Autumn is in the air at the Fall FunFest, Delta Fair & Music Fest, Cooper-Young Festival, Great American Airshow, Archaeofest, Riverfest, Soybean Festival, Cowpea Festival, Tennessee Honey Festival, Americana Fest, Woofstock, Cherokee Fall Festival, Haunting in the Hills Storytelling Festival, International Goat Days, Moon River Festival, Shakespeare in the Park, free art crawls and concerts. For a complete list of events across Tennessee this week, visit tnvacation.com/calendar.
Sept. 6
Clarksville – Thursday is the new Friday at DJ on the Dock. Join Beachaven Vineyards & Winery at 6 p.m. for happy hour fun with Blush wine spritzers, listening to tunes from DJ Benton Lewis and playing corn hole games.
Jonesborough – Experience the emotional thrill of Bram Stoker’s gothic masterpiece, Dracula, in a one-woman show by Megan Wells 6:30 p.m. at the International Storytelling Center.
Sept. 6-8
Clarksville – Riverfest brings three days of music and arts in McGregor Park. The free event features delicious food, activities for kids of all ages, live entertainment, the Riverfest Regatta, Rally on the Cumberland and more.
Clifton – Bring a chair and get ready for an awesome concert experience, food, music, daytime activities and a beauty pageant during the Horseshoe Riverbend Festival on Main Street. A trolley will take guests to and from the gate to the marina.
Sept. 6-9
Memphis – Experience live music, festival food, carnival rides, vendors, craft & culinary exhibits, livestock judging, demolition derbies and more at the Delta Fair & Music Festival.
Memphis – The sequel to the Phantom of the Opera, Love Never Dies takes audiences on a thrilling rollercoaster ride of intrigue, obsession and romance at the Orpheum Theatre.
Memphis – Disney on Ice presents Frozen, the complete adventure of the Academy Award-winning tale of sisters Anna and Elsa at the FedExForum.
Nashville – Taco ‘bout a deal. Enjoy Nashville’s favorite tacos for $2 all week long during the Nashville Scene Taco Week. Participating locations include Pancho & Lefty’s, The District Bar and Kitchen, Taco Mamacita and Zulema’s Taqueria.
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.
Franklin – Pushing the limits of science and morality, Victor Frankenstein unleashes a creation he can’t control in the stage adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic, Frankenstein at the Jamison Theater in the Factory at Franklin.
Martin – Celebrate Tennessee agriculture and one of the state’s top crops with more than 50 events including pageants, a farmers market, fireworks, Sesame Street Live and more in the historic downtown for the Soybean Festival.
Sept. 6-16
Knoxville – Laughter and a mystery to solve are on tap as Theatre Knoxville Downtown presents Four Old Broads about a sassy seniors’ cruise and the hilarious characters trying to get on board.
Sept. 7
Brownsville – Tennessee music has many facets and “FACE’s,” as seen through the sketches of Paris, Tennessee artist Sheila Fitzhugh. A show featuring her art opens with an opening reception and chance to meet the artist 6-8 p.m. at West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center.
Jackson – The Jimmy Church Band takes the stage at Music at the AMP 7:30 p.m. at the West Tennessee Farmers Market. Bring blankets, lawn chairs, and a picnic or check out local food vendors.
Memphis – Feel the energy and experience the excitement as Rhonda Vincent and her band the Rage, the most award-winning band in bluegrass music history, take the stage 7:30 p.m. at the Halloran Centre.
Memphis – Celebrate the start to the weekend with Art on the Rocks 6-9 p.m. at Dixon Gallery and Gardens. The event includes a beer tasting, botanical cocktails and mixed drinks. Tickets are $50.
Lexington – Stroll the streets of downtown Lexington for First Friday on the Square 6-9 p.m. at Lexington Court Square for live music, gallery openings, shopping and fun.
Murfreesboro – Bring your lawn chair and blanket to downtown Murfreesboro for a wonderful evening of music and dancing for Friday Night Live 6:30-9:30 p.m. in downtown Murfreesboro Public Square. The concert is free.
Knoxville – Painter George Rothery and woodturner Gordon Fowler showcase their works at the Art Market Gallery through September. An opening reception at 5:30 p.m. includes refreshments and music by The Accidentals during downtown Knoxville’s First Friday Art Walk.
Chattanooga – Who’s Bad? Find the answer in a power-packed tribute performance of Michael Jackson’s expansive catalogue of music 9 p.m. at the Songbirds Guitar Museum.
Townsend – Music of the Mountains kicks off at 7 p.m. at Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center. Tickets are $10.
Sept. 7-8
Jackson – A two-day vintage and antiquing extravaganza, the City Farmhouse Pop-up Fair at White Oak Farms features hand-selected vendors, live music and food trucks. Southern Living and Garden & Gun named it a top October event.
Millington – The International Goat Days Festival at USA Stadium includes a goat show, barbecue competition, antique tractor show, tractor pull, catch-and-release fishing rodeo, pancake breakfast, Battle of the Bands, hot air balloon rides and more.
Cookeville – The CityScape’s Fall FunFest will get you in the mood for autumn as two days of free fall fun descends on Cookeville’s historic downtown square for food, live music, arts & crafts and lots of fun activities for the kids.
Nashville – The Highland Games and Celtic Festival at Andrew Jackson’s The Hermitage includes music, dancing, exhibitions, games, competitions, food and craft vendors. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy the festivities.
Pigeon Forge – Rev up your engines for vintage rides as Dollywood’s Splash Country hosts the Shades of the Past Hot Rod Roundup. Admission is only $10 per day and kids under 12 get in free. More than 200 hot rods will compete for grand prizes.
Townsend – More than 2,000 runners will race through the peaceful and serene Smoky Mountains at the Great Smoky Mountains Half Marathon and 5K. Visitors will also be able to hike, walk trails and participate in outdoor activities.
Sept. 7-9
Spencer – The Mountaineer Folk Festival is jam-packed with family fun. Guests can enjoy handmade crafts, traditional mountain music, demonstrations of pioneer skills, country cooking and much more at Fall Creek Falls State Park.
Sept. 7-16
Knoxville – The Tennessee Valley Fair has culinary arts and crafts, livestock shows, sports, special events, homegrown goodies and concerts with performances by Rick Springfield, Joe Diffie, Scotty McCreery and more.
Sept. 7-29
Clarksville – The 1950s are out and the 1960s are in as lovable teen Tracy Turnblad tries to dance on the popular “Corny Collins Show” during Hairspray at Roxy Regional Theatre. Tickets are $25.
Sept. 7, 14, 21 and 28
Memphis – From the sweet sounds of soul to chilled-out beats and local bands, the National Civil Rights Museum hosts its free outdoor concert series 6-8 p.m. at Museum Founders Park. Concerts also feature spoken world artists, stand-up comedians, MLK speeches and DJs, Sip & Shop and food trucks.
Sept. 8
Savannah – Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy the evening of classical music while overlooking the Tennessee River for the 30th Annual Sunset Symphony 5:30 p.m. at Cherry Mansion.
Jackson – Prepare to embark on a dazzling, technicolor journey based on the classic folk tale Arabian Nights 7:30 p.m. at Carl Perkins Civic Center.
Memphis – The Southern Heritage Classic football matchup pits Tennessee State University against Jackson State University. Bring your tailgating gear and stick around for the live music. Celebrations kick off Thursday night.
Somerville – Handcrafted items and delicious delights excite at the Fayette County Cotton Festival on Court Square. The fest includes a cooking contest, car & truck show, 5K and pageant.
Nashville – Learn, explore and create at the Kidsville Family Festival 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Centennial Park with yoga, music & dance, Nashville Predators Fitness Zone, crafts, inflatable games, face painting, photo booth and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood.
Nashville – Teams of 20 paddlers, a drummer and a steerer race in 46-foot long traditional Chinese dragon boats compete in an adrenaline-pumping ride down the Cumberland River downtown. The Dragon Boat Festival is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Nashville – The Frist Art Museum will hold a symposium to coincide with the exhibit Chaos and Awe: Painting for the 21st Century. Artists will discuss their works and there will be a box lunch. Tickets are $40. The exhibit closes Sept. 16.
Nashville – Travel through different regions spanning the globe and sample wine, beer and spirits during the 16th Annual Wine on the River 3-7 p.m. at Riverfront Park. There will be live music and themed food available for purchase.
Nashville – The OUTDLOUD Music Festival includes Betty Who, Big Freedia, Shelly Fairchild and Zoe Cummins, a play dance bar and other fun activities 3-11 p.m. on Church Street downtown.
Hendersonville – Experience the sweet taste of beekeeping. Bring family and friends for an educational, fun-filled Tennessee Honey Festival 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Hendersonville Memorial Park with music, beehive painting, food and art stations.
Goodlettsville – The Salty Dog Festival 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. outside Goodlettsville City Hall will include antiques, local art, crafts, food, 5K, a petting zoo, kids’ zone, art shows, car show and local business booths.
LaVergne – The Old Timers Festival at Veterans Memorial Park includes a parade, booths, crafts and local vendors, great food and fun through the heart of the city.
Waverly – Bargain hunters travel from far and wide to take advantage of great deals and fun shopping during the 30-mile Yard Sale in picturesque Humphreys County.
Cornersville – Compete in a cornhole tournament, savor snacks from local food trucks and listen to music by About Tyme Band and the Full Circle band during the Cornersville Main Street Festival in Cornersville Town Park.
Charleston – Season 7 winner of The Voice, Craig Wayne Boyd, will headline the Cowpea Festival in Charleston Park. The fest kicks off at 10 a.m. with cowpea recipes, a cook-off, live music, food and craft vendors, storytelling and family fun.
Chattanooga – Blending perfect harmonies, precise instrumentation and a visually engaging stage show, don’t miss Rumours: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute at 9 p.m. Songbirds Guitar Museum.
Townsend – Come out to Cades Cove Cellars for the Fall Taste of Art and Wine and enjoy an open market with local arts and crafts, along with candies for your sweetheart.
Sevierville – Awesome planes, fast cars and great food. See the Great Smoky Mountains in a 1927 WACO open cockpit that seats two during Planes and Porches Fly/Drive-In 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Gatlinburg Pigeon Forge Airport. Admission is free.
Sept. 8-9
Jackson – U.S. and foreign coins, ancient coins, gold and silver, paper money and collectibles from several states will be showcased during the West Tennessee Collectors Club Coin Show at UT Extension Service Auditorium.
Chattanooga – The Moon River Festival at Coolidge Park highlights the music and culture of Tennessee with performances by The Avett Brothers, Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors and Judah & the Lion.
Woodbury – The White Oak Craft Fair at the Arts Center and throughout Woodbury showcases handmade fine arts and crafts, food demonstrations, music & tastings at Short Mountain Distillery (Saturday only) and specials at shops & antique stores.
Vonore – Sequoyah Birthplace Museum will take visitors back in time to experience Native American food, Cherokee arts and crafts demonstrations, music and dance and blacksmith shop demonstrations during the Cherokee Fall Festival.
Sept. 9
Nashville – It’s a night of masterpieces under the stars as the Nashville Symphony plays beautiful pieces along with a spectacular fireworks display 7:30 p.m. at the Ascend Amphitheater.
McMinnville – Son Volt performs live in the world-famous Volcano Room 3 p.m. at Cumberland Caverns.
Sept. 11
Elizabethton – Interested in the art of spinning? Join the gathering of Liberty Spinners 9:30 a.m. at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area.
Sept. 11, 18, 25, Oct. 2 & 9
Nashville – Every Tuesday, the Nashville Public Library hosts a free Concert in the Courtyard from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Grab some lunch and enjoy the weather while listening to great live music.
Sept. 11-16
Jackson – Find thrilling rides, carnival food, live music and fun activities at the West Tennessee State Fair at Fairgrounds Park. This year’s theme is “Apple Pies & Family Ties.” Click here for more information and a complete line-up.
Nashville – The Americana Music Festival & Conference joins legendary artists, upcoming stars, industry professionals and fans for six days of panels, seminars, showcases and parties across the city and the Annual Americana Honors & Awards Show.
Nashville – A wannabe rock star posing as a substitute teacher turns a class of straight-A students into a mind-blowing rock band as the musical School of Rock jams out at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center.
Sept. 12
Elizabethton – Join Rangers Hayslett and Davis for a morning of Fishing and Fun 10 a.m. to noon at the Historic Carter House. Bring your lucky pole and favorite lures. The cost is $5.
Sept. 13
Jackson – Enjoy an evening with pianist and vocal stylist A.J. Croce, son of Jim Croce, 7:30 p.m. at The NED.
Leiper’s Fork – An Evening of Spirits, Songs and Stories will include appetizers, Tennessee whiskey and stories and songs from Grammy Award-winning songwriters 6 p.m. at Leiper’s Fork Distillery.
Maryville – Sample savory favorites from local restaurants, caterers and gourmet grocers and vote for your favorites during the 17th annual Taste of Blount 6-8 p.m. at Theater in the Park.
Sept. 13-15
Kodak – Keep calm and pick on. Enjoy three days of music from some of the nation’s best bluegrass musicians at the Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival. Music starts each day at noon and doesn’t stop until 11 p.m.
Sept. 13-16
Nashville – Let it go and sing along with the story of two sisters as Disney on Ice presents Frozen at Bridgestone Arena.
Franklin – Experience a night of Shakespeare under the stars 7 p.m. at Academy Park with a family-friendly production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The performance is part of the Nashville Shakespeare Festival’s 30th anniversary.
Sept. 14
Chattanooga – Observe and learn about the beastly eating habits of carnivores and why it is important for survival at the Beastly Feast 6-8 p.m. at Chattanooga Zoo.
Sept. 14-15
Lewisburg – It’s a blast from the past during the Step Back in Time Festival 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days at Henry Horton State Park. It’s two days of music, food, storytellers, re-enactors and demonstrations.
Clinton – More than 70 18th & 19th-century antique dealers will be featured at the Days of the Pioneer Antique Show at the Museum of Appalachia. Enjoy live mountain music, historic demonstrations, delicious southern fare and tour the museum village.
Sept. 14-16
Pinson – Archaeofest at Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park is a celebration of Native American culture and archaeology with craft demonstrations and storytelling sessions. The event is free.
Selmer – Arts in McNairy presents Pinocchio, the delightful dramatization of Pinocchio’s transformation from puppet to real boy at The Latta.
Nashville – Top chefs, restaurants and winemakers from Nashville and across the nation offer an exceptional culinary experience during the Music City Food + Wine Festival at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park.
Cookeville – A weekend filled with adrenaline, multiple competitions and racers from across the country, the inaugural Cookeville Motorcycle Classic revs things up at the Putnam County Fairgrounds and Middle Tennessee Dragway.
Sept. 14-16, 21-23
Columbia – Watershed Public Theatre’s 2018-2019 season starts with a stage adaptation of the family-friendly classic Roald Dahl novel James and the Giant Peach at Ledbetter Auditorium in the Clement Building at Columbia State Community College.
Sept. 15
Memphis – Held in Memphis’ largest historic district, the Cooper-Young Festival 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. is a true celebration of the arts, people and culture with live music, art vendors, handcrafted goods, a kids’ play area, festival food and local brews.
Union City – Watch planes from the 1930s swirl and twirl in the sky for the Great American Airshow 5 p.m. at Discovery Park of America. Join thousands for the show, tasty food and live music.
Nashville – Four-legged friends rule the day at the Dog Day Festival 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Centennial Park with a microchip clinic, food trucks, door prizes, fun zones and music. Tickets are $5 and all proceeds benefit the Nashville Humane Association.
Murfreesboro – Toast to wine tastings, delicious food and great music during Wine around the Square 6-9 p.m. in the historic downtown square. This community-oriented event will benefit the Power of Pink.
Franklin – Toys, aliens and Voltron; oh my! The IC Collectors Convention with guest star William Shatner at Ag Expo Park has vendors, vintage toys, artists, authors, panelists, movie props, interactive activities and fun activities for kids.
Springfield – Visitors will get a digital map to Experience Robertson County’s smoking barns of the fall, the Spirit of the Bell Witch, historic whiskey industry and the amazing soil that feeds agricultural roots. Guests can gather in Historic Springfield Square for a festival of Main Street with food, children’s activities, shopping and prizes.
Huntingdon – The Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center welcomes Grammy Award-winners Dailey & Vincent to the stage at 7:30 p.m., the first show of the FirstBank Dixie Live Series.
Hampshire – Enjoy a meal, glass of wine and music under the stars at Sunset Rhythm & Vines at Natchez Hills Vineyard. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. and there will be a silent auction, table decorating contest, dinner and music. Tickets are $40.
Hilham – The Standing Stone Marbles Festival & National Rolley Hole Championships finds the world’s best marble players competing in a tournament with live music, kids’ games, demonstrations and fun at Standing Stone State Park.
Rockford – It’s a night of food, wine tasting, fun and swing dancing at the Pleasure Trail Concert 5:30-9 p.m. at Papaw’s Opry Barn and Theater. Tickets are $35.
Oneida – Nationally-recognized storytellers will visit the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area this fall for Haunting in the Hills. The day-long event is free and features a day of family-oriented activities leading up to an event of chills with ghost stories at 8 p.m.
Sept. 15-16
Nashville– The Howl at the Moon Indie Music Festival at Two Rivers Mansion is the ultimate showcase of independent artists with performances by more than 30 acts, food, drinks and more.
Sept. 15-Nov. 4
Estill Springs – Opening Day and Fall Market Samplings kick off Sept. 15 at Grandaddy’s Farm. All season, guests can pick their own pumpkins, take hay rides, play in the kids’ zone, journey through the corn maze and get fall decorations.
Sept. 16
Nashville – Join Emmylou Harris, John Hiatt, Ashley Monroe and Margo Price as they close out Americana Fest week with Woofstock 12 p.m. at Ascend Amphitheater. The celebration benefits dog-rescue organization Bonaparte’s Retreat.
Ongoing
Nashville – Lightning 100 brings the critically-acclaimed weekly concert series featuring national, regional and local artists, broadcasted live from 3rd & Lindsley 8-10 p.m. for Nashville Sunday Night.
Arrington – Head out to the vineyard with family and friends to listen to jazz or bluegrass music and enjoy award-winning wines. Arrington Vineyards hosts Music in the Vines every Saturday and Sunday April through October.
Granville – Bluegrass musicians perform 6-8 p.m. each Saturday night at Sutton Ole Time Music Hour at the T.B. Sutton General Store. Tickets are $20 for dinner and admission.
McMinnville – Children can experience an underground world as vibrant as their imagination for Free Kid Fridays throughout September at Cumberland Caverns. The daily walking tour 9 a.m.-5 p.m. leaves every hour on the hour.
Hampshire – Pack a picnic and enjoy wine tastings and live music during Music on the Ridge 12:30-6 p.m. on Sundays at Amber Falls Winery.
Jonesborough – Bring a chair, relax and listen to old-time Appalachian music, folk, bluegrass and more for the free Music on the Square series 7 p.m. every Friday through September on the courthouse steps.
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 attendees. The exhibit is on display at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.
Pulaski – Schedule a fudge tour at Milky Way Farm. See the 1930s home of candy legend Frank Mars for a hot cup of coffee, a fudge brownie and ice cream to enjoy at the historic table.
