Elvis Week, BiSoultennial, Tennessee Soybean Festival, World’s Longest Yard Sale, Muddy Roots Music Festival, David Crockett Days, Birthplace of Country Music Museum’s 5th Anniversary and the Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival are just a few events along with county fairs and free summer concerts going on in Tennessee in August. For a complete list, visit tnvacation.com/calendar.
Aug.
1
Franklin – Stroll through historic downtown and celebrate unique artistic talent 6-9 p.m. during the First Friday Art Scene.
Hendersonville – Enjoy a night of Southern rock and blues at a free summer concert from the Southern Ground Band 6:30 p.m. at The Streets of Indian Lake.
Aug. 1-4
Jamestown – Treasure hunters and antique lovers can shop their hearts out at the World’s Longest Yard Sale, which stretches for 690 miles along Hwy. 127.
Bristol – The Birthplace of Country Music Museum is celebrating its 5th Anniversary this summer. Come to the museum for just $5 per person.
Aug. 1-31
Pigeon Forge – Celebrate Freedom is a month-long thank you to military and first responders. Participating businesses will offer discounts to active and veteran military personnel, police, firefighters, paramedics and first-responders.
Aug. 2
Jackson – Don’t miss a chance to see the Hitchcock classic, “North by Northwest” on the big screen 7 p.m. at The Ned downtown. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Drinks and snacks will be available for purchase.
Nashville – A youthful twist on one of music’s legends, the King. Timeless: A New Generation of Tribute takes audiences on a musical journey that the spans the life of Elvis Presley, 7:30 p.m. at The Palace Theatre. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door.
Aug. 2-3
Union City – See hundreds of antique tractors and learn about the stories behind them at Discovery Park of America’s third annual Antique Tractor Show, with a unique, one-of-a-kind parade at 2 p.m. Saturday.
Aug. 2-10
Franklin – Fairgoers can check out educational exhibits, the Children’s Barnyard, 4-H & Youth Villages, rides on the midway, competitions, food and family fun at theWilliamson County Fair at the Williamson County Ag Expo.
Aug. 3
Nashville – Work with image blocks and inks to create a design to hand-print onto paper, a tote bag or t-shirt at the Hatch Show Print Block Party 6-8 p.m. during theFirst Saturday Art Crawl downtown. Tickets are $50.
Lobelville – The Buffalo River Rampage at Buffalo River Resort features a five-mile homemade tube raft race, an eight-mile kayak race and cornhole tournament. Participants can bring their own or rent kayaks for a reduced fee.
Cottontown – The historic Bridal House, a unique log cabin, celebrates its 200th Anniversary with a historic wedding and a day full of festivities, including reenactors, tours and 19th century crafts such as blacksmithing, woodworking and vintage cosmetics.
Gallatin – With a 180-degree view of the Cumberland River & Old Hickory Lake, the Fire on the Water Festival noon to 11 p.m. has two stages of live music, a circus and fire entertainers, and local craft brews from Briarscratch Brewing.
Piney Flats – Real? Imagined? Who knows? Creepy tales unfold at Graveyard Tales with the Jonesborough Storytellers Guild 7 p.m. at Rocky Mount State Historic Site. Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $6 for students.
Aug. 3, 17
Clarksville – Enjoy summer with a free concert during Jazz on the Lawn 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Beachaven Winery. Free tastings start at 5 p.m., so get there early to get a good parking spot and view of the band.
Aug. 8
Bristol – Radio Bristol’s Farm and Fun Time live variety show 7 p.m. at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum features the Lonesome River Band and Irene Kelley, plus host band Bill & the Belles.
Aug. 8-11
Lawrenceburg – Travel back through time at David Crockett Days at David Crockett State Park, a celebration of Crockett’s Birthday with shooting matches, tomahawk throwing, fire starting, crafts of the time, food and wares.
Aug. 8, 20
Nashville – The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s CMA Theater hosts two special shows by John Anderson (Aug. 8) and songwriters Brad Clawson, Rodney Clawson and Nicolle Galyon (Aug. 20) 7:30 p.m. in support of the exhibition, American Currents: The Music of 2018.
Aug. 9
Jackson – Stacy Michhart performs live during the free concert series, Live at the Amp at West Tennessee Farmers Market. Music on the Main Stage begins at 7:30 p.m.
Aug. 9-10
Johnson City – The Little Chicago Downtown Music & Arts Festival fills the streets of downtown with families and fans enjoying regional live music, fine arts and crafts and the best in local foods.
Aug. 9-17
Memphis – Spend the week celebrating the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll with concerts, panel discussions, dances, the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest and vigil duringElvis Week at Elvis Presley’s Graceland.
Aug. 10
Lexington – The Historic Princess Theatre presents its Songwriter Series 7:30 p.m. with Buddy Cannon, Phil O’Donnell, Marla Cannon-Goodman and Josh Martin. Tickets are $25.
Arrington – Country music star, Kix Brooks, will perform live starting at 7 p.m. for Arrington Vineyards’ Harvest Party. The special day of wine and music benefits Monroe Carrell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
Hendersonville – Sumner Fest is Sumner County’s premier hot air balloon festival with live music, shopping, food vendors and family fun 4 p.m. at Sanders Ferry Park & Boat Ramp.
Portland – Music on Main 7-9 p.m. on Main Street downtown will feature the R&B group, Bizz & Everyday People. Bring a lawn chair or rent a chair for $2. There will be giveaways and food trucks on site at the free event.
Aug. 10, 24
Jackson – Enjoy live music, food trucks or bring your own picnic during Voices in the Vineyard 7 p.m. at Century Farm Winery. Little Blue Boys will take the stage Aug. 10. Michael King & The Grounders perform Aug. 24.
Aug. 11
Jackson – The interactive Bride Fest noon to 5 p.m. at the Carl Perkins Civic Center will feature Instagram backdrops, a mock wedding, fashion show, music, food and door prizes. All proceeds will go to the STAR Center.
Aug. 12
Nashville – Families can enjoy the Frist Art Museum for the price of one adult admission 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. during Family Mondays. Join the museum for special programming, family tours and Martin ArtQuest Gallery.
Aug. 12-17
Parsons – The Decatur County Fair features crafts, vendors, entertainment, rides, music, livestock events, horse shows, pet shows, educational exhibits, contests and pageants at the Decatur County Fairgrounds.
Aug. 15
Memphis – The BiSoultennial 7-9 p.m. at Stax Museum of American Soul Music includes soul songs to help celebrate Memphis’ 200th birthday, a DJ spinning records, refreshments, a new art exhibit, celebrity appearances and more.
Nashville – Enrich the experience of exhibitions with live music, thought-provoking conversations, lectures and drop-in drawing during Art after Dark 5-8 p.m. at Frist Art Museum.
Gallatin – Enjoy a free concert 6:30 p.m. in historic downtown Gallatin featuring The WannaBeatles, a Beatles cover band. These seasoned showmen will entertain with music and comedy. Merchants, restaurants and bars will be open late.
Chattanooga – Create a masterpiece at the Portraiture Workshop 6-8 p.m. at Hunter Museum of American Art. The workshop starts with a customized tour of the exhibit, William J. Glackens and Pierre-Auguste Renoir: Affinities and Distinctions. Enjoy a complimentary glass of wine while creating the masterpiece.
Aug. 15-22
Nashville – “Shakespeare in the Park” relocates to oneC1TY, a mixed use development off the 28th-31st Avenue connector and Charlotte Avenue and Nashville’s Midtown. This year’s plays are The Tempest and Pericles. Food trucks will be on site. A $10 donation is encouraged.
Aug. 15-Sept. 1
Nashville – The free outdoor concert series, Live on the Green, presented by Lightning 100 on Thursday nights in Public Square Park downtown is a celebration of music and community. Food trucks and beverages add to the fun.
Aug. 16-24
Lebanon – See ewe at the Wilson County Fair. The theme is the year of the wool. Visitors can pick from a packed schedule of live music, pageants, tractor pulls, games, livestock shows and demolition derbies.
Aug. 17
Shiloh – Lee Greenwood and Joseph Baldwin perform 5:30 p.m. on the lawn of the Visitors Center at Shiloh National Military Park as part of the free summer concert series, 103rd Birthday of the National Park Service and Hardin County’s 200th birthday.
Henning – The Alex Haley Historic Site will hold a celebration in honor of the Pulitzer Prize winning author’s 98th birthday 1-8 p.m. at the Alex Haley Museum. Admission is free.
Franklin – Food, drinks, live entertainment and a silent auction are on tap for Raise the Roofs 5:30 p.m. at Harlinsdale Farm. Money raised benefits the Friends of Franklin Park’s effort to improve trails and connectivity.
Eagleville – Test your skills and win prizes at the Corn Eating, Corn Shucking and Sweet Corn Selfie competitions at the Sweet Corn Festival 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lucky Ladd Farms, Tennessee’s largest petting farm and fun park.
Gallatin – Historic Rose Mont brings 1862 to 2019. Civil War 101 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is a one-day synopsis on the Civil War in Tennessee, perfect for enthusiasts or the seasoned historian. Tickets are $10 at the door. Lunch is not included.
Hendersonville – Enjoy original music by some of Nashville’s most talented rising stars during the Summer Songwriters Night Concert Series 5-9 p.m. at Rock Castle State Historic Site. Tickets are $10. Children 18 and under get in free.
Knoxville – Have a blast with the past at the East Tennessee History Fair 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the East Tennessee History Center and downtown with reenactors, hands-on activities, history hound dog costume contest, storytelling, cake, games, traditional music and bus rides to tours of Knoxville’s historic homes.
Bristol – The Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race is guaranteed to entertain guests with another epic battle inside the Last Great Colosseum 7:30 p.m. at Bristol Motor Speedway.
Townsend – A balloon glow, balloon rides, food trucks, beer tents, wine tastings, live entertainment, vendors and kid-friendly activities like face painting and rock climbing are in store at the Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival 3-9 p.m. at the Townsend Visitors Center.
Aug. 17-31
Columbia – The Maury County Fair is packed with live music, pageants, tractor pulls, games, livestock shows, demolition derbies, 4-H blue ribbon competitions, beef and dairy cattle shows, live music, tasty foods, Fairest of the Fair contest and rides.
Aug. 18-Oct. 20
Hendersonville – Take a rare opportunity to view Picasso’s greatest works of Edition Ceramics at Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center. The free exhibit, Master in Clay, is open through Oct. 20.
Aug. 21
Columbia – Enjoy hors d’oeuvres while sipping whiskey 6-8 p.m. during Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant’s Whiskey Wednesday series. Tennessee Whiskey 202 will pair an instructional overview with two tasting flights, plus a special whiskey cocktail.
Aug. 21-31
Shelbyville – Division champions compete at the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration on the historic show grounds. After the competitions, the World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse will be named.
Aug. 23-24
McKenzie – Nothing is more Southern than delicious fried foods washed down with a glass of sweet tea. The Southern Fried and Sweet Tea Festival has fried chicken, fried green tomatoes and regional culinary delicacies.
Lynchburg – The inaugural Lynchburg Music Fest is a two-day music and camping festival featuring dozens of country and bluegrass bands on three stages in beautifulWiseman Park in historic Lynchburg. Tickets range from $95 to $250.
Pigeon Forge – Enjoy all that Pigeon Forge offers for the entire family during the Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion at the LeConte Center with more than 100 vendors, events and a Show and Shine competition.
Johnson City – The free Meet the Mountains Outdoor Festival in Founders Park is a one-stop shop to experience all of Northeast Tennessee’s recreational opportunities.
Aug. 24
Milan – The 10th Annual Dawg Daze Festival 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Milan City Park features arts and crafts vendors, local businesses showcasing their merchandise, live entertainment, pet pageant, chalk art show, antique car show, 5K, kids’ activities and family fun.
Humboldt – Uptown Vibes invites you to join them at Crown Winery 3 p.m. during the Grapes & Games Summer Wine Tour to sample delicious wines, tour the vineyard and enjoy homemade pizzas.
Portland – Savor fresh appetizers, an entrée, sides, desserts and wine at the 3rd Annual Farm to Table Dinner 7 p.m. outside on Main Street. Tickets are $75. The acoustic duo Dean & Jerry will also perform during the dinner.
Castalian Springs – The Gala at Cragfont, formerly known as “A Summer Evening at Cragfont,” is a celebration of food, cocktails and dancing 7:30 p.m. and is an event to preserve the historic jewel. This year’s theme is “Wine, Whiskey & Winchesters.”
Franklin – The Great Americana Barbecue Festival 10 a.m.to 10 p.m. at the Park at Harlinsdale Farm features vendors, grilling demos, whole hog smoking contest and a Kansas City Barbecue Society-sanctioned competition.
Rugby – The Return of the British Car and Motorbike Show 9-2:30 p.m. in historic Rugby hosts rides of all types, modern to ancient, fast to chugging 3-wheelers. Rugby also hosts its 4th annual Tea Table Setting Contest at Uffington House. Click here to sign up.
Knoxville – Germanfest, the annual celebration of German culture featuring German food, local craft beer, live music all day, children’s games, events and a silent auction is from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at First Lutheran Church.
Pigeon Forge – Enjoy the best of both worlds during Dollywood’s Rock the Smokies. The daylong celebration combines the thrills of Dollywood rides with a powerful Christian rock experience at the Dollywood Celebrity Theatre.
Bristol – The Birthplace of Country Music Museum presents an intimate 1927 Society Concert Series 7 p.m. featuring music by Hank, Pattie, & The Current. Tickets are $80.
Aug. 25
Knoxville – The 6th annual Knoxville Asian Festival 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at World’s Fair Park, will feature authentic traditional food vendors representing Asian countries such as Taiwan, Thailand, Korea, Malaysia and more.
Aug. 29
Hendersonville – Enjoy a night of amazing songs at a free concert performed by mixed-genre band Escape 6:30 p.m. at The Streets of Indian Lake.
Aug. 30-31
Benton County – Thousands of treasure hunters come to Benton County to search 30 miles worth of yard sales and second-hand treasures during the Bargain Highway. Just follow Highway 69 from Big Sandy to Holladay.
Aug. 30-Sept.1
Jackson – Learn more about African culture with entertainment, workshops, educational seminars and more during the African Street Festival at Oman Arena.
Cookeville – Rolling Stone named Muddy Roots Music Festival one of the top festivals of the year. Music includes hillbilly, bluegrass and punk with performances by Orange Goblin and The Soul Rebels with Gza.
Mountain City – Long Journey Home celebrates Appalachian heritage and true mountain music, complete with busking, a square dance and musical heritage tour.
Aug. 31-Sept. 7
Martin – Celebrate one of the state’s top crops with live music, pageants, a farmers market and fireworks during the Tennessee Soybean Festival. The Oak Ridge Boys, Walker Hayes and Runaway June will perform.
Ongoing
Memphis – Take extra time strolling through Memphis Botanic Garden until sunset during Twilight Thursdays through September. Each week will have a different highlight, from plants to pets. Separately for Fun Fridays in August, guests can stop by the Fun Friday station 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in My Big Backyard for a hands-on activity.
Memphis – The work of legendary artist, Romare Bearden, is highlighted in a special exhibit at the National Civil Rights Museum. Vision & Activism illustrates the life and culture of Black America during the Great Migration and Civil Rights Movement.
Portland – Enjoy free tours of Cold Springs School Sundays in August. Historic Cold Springs School has a storied life; it was once a Confederate military hospital during the Civil War, a church, a school, and a farm building.
Murfreesboro –Feel the rhythm through the drums, find the pitch with the pipe organ and take the stage in an interactive exploration of sound at the Science of Music exhibit at Discovery Center.
Pigeon Forge – See the world’s largest collection of Titanic life jackets ever assembled at the Titanic Museum. The display includes 6 of the 12 known life jackets in the world.
Bristol – American Ballads: The Photographs of Marty Stuart is on display at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. The country music star showcases his master storytelling through photography.