Listen to great stories, sing along with “The Greatest Showman,” free art walks, concerts and craft fairs and festivals ranging from strawberries to Renaissance to hot air balloons and Shakesbeer. Here’s what’s going on across Tennessee this week. For a complete list of events, visit tnvacation.com/calendar.
Ongoing
Brownsville – Check out the award-winning “Small World of Cotton” display at West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center with scratch-built cotton gin and implements. Learn about the artist and Chester County native Darryl Cox’s 1/16th scale creations.
Tiptonville – Reelfoot Lake State Park offers Scenic Pontoon Boat Tours through Sept. 30 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.
Nashville – The Rolling Stones Exhibit at the Musicians Hall of Fame features more than 500 artifacts and memorabilia, guitar gallery, Keith Richards’ diary and recreation of a Stones’ recording studio. The exhibit runs through June 30.
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.
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.
May 3
Union City – Kick back and enjoy great live music, free snacks and a full bar with friends for opening day of Libation Station 5:30-9 p.m. at Discovery Park of America. Admission is free.
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.
Memphis – Take a dance break over the lunch hour and meet at noon at Crosstown Concourse Plaza for a free, 30-minute line dancing lesson with Ms. Jessie Jones, from the Memphis Grizzlies Grannies & Grandpas.
Jackson – Head out to the ballgame for Thursday night $1 drinks and dogs as the Jackson Generals take on the Montgomery Biscuits at Jackson Generals Ballpark.
Jackson –Come and pick or come & listen at the Open Jam 6-9 p.m. at Casey Jones Village.
Nashville – The five-piece string band Hiptet brings to life the high energy music of famous American jazz artists like Duke Ellington 6 p.m. at Frist Art Museum. The Music at the Frist concert at the café is free.
Nashville – Get ready for live music, food, drinks, games and more at the Live from the Back Porch series 6-8 p.m. at Fontanel.
Spring Hill – Shop products made by farmers, bakers and artisans at the Spring Hill Farmers Market 3-7 p.m. in Harvey Park.
May 3-4
Franklin & Chattanooga – Enjoy a night of Whiskey & Cigars 6:30-9 p.m. at Frothy Monkey. Each ticket includes three cigars, three whiskey pours and a special dessert from BAKERY. Tickets start at $40.
May 3-5
Jonesborough – Internationally-known storyteller and author Bil Lepp kicks off the 17th season of Storytelling Live! at the International Storytelling Center’s theater.
May 3-6
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 4
Jackson – Rev. Jessie & the Holy Smokes perform at AMP at the West Tennessee Farmers Market. Music on the Main Stage starts at 7:30 p.m. Guests can bring a picnic basket or visit the food concessions.
Union City – Grab a blanket and enjoy Movies on the Lawn at Discovery Park of America. Gates open at 5 p.m. with bouncy houses, dance party, face painting and food trucks. The movie “Ferdinand” begins at dusk. Admission is free.
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 a DJ, 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.
Nashville – One of the world’s greatest trumpeters and Latin jazz pioneer Arturo Sandoval performs at 8 p.m. at Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
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.
Chattanooga – Marvel fans can enjoy a special screening of Black Panther 7:30 p.m. at the Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater on the six-story screen.
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.
Centerville – Looking for a one-of-a-kind Mother’s Day gift or something special for a graduate? Look no further than the handmade and handcrafted items at Annual Keg County Arts and Crafts Fair 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Centerville Courthouse Square.
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.
McMinnville – Take an action-packed adventure deep within Cumberland Caverns 4 p.m. in the Volcano Room as a park ranger shows off Birds of Prey and snakes. Tickets are $5.
Columbia – Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a Mexican buffet provided by Don Pepe’s, beer, margaritas and dance the night away with live music. Muletown de Mayo is 6-11 p.m. at Puckett’s Columbia.
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.
Greeneville – Rescue dogs perform stunts, comic antics and tricks, high jumps, barrel racing, pole weaving and disc catching during Chris Perondi’s Stunt Dog Experience 2 p.m. at Niswonger Performing Arts Center.
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.
Granville – The Dave Adkins Bluegrass Band takes the stage 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 – Sparky and Rhonda Rucker blend music and storytelling with a variety of old-time blues, Appalachian music, slave songs, Civil War music, spirituals and their own original compositions 8 p.m. at the Laurel Theater.
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.
Townsend – Come out to the Little River Railroad Museum and celebrate Little River Railroad Days with blacksmiths, old rail cars, a steam engine and stories about the beginning of Townsend with the lumber company and railroad.
Townsend – The Tennessee Pottery Festival 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center features some of the nation’s finest potters. Learn about the different styles and find a piece of art as unique as the state of Tennessee.
May 5-6
Arrington – Travel back to 16th century England at the Tennessee Renaissance Festival. Watch the joust, eat a turkey leg, tour the castle and shop in the artisan market. The 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.
May 6
Nashville – Student performers from Nashville’s Children Theatre present scenes from the play My Broken Doll, adapted from Holocaust survivor Bea Karp’s memoir, 3 p.m. at Nashville Public Library’s main branch.
May 6-12
Humboldt – The West Tennessee Strawberry Festival on Main Street is an 80-year tradition featuring parades, live entertainment, a barbecue cook-off, concerts, fireworks and lots of delicious strawberries.
May 8-9
Knoxville – Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit bring their Grammy-winning Nashville Sound to the historic Tennessee Theatre.
May 8-12
Pigeon Forge – Nature lovers, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts unite for Wilderness Wildlife Week. Events are offered daily at the LeConte Center, including educational programs to guided hikes into the Great Smoky Mountains.
Jonesborough – Japanese Korean storyteller Alton Takiyama-Chung spins stories of superstitions and magic of Hawaiian islands at Storytelling Live! at the International Storytelling Center’s theater.
May 9
Nashville – Memphis native Justin Timberlake’s Man of the Woods Tour takes over Bridgestone Arena at 7:30 p.m.
May 10
Memphis – Immerse yourself in the sounds and spirit of the jewel of Europe with an infusion of jazz as Memphis in May presents One Night in Prague 7 p.m. at the Orpheum Theatre.
Jackson – The Jackson Area Plectral Society sponsors an Open Jam 6-9 p.m. every Thursday night at Casey Jones Village.
Nashville – The Gipsy Kings meld deep-heated flamenco, rumba, salsa and pop 7:30 p.m. at War Memorial Auditorium.
Franklin – See original, cutting edge designs on the runway for the O’More Fashion Show 7 p.m. at Franklin Theatre.
Spring Hill – Join the Spring Hill Farmers Market at The Mockingbird Restaurant 3-7 p.m. for local cooking demonstrations and taste testing using a variety of locally-grown meats, produce and herbs.
Bristol – Radio Bristol Presents: Farm and Fun Time featuring Traveler and Roy Book Binder. You can see the live variety show with amazing musical guests and storytelling 7 p.m. on Radio Bristol’s Facebook Live.
May 10-11
Chattanooga – Function will open for Ruby Velle & the Soulphonics for the free outdoor Nightfall Concert series 7 p.m. at Miller Plaza downtown. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy great live music, food and beer.
May 10-12
Cookeville – The Ohio Valley Conference’s Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track Championships make their way to Tennessee Tech’s Tucker Stadium in Cookeville.
Nashville – Beach Boys icon Brian Wilson performs live with the Nashville Symphony at Schermerhorn Symphony Center on the Pet Sounds 50th Anniversary World Tour.
May 10-19
Nashville – Explore a plethora of works from documentaries and narrative features to animated and experimental shorts during the Nashville Film Festival. Panels, workshops and screenings are held at various venues across the city.
May 10-27
Franklin – It’s 1959 and the senior class of Rydell High School is in rare form. Studio Tenn brings American Idol superstars Diana DeGarmo and Ace Young to the Jamison Theater at the Factory in Franklin to present the cult classic Grease.
May 11
Memphis – Sing along with favorite characters like Mickey and the Roadster Racers and Doc McStuffins 6 p.m. for Disney Junior Dance Party on Tour at the Orpheum Theatre.
Pigeon Forge – CMA, ACM and CMT award-winning country band Sawyer Brown perform 8 p.m. at Country Tonite Theatre.
May 11-12
Memphis – Opa! Enjoy live music and traditional dancing, browse Greek wares, sample delicious Greek cuisine and discover more about this fascinating culture at the Memphis Greek Festival 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.
Nashville – Experience live music, art installations and a one-of-a-kind cosmic market for Far Out Fest at Mercy Lounge. A weekend pass is $35, $15 for a Friday pass and $20 for Saturday.
Franklin – Students of Act Too Players present You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown at the Franklin Theatre.
Dayton – The Tennessee Strawberry Festival downtown celebrates spring’s favorite fruit with a strawberry baking contest, strawberry chase, carnival, parade, family fun night and annual cruise-in.
Townsend – Car enthusiasts travel from as far away as Michigan to show off their British and European cars and motorcycles for the British Car Show at the Talley Ho Inn.
Newport – Ramps are known as the true wild onion of the mountains. Enjoy ramp dishes, Maid of Ramps Pageant, cornhole tournament, lip synch battle, car show, food and vendors at the Kiwanis Ramp Festival at Cocke County Fairgrounds.
May 11-13
Alcoa – The New Midland Plaza Spring Arts & Crafts Festival hosts more than 60 artisans, food vendors, face painting and balloons. Admission is free.
Chattanooga – Ride through downtown and picturesque valleys, experience farms firsthand and feast on locally-sourced food as you cycle on the Tennessee Tour de Farms-the perfect ingredients for a fun weekend. Find out more here.
May 12
Jackson – Immerse yourself in the passion and energy of beautiful works as the Jackson Symphony Orchestra performs its final concert of the season 7:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church.
Brownsville – Bluegrass music takes center stage 4-8 p.m. during the Hatchie Bottom Bluegrass Jamboree at West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center featuring bans from the Golden Circle Opry. Admission is free.
Union City – On your mark, get set, GO! It’s time for the 5th Annual Cardboard Boat Regatta. Captains will sail their ships at 11 a.m. on the South Lake at Discovery Park of America. You can watch it free with your park admission.
Farragut – Children under 13 are invited to the 34th annual Bob Watt Fishing Rodeo 9:30-11 a.m. at Anchor Park for a morning of fishing and competing for prizes.
Clarksville – Tiffany Johnson and Friends perform for Jazz on the Lawn at Beachaven Winery. Bring your friends, a picnic, blanket or lawn chairs for the free concert series kicking off at 6:30 p.m.
Nashville – The Iroquis Steeplechase at Percy Warner Park is the premier spring race meet. Seven races are held throughout the day, attracting more than 25,000 spectators decked out in spring fashions and the best hats in the South.
Nashville – Shaken, rimmed with salt and served up chilled. It’s tequila time for the 7th Annual Margarita Festival 3-6 p.m. at the Walk of Fame Park. Tickets include 15 margarita samples. Sip and vote for your favorite while DJs rock the park.
Murfreesboro – Mark your calendars for a FREE Day at Oaklands Mansion. Step into the past as you experience Civil War reenactments, period games on the lawn, children’s dress-up, nature walks to the spring and tours of the historic mansion.
Portland – “Stars, Stripes and Strawberries” is the theme of the 77th Annual Middle Tennessee Strawberry Festival on Market Street with a pageant, strawberry eating contest, strawberry slam food and craft vendors, kid town USA and live music.
McMinnville – Canadian country music duo, High Valley bring a mix of folk, pop and country 333 feet underground 1 p.m. at Cumberland Caverns.
Waynesboro – Celebrate spring and get inspired at the Wayne County Home & Garden Show 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the National Guard Armory. There will be door prizes, face painting, food vendors and a free car seat safety check-up.
Parkers Crossroads – Family and friends are invited to support Decoration Day 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Parkers Crossroads Cemetery. Donations will be accepted to help with cost of maintenance of this historic cemetery.
Cookeville – Get active and learn with a free History Hike between the Cookeville Depot Museum and the Cookeville History Museum. Find the answers to trivia and enter to win a prize.
Crossville – Lace up your shoes for the Byrd Creek Trail Run 7:30 a.m. at Cumberland Mountain State Park with a 15K, 3.6-mile or 1.8-mile race. All proceeds from this run benefit the Junior Camp at Cumberland Mountain State Park and the Tennessee Park Ranger Association.
Southside – Historic Collinsville’s Spring Homecoming features hay rides, games, a potato toss, quilt show, spinners and an open house of the recreated village/museum offering a glimpse into mid-19th century life.
Greeneville – With distinctive vocals and skilled musicianship, country music fans are in for a treat when Shenandoah takes the stage 7:30 p.m. at Niswonger Performing Arts Center.
Chattanooga – Motown legend and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Martha Reeves & the Vandellas perform at 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. at Chattanooga Theatre Centre. Tickets are $45 with complimentary refreshments before each show.
Knoxville – Learn how to begin your family search using charts and forms, free internet sites, genealogy software and other sources in Beginning Genealogy 1-4 p.m. at East Tennessee History Center. Call 865-215-8809 to register.
Knoxville – Celebrated NASA astronaut and pilot of the space shuttle Endeavor presents National Geographic Live’s View From Above 8 p.m. at the Bijou Theatre.
May 12-13, 19-20
Lookout Mountain – Celebrate the beauty of spring at Rock City’s Southern Blooms Festival. Learn about the legacy and heritage of the gardens and be a part of planting the garden. Tickets are $19.95 for adults, $11.95 for kids 3-12.
