This Week's Tennessee Tourism Round Up

  • Thursday, August 2, 2018
  • Jill Kilgore

Shop or hunt for treasures, learn a new skill, stroll and soak in fine arts and crafts, travel back in time and enjoy old traditions at the unique festivals across the state. For a complete list of events going on across Tennessee this week, visit tnvacation.com/calendar.

Aug. 2

Memphis – The first Thursday of each month features a yoga session in the beautiful gardens for 30 Thursdays: Zen and Zinfadel 6 p.m. at Memphis Botanic Garden.

Bring your own yoga mat and drink.

Memphis – Pet lovers can bring their well-behaved pups to the Metal Museum to have their paw prints cast in a clay mold or aluminum. The free Whet Thursday: Dog Days of Summer5-8 p.m. features food trucks, live music and a gallery talk.

Memphis – Key Glock, a young rap artist from Memphis and protégé of Young Dolph, performs 7 p.m. at New Daisy Theatre.

Memphis – Bring It Live! featuring Miss D and her Dancing Dolls with stunning, high-energy dance moves take the stage 7:30 p.m. at the Orpheum Theatre.

Nashville – Wear your football gear for the free Movies at the Park at Public Square Park. The fun starts at 6 p.m. with giant lawn games, food trucks and frozen treats for sale. The movie Remember the Titans starts at sundown.

Knoxville – Bring out your dancing queen as the ABBA Tribute Show gets audiences singing 8 p.m. at the Tennessee Theatre.

Chattanooga – Dance to a new rhythm with an experience inspired by the exhibit Embodied Beauty at the Hunter Museum of American ArtBands on the Bluff kicks off 6 p.m. with live music, dancing, a cash bar and frozen treats for sale.

Aug. 2-4

Murfreesboro – Watch a variety of classes for various riding disciplines featuring the nation’s top Walking Horses and exhibitors at the 40th Annual International Grand Championshipsat Tennessee Miller Coliseum.

Celina – The annual Homecoming Days festival around the Historic Courthouse features a duck race, cake walk, cattlemen’s steak cooking, cow patty contest, music and other fun family activities.

Aug. 2-5

Statewide - 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.

Hurricane Mills – Loretta Lynn’s Ranch transforms into a racing ground for the Rocky Mountain ATV/MC AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship.

Aug. 2-12

Knoxville – Shakespeare on the Square features two of William Shakespeare’s plays, rotated 7 p.m. nightly outdoors on Market Square in the heart of downtown. A $10 donation is suggested.

Aug. 2-18

Clarksville – The high-spirited rivalry between cowboys and farmers sets the backdrop for a love story in Roger’s & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma at Roxy Regional Theatre. Tickets are $25.

Aug. 2-19

Knoxville – Join Knoxville native and Broadway veteran Laura Beth Wells and her husband Metropolitan Opera singer David Crawford as they share their stories through song, ranging from Mozart to U2 at the Flying Anvil Theatre.

Aug. 3

Memphis – Fans are in store for honest, raw soul music when Maze performs 8 p.m. at the Orpheum Theatre.

Franklin – The free First Friday Art Scene Crawl takes you 6-9 p.m. through downtown Main Street’s historic buildings.

Nashville – Learn how to play the banjo during the Beginning Banjo Workshop 10:30 a.m. or 11:15 a.m. at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Learn banjo basics, including a few chords and songs in celebration of the new exhibition “The Judds: Dream Chasers.” Museum admission required.

 

Lewisburg – Stroll through Lewisburg for Fun Fridays 5 p.m. at the Marshall County Art Guild. There will be live music, kids’ activities, food trucks, a car show, movie in the park and all shops will stay open late for the event.

Knoxville – ABBA the Tribute Concert brings one of the greatest pop phenomena to life 8 p.m. at Tennessee Theatre.

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.

Chattanooga – Tomar and the FCs perform during the free Nightfall Concert Series 7 p.m. at Miller Plaza. Bring the kids, lawn chairs, pets and friends to enjoy great live music, food and drinks. Neshawn Calloway will open the show.

Aug. 3-4

Castalian Springs – The Rogana Rocks Music & Arts Festival at Rogana Rocks is a two-day party with performances from a curated selection of local musicians, plus unique outdoor art galleries and on-site installations.

Aug. 3-11

Franklin – Stroll the midways, snack on funnel cakes and fair food, ride rides, check out educational exhibits, livestock shows, live music and family fun during the Williamson County Fair at the Williamson County Agricultural Expo Park.

Aug. 4

Union City – Bring the family out to the Antique Tractor Show 10 a.m. at Discovery Park of America. Tractors will be set up around the Red Barn and guests can attend the show, free with park admission which is $10 per person for the event.

Clarksville – The new Best of Tennessee Craft exhibition at Custom House Museum and Cultural Center celebrates and showcases the finest contemporary and tradition craft Tennessee has to offer. An opening reception will be 5-7 p.m. at the museum. The showcase runs through Oct. 15.

Nashville – Brit Floyd, known as the world’s greatest Pink Floyd Tribute Show, returns to the stage for a 45th anniversary retrospective of Pink Floyd’s iconic 1973 album, Dark Side of the Moon, 8 p.m. at Tennessee Performing Arts Center.

Nashville – During Backstage Nashville, get up close and personal with songwriters, enjoy a complimentary bourbon tasting, hit songs and the stories behind them 12:30 p.m. at 3rd & Lindsley. Tickets are $25.

Nashville – The First Saturday Art Crawl celebrates its 12th anniversary. The free monthly visual arts event 6-9 p.m. at Fifth Avenue of the Arts in the Historic Arcade is made up of art galleries, venues and museums.

Nashville – Songwriters Shelly Fairchild and Ira Dean share the stories behind their work in an intimate performance setting with an audience Q&A 12:30 p.m. at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Tickets are included with museum admission.

Nashville – Learn a new skill in the Beginner Ukulele Workshop 10:30 a.m. or 11:15 a.m. at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Learn ukulele basics in this hands-on Little Big Town-themed workshop. Museum admission required.

Franklin – Take a variety of group classes, 5k run and healthy living activities for Find Your Fit Franklin 8 a.m. at the Private Franklin City Park. Enjoy a live DJ, food trucks and massages. All proceeds benefit St. Jude.

McMinnville – Singer/songwriter Todd Snider takes fans 333 feet underground with a concert in the World Famous Volcano Room 3 p.m. at Cumberland Caverns. Elizabeth Cook will open the show.

Pulaski – Bring a picnic and friends for a fun evening under the stars. Ben Daniels takes the stage at 6 p.m. for A Grape Event at Big Creek Winery. The event is free and wine will be available for purchase.

Spring Hill – Get ready for adventure for the Rip-N-Run 7-11 a.m. at Rippavilla Plantation with a 5k obstacle course, one-mile fun run, messy games and entertainment.

Knoxville – Bodybuilding competitors vie for prizes and giveaways in the national qualifier NPC Knox Classic at Knoxville Civic Auditorium.

Clinton – Bring blankets, lawn chairs and kick back with live music during the Jazz on the Hill concert series 6-9 p.m. outside the Green McAdoo Cultural Center. The event is free, but vendors will be outside for food and drink purchases.

Pigeon Forge – Come out to Old Mill Square for free music during Springtime in the Smokies. Festivities begin at 11 a.m. with evening bluegrass performances.

Aug. 4-5

Lewisburg – Bicyclists will compete in the Battle of Lewisburg Omnium in a time trial, crit and road race during the town’s Taste of Marshall County Festival at Lewisburg Square with live music, performance artists, food and fun.

Aug. 5

Memphis – A mainstay of indie rock for a decade with four studio albums, Band of Horses bring their global tour to the Orpheum Theatre at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $35.

Nashville – Kids can get hands-on with letterpress in this unique workshop noon1 p.m. or 2 p.m. at Hatch Show Print. In Family Art Making, children learn about letterpress printing from staff and create their own letterpress art.

Hampshire – Pack a picnic and enjoy wine and live music for Music on the Ridge 12:30-6 p.m. at Amber Falls Winery.

Aug. 6

Knoxville – The McClung Museum of Natural History offers Enhanced Learning Homeschool Programs. The 90-minute session at 10 a.m. costs $5 and students experience hands-on learning in galleries about Ancient China and Ancient Rome.

Aug. 7

Knoxville – Veteran journalist and storyteller Vince Vawter talks about the sequel to his Newberry Honor Book paperboy 7 p.m. at the East Tennessee History Center.

Aug. 8

Knoxville – Songwriter, musician and artist Amanda Shires performs songs from her new album “To the Sunset” 8 p.m. at the Bijou Theatre. Cory Branan will also perform.

Aug. 9

Clarksville – Savor peach delicacies using the famously delicious Peach Truck Peaches during the Peach Party 6-9 p.m. at Miss Lucille’s Marketplace. The event will also feature live music by Carl Wockner.

Knoxville – The mothership lands in Knoxville for one night only. Funk legends George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic bring their final tour to The Mill & Mine stage at 8 p.m.

Chattanooga – Singer and songwriter Mary Chapin Carpenter shares her stories and tunes 8 p.m. at Tivoli Theatre.

Bristol – Radio Bristol presents the Farm and Fun Time variety show live 7 p.m. from the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, featuring musical guests Che Apalache and Jesse Lege and the Old-Fashioned Aces. Tickets are $30.

Aug. 9-18

Memphis – Fans from around the world gather at Elvis Presley’s Graceland to celebrate the life and legacy of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll during Elvis Week with unprecedented concerts and special performances. Highlights include a special tribute to the 50th anniversary of the legendary ’68 Comeback Special, annual Elvis 5k, dance party and candlelight vigil.

Aug. 9-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.

Aug. 9-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. 10

Jackson – Bryan Moffitt entertains for the free AMP at the Market concert series 7:30 p.m. at the West Tennessee Farmers Market. Guests can bring lawn chairs, a picnic or visit the food concessions. Free parking is available throughout downtown.

Jackson – Fun, games and a chance to win prizes. The Jackson-Madison County Fabulous Feud Gameshow and Dinner is back 6-9 p.m. at Carl Perkins Civic Center. Doors will be open2-4 p.m. to register to play or be in the audience.

Memphis – Grab your tissues and a group of friends for Orpheum Theatre’s Summer Movies Series. The doors open at 6 p.m. for fun activities, drink special and photos. The movie “Steel Magnolias” begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $8.

Memphis – Elvis tribute artists Jacob Roman and Cote Deonath will sing the hits made famous by the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll in Elvis: The Younger Years noon at the Halloran Centre for Performing Arts and Education.

Nashville – Emmy  and Grammy Award winner David Cross brings his inventive work to the stage 8 p.m. at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center.

Nashville – Learn about the legacy of Wynonna and Naomi Judd, who dominated the country charts during the 1980s and 90s as The Judds: Dream Chasers exhibit opens at theCountry Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Knoxville – Folk & acoustic rock artist and Knoxville native Candice McQueen will get your feet moving at the free Concerts in the Park series 6 p.m. at Fountain City Park.

Chattanooga – Musician and incredible fiddle player Lillie Mae takes the stage for the free Nightfall Concert Series starting at 7 p.m. in Miller Plaza. Enjoy live music, food and drinks during the fest.

Bristol – The Malpass Brothers’ songs portray life’s joys, heartaches, problems and happiness. Hear their soul-stirring tunes 7 p.m. live at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.

Townsend – The Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center will host its “Music in the Round” benefit concert with singer-songwriters Dave Gibson, Benita Hill and Becky Hobbs. Dinner starts at 6:20 p.m., followed by the show. Tickets are $80.

Aug. 10-11

East Nashville – The 15th annual Tomato Art Fest welcomes everyone to the Five Points area for fun and wacky art, live music, food, costumes, contests, shopping and kids activities.

Johnson City – The Little Chicago Downtown Music & Arts Festival fills the streets of downtown Johnson City with families and fans enjoying regional live music, fine arts and crafts, and the best in local foods.

Aug. 10-12

Hurricane Mills – The oldest race on the ATV national circuit draws riders to Loretta Lynn’s Ranch for the ATV MX National Championship race.

Tullahoma – Music, comedy and dance all roll into one performance for South Jackson Goes Country at South Jackson Civic Center.

Lawrenceburg – Travel back through time for David Crockett Days. This pre-1840s celebration of Crockett’s birthday at David Crockett State Park includes shooting matches, tomahawk throwing, fire starting, crafts of the time, food and wares.

Pigeon Forge – Burt Reynolds, Richard Petty, Lee Majors and more are scheduled to make special appearances during Bubba Fest at the LeConte Center. The fest will include activities, contests and family-friendly movie screenings.

Knoxville – Revisit the romantic comedy “When Harry Met Sally” for Summer Movie Magic 8 p.m. at the Tennessee Theatre.

Aug. 10-25

Woodbury – The Arts Center of Cannon Co. welcomes the musical play Titanic, which examines the causes, conditions and characters of the fateful voyage.

Aug. 11

Union City – Get ready for some of the craziest food eating contests you can imagine at the Food Fest Contest 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Discovery Park of America. Competitors will try Dippin’ Dots (no hands allowed), pizza, spaghetti and donuts.

Jackson – Enjoy live music from We are Messengers, KB, Rush of Fools and Scott Dawson for the free Christian music event Barnfest 5-9 p.m. at the Barn at Snider Farms.

Halls – Enjoy a day of family fun, food and watching at least 30 aircraft perform during the Wings Over Halls airshow 9:30 a.m. at DYAAB Veterans’ Museum.

Collierville – Train Heritage Day celebrates Collierville’s train history. Come to the Morton Museum of Collierville 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to learn about the history, make train hats, view model train displays and take train tours on the historic town square.

Springville – Get up-close with hummingbirds during the Hummingbird Banding event 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge. There will also be children’s arts and crafts activities and educational programs.

Cookeville – Sip and stroll during Wine on the WestSide. The festival 6-10 p.m. provides more than 125 wines and craft beers with tasting tents, live bands, a DJ, food samplings and vendors.

Nashville – Songwriters Steve Dean and Bill Whyte share the stories behind their work in an intimate performance setting with an audience Q&A 12:30 p.m. at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Tickets are included with museum admission.

Arrington – Celebrate the late days of summer with friends and family at the 6th annual Harvest Party 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Arrington Vineyards with music, hot air balloons, food and wine.

Spring Hill – Faith, fun and music are the focus of the Tennessee’s NEW No. 1 Christian concert, the Impact Festival noon to 8 p.m. at the Rippavilla Plantation. Brandon Heath, Tim Timmons and Joel Vaughn will perform.

Portland – Savor the summer night by enjoying live free classic rock music as Legacy performs at August Music on Main 7 p.m. on Main Street. The event is free. Bring a lawn chair or rent one for $2.

Granville – Michael Feagan & the Fiddlegrass Band will have you stomping your feet at Sutton Ole Time Music Hour 6-8 p.m. at the T.B. Sutton General Store. Tickets are $20 for dinner and admission.

Knoxville – Take part in crafts, activities, giveaways, yoga lessons and explore how to keep the mind and body healthy through exercise, diet and more during the free Family Fun Day 1-4 p.m. at McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture.

Wartburg – Heritage Day celebrates the folk music, demonstrations and crafts of traditional Appalachian and Cumberland Plateau culture. The festival 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Frozen Head State Park will have live bluegrass music.

Aug. 11-Oct. 21

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 festgoers. The exhibit is on display at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.

Ongoing

Memphis – A 79-year tradition continues with Peabody Rooftop Parties 6-10 p.m. at the historic Peabody Hotel. Admission is $10-$15 and includes live music and snack buffet.

Clarksville - Bring your lawn chairs, blanket and a picnic while enjoying the spectacular views and sipping on vino at the free music series Jazz on the Lawn 6:30 p.m. Saturdays atBeachaven Winery. The Rhythm Kings perform Aug. 4.

Nashville – Enjoy the Nashville Zoo for a bargain for Kroger Safari Fridays. Kroger Plus Card holders can take advantage of the “buy one, get one” free zoo ticket deal Fridays in August. Guests must have their Kroger Card to get the deal.

Cookeville – Answer trivia questions and learn about the past during the free History Hike 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. between the Cookeville Depot Museum and Cookeville History Museum, the second Saturday of each month (April-October).

Arrington – Pack a picnic and purchase award-winning wine while listening to Music in the Vines every Saturday and Sunday from April-October. The concerts are free.

Jonesborough – Hosted on Sundays throughout the summer, check out Brews and Tunes 4-7 p.m. at the plaza at the International Storytelling Center for craft beer, local music and a food truck.

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.

Gatlinburg – The Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales street performance festival takes place each night through Aug. 11 in downtown Gatlinburg and features musicians, storytellers, artisans, cloggers and more at different locations along the Parkway. 

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