Summer heats up with CMA Fest, Bonnaroo and Dollywood’s Barbecue and Bluegrass. See free live music at venues across the state, hunt for treasures and antiques, watch a free movie under the stars or see the world’s largest MoonPie. For a complete list of events going on across Tennessee this week, visit tnvacation.com/calendar.
Ongoing
Memphis – Helping build community through music and education, the Levitt Shell’s free live music series continues in the heart of Midtown at Overton Park. Live performances kick off at 7:30 p.m.
Collierville – Meet family and friends at the bandstand on the Historic Town Square each Thursday night in June and July from 7-9 p.m. for live music, food and fun for Main Street Collierville’s 2018 Summer Concert series.
Norris – Take a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a weekly line-up of free music at Concert on the Commons, beginning each Friday night at 7 p.m. outside at Norris Commons.
Andersonville – Kick back, relax and enjoy live music during Sundown Saturdays 6- 10 p.m. on the patio of Stardust Marina, voted one of the top five marinas in East Tennessee.
Lookout Mountain – Enjoy bluegrass and a mix of modern and folk country music with a spectacular view of Seven States for Rock City’s Summer Music Weekends.
Chattanooga – Experience a broad spectrum of musical genres during the free Nightfall Concert Series outside in Miller Plaza every Friday night starting at 7 p.m. through Aug. 31.
Gatlinburg – Explore historic shipwrecks in the new interactive Shipwrecks exhibit at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies.
Gatlinburg – Experience Summer in the Smokies at Anakeesta. Every Wednesday through Sunday, enjoy live music. Crafts and games for kids are offered weekdays and every evening you can toast your own s’mores at Firefly Village.
June 7
Memphis – Grab your yoga mat for Zen and Zinfandel 6 p.m. at Memphis Botanic Garden. Tickets are $10.
Memphis – Win door prizes, listen to live music by McKenna Bray and see a beer 101 demonstration. Crosstown Brewing Company hosts Hops for Health, a benefit for Church Health, 5-7 p.m. at Crosstown Concourse.
Memphis – Take a dance break over the lunch hour and meet at noon on Crosstown Concourse Plaza for a free, 30-minute S.T.R.U.T. dance lesson.
Union City – It’s time for the Sanders family to head back to the church for good ole gospel music in Smoke on the Mountain: Homecoming! There will be a 3 p.m. & 6 p.m. showing in the chapel on the grounds at Discovery Park of America.
Jackson – Lace up your shoes for a 5k run or one-mile fun run/walk, dinner and live music at West Tennessee Farmers Market downtown. All proceeds benefit Heaven’s Cradle.
Goodlettsville – Enjoy free live music, food and fun on the lawn of City Hall of Gazebo Park 6:30-8 p.m. for Music on Main. Martin Family Circus will perform.
Nashville – Country artist Frankie Ballard and songwriter Gunnar Nyblad (Gunnar & The Grizzly Boys) and Joe Denim take the stage for Nashville House Concerts 7 p.m. at War Memorial Auditorium.
Nashville – Watch a movie under the stars for free at Nashville Scene’s Movies in the Park. Wonder Woman begins at sundown in Elmington Park. Bring a picnic or purchase eats from local food trucks.
Nashville – 3 ½ Men and Taylor Martin perform for the free concert series Live from the Back Porch 6 p.m. at Fontanel with live music, food, drinks and fun.
Nashville – Enjoy an evening of music under the stars when the Nashville Symphony performs a free Community Concert 7:30 p.m. at Musicians Corner in Centennial Park.
Franklin – Learn about the 14th Amendment, how it defined American citizenship and the creation of the Confederate Cemetery at Carnton for the “United States Constitution and Confederate Memory” lecture series 6 p.m. at Fleming Center at Carnton.
Chattanooga – Bands on the Bluff welcomes I Can Japan to the stage. Everyone is invited to add their mark to the Japanese-inspired print mural, play Eastern-inspired games and enjoy Asian-inspired drinks in the Bluff View Art District.
Kodak – Rangers answer the mysteries of Night Lights: Fireflies & Spider Eyes 8 p.m. at Seven Islands State Birding Park. During a 1.5-mile hike at sunset, explore the wonders of the park after hours.
June 7-9
Jackson – Join treasure hunters, antique collectors and flea market lovers between Memphis and Nashville along Highway 70 for the 15th Annual Highway 70 Yard Sale.
Hurricane Mills – The 35th Summer Trail Ride at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch features more than 100 miles of trails. The event features saddle time, kayaking, swimming, live music, extreme trail ride competition, poker run and a scavenger hunt.
Elizabethton – The award-winning Covered Bridge Celebration includes live music, artisan crafts, fabulous food and kid’s island in Covered Bridge Park in the historic downtown.
June 7-10
Memphis – The FedEx St. Jude Classic at TPC Southwind, held annually since 1958, is a professional golf tournament and regular event on the PGA Tour, broadcasted nationwide on CBS and the Golf Channel.
Manchester – Music lovers spend days on a 100-acre farm to listen to the best performers in rock ‘n’ roll, jazz, Americana, hip-hop, electronica and more for Bonnaroo Music Festival. Sturgill Simpson, Muse and Eminem are among the performers.
Nashville – Country music’s biggest party brings country fans from around the world together with artists for four days and nights of live music, meet-and-greets and more for CMA Music Festival at venues across downtown.
Nashville – Grand Ole Opry member Blake Shelton celebrates the grand opening of his new restaurant, bar and music venue Ole Red, welcoming fans during CMA Fest.
Nashville – Brought to life by a groundbreaking all-female creative team, the irresistible hit Waitress comes to the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. Be sure to stop by Goo Goo Cluster downtown for a special themed pie for the show.
Pigeon Forge – Dollywood’s Barbecue & Bluegrass Festival offers free concerts by popular artists like Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver and the Grascals alongside a menu of tasty barbecue.
Union City – The hilarious and heartwarming tale Junie B. Jones is Not a Crook, based on the book, takes center stage at Masquerade Theatre. Tickets are $10.
June 7-17
Knoxville – A family from a small Texas town must come to grips with the accidental death of the elderly family matriarch in the dark comedy Sordid Lives at Theatre Knoxville downtown.
June 8
Jackson – Start your evening with “Local, Homegrown Musicians under the Tent” at West Tennessee Farmers Market. Free music for AMP at the Market starts at 7:30 p.m. with King Beez. Bring a blanket, picnic or visit one of the food concessions.
Cookeville – Sing along with “The Greatest Showman” for After Dark Movies in the Park. The summer outdoor movie series at Dogwood Park Performance Pavilion is each Friday in June. Movies begin at dusk.
Lebanon – Enjoy an evening of music under the stars with the Nashville Symphony for a free Community Concert 7 p.m. at Cumberland University. Pack a picnic and celebrate summer with prize giveaways.
Ripley – The Cecil Henson Family performs at 7 p.m. for Concerts on the Square downtown. Bring a lawn chair or picnic.
Somerville – Enjoy a free outdoor movie to welcome summer for Movie on the Square at Somerville Square. The movie “Trolls” will show at dusk. Food trucks will be on site.
June 8-9
Carthage – Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the fun at Defeated Creek Marina. The Defeated Creek Bluegrass Festival features talented musicians and the fest supports the Defeated Creek Fire Department.
Oak Ridge – Explore the arts, history, science, food, wine and live music during the Secret City Festival at A.K. Bissell Park. Dennis DeYoung and the Music of STYX and the Little River Band perform. Wine tastings from four Tennessee wineries are $10.
June 8-10
Memphis – Prepare to be dazzled as the world’s best-selling magic show, The Illusionists: Live from Broadway, perform their astonishing acts at Orpheum Theatre.
Townsend – The Smoky Mountain Crawl at Townsend Visitors Center welcomes bike enthusiasts from around the world for races, demo rides, games, vendor displays and a poker run with spectacular views of the Great Smoky Mountains.
June 8-10, June 15-17
Columbia – One of Shakespeare’s most beloved and comedic plays, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, is center stage at Jones Student Center Plaza on Columbia State Community College campus.
June 8-10, 15-16, 21-24
Knoxville – The Tennessee Valley Players present everyone’s favorite storybook characters in “Into the Woods” at Carousel Theatre. Tickets are $20.
June 8-16
Chattanooga – Set against the backdrop of the Tennessee River at Ross’ Landing, the Riverbend Festival covers almost every genre of music on multiple stages. The festival also features 5K and 10K races.
June 8-24
Chattanooga – Fasten your seatbelts. The Tony-Award winning musical and groovy 1960s comedy, BOEING BOEING, touches down at Chattanooga Theatre Center.
June 8-July 25
Columbia – A new exhibit, Focus on Columbia’s Past, at Pryor Art Gallery and W7thCo Photo Gallery reconnects the community to its past while preserving a collection of photos spanning more than a century. The exhibits will have twin openings 5-8 p.m. June 8, featuring an artists’ reception at both locations.
June 8-July 27
McMinnville – Downtown McMinnville comes alive on Friday nights in the summer with local food vendors, a beer garden and live music for Mainstreet Live! Concerts on the Plaza.
June 9
Memphis – Step back in time for an evening of food, live music, a silent auction, dancing, cocktails, photo book, live paint artist and tours 7-10 p.m. for Night at the Lorraine, benefitting the National Civil Rights Museum.
Memphis – Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives are live in concert 8 p.m. at the Guest House at Graceland Theater, coinciding with the opening of the new “Hillbilly Rock” exhibit featuring artifacts from Stuart’s Collection of Country Music.
Memphis – Savor delicacies prepared by more than 45 chefs from around the country, paired with select wines and specially-crafted cocktails by well-known mixologists 7 p.m. at Crosstown Concourse. There will also be a silent auction.
Selmer – The Rockabilly Highway Revival marks its 10th year with rockabilly music, motorcycles, hot-rods and great food at Rockabilly Park.
Eva – Kids 15 and under can reel in some free fun at the Kids’ Fishing Rodeo 9-11 a.m. at Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park.
Clarksville – Jim Gibson entertains at the free music series Jazz on the Lawn 6:30 p.m. at Beachaven Winery. Bring your lawn chairs, blanket and a picnic while enjoying the spectacular views and sipping on vino.
Nashville – Riders in the Sky, Charlie McCoy and Joshua Hedley are among the performers at Country with Heart for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Benefit Concert 5-9 p.m. at Nashville Nightlife Theater.
Nashville – Ashley Monroe hosts a Songwriter Session 11:20 a.m. at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum as part of CMA Music Festival. Tickets will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Museum admission purchase is required.
Nashville – Critically-acclaimed songwriter, musician and producer Charlie Worsham hosts a Songwriting Session and Book Talk at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum as part of CMA Music Festival. Tickets are first-come first-served at museum admission price.
Hendersonville – Enjoy an evening of music under the stars with the Nashville Symphony for a free Community Concert 7:30 p.m. at Historic Rock Castle.
Gallatin – Get outside and enjoy the day in the water for Free Family Fishing Day 7 a.m. to noon at Bledsoe Creek State Park.
Tullahoma – Come enjoy juicy hamburgers, homemade cakes, pies and ice cream while sitting on the peaceful creek bank and listening to live music during the Old Fashioned Ice Cream Supper at the Raus Community Improvement Club.
Pickwick Dam – Compete for prizes in the 17th Annual Hardin County Free Fishing Rodeo 9-11:30 a.m. at Pickwick Landing State Park. Prizes will be awarded to the greatest number of fish and biggest fish.
Granville – David Davis & the Warrior River Boys perform 6 p.m. at Sutton Ole Time Music Hour. Celebrate their early release party “Didn’t He Ramble: Songs of Charlie Poole,” a tribute to the legendary acoustic music artist.
Byrdstown – Discover what the past holds during the History Hunt at Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park. Meet 1 p.m. at the museum to pick up your list for the scavenger hunt.
Waynesboro – The Tour De Wayne Bicycle Tour features various lengths through rural Middle Tennessee, including rides on the antebellum Clifton Turnpike and visits to the Buffalo and Tennessee rivers and Crazyhorse Recreational Park.
Roan Mountain – Bandwagon Fallacy rocks the house with old-time favorites and originals from classic rock, country, folk and soul 7:30 p.m. during the free Summer Concert Series at the Roan Mountain State Park amphitheater.
Knoxville – Explore “The Great War” and its effect on Tennesseans for a free Family Fun Day 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at East Tennessee History Center with living history, exhibits, crafts, trivia and family activities.
Knoxville – The 20th Annual Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony honors “Trailblazers of the Game” 7 p.m. at Tennessee Theatre.
Chattanooga – Sample sweet treats and family fun for the Ice Cream Safari 3 p.m. at Chattanooga Zoo.
New Johnsonville – The Kentucky Lake Strike King Open Bass Tournament at Pebble Isle Marina draws anglers to compete on the Tennessee River.
June 9-10
Land Between the Lakes – The 20th Annual Pickin’ Party 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Homeplace 1850s Working Farm includes open mic opportunities for local musicians. Bring a lawn chair, musical instruments and enjoy jam sessions on the front porch.
June 9-10, 16-17
Memphis – Bass Pro Shops challenges families to put down their digital devices and discover the joys of fishing for Free Family Fishing events at its locations. There will be free catch-and-release ponds, seminars and kids’ craft tables.
June 11
Memphis- Perform an original spoken word piece or just enjoy the show at Voices Up! Open Mic 6:30 p.m. on the Theater Stair at Crosstown Concourse.
Dayton – Governor Haslam will mark the re-opening of the historic Rhea Heritage and Scopes Trial Museum after upgrades and renovations in a celebration on the lawn of the Rhea County Courthouse at 9:30 a.m.
Townsend – Come out to Cades Cove Cellars and enjoy an open market with local arts and crafts, candies and free wine tasting at Summertime for Art & Wine.
Bristol – Terry Baucom’s Dukes of Drive takes over the Birthplace of Country Music Museum as part of The Crooked Road’s Mountains of Music Homecoming with two shows at 7 p.m. & 9 p.m. Tickets are $20.
June 12
Antioch – Enjoy an evening of music under the stars as the Nashville Symphony performs at 7:30 at the Southeast Greenspace for the free Community Concert series.
June 13
Memphis – Superheroes vs. Villains is the theme for the Food Truck Garden Party at Memphis Botanic Garden. The event from 5-8 p.m. features live music, a cash bar, play zone and food from the Memphis Food Truckers Alliance. Tickets are $10.
Jonesborough – Every quilt has a story: of the heart that designed it, the hands that stitched it and the family warmed underneath it. The Quilt Turning noon at McKinney Art Center features antique and heirloom quilts and the stories behind them.
June 14
Memphis – The music heats up as summer rolls in. Come to one of the most iconic streets in America and enjoy the FREE KIX on Beale Concert Series. Dylan Scott and Jillian Jacqueline will take the stage 7:30 p.m. in Handy Park.
Memphis – Get ready to boogie as Lightnin’ Malcolm brings a rock steady sound 7 p.m. to the Memphis Music Mansion.
Halls – Honor the flag and support veterans during the Flag Day Celebration 2 p.m. at the historic Veterans’ Museum.
Nashville – Watch a movie under the stars for free at Nashville Scene’s Movies in the Park. Legally Blonde begins at sundown in Elmington Park. Bring a picnic or purchase eats from local food trucks.
Nashville – 3 ½ Men and Clark Beckham perform for the free concert series Live from the Back Porch 6 p.m. at Fontanel with live music, food, drinks and fun.
Clarksville – Thursday is the new Friday at Beachaven Vineyards & Winery at DJ on the Dock. Happy hour starts at 5 p.m. with blush wine spritzers. Listen to tunes from DJ Benton Lewis and play corn hole games. Cheers!
Portland – Code of the Hills entertains for the free Music on Main concert at 7 p.m. Food vendors will be at the concert or you can visit the restaurants on Main Street to grab a meal before the music starts.
Spring Hill – See a local cooking demonstration and taste test using a variety of locally grown meats, produce and herbs as Spring Hill Farmers Market sets up 3-7 p.m. at the Mocking Bird Restaurant. A portion of proceeds goes to a non-profit.
Gray – The new location of Hands On! Discovery Center opens at Gray Fossil Site. The facility offers a blend of natural history, hands-on science and playful art.
June 15
Memphis – Vice President Joe Biden continues his American Promise Tour 8 p.m. at Orpheum Theatre.
Jackson – Country star Jake Owen with special guests Chris Janson & Jordan Davis perform 6-10 p.m. in a special concert at Jackson Generals Ballpark.
Jackson – Relive the fantasy-adventure of the Goblin King in the 1980s cult classic, “Labyrinth” during Reels at the Amp at the West Tennessee Farmers Market. The movie begins at sundown. Food trucks will be on site.
Cookeville –Bring the family to watch “Brave” under the stars at After Dark Movies in the Park. The summer outdoor movie series at Dogwood Park Performance Pavilion is each Friday in June. Movies begin at dusk.
Nashville – Celtic Woman Homecoming 7:30 p.m. at Tennessee Performing Arts Center transcends national and cultural boundaries to celebrate the timeless emotion of Ireland’s centuries-old heritage.
Murfreesboro – Step back in time and listen to a free live concert 7-9 p.m. at Cannonsburgh Village’s 3rd Friday Night Concert.
Maryville – Professional storytellers Susan Fulbright, Roland Mote and Stephen Fulbright present Laughter! 6-7:30 p.m. at Vienna Coffee House. Donations go to School Storytelling Programs.
Jamestown – Learn stories about the night sky and how to identify constellations at the Night Sky Program 8:30 p.m. at the Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area Astronomy Field at Pickett CCC Memorial State Park.
Townsend – The old-time string, country blues and jug band the Knox County Stompers will have you stomping your feet during the Summer Concert Series 7 p.m. at Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center. Tickets are $10.
June 15-16
Nashville – The Jefferson Street Jazz & Blues Festival features local and national jazz and blues artists, food and retail vendors at multiple locations across Nashville. The event pays homage to the historic treasures of the Jefferson Street community.
Columbia – Share an extraordinary Evening with Rory Feek 7 p.m. in the concert hall on his farm at 4544 Highway 431. Experience a night filled with stories, songs, laughter, tears and love.
Newport – Hot rods, food and fun are on tap for the Moonshine Rod Run at Newport City Park, a 30-year tradition.
Newport – The Popcorn Sutton Memorial Jam Festival honors the legendary mountain moonshiner with a car show, vendors, bands and stars from Discovery Channel’s hit show “Moonshiners” at Cocke County Fairgrounds. Tickets are $10.
June 15-17
Knoxville – Prepare to see Alfred Hitchcock’s 1958 masterpiece Vertigo on the big screen at the historic Tennessee Theatre.
June 16
Clarksville – Bring a blanket, lawn chairs and a picnic to enjoy a free movie under the stars for Movies in the Park at Heritage Park. Disney’s classic The Lion King will begin at sunset.
Franklin – Nearly 70 musicians will perform live music 3-7 p.m. on neighborhood porches during Porchfest. An evening concert will be on the lake from 7-10 p.m. Food trucks and a Makers Market will be in the Town Center.
Nashville – A musical and visual spectacle to blow your mind as the Nashville Symphony performs The Music of Pink Floyd 8:30 p.m. with a dazzling light show under the stars at Ascend Amphitheater.
Nashville – To celebrate Nashville Shakespeare Festival’s 30th anniversary, there will be pop-up plays at secret locations across Nashville from March – November. Get your $10 ticket for The Tempest at TicketsNashville.com.
Bell Buckle – Step back into some old-fashioned fun at the 24th Annual RC-MoonPie Festival with a parade, stage entertainment, cloggers, arts and crafts booths, skits, MoonPie toss, 5K & 10-mile runs and the World’s Largest MoonPie.
Oak Ridge – The Lavender Festival 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Historic Jackson Square celebrates health, herbs and the environment with live music, artisans, a children’s tent, free cooking demonstrations and educational presentations.
Hampshire – A summer day of family fun in the heart of a southern small town. The Hampshire Village Jubilee & Festival 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. brings live music, food trucks, vendors, small business shopping, local wineries, organic farms and a kid’s zone.
Bristol – Musicians of all ages and skill level are invited to join the all-new Community Jam session 2-5 p.m. at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. Musicians can gather, pick and collaborate.
June 16-17
Roan Mountain – The Rhododendron Festival is a springtime tradition of the blooming of the world-famous rhododendron gardens atop Roan Mountain State Park with handmade crafts, food and music.
