Dance the night away, hunt for treasure, hike among the wildflowers, taste a slawburger, see the world’s largest Titanic ship built with Legos; and experience festivals celebrating culture, art and history. Here’s what’s going on across Tennessee this week. For a complete list of events, visit tnvacation.com/calendar.
Ongoing
Memphis – “The Chaos and the Cosmos: Inside Memphis Music’s Lost Decade, 1977-1986” exhibit at The Stax Museum of American Soul Music, features photographs of icons such as Al Green, Willie Mitchell, Wayne Jackson, Sam Phillips and more.
Jonesborough – The finest artists in the region 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-Fridays and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.
Nashville – The Rolling Stones Exhibit at the Musicians Hall of Fame has more than 500 artifacts and memorabilia, including a guitar gallery, Keith Richards’ diary and recreation of a Stones’ recording studio.
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.
Pigeon Forge – See the world’s largest Titanic ship built with 56,000 LEGO bricks, built by a boy from Iceland. It was an 11-month undertaking for Brynjar Karl Birgisson, known as LEGO Boy, to build the ship, now on display at the Titanic Museum.
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.
Chattanooga – ARTBURST in April is a month-long celebration of art, artists and the blooming of color in spring, featuring outdoor art exhibitions, artful yoga, art walks and more. Find a full list of events here.
April 19
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.
Memphis – The Peabody Hotel’s Rooftop Party Thursday nights features a snack buffet, drink specials and live music 6-10 p.m. Star & Micey will perform. Admission is $10-$15 or $150 for a VIP pass.
Memphis – Experience Nature Night 6 p.m. at the Memphis Botanic Garden for an evening guided tour of the gardens, free with garden admission.
Knoxville – Ghostland Observatory entrances with electro-dance soul rock 8 p.m. at The Mill & Mine.
Knoxville – Instrumentalist Tim O’Brien gets in touch with bluegrass as he takes the stage 8 p.m. at the Laurel Theater.
Chattanooga – Experience an intimate, rare-seen deep view within Lookout Mountain for the Ruby Falls Lantern Tour 8:30-10:30 p.m. The tour starts in the main lobby where you’ll take an elevator ride 260-feet below the surface for the adventure.
Delano – Bring an instrument and play a couple of tunes around the campfire 6-8 p.m. for Pickin’ in the Park at the Hiwassee/Ocoee Rivers State Park. The park will provide s’mores. Admission is $2. Kids 12 and under get in free.
April 19-21
Oliver Springs- Don’t miss the mud, music and fun at the Spring Jamboree at Windrock Park. Enjoy mud bogs, an obstacle course, guided rides and the Windrock Schindig concert featuring country music stars Morgan Evans, Michael Ray and Jon Pardi.
Pigeon Forge – The Pigeon Forge Rod Run at the LeConte Center is a must-attend event for car enthusiasts. Guests can attend a swap meet with hundreds of show cars and a car corral.
April 19-22
Memphis – The Mellotron Variations Festival at Crosstown Concourse features performances by Ross Rice, New Ballet Ensemble and Memphis Symphony Orchestra & a documentary screening featuring keyboardist Audie Smith. All events are free.
Cookeville – The Wall That Heals, a traveling 375-foot replica of the Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Wall, will be on display at Putnam County Sports Complex. Motorcycle ride-ins and events accompany the four-day display.
Nashville – Bust out laughing at the Nashville Comedy Festival at venues across the city, featuring some of the funniest comedians in the world, including Jeff Dunham, Tim Allen and Weird Al Yankovic.
Knoxville – The Dragon Lights Chinese Lantern Festival, Knoxville’s first-ever Chinese lantern festival, features 40 larger-than-life lantern displays with thousands of light components 5:30-10 p.m. daily at Chilhowee Park.
April 19-23
Memphis – Africa in April brings you an inside glimpse into Togo through music, arts and crafts, fashions, performance art, food, education, economics, culture and history. The cultural festival is held on Beale Street and Robert R. Church Park.
Pigeon Forge – Dollywood’s Spring Mix Concert Series continues with performances by the Triumphant Quartet, stand-up comedian Chonda Pierce, songwriter Wayne Watson, David Phelps and Blind Boys of Alabama. Click here for the line-up.
April 20
Millington – Take a leisurely Sunset Pontoon Boat Tour and learn about the history and nature of Poplar Tree Lake at Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park. The cost is $5. Meet at 6:15 p.m. at Nature Center Grassy Lake Road.
Memphis – Pull up a chair and enjoy the talents of local storytellers and a puppet show for Family Friday at the Children’s Museum of Memphis, free with museum admission.
Memphis – Art + Soul at Art Village Gallery every third Friday exhibits the latest works from African-American artists around the U.S., infused with live music and art curators sharing the value and importance of investing in art.
Memphis – Jim Witter’s Fire & Rain pays tribute to James Taylor 7:30 p.m. at the Halloran Centre.
Crossville – Songwriter Cyndi Torres shares her melodies and lyrics when she performs 6 p.m. at Grinders House Coffee Shop.
Leiper’s Fork – Enjoy live music by local songwriters and delicious drinks at Leiper’s Fork Distillery’s Songs in the Still House, 6:30 p.m. The $25 ticket gets you two drink tickets and benefits the future Wilkins Branch Mountain Bike Park.
Columbia – Can you answer the riddles to find a treasure hidden somewhere in Columbia? Recruit a team of five for the Treasure Hunt. Pick up your first clue at 6 p.m. at the Maury County Library.
Columbia – Dance the night away at the Spring Fling Dance at Puckett’s. The $25 ticket includes the dance lesson, spinach dip, pico de gallo & chips, chicken skewers, Southern sliders, coleslaw and a scoop of Hattie Jane’s ice cream.
Knoxville – Black Jacket Symphony performs Guns N Roses’ “Appetite for Destruction” 8 p.m. at the Tennessee Theatre.
Knoxville –Grammy nominees T’Monde present French and Creole ballads and Cajun dance music 8 p.m. at the Laurel Theater.
Chattanooga – Experience live music, food from local restaurants and stroll the artisan market in search of handmade arts & crafts 6 p.m. for Cambridge Square Night Market.
April 20-21
Jackson – The Bunny Run Jackson Rod & Custom Show at Fairgrounds Park is a must for car lovers with approximately 450 cars, a swap meet and vendors.
Nashville – Vanderbilt University showcases a weekend full of live music during Rites of Spring. This year’s lineup includes Gucci Mane, Cheat Codes and more.
Clinton – Welcome the warmth of spring at Sheep Shearing Days 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Museum of Appalachia with demonstrations of shearing, carding, spinning and weaving, sheep herding, live music and storytelling.
Winchester – If you love barbecue, you can’t miss High on the Hog in Winchester City Park. The two-day festival features a fierce barbecue competition, live music, 5K and 10K trail runs, a beauty pageant and more.
April 20-22
Union City – Experience Civil War Days at Discovery Park of America. There will be an encampment set up on the Great Lawn, cannon and gun firing demonstrations, reenactors in period attire and a lantern walk Friday night.
Kingsport – The 39th Annual Spring Nature Festival is a weekend full of discovery, with talks and hikes on many nature topics, from stream life to wildlife tracking to night skies to spring wildflowers at Warriors’ Path State Park.
Townsend – The Smoky Mountain Fiber Arts Festival at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center offers family activities, demonstrations, classes, vendor marketplace and live animal displays.
Lookout Mountain – Go on a RockQuest Adventure, climb to the top of the Rock Climbing Wall at Lover’s Leap and learn how to use recycled materials like making your own rain barrel 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Earthdayz at Rock City Gardens.
April 20-23
Greasy Creek – The Polk County Ramp Tramp Festival at the Polk County 4-H Camp celebrates the ramp, or wild onion, with fellowship, fun and a tasty ramp meal.
April 21
Memphis – Each spring, The East Buntyn ArtWalk celebrates local artists, musicians and food trucks with an amazing bazaar of galleries set up in front yards and porches of the historic East Memphis neighborhood. Visit local artists from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Memphis – Memphis Made Brewing’s Hopped IV kicks off at noon. The free festival includes specialty brews, live music and food for purchase by Sushi Jimmi, Smoke & Rolls and MemPops. The first 100 customers get a 16-ounce Hopped IV mug.
Memphis – Bring your appetite and an extra clean shirt for the 16th Annual Southern Hot Wing Festival held 11 a.m.to 7 p.m. at Tiger Lane. There will be food, live music and fun activities, all benefiting the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Memphis.
Memphis – Join Alice and the Mad Hatter for the Alice in Wonderland Tea Party 1-4 p.m. at Memphis Botanic Garden. Enjoy Eat Me treats and snacks provided by Frost Bake Shop. There will be craft projects and photo ops with the whimsical characters.
Jackson – Head to the West Tennessee Farmer’s Market for the Keep Jackson Beautiful Earth Day Festival beginning 7 a.m. with environmental booths, family scavenger hunts with prizes, magicians, seedling giveaways, a 5K and live music.
Union City – Children can tap into their inner artist at the Kids Create Art Class 9:30 a.m. at Discovery Park of America. Students will not need to use paintbrushes, but Q-tips. The class is $15 for members, $20 for not-yet members.
Fayetteville – The Slawburger Festival in the historic downtown square is centered on the town’s famous slawburger, featuring an eating contest, live music, street food, shopping, a kids’ zone and vendors.
Savannah – Rev up your engines for the 12th Annual Cruz-n for a Cure Car Show 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hardin County Bank. The entry fee is $25 and money raised benefits Relay for Life.
Holladay –The Old Time Bluegrass and Fiddler’s Jamboree at Holladay Elementary School includes a beauty pageant, parade, street dance, variety show, games, barbecue dinners, bluegrass and fiddler’s competitions and a clogging contest.
Lawrenceburg – Spend the afternoon with live music and food trucks for TN Music & Food Fest at Rotary Park. Gates open at 2 p.m. Don’t forget your lawn chairs and come join the fun.
Limestone – Join park rangers to hear the story of the many cultures and traditions that melted together to form Traditional Appalachian Folk Music 7 p.m. at the Campground Pavilion at David Crockett Birthplace State Park.
Nashville – Celebrate indie record stores and classic vinyl. Indie record stores like Grimey’s, Ernest Tubb Record Shop and Jack White’s Third Man Records will offer special releases, concerts and other events for Record Store Day.
Nashville – Celebrate the planet we call home this weekend at the fun-filled Earth Day Celebration 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Adventure Science Center with hands-on activities and live science demonstrations.
Cookeville – Wear comfortable shoes and pack a light snack for the beautiful Morning Waterfall Hike at Cummins Falls. Meet at 8 a.m. at the tiny house beside the trail head for the 2.5-mile round trip hike down into the gorge.
Murfreesboro – Escape for a day into the woods for Boro Adventure Fest noon to 4 p.m. in Barfield Park. The fest features live music, campfires, food, hammocks, rock climbing and face painting. Admission is $10 for adults. Kids under 12 get in free.
Columbia – The 2nd Annual Artisans Art Walk 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Public Square in downtown Columbia and through the Arts District has local art, a chalk art contest open to all and a soap box car race. The event is free.
Hampshire – Swine and Wine is back for an all-new season bringing local musicians paired with Puckett’s BBQ every month from April-October. Head to Natchez Hills Vineyard at 3 p.m. to jam out and taste slow-smoked barbecue in the vineyard.
Pulaski – The Warrior Dash will run the hills of Milky Way Farm with music, obstacles, competitive racing and other fun activities. Come join the craziness down on the farm for the all-day event.
Chattanooga – Grab your mat for Artful Yoga: Dancing Into a New Millennium 1:30-3 p.m. at Hunter Museum of American Art. The event includes a gallery discussion and joy-filled active practice with peace and strength.
Knoxville – The Chalk Walk street painting festival in Market Square transforms Knoxville’s downtown sidewalks into a canvas.
Knoxville – Join the East Tennessee History Center 9 a.m. to noon for a morning of free lectures on the region’s important role during the Revolutionary War.
Cleveland – The Bradley County Master Gardeners Spring Forward Fest at the Museum Center at 5ive Points features a marketplace of garden and nature products, crafts, free gardening seminars and workers, a Kinder Garden with activities for kids age 4-7, food, door prizes and more.
Gatlinburg – A game of chance for a good cause for the Annual Bone Drop, 9 a.m. Bones will be collected in a bucket and dropped from the Aerial Tram. Whoever gets closest to the bullseye wins, benefiting the Sevier County Humane Society.
Wartburg – Hike through the forests of Frozen Head State Park to find the wild and wonderful flowers that grow throughout the area. The three-mile hike for the 51st Annual Wildflower Pilgrimage kicks off at 2 p.m.
April 21-22
Memphis – Too Hot to Handel: The Jazz-Gospel Messiah will have you rejoicing in the aisles at the Orpheum Theatre. Join the renowned soloists, a legendary pianist, a symphony orchestra and a more than 100-member local choir.
Shiloh – Shiloh National Military Park will offer various wildlife programs to kick off National Park Week. Visitors will get a close-up look at a live snack and birds of prey. Shiloh Battlefield is home to more than 50 species of reptiles and amphibians.
Cookeville – CrossFit competitors and spectators from around the world join 4x Fittest Man on Earth Rich Froning raise funds to build homes for Mustard Seed Ranch 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Tennessee Tech University’s Hyder Burks Pavilion. Tickets are $5.
Chattanooga – Don’t miss Chattanooga’s premier outdoor cultural event this spring. Discover art from dozens of artists as you stroll through the marketplace for Four Bridges Art Festival at First Tennessee Pavilion.
April 21-28
Paris – The World’s Biggest Fish Fry features more than five tons of catfish served to thousands of visitors, plus a rodeo, arts and crafts show, parade and catfish races at the Henry County Fairgrounds.
April 22
Nashville – Stand-up comedian Chris D’Elia, known for the comedy series Undateable & special Man of Fire, will have you laughing when he takes the stage at 7 p.m. at War Memorial Auditorium.
Cookeville – The long-awaited return of the Cookeville Criterium takes bicycle riders on a high-speed and challenging race through downtown and around the historic Putnam County Courthouse Square.
Wartburg – Join an ecologist and park ranger for a seven-mile trek to the peak of Frozen Head Mountain, meeting 9 a.m. at Old Mac Trailhead. Bring plenty of water, a sack lunch and be ready for a moderate hike, which will climb more than 2,000 feet in elevation.
Eva – Celebrate Earth Day by bringing your pup to the 4 Legged Friend’s Hike 4 p.m. at Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park.
April 23
Memphis – Celebrate Earth Day 10 a.m.to 1 p.m. at the Children’s Museum of Memphis. Learn how to recycle with fun hands-on projects, find out the importance of bees and how to be kind to the earth.
Jonesborough – The original storytelling radio hour, Yarn Exchange, features stories of those in service to the community, 7 p.m. at the International Storytelling Center. The musical guest will be Aaron Jaxon.
April 24
Jackson – Experience live music, food and drinks at the 6th Annual Aeneas Block Party at the Aeneas Building downtown, 5-7:30 p.m. Enjoy entertainment from Leather & Lace, Farewell Mourning and other surprise entertainment.
Memphis – Bring your mat and unwind during the free class for Our Yoga Downtown 6-7 p.m. at Memphis Park. The free weekly yoga series is every Tuesday April-September.
Nashville – Strong Leads is a four-part, after-school seminar for high school girls spotlighting films about and made by women. The sessions at the Belcourt Theatre take place 4-7:30 p.m. each Tuesday from April 10 to May 1.
April 24-28
Gatlinburg – Outdoor enthusiasts can discover wildflowers through guided tours, history walks, seminars, photography classes and more during the 68th Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
April 25
Union City – Look to the sky for Stargazing Night 8 p.m. at Discovery Park of America. Crews from UT Martin Astronomy Department will point out different constellations and unique happenings in the sky. The event is free.
Nashville – Writer David Sedaris brings his sardonic wit to the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, 7:30 p.m.
April 26
Milledgeville – A car show, tractor pull, vendors, children’s activities and more are in store for the Milledgeville Heritage Festival in downtown Milledgeville.
Memphis – Bring your four-legged friend on a leash and walk the trails and pathways 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 Freedom concert 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.
April 26-27
Gatlinburg – Enjoy music, activities and games, craft stations and food for the Earth Day Festival downtown. The Earth Day 5K Run/Walk will be Friday. Funds raised benefit the Chamber Foundation’s initiatives in education and green program.
April 27
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 the Orpheum 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 special guest Amanda Shires take the stage at 8 p.m. at the historic Tennessee Theatre.
Spring City – Come together as The WannaBeatles create Beatlemania 7:30 p.m. at Tennessee Valley Theatre. Tickets are $12.
