk to traditional country.
Aug. 31
Nashville – Boogie on down and groove with a night of disco in the New Era Ballroom. Local Sparkle City DJs will spin vinyl disco starting all night long starting at 9 p.m. at Woolworth on 5th.
Nashville – Join us for a fun family night under the stars for Zoovie Night 6= 10 p.m. at the Nashville Zoo with games, inflatables, music, a carousel and zip line. When the sun goes down, the movie “Zootopia” will play on the big screen.
Knoxville – The McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture opens the new exhibit For All the World to See, which traces how images and media disseminated to the American public transformed the civil rights movement.
Aug. 31-Sept. 1
Benton Co. – Thousands of treasure hunters come to Benton County Bargain Highway to search 30 miles worth of yard sales following Highway 69 from Big Sandy to Holladay.
Aug. 31-Sept. 9
Memphis – Experience live music, festival food, carnival rides, vendors, craft & culinary exhibits, livestock judging, demolition derby’s and more at the Delta Fair & Music Festival.
Franklin – Pushing the limits of science and morality, Victor Frankenstein unleashes a creation he can’t control in the stage adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic, Frankenstein at theJamison Theater in the Factory at Franklin.
Sept. 1
Nashville – Get creative as you work with image blocks and ink to create a design you can hand-print onto paper, a tote bag or t-shirt 6-8 p.m. at Universal Music Group Hatch Show Print Space for Design next to the letterpress shop. Tickets are $40.
Nashville – Step inside Music City’s art world with the First Saturday Art Crawl 6-9 p.m. at 5th Avenue of the Arts. More than 20 art galleries offer free admission to view their latest exhibits.
Knoxville – Tap your toes and clap your hands at A Gathering of Ancient Sounds: Celtic and Appalachian Musical Roots 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Historic Ramsey House. There will be live music, dancing and a sheep herding demo. Tickets are $15.
Ongoing
Tennessee State Parks – Soak in the final days of summer with yoga in a cave, a pontoon boat ride, hike, a free concert, learn how to fire a musket or cook around a campfire. Here are some of the activities going on at Tennessee State Parks.
Memphis – Memphis entertainer Eric Hughes hosts “The Happening” every Tuesday night at Midtown Crossing Grill, where local songwriters enjoy inspiration and fellowship before an intimate, tuned-in audience. All songwriters are welcome.
Nashville – Lightning 100 brings the critically-acclaimed weekly concert series featuring national, regional and local artists, broadcasted live from 3rd & Lindsley 8-10 p.m. for Nashville Sunday Night.
Arrington – Head out to the vineyard with family and friends to listen to jazz or bluegrass music and enjoy award-winning wines. Arrington Vineyards hosts Music in the Vines every year from April through October every Saturday and Sunday.
Hampshire – Pack a picnic and enjoy wine tastings and live music during Music on the Ridge 12:30-6 p.m. on Sundays at Amber Falls Winery.
Jonesborough – Bring a chair, relax and listen to old-time Appalachian music, folk, bluegrass and more for the free Music on the Square series 7 p.m. every Friday through September on the courthouse steps.
Jonesborough – Hosted on Sundays throughout the summer, check out Brews and Tunes 4-7 p.m. on the plaza at the International Storytelling Center for craft beer, local music and a food truck.
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.
Chattanooga – The new exhibit, Evolution of a Museum, delves into the legacy of George Thomas Hunter, the architecture of its three buildings, and the growth of the Hunter Museum of American Art as an institution.
Knoxville – The WDVX 6 O’clock Swerve is a weekly musical trip with talented regional artists featuring live performances and insightful interviews, live from Barley’s Taproom & Pizzeria 6-7 p.m. on Thursdays. The event is free.
Pulaski – Schedule a fudge tour at Milky Way Farm. See the 1930s home of candy legend Frank Mars for a hot cup of coffee, a fudge brownie and ice cream to enjoy at the historic table.
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.