Learn how to swing dance, enjoy a date night in the treetops, toast Tennessee wine, take a step back time to pioneer days, go on a scavenger hunt or experience a Shakesbeer Festival. Here’s what’s going on across Tennessee this week. For a complete list of events, visit tnvacation.com/calendar.
Ongoing
Memphis – Ancient civilizations come to life in the new Ancient Art Gallery at Memphis Brooks Museum of Art.
A serving dish, bronze warrior’s belt and a woman’s gilded hand mirror provide a window into the life of the ancient world.
Nashville – The Rolling Stones Exhibit at Musicians Hall of Fame features more than 500 artifacts and memorabilia, Keith Richards’ 1963 diary, a recreation of a Stones’ recording studio and 3D concert experience.
Cookeville – Geared toward preschool-age, bring the little ones 10:30-11 a.m. every Friday to the Cookeville Depot Museum for the free event Train Tales, a train story that talks about railroad friends.
Arrington – Enjoy free live music every Saturday & Sunday April through October with “Bluegrass in the Barn” and “Jazz in the Courtyard” 4-8 p.m. on Saturdays and 2-6 p.m. on Sundays at Arrington Vineyards.
Bristol – Capture a stunning record of the Appalachian people and folk ballads with the special exhibit at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum: The Appalachian Photographs of Cecil Sharp, 1916-1918.
Chattanooga – Visit Rock City Gardens and see the High Falls in streaming color in honor of ARTBURST, a celebration of art, artists and the blooming colors of spring.
Pigeon Forge – A boy from Iceland built the world’s largest Titanic LEGO ship with 56,000 bricks now on display at the Titanic Museum.
April 26
Milledgeville – A car show, tractor pull, vendors and children’s activities are in store for the Milledgeville Heritage Festival downtown.
Memphis – Crosstown Brewing Co. and The Curb Market bring Beer & Brats 6-8 p.m. at Crosstown Concourse. Enjoy Curb’s house-made brats, locally-made pretzel bites and beers from CBC.
Memphis – Bring your four-legged friend on a leash and walk the trails for Trails and Tails 6 p.m. at Memphis Botanic Garden.
Memphis – It’s DJ Night with DJ Epic 6-10 p.m. at the Peabody Hotel Rooftop Party. Admission is $10-$15 or $150 for a VIP pass for the parties Thursday nights. There will be live music, a snack buffet and drink specials.
Jackson – Come pick or just come and listen for the Jackson Area Plectral Society’s Open Jam 6-9 p.m. at Casey Jones Village.
Nashville – Get ready for a nostalgic night inspired by 1990s sci-fi films at the adults-only event, Way Late Play Date: Space Jams 6:30-10 p.m. at Adventure Science Center. Vote for your own playlist in the Sudekum Planetarium laser 90s show.
Nashville – Classically-trained violist and violinist Wil B. and Kev Marcus, better known as Black Violin combine classics with hip-hop to create a distinctive multi-genre sound 7:30 p.m.at War Memorial Auditorium.
Nashville – Join the Frist Art Museum for a celebratory evening of music, featuring performances by the Fairfield Four and other Nashville musicians. The free Songs of Freedomconcert starts at 7 p.m. in the auditorium.
Chattanooga – Join the Hunter Museum of American Art for Art + Issues: On Becoming a Woman. At 6 p.m., the museum will lead an art-inspired discussion of issues facing teenagers and young women & explore contemporary photographs.
Knoxville – This live experience is like no other as the six-piece brotherhood, The Dirty Guv’Nahs perform 8 p.m. at The Mill & Mine.
April 26-27
Gatlinburg – Enjoy music, activities and games, crafts and food for the Earth Day Festival downtown. The Earth Day 5K Run/Walk will be Friday. Funds raised benefit the Chamber Foundation’s education and green programs.
April 26-28
Medina – The City Farmhouse Pop-up Fair at White Oak Farms is a two-day vintage and antiquing extravaganza with authentic farmhouse wares. Kick-off is 5 p.m. Thursday with complimentary bites, drinks and live music.
April 26-May 2
Knoxville –Winner of three Tony Awards, the hilarious Urinetown, the Musical is a satire on capitalism, populism, bureaucracy and greed. Performances continue at Clarence Brown Theatre.
April 26-May 5
Jonesborough – Artists present painting, sculpture, mixed media, photography and more for the 6th Annual Jonesborough Open Juried Art Show at the McKinney Center, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays to Fridays and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.
April 26-May 6
Knoxville – Picking up where the famous stories ended, Sherlock Holmes receives a death threat from the son of his late nemesis. See if you can solve the mystery of Sherlock’s Last Case at Theatre Knoxville Downtown.
April 27
Jackson – Enjoy a concert with Nelly featuring Bone Thugs-n-Harmony and Juvenile 6 p.m. at Jackson Generals Ballpark.
Memphis – Hear the stories behind the music from songwriters themselves in an intimate acoustic performance at 94.1 Songwriter Fest 6:30 p.m. at the Halloran Centre in theOrpheum Theatre. Tickets are $15.
Crossville – Singer songwriter Larry Scroggs brings deep-rooted rock, country and blues to his writing as a real storyteller, taking the stage 6-8 p.m. at Grinder House Coffee Shop.
Nashville – Check out the tapir exhibit decked out in enrichment at the Nashville Zoo for World Tapir Day. Baird’s tapirs are listed as endangered due to hunting and habitat destruction. Find out how the zoo is working to help the species survive.
Nashville – Nashville Symphony conductor Giancarlo Guerrero conducts Ravel for Coffee & Classics 10:30 a.m. at Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Free coffee & pastries are included with your ticket purchase.
Clarkrange – Everything from brand new to very old, from hotrods to rat rods and from trucks to bikes will rev up for the Friday Night Cruise-In 5-8 p.m. at the Cumberland Mountain General Store on Highway 127.
Knoxville – Two-time Grammy nominee Tommy Emmanuel and Amanda Shires take the stage 8 p.m. at Tennessee Theatre.
Knoxville – A perfect date night playing in the treetops while under a blanket of stars and twinkling lights, experience Navitat at Night 6-8 p.m. at Navitat Canopy Adventures.
Spring City – Come together as The WannaBeatles create Beatlemania 7:30 p.m. at Tennessee Valley Theatre. Tickets are $12.
Kodak – Chase the golden hour of light and watch mother nature paint its masterpiece with a two-mile Sunset Hike at Seven Islands State Birding Park 7:30 p.m. at the Bluebird Barnentrance.
Pulaski – Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and your own picnic dinner for music under the stars for A Grape Event 5-7 p.m. at Big Creek Winery. The free event features wine tastings and music by Southern Dipity.
April 27-28
Flag Top – Compete or just watch as old time music competitors vie for cash prizes at the Upper East Tennessee Fiddlers Convention at Rocky Fork State Park, a land of deep musical traditions passed from generation to generation.
Cross Plains – The Kilgore Station Bluegrass Festival at Kilgore Park features great bluegrass and traditional music and an antique tractor show. Admission is $10 for both days. Kids 12 and under get in free.
April 27-29
Knoxville – Several blocks of downtown Knoxville transforms into a lively street fair for the Dogwood Arts Festival on Market Square with arts and crafts booths, performing arts and an expanded children’s creation station.
April 27-May 13
Chattanooga – Chattanooga Theatre Center transports you to Italy with the screen-to-stage adaptation of A Room with a View.
April 27-June 8
Crossville – Witness the journey from the cotton fields of Mississippi to international fame as Stand By Your Man: The Tammy Wynette Story takes center stage at Cumberland County Playhouse.
April 28
Jackson – Soak in the spring air with a bicycle ride beginning at the LIFT Wellness Center through the scenic views in downtown Jackson. Rockabilly City Century, kicking off at 8 a.m., features four different courses: 25, 42, 62 or 100 miles.
Brownsville – Chester County native Darryl Cox brings his scratch-built cotton gin and implements in the award-winning new “Small World of Cotton” display at West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center. A reception honoring Cox will take place 3-5 p.m.
Memphis – The V&E Artwalk 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 1625 Tutwiler Avenue features works by local artists, children’s area with art activities and bounce houses, food, local craft beer and wine.
Memphis – Stefanie Bolton, Will Graves, Courtney Barnes, Equoia Coleman, Larry Springfield and other vocalists pay Tribute to the Music of Earth, Wind & Fire 8 p.m. at the Orpheum Theatre.
Milledgeville – A corn hole tournament, antique tractor show, motorcycle show, children’s activities, food and more are all in store at the 5th Annual Milledgeville Heritage Days. Activities kick off at 9 a.m. at Milledgeville City Park.
Pall Mall – If you’re a fan of historical fiction or have an interest in World War I, join the Sgt. Alvin C. York State Historic Park Film Festival 1-8 p.m. Two films will be shown with a discussion to follow. Admission is free; just bring your own snacks.
Nashville – Discover a world of stories for Independent Bookstore Day. Her Bookshop will have an all-day celebration with story time, giveaways, special merchandise, a happy hour and more.
Nashville – Transport to a galaxy far, far away for Meet Me at the Zoo: Star Wars at Nashville Zoo. Meet characters, play games and activities to test your knowledge of the force. Kids can take part in the zoo’s Jedi Training Camp 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Nashville – More than 30,000 runners, walkers and spectators will lace up their shoes for the St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon & ½ Marathon through the streets of Music City lined with live bands.
Murfreesboro – Take a step back in time with Pioneer Days at Cannonsburgh Village with old time demonstrators, crafters, food vendors, a car show, blacksmith demonstrations, an art show, clogging, bluegrass and country music.
Clarksville – Bring your family and friends to explore booths of antiques, furniture, vinyl records and handmade goods for the Spring Milestone Tile Clarksville Vintage Fair atBeachaven Winery with live music and local food. Tickets are $3.
Cookeville – Bring your fur-ever friend to Dogwood Park for Dogapalooza, which consists of animal demonstrations, an off-leash play area, an agility course, vendors, fun activities, educational areas and a Kids' Dog Show. Admission is free.
Crossville – Cumberland Mountain State Park hosts the Homestead Hammer Adventure Triathlon. The race starting at 8 a.m. includes a 2-mile trail run, one-mile kayak and 1.5-mile mountain bike.
Lebanon – Uncork the fun at A Toast to Tennessee Wine Festival, noon to 6 p.m. at Wilson County Expo Center. Stroll from booth to booth sipping Tennessee wines, savor gourmet specialty foods, shop for handcrafted local art and listen to live music.
Lynchburg – An annual quilt & craft show, crafters, a plant sale, birdhouse auction and art in the park are on tap for spring in the Hollow at Lynchburg Square & Wiseman Park. Activities kick off at 8 a.m.
Columbia – Get decked out in your best 1950s gear for Muletown Swings 6-9 p.m. at the Memorial Building downtown with live music, a costume contest, prizes, food and beer from local vendors and a silent auction.
Oak Ridge – The Oak Ridge Symphony Orchestra performs Hector Berlioz’s “Symphonie Fantastique,” a musical tale of unrequited love, 7:30 p.m. at Oak Ridge High School Performing Arts Center.
April 28-29
Nashville – Grab your friends and spend the weekend with a bottle of wine. Natchez Hills Winery at Fontanel continues its free music series Rhythm and Vine, with performances in the tasting room or patio by new and upcoming Nashville artists.
Franklin – The Heritage Foundation’s Main Street Festival downtown is expected to draw a crowd of thousands for a fun-filled weekend of music, arts and crafts, food and children’s activities. The fest is free.
Chapel Hill – Come ride the Horton 100 at Henry Horton State Park, featuring two days of beautiful 25 or 50-mile bike rides. The two-day registration includes three meals; aid stations with food, water and electrolyte drinks, entertainment and more.
Cleveland – Prepare your taste buds for the Sweet Tea & Sunshine Family Festival & Craft Fair at the Greenway Park & Pavilion. Festgoers will pay $5 and get a ballot to judge the best sweet tea.
April 29
Memphis – Watch and root for local restaurants and bartenders as they compete in four events for cash prizes and glory 1 p.m. at the Beale Street Wine Race. There will also be awards for Queen of the Vine and the Grape Stomp.
Memphis – Join the free Stax Music Academy Spring Concert, 4 p.m. at Clayborn Temple
Union City - See the beautiful World Famous Budweiser Clydesdales for free as they parade around Discovery Park of America, 1-4 p.m.
Nashville – The Nashville Zoo hosts Autism Awareness Day, included with zoo admission. Guests can participate in a zoo-wide scavenger hunt or sensory tour and close encounters with the animals.
Roan Mountain - Parks are a great place to boost your health. As part of National ParkRX Day, Roan Mountain State Park is offering a beginners’ yoga session 8 a.m. at the Park Amphitheater.
Kodak – Join a yoga master on a sunrise journey of spiritual and physical healing 8 a.m. at Seven Islands State Birding Park. The two-hour yoga session is free; just bring your own yoga mat.
Greeneville – Broadway Comes to Greeneville 3 p.m. at Niswonger Performing Arts Center has more than 12 local youth and special guests from the Broadway stage present great entertainment. All proceeds benefit Niswonger Children’s Hospital.
May 1
Nashville – Strong Leads is a four-part after-school seminar for high school girls spotlighting films about and made by women. This will be the last of the four sessions 4-7:30 p.m. atBelcourt Theatre.
May 1-5
Jonesborough – Internationally-known storyteller and author Bil Lepp kicks off the 17th season of Storytelling Live! at the International Storytelling Center’s theater.
May 1-6
Franklin – Sing along for a special screening of The Greatest Showman, the Golden Globe winner for Best Original Song, at the Franklin Theatre.
Knoxville – Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at the Tennessee Theatre tells the inspiring story of King’s rise to becoming one of the most successful solo acts in popular music history and writing a soundtrack for a generation.
May 1-Sep 30
Tiptonville – Reelfoot Lake State Park offers Scenic Pontoon Boat Tours to discuss the history and wonders of this natural phenomenon. You may see birds, ospreys, water fowl & American bald eagles. Call 731-253-9652 for a reservation.
May 2
Knoxville – Grunge legends Stone Temple Pilots debut songs from their new album 8 p.m. at the Mill & Mine.
May 2-3
Jackson – Head out to the ballgame as the Jackson Generals take on the Montgomery Biscuits on Wednesday and Thursday at Jackson Generals Ballpark. Promotions include Thursdaynight dollar dogs and drinks.
May 3
Memphis – Almost Famous performs at the Peabody Hotel Rooftop Party 6-10 p.m. Weekly admission is $10-$15. Each week features a snack buffet and drink specials.
Jackson –Jackson Area Plectral Society sponsors an Open Jam every Thursday night from 6-9 p.m. at Casey Jones Village.
Spring Hill – Shop products made by farmers, bakers and artisans at the Spring Hill Farmers Market 3-7 p.m. in Harvey Park.
May 4
Jackson – The award-winning music venue Amphitheater at the Market kicks off its free concert series 6:45 p.m. behind West Tennessee Farmers Market. Rev. Jessie & The Holy Smokes will perform. Bring a picnic basket or visit the food concessions.
Memphis – Ballet Memphis features a one-of-a-kind dance performance with Turnout at its Fly Studio, 7:30 p.m. Stay for the after party with DJ and food and beverages available for purchases on site. Tickets are $15 at the door.
Lexington – Bring your lawn chair, relax, eat, shop and catch a movie during the First Friday Night on the Square 6-9 p.m. at Lexington Court Square. The Lexington High School Marching Band & Maggie Ricketts Twirlers will perform.
Crossville – Dean Holman, who started The Music City Hayride non-profit that benefits charities such as Music & Memories, Honor & Valor, and Operation Stand Down TN, gives an intimate performance 6 p.m. at Grinder House Coffee Shop.
Murfreesboro – Wherefore art thou, Jedi? Use the force at the Shakesbeer festival, celebrating “May the 4th (be with you)” 7 p.m. at Discovery Center. The event features theatrical performances, Inebriated Shakespeare and craft brews to sample.
Franklin – The free First Friday Art Scene Crawl takes you through downtown Main Street’s historic buildings 6-9 p.m.
Franklin – Riders in the Sky preserve the heritage of western music 9 p.m. at Franklin Theatre.
Chattanooga – The free outdoor Nightfall Concert series kicks off in Miller Plaza downtown. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy great live music, food and beer. Lenox Hills will open for the Vandoliers at 7 p.m.
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.
May 4-5
Murfreesboro – People-watch, eat, drink, shop, mingle, relax and soak in the sunshine while listening to contemporary live jazz music at the Main Street Jazz Fest downtown. Admission is free.
Townsend – The Townsend Spring Festival & Old Timer’s Day at Townsend Visitors Center features bluegrass music, clogging, storytelling, arts and crafts, wildflower walks, Appalachian skill demonstrations, barbecue, ice cream and cast iron cooking.
May 4-6
Memphis – One of the nation’s top music festivals, the Beale Street Music Festival takes over Tom Lee Park with its eclectic mix of artists with performances by Jack White, Queens of the Stone Age, Erykah Badu and Alanis Morissette.
Nashville – The Tennessee Craft Fair in Centennial Park features fine crafts, demonstration programs, hands-on opportunities and a chance to meet and talk with professional craft artists. The three-day festival attracts more than 45,000 people.
Knoxville – Shop for boutique clothing, antiques, vintage, shabby chic, rustic, re-purposed and handmade/homemade crafts at the Junkin’ It Craft and Vintage Market at Knoxville Expo Center.
Knoxville – See nearly 2,500 street rods, muscle cars, custom cars, trucks and specialty vehicles at the Annual Street Rods Nationals South at Chilhowee Park & Exposition Center. Tickets are $17. Kids under 5 get in free.
Bolivar – Swing into Spring at the Historic Court Square kicks off with festivities like Crafts on the Corner, Arts in the Alley, Historic Homes Tour, a swing band and food vendors.
Gatlinburg – Celebrate spring with Maifest at Ober Gatlinburg with a biergarten, face painting, flower tent and artisan vendors.
May 5
Savannah – Enjoy a nice spring day strolling booths at the Spring Semi Annual Arts and Crafts Fair 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Tennessee Street Park.
Cookeville - Lend your ears for tales under a tent for StoryFest in the Park in Dogwood Park. Storytellers from all over will be present to delight guests for this all-day event downtown. Admission is free.
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 – Robert Dubac’s newest Off-Broadway solo hit, THE BOOK OF MORON, will have you laughing 8 p.m. at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center.
Nashville – Wish the Tennessee State Museum well as it prepares to move to its new building at Bicentennial Mall State Park with living history programs and write on the “Wishes & Memories Wall” for “Pack the Wagon” 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Nashville – The Nashville Farmers’ Market’s Strawberry Jubilee will have live music, sampling, cooking demos, a strawberry cake contest and children’s activities 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Franklin – The Franklin Hot Air Balloon Festival at Westhaven Residents’ Club will include live music, a kids’ zone, food trucks, craft vendors and a Hot Air Balloon Glow at dusk.
Leiper’s Fork – Wear a funky hat, eat crawfish and listen to music as Leiper’s Fork Distillery presents their inaugural Kentucky Derby Race for the Redbugs. The fun starts at 1 p.m.
Huntingdon – The 7th Annual Derby Day 2-6 p.m. at The Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center celebrates the time-honored traditions of the Kentucky Derby with a tailgate party, derby hats, live band, Southern food and a showing of the race.
Granville – Enjoy a pioneer meal of pinto beans, turnip greens and cornbread for the Cornbread and Moonshine Bash Festival at Pioneer Park. There’s also an operating grist mill, moonshine making demonstrations, a pioneer village and live music.
Clinton – More than 100 antiques exhibitors line the streets of the historic downtown offering unique treasures and collectibles for the 14th Annual Clinch River Spring Antique Fair 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Elizabethton – Described as one of the finest examples of federal architecture in Tennessee, get a guided tour of Sabine Hill 11 a.m. The Tennessee Historical Commission restored the house to its 1818 splendor.
Woodbury – The beloved story of Charlotte’s Web and Charlotte’s friend Wilbur is transformed from classic novel to stage production at the Arts Center of Cannon County.
Jamestown – Take an adventurous two-mile, round-trip night Lantern Hike to Crystal Falls at Pickett CCC Memorial State Park, 7:15 p.m. at the Visitors Center. Experience the park under the stars as old-fashioned oil lanterns light your way.
May 5-6
Arrington – Watch the joust, eat a turkey leg and travel back to 16th century England as more than 60 skilled artists show off their silks, swords and jewels at the Tennessee Renaissance Festival. Fest grounds are off Highway 96 on New Castle Road.
Bolivar – Take a stroll through history during the 44th Annual Heritage Home Tour, which includes the McNeal Place, the Columns, St. James Episcopal Church & Polk Cemetery, a scavenger hunt and prize. For tour information and tickets, click here.