Free live music and unique festivals are on tap for June, including the Blue Bank Resort’s Arts & Crafts Festival, Memphis Bicentennial, Rockabilly Highway Revival, CMA Fest, Bonnaroo, 25th Annual RC-MoonPie Festival, Riverbend Music Festival, Nine Lakes Wine Festival, Folk Medicine Festival, Native American Culture Festival and Statehood Day. For a complete list of events across Tennessee, visit tnvacation.com/calendar.
May 29-June 1
Chattanooga – Head to Chattanooga’s downtown waterfront for performances by Weezer, Lionel Richie, Macklemore, Keith Urban and more during four days of music at the Riverbend Music Festival.
June 1
Selmer – Enjoy cars, tractors, arts and crafts and fun activities during the Old Purdy Trade Day and Car Show at the Purdy Community Center.
Registration begins at 8 a.m.
Jackson – Get out in nature and help keep the trails clean during National Trails Day at Pinson Mounds State Park. Be sure to bring water, sun screen and bug spray for the 2-mile hike starting at 10 a.m. at the museum.
Jackson – Randy Cooper and Scott Myatt take the stage for Voices in the Vineyard 7 p.m. at Century Farm Winery. Enjoy the food trucks or bring your own picnic. The live music series on Friday nights goes through Sept. 21.
Eagleville – Kids can help operate a real excavator, move sand, climb on a bulldozer, practice trade skills, participate in life-sized Jenga games and giant Lincoln Log building sets at theKids Construction Fun Festival 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lucky Ladd Farms.
Nashville – Enjoy tastings from popular Nashville restaurants and local beverage flavors during the Taste of Music City 5:30-9:30 p.m. in Public Square Park.
Nashville – Revel in the creative atmosphere at the Hatch Show Print Block Party 6-8 p.m. during the First Saturday Art Crawl downtown. Work with the shop’s blocks to create a design to hand-print onto paper, a tote bag, or a t-shirt. Tickets are $50.
Nashville – Make plans to join the Tennessee State Museum, Tennessee Bicentennial Mall State Park and the Tennessee State Library and Archives in celebration of the day the Volunteer State was admitted to the Union in 1796. There will be free events at all three locations, including educational talks, family history, scavenger hunts, birthday cake, live music and more.
Knoxville – In conjunction with Historic Homes of Knoxville, Historic Ramsey House will celebrate Statehood Day by offering free guided tours 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Donations are happily accepted and go towards ongoing preservation efforts.
Vonore – Learn more about Statehood Day with free admission and living history demonstrations 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum. The 1809 blacksmith shop will be open for demonstrations.
Oak Ridge – Taste more than 100 Tennessee wines and ciders from 17 wineries, enjoy live music and food vendors and join in the Barrels of Fun Charity Race during the Nine Lakes Wine Festival 3-8 p.m. at Melton Lake Park.
Jamestown – Bring a lawn chair and blanket and plan for an outdoor party with live music, wine, pork and lots of fun at Wine ‘n Swine 2-7 p.m. at Highland Manor Winery.
Red Boiling Springs – The Folk Medicine Festival 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. includes vendors, demonstrators, entertainers, children’s activities, food vendors, a quilt show and educational sessions in the historic downtown.
Gatlinburg – The Village Shops and the Donut Friar shopkeepers invite the community for a 50th Anniversary Celebration 1 p.m. in The Village. There will be speeches, historic photographs on display and cupcakes for everyone.
Maynardville – Seven-time winners of IBMA’s Vocal Group of the Year Award, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, entertain 7 p.m. at the Union County Opry.
June 1-2
Memphis – Ride where Elvis rode during Elvis Presley’s Graceland’s first-ever King of the Street Bike Weekend with activities, events and live music from the Christian metal band Stryper and country rockers Jay Jones Band.
Elizabethton – Visitors can listen to storytellers, sit around a campfire, take part in a dance circle or workshops and hit the walking trail during the Native American Culture Festival atSycamore Shoals State Historic Park.
June 1-9
Nashville – Three artists take cues from decorative arts traditions, yet invert the precepts by blurring the space between function forms and art forms in the exhibit, Derived from the Decorative, at Cheekwood Estate and Gardens.
June 3
Knoxville – Parents and kids can have fun with fossils and learn about past plants and animals during the Stroller Tour: Fossil Fun 10 a.m. at the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture.
June 3-8
Hurricane Mills – The 36th Summer Trail Ride at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch offers dozens of hours of saddle time for all levels of riders, kayaking, swimming, nightly entertainment, extreme trail rides, hay rides and a photo scavenger hunt.
June 4
Kenton – Grab a friend and get the creative juices flowing at the Summer Painting Workshop 6-9 p.m. at White Squirrel Winery. Artists will create “Red Poppies on Barn Wood.” Tickets are $40 and include materials, 1 glass of wine and hors d’oeuvres.
June 6
Jackson – Join Heaven’s Cradle for a 5K or 1-mile Twilight Run/Walk 6:30 p.m. at the West Tennessee Farmers Market. There will be live entertainment during the post-race party.
Nashville – March through downtown with Miranda Lambert to celebrate Mutt Nation’s 10th Anniversary and raise awareness for shelter pet adoption. The walk kicks off at 8:30 a.m. at Nissan Stadium and ends at Walk of Fame Park.
Hendersonville – The U.S. Fleet Forces Uncharted Waters Brass Band will perform on the streets of Indian Lake as part of Nashville Navy Week. Nashville was selected as one of 14 cities to host the service’s signature outreach program.
Chattanooga – Escape the heat and enjoy free admission during Throwback Thursday at the Hunter Museum of American Art.
Bristol – Interested in goals setting, organizing, recording thoughts and feelings and saving memories for future generations? The Birthplace of Country Music Museum hostsWordcatching 6:30 p.m. to learn the art of journal-making. Tickets are $20.
June 6-8
Jackson – Join treasure hunters, antique collectors and flea market lovers for the Highway 70 Yard Sale. Join Highway 70 Yard Sale-Tenn group on Facebook to learn more about the sale.
June 6-9
Nashville – Every summer, thousands of country music fans from all over the world come for CMA Fest, four days of music from hundreds of artists including live concerts, meet & greets, autograph signings, celebrity sporting events and more.
June 7
Jackson – Little Boy Blue performs Live at the Amp at the West Tennessee Farmers Market. Music on the Main Stage will begin at 7:30 p.m. Bring a picnic or visit the food concessions.
Nashville – CMT’s Next Women of Country campaign highlights new female country artists. Enjoy a concert and conversation 12:30 p.m. at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum with Hannah Ellis, Mickey Guyton, Caylee Hammack, Rachel Wammack and Lainey Wilson. Reserve your seats here.
Crossville – Singer-songwriter Chris Long shares stories of life, loss and love on stage during “In the House” 6-8 p.m. at Grinder House Coffee Shop.
June 7-8
Murfreesboro – Get a sneak peek at beautiful gardens hidden in backyards or behind walls or fences in and around Murfreesboro during the Secret Garden Party & Tours. The event raises money for the Discovery Center.
June 7-9
Red Boiling Springs – Find out what goes bump in the night. 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.
June 8
Memphis – Night at the Lorraine 7-11 p.m. at the National Civil Rights Museum celebrates the power of connection, purpose and history in one place with food, dancing and great music. Tickets are $100.
Jackson – Bring the kids down for an old-fashioned Youth Fishing Rodeo at Muse Park with free hot dogs, refreshments and goodie bags. Trophies and door prizes will be available in each stage division. The event starts at 9 a.m. and is free.
Selmer – The Rockabilly Highway Revival honors Rockabilly heritage with live entertainment, a cruise-in and fun activities kicking off 9 a.m. at Selmer Farmers Market.
Tullahoma – Enjoy live music, juicy hamburgers, homemade cakes, pies and more than 20 gallons of ice cream. Money raised at the Old Fashioned Ice Cream Supper benefits restoration efforts of the historic Raus School Building.
Gallatin – FLW Bass Fishing Tournament returns to Old Hickory Lake for a day of fishing and prizes. Participants take off from Flipper’s Bait and Tackle in Gallatin and return in the afternoon for the weigh-in.
June 8-9
Memphis – Follow the story of Dorothy, the Lion, Scarecrow and the Tin Man in the 1970s urban musical “The Wiz” at the Orpheum Theatre. Tickets start at $24.
Rugby – Rev up your engines for the Classic Car Show and Street Fair. All makes and models are welcome. The cost is $50 per car. There will be door prizes, a 50/50 raffle, bargains and unique crafts. Money raised benefits Historic Rugby.
June 11
Hendersonville –Enjoy lazy days and warm summer nights. Bring a lawn chair, pack a picnic and listen to an evening of popular classics at the Nashville Symphony’s Free Community Concert Series 7:30 p.m. at Historic Rock Castle.
Knoxville – Celebrity team captains randomly select audience members to be part of their on-stage “family” to try to win prizes during Family Feud Live – Celebrity Edition 7:30 p.m. at the Tennessee Theatre.
June 12
Memphis – Fire dancers, hula hoopers, food trucks, live music and fun are in store at the Food Truck Garden Party Circus Night 5-8 p.m. at Memphis Botanic Garden. Tickets are $10.
Union City – Stand under the beautiful sky for Stargazing Nights 9:30 p.m. at Discovery Park of America. Learn lessons of astronomy or look through the super-powerful telescope built for stargazing.
June 13
Union City – Keith Paluso, The Chad Karnes Band and Jimbo Bondurant perform during the Rhythm on the Rails Summer Music Series with live music, food trucks and cash bar. Gates open at 5 p.m. Tickets are $5.
Portland – Portland’s Music on Main free concert series kicks off at 7 p.m. with Bucky Covington. Covington competed in the 5th season of American Idol. Bring a lawn chair or rent a chair for $2 for a great night of music, entertainment and food trucks.
Bristol – Radio Bristol presents another exciting Farm and Fun Time variety show, live 7 p.m. from the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, featuring Sierra Ferrell, the Steel City Jug Slammers and Bill and the Belles.
June 13-16
Manchester – Join 80,000 fans for Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, four days of festivities, more than 150 musical performances, comedy, cinema and sustainability workshops. Childish Gambino, Phish, John Prine and Kasey Musgraves are among those performing.
June 14
Somerville – Families can enjoy “Sherlock Gnomes” during the Outdoor Movie Night: Summer Movie Series 8 p.m. outside UT Martin Somerville Center.
Crossville – Larry Scroggs takes the stage 6-8 p.m. for the “In the House” singer-songwriter show at Grinder House Coffee Shop.
June 14-15
Gallatin – The Bold Enough Rodeo Challenge 7:30-10 p.m. at Triple Creek Park features multiple contests from trick-riding to barrel-racing and other family fun activities including a mechanical bull, pony rides and food vendors.
Newport – The Popcorn Sutton Memorial Jam at Cocke County A&I Fairgrounds pays tribute to the legend with live music, the Miss Jugs Pageant, appearances by Moonshiners Mark and Digger, Kelly and JB and the First Lady of Moonshine Pam Sutton.
Elizabethton – The Covered Bridge Celebration brings East Tennessee to life in the historic downtown with live music, homemade crafts and décor, artisan crafts and fabulous food.
June 14-16
Memphis – Spend an unforgettable weekend filled with live music, delicious food, barbecue, a Blues Brunch, live concerts by Don McLean and Boz Scaggs and more during the Father’s Day Weekend Celebration at Elvis Presley’s Graceland.
Knoxville – The winner of Broadway.com’s Audience Choice Award for Best Musical, Finding Neverland captures the kid-at-heart at the Tennessee Theatre.
June 15
Memphis – Be inspired by local poets as they collaborate in the History around Memphis Poetry Slam 6 p.m. at Orpheum Theatre, a free #MEM200 event to mark the city’s bicentennial.
Nashville – Superheroes and princesses stroll through the Nashville Zoo grounds during Meet Me at the Zoo. Guests are encouraged to dress as a superhero or wear their finest royal attire.
Bell Buckle – Guests are invited to celebrate the South’s favorite culinary combination with music, cloggers, games, crafts and the cutting of the world’s largest MoonPie during the 25thAnnual RC-MoonPie Festival.
Knoxville – Sample more than 300 beers from Knoxville and beyond at Knoxville Brew Fest 4-8 p.m. at the base of the Sunsphere and Tennessee Amphitheater at World’s Fair Park. Tickets are $50.
Knoxville – Experience America’s game as it was played in 1864. Local Knoxville teams wear period uniforms during Vintage Baseball noon to 4 p.m. at Historic Ramsay House.
June 15-16
Gallatin – The American Bass Anglers Open Series on Old Hickory Lake is the path to the 2020 Bass Pro Shops Ray Scott Championship. $5,000 First Place Boater in each division event.
June 16
Nashville – Grab a pint for Pops and stroll among more than 20 impeccably-maintained classic cars from the early to mid-20th century at the Father’s Day Classic Car Show 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Cheekwood Estate and Gardens.
June 19-22
Jackson – Contestants compete for scholarships at the Miss Tennessee Volunteer Scholarship Pageant at Carl Perkins Civic Center.
June 20
Gallatin – The 3rd Thursday on Main Free Concerts are held 6:30-9 p.m. the third Thursday of each month June-September on the historic Downtown Gallatin Square. The father-son country duo, the Parks Band will headline the June concert.
June 21
Knoxville – Relive the angst and humor of the classic 80s flick, “The Breakfast Club,” 8 p.m. during Summer Movie Magic at the Tennessee Theatre. Tickets are $9.
June 21-23
Memphis – Some things just go together. The 50s. Elvis. Rock ‘n’ Roll. Graceland. Spend a weekend walking down memory lane while creating new memories that will last a lifetime during the Fabulous 50s Weekend at Elvis Presley’s Graceland.
June 21-Aug. 3
Gatlinburg – The walkable streets of Gatlinburg become a live stage during Smoky Mountain Tunes and Tales 6-11 p.m. daily with costumed storytellers, musical ensembles and cloggers portraying Appalachian characters dating as far back as the 1800s.
June 22
Knoxville – Families can learn about different types of rocks and make take-home crafts during the free Family Day: Geology Rocks 1-4 p.m. at the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture.
June 22-23
Hornbeak – Blue Bank Resort’s Arts & Crafts Festival will include local farm products, local soap, candle makers, local honey, gardening products, chain saw logs, handmade quilts, driftwood art, hand painted antiques & traditional homemade crafts.
Elizabethton – Learn how native cultures made survival tools. Using flint and billets of antler, practice the fine art of transforming flint into arrowheads, spear points and sharpened objects 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park.
June 23
Memphis – The 2019 Craft Food and Wine Festival 4-9 p.m. at Columns at One Commerce Square downtown will showcase locally-produced breads, cheeses, fruit preserves, charcuterie and wine tastings, along with beer, cider and cocktail stations.
Castalian Springs – Author and Lipscomb University Professor, Timothy Johnson, discusses the roles Middle Tennesseans played in the Mexican-American War during If These Logs Could Talk 2 p.m. at Historic Wynnewood.
June 27
Somerville – Experience a Fireworks Extravaganza 7 p.m. during the Town of Somerville’s Independence Day Celebration.
June 27-30
Knoxville – Knoxville hosts the 2019 Pro & Para-Cycling Road National Champions with individual time trial, criterium and pro-road races. Paralympic cyclists will also compete in bicycle, tricycle, hand cycle or tandem races. Click here for the schedule of events and fan zone activities.
June 28
Southside – Father-son duo Donald and Lucian Greene of the Back Lot Pickers take the stage 6:30 p.m. during Southside Summer Nights at Historic Collinsville. Admission is $12. Bring a picnic or enjoy the food trucks.
Livingston – Bring a blanket and lawn chair and enjoy the movie “Spiderman: Into the Spiderverse” under the stars at Central Park during Dark Summer Movie Series. The event is free.
June 28-29
Corryton – Walk among six acres of 1,000 varieties in bloom at the Oakes Day Lily Bloom Festival at Oakes Daylilies Display Garden. Events include children’s activities, food, live music and a plant sale. Each attendee receives a free plant.
June 29
Gallatin – Be part of the audience for a memorable performance by Christian/country artist Chris Golden, son of famed Oak Ridge Boy William Lee Golden, as part of his 10th annualFamily & Friends Concert 7 p.m. at The Palace Theatre. Tickets are $20.
Eagleville – Crawl down to Lucky Ladd Farms 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for the Watermelon Festival. Cool off in the splash zone featuring a splash pad, bubble blast pool, inflatable water slides and test your skills to win prizes in the watermelon crawl, seed spitting and watermelon eating contests.
June 30
Hendersonville – The inaugural Old Hickory Lake Sprint Triathlon at Sanders Ferry Park will feature a 400-meter swim in Old Hickory Lake, a 20k out-and-back bike route with views of the lake and 5k. Participants will get a t-shirt and finisher’s medal.
Ongoing
Memphis – Memphis Botanic Garden kicks off its annual Live at the Garden summer concert series June 7 with the classic rock band, Kansas. July 13 features The Doobie Brothers; Aug. 2 Lionel Richie; Aug. 31 Toby Keith; and Sept. 14 Brett Young.
Memphis – Use dishes, spoons and nature’s decor to make your own Mudpie Mondays Creations 10 a.m. to noon at Memphis Botanic Garden. Leave them to bake in the sun.
Union City – Bring a blanket, lawn chairs or grab a seat at the train depot to listen to bands perform at Rhythm on the Rails, 5-9 p.m. Thursdays through June 27 at Discovery Park of America. Tickets are $5. Food trucks will be on site.
Nashville – Crawl through summer gardens and the outdoor art exhibition, Storybook Houses, and taste signature craft cocktails during the Summer Cocktail Crawl every second and fourth Thursday at Cheekwood Estate and Gardens.
Chattanooga – Enjoy some of the best toe-tapping old-time, bluegrass and country music all summer long during Summer Music Weekends, Fridays-Sundays and holidays at Rock City. There will be live music, great food and Birds of Prey shows.
Chattanooga – Grab your family and friends and head to Miller Plaza for free, live music performances every Friday night at 7 p.m. from May through August during the Nightfall Concert Series.
Jonesborough – Join the International Storytelling Center with Storytelling Live! Matinee performances are at 2 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. June’s performances include Bill Harley, Anne Shimojima, Jim May, Tim Lowry and Corrine Stavish.
Bristol – The Birthplace of Country Music Museum hopes to inspire a love of books with Family Story Time in the Gallery 10:30 a.m. each Thursday through June 30. Families can explore the exhibit, Reading Appalachia: Voices from Children’s Literature.
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About the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development
Tennessee is the home of the blues, bluegrass, country, gospel, soul, rockabilly and rock ‘n’ roll-delivering an unparalleled experience of beauty, history and family adventure, infused with music that creates a vacation that is “The Soundtrack of America. Made in Tennessee.” Tennessee’s tourism industry generates $20.7 billion in economic impact, more than $1.8 billion in state and local tax revenue and more than 184,300 tourism-related jobs.
Explore more at tnvacation.com and join other Tennessee travelers by following “tnvacation” on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube or “Tennessee” on Snapchat.