Elvis Week, a poetry slam, rodeo, Dog Daze Festival, Melon Fest, Smoky Mountain Songwriters Festival, an open house at the historic Tennessee Theatre, Wilson County Fair, a ghost hunt, free Shakespeare plays and free outdoor concerts. Here’s what’s going on across Tennessee this week. For a complete list of events, visit tnvacation.com/calendar.
Aug. 16
Memphis – Take a stroll through the gardens and enjoy Nature at Night with a guided evening tour 6 p.m. at Memphis Botanic Garden. Tickets are free with garden admission.
Germantown – Grammy-winning songwriter, singer and considered a pillar of the modern acoustic world, Gillian Welch shares her songs and stories in an intimate evening 8 p.m. at Germantown Performing Arts Center.
Goodlettsville – Country singer Adam Cunningham from NBC’s “The Voice” brings his soulful voice and high energy to the free concert series Music on Main 6:30 p.m. at Goodlettsville City Hall Gazebo Park.
Nashville – Join Rickey Smiley, LeToya Luckett and more for a special night honoring African American icons who contributed to American music during the Black Music Honors Taping 7 p.m. at Tennessee Performing Arts Center.
Chattanooga – The Hunter Museum of American Art lays out the red carpet for Teen Night: Glass Dresses and Silver Screens. The teens-only event starts at 6 p.m. and includes a fashion discussion and movie screening.
Ooltewah – Have a mouth waterin’ good time at the Melon Fest 3-6 p.m. at the Ooltewah Farmers Market celebrating watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew and more. There will be a seed spitting contest, music, line dancing, jellies, jams and salsa.
Aug. 16-18
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.
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. 16-19
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. 16-22
Gatlinburg – Celebrating the region’s rich musical heritage, the Smoky Mountain Songwriters Festival invites songwriters to share the craft of songwriting in venues throughout Gatlinburg with ongoing performances.
Aug. 16 & 20
Memphis & Statewide – Don’t miss the 50th anniversary celebration of the Elvis ’68 Comeback Special in select theaters for a special two-night event. Find a list of movie theaters near year showing the iconic television event special here.
Aug. 16-25
Woodbury – The Arts Center of Cannon Co. welcomes the musical play Titanic. The cast introduces the audience to real-life individuals who played an integral part in the fateful voyage.
Aug. 16-26
Nashville – Just a few days left to see The Rolling Stones exhibit at Musicians Hall of Fame. Artifacts include Keith Richards’ diary, album cover art design, a recreated Stones’ studio and interactive concert experience.
Nashville – Set in the turn-of-the-century New York City, the Tony Award-winning, Newsies, tells the tale of Jack Kelly, who rallies his fellow newsies to fight for what’s right. The play takes center stage at the Looby Theatre.
Aug. 16-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. 16-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. 17
Memphis – Escape the heat with Orpheum Theatre’s Summer Movie Series. Doors open at 6 p.m. for fun activities in the lobby, a drink special and photo booth, followed by the movie “Love & Basketball” at 7 p.m. Tickets are $8.
Memphis – Imagination is a powerful tool, but exhibits will come to life 5-8 p.m. for A Magical Night at the Museum. Kids can explore the Children’s Museum of Memphis, ride the carousel, do crafts and face painting. Tickets are $15.
Nashville – One of the most respected, prolific singer-songwriters, Lori McKenna, captivates the audience 8 p.m. at the CMA Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Murfreesboro – Take a step back in time and listen to live music during the 3rd Friday Night Concert Series 7-9 p.m. at Cannonsburgh Village. The event is free. Please bring a lawn chair or a blanket.
Clinton – Spend the evening browsing stores and local vendors for Market Night 5-8 p.m. in historic downtown Clinton. Local vendors will be set up and stores will stay open late. The event has food trucks, ice cream, music, shopping and is pet-friendly.
Aug. 17-18
Jackson – The 16th annual Lexington St. Jude’s Rodeo features bareback bronc riding, bull riding, calf roping, cowgirl’s barrel racing, cowgirl’s breakaway roping, saddle bronc riding and steer wrestling at the Natchez Trace Arena.
Memphis – Spoken words give artists the platform to shine during the Drop the Mic Poetry Slam & Symposium at the National Civil Rights Museum. The free symposium kicks off Friday with workshops and the free slam is Saturday.
Memphis – The Continuum Music Festival celebrates collaborations among musicians and artists of diverse genres, brings to life unique performances and interactive workshops at Crosstown Concourse.
Aug. 17-19
Red Boiling Springs – Ever wanted to stay in a notoriously haunted hotel? Join paranormal investigators at the overnight Ghost Hunt at the Thomas House Hotel Friday or Saturday night. The event includes lodging, a meal and, guided tours of the property.
Farragut – Pet lovers and their pooches have three days of competition, fun, food and shopping for Dog Daze II at Village Green Shopping Center. Registrants will be able to gain qualifying points towards attendance at the World Championships.
Aug. 17-25
Lebanon – Considered one of the most popular county fairs in Tennessee, visitors can pick from a packed schedule of live music, pageants, tractor pulls, games, livestock shows and demolition derbies at the Wilson County Fair.
Aug. 17-Sept. 2
Knoxville – Full of comedy and thrills, one of American’s most enduring stories, Mark Twain’s “Tom Sawyer” comes to Knoxville Children’s Theatre.
Aug. 18
Memphis – Enjoy programs for the whole family, authentic food from various countries, live performances, info booths and more family fun at the Germantown International Festival 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Agricenter International.
Memphis – Put on your glass slippers and watch “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella” 2 p.m. for Orpheum Theatre’s Summer Movie Series. Doors open at 1 p.m. for fun activities in the lobby, including a drink special and photo booth. Tickets are $8.
Memphis – It’s all about Nostalgia for the Time Warp Drive-In Dusk-Til-Dawn Throwback Movie Night at the Summer Drive-In. Aug. 18’s theme is Worst Movies Ever!: Studies in Deliciously Awful Cinema.
Memphis – Mix & mingle with professional Ballet Memphis dancers and staff, enjoy happy hour prices and fun, healthy food from Mama Gaia and hear about the upcoming season 6-7:30 p.m. at Ballet Memphis.
Clarksville – Enjoy the free movie “Spiderman Homecoming” on the big screen 6 p.m. outside at Liberty Park. Bring a blanket and/or lawn chairs and come hungry for food available for purchase from on-site concessions.
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. at Beachaven Winery. Tina Brown will perform.
Nashville – Dress as your favorite princess, enjoy magical games and activities and meet Sleeping Beauty, the Frog Princess and the Little Mermaid for Meet Me at the Zoo 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Nashville Zoo.
Nashville – The Family Day at Oz Arts lets children and their families come together and create during artist-led activities. This year’s extravaganza at 11 a.m. highlights the stars above and the water below, merging science and art.
Gallatin – The Fire on the Water Festival at Lock 4 Park has two stages and more than 10 acts, craft brews, fire entertainers, aerialists, bonfires and food trucks with a spectacular view of the Cumberland River.
Portland – Savor locally-sourced dishes at the 2nd annual Farm-to-Table Dinner under the lights 7:30 p.m. on Main Street. Live music & appetizers start at 7 p.m. Sample wines from Sumner Crest Winery. Tickets are $75.
Franklin – Bring your blankets, chairs, Frisbees, footballs and friends for a free End-Of-Summer Concert 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Moore Elementary School. There will be live music, food trucks, outdoor games, tournaments and door prizes.
Murfreesboro – Football, dinner, drinks, music and more are in store for the MTSU Pigskin Pregame 6 p.m. at Steel Barrel Brewery at Hop Springs. All proceeds benefit the Alumni Legacy Scholarship.
Chattanooga – A night of art and family fun under the light of the fireflies. Enjoy food, films and fun at the Nature of Art series 8:30 p.m. at Hunter Museum of American Art.
Knoxville – The East Tennessee History Fair 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the East Tennessee History Center, Market Street and other locations downtown celebrates the region’s history with live music, reenactments, activities, crafts and historic tours.
Knoxville – Tennessee Theatre will present an open house during the East Tennessee History Fair. Visitors can explore backstage and attending film screenings, including the 1957 film “A Face in the Crowd” starring Andy Griffith and Patricia Neal.
Knoxville – A celebration of music, comedy, improv, brunch and the south side of the river, the Second Bell Festival 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Suttree Landing Park joins Knoxville’s entertainment scene with the vibrant river front community.
Eagleville – Win prizes in corn eating, corn shucking and sweet corn selfie contests. The Sweet Corn Festival 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lucky Ladd Farms has exciting animal encounters, inventive playgrounds, wagon rides, mega slides and pony rides.
Townsend – The sky fills with a spectrum of color against a backdrop of a breathtaking Tennessee sunset for the Great Smoky Mountain Hot Air Balloon Festival with live entertainment, face painting, rock wall crafters, food truck court, local craft beers and wine tastings 3-9 p.m. at the Townsend Visitors Center.
Pigeon Forge – Salute America’s military veterans 9 a.m. at the Veterans Homecoming Parade on Pigeon Forge Parkway. This year’s tribute is followed by a free James Rogers concert 1 p.m. at Country Tonite Theatre.
Bristol – Calling all musicians! Bring your instruments to the Birthplace of Country Music Museum 2-5 p.m. for a free Community Jam. Musicians can gather, pick, collaborate, share experiences and have fun every third Saturday of each month.
Bristol – Fierce classes and heart-stopping finishes as the sun goes down. The Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway gives fans a unique experience at this extremely popular nighttime race.
Aug. 18-19
Jackson – Get a look at monkeys, hedgehogs, prairie dogs, sugar gliders, mini pigs, lizards, turtles and more at the Jackson TN Exotic Pet Expo at the Jackson TN Fairgrounds. Admission is $2 for adults and children under 12 get in free.
Clarksville – The Hummingbird & Butterfly Festival 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Dunbar Cave State Park natural area features hummingbird banding demonstrations, guided hikes, pollinator gardening tips, children’s activities, crafts and more.
Aug. 19
Nashville – Join Small World Yoga for Yoga on the Diamond 9-10 a.m. at the Nashville Sounds Tennessee Park. Tickets for the hour-long class are $27 and each participant also gets a ticket to the Sounds game later that evening at 6:15 p.m.
Knoxville – Award-winning journalist Barbara Aston-Wash will sign her new book “Bless Her Heart: The Life and Times of Ellen McClung Berry” 2:30 p.m. at the East Tennessee History Center. The lecture is free and open to the public.
Monteagle – Learn about one of the most important pollinators, the honey bee. The National Honey Bee Day Celebration noon at South Cumberland State Park offers gardening programs, wildflower walks and live bee hive talks.
Aug. 20 & 27
Memphis – Tour the historic Orpheum Theatre and its sister venue, the Halloran Centre for Performing Arts & Education at 10 a.m. or noon. Admission is $10. All proceeds benefit the Orpheum Theatre Group’s nonprofit mission.
Aug. 22-Sept. 1
Shelbyville – Division champions compete at the world championship show of Tennessee’s native breed of show horse, the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration. The World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse will be named.
Aug. 23
Memphis – Share a sip and the sounds of Pure Memphis at Old Dominick Distillery’s Pure Memphis Music Series. The fall season kicks off Aug. 23 with a performance by Harlan T. Bobo and continues the second and fourth Thursday of each month.
Memphis – Learn how to create your own indoor terrarium which you can take home during It’s a Plant Party 6 p.m. at Memphis Botanic Garden. Tickets for non-members are $40.
Spring Hill – Farmers, bakers and artisans all grow, bake and make the goods they sell within 50 miles of Spring Hill during the Spring Hill Farmers Market 3-7 p.m. at Harvey Park.
Chattanooga – Vision and Verse welcomes back talented Rhyme N Chatt poets to perform original pieces created in response to art in the Hunter Museum of American Art. The program and walking tour is free and starts at 6 p.m.
Aug. 24
Memphis – Do the time warp at the Orpheum Theatre’s Summer Movie Series. Grab a movie-themed drink or stop by the photo booth. The movie “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” starts at 8 p.m. Come early to get a $5 prop bag.
Clarksville – Sip craft cocktails and enjoy a menu of culinary creations with bacon and/or bourbon at the first Bacon & Bourbon Festival 6-10:30 p.m. at Old Glory Distilling Company.
Nashville – Come out to the barn for the Full Moon Pickin’ Party 7-11 p.m. at Warner Park. Bluegrass and roots pickers jam in circles, while three headlining bands perform on stage. Grab delicious fare from local food trucks and stop by the photo booth.
Franklin – Sample tasty appetizers and decadent desserts during the Flavor of Franklin 6 p.m. at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm. Proceeds benefit local culinary arts program. Tickets are $20.
Knoxville – Explore and investigate ground zero of the 1897 Million Dollar Fire during Knoxville’s Great Fire Ghost Hunt 6:30 p.m. at Maple Hall. Paranormal historian J-Adam Smith leads the investigation.
Millington – Put on your dancing shoes and head to at 6 p.m. for Steppin’ at the Strand. There will be live music, line dancing and clogging lessons. Admission is $6. The dance series is the fourth Friday of every month.
Aug. 24+26
Knoxville – Laugh with friends over buttered popcorn for the Summer Movie Magic at the historic Tennessee Theatre. “Mrs. Doubtfire” shows at 8 p.m. Friday and 1 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $9.
Aug. 24-26
Nashville – Get all the decorations you need for fall at Nashville Flea Market Shades of Autumn at The Fairgrounds Nashville. It’s considered one of the top ten flea markets in the country with an average of 3,000 booths.
Chattanooga – The River Gorge Omnium and Downtown Criterium includes a road race on the roads surrounding the Tennessee River Gorge, a time trial around the TVA reservoir on Raccoon Mountain and a criterium downtown.
Aug. 25
Memphis – Puppypalooza takes over Crosstown Concourse Plaza 8 a.m. to noon. Have a barking good time with jazz guitar, dog training demonstration, cool off with pops for dogs and humans and pick up a custom-made dog tag or stylish bandana.
Jackson – Enjoy music, a silent auction, food trucks, vendors and more 6-9 p.m. at Union University’s Bell Tower during the Let Love Glow 5K & Fun Run that raises awareness of suicide prevention in West Tennessee.
Shiloh – Shiloh Celebrates the 102nd birthday of the National Park Service with a free outdoor concert 5:30 p.m. on the front lawn of the Shiloh National Military Park’s visitor center. The Kerry Gilbert Band and WIRED will take the stage.
Milan – The Milan Dawg Daze Festival 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Milan City Park is packed with family-friendly activities like chalk art, a pet pageant, craft and food vendors, live music, an antique car show and Milan Dawg Daze 5K.
Clarksville – Enjoy live music in the Liberty Park’s amphitheater 6 p.m. during the Road to Riverfest Summer Concert series. Food and beer vendors will be on site.
Cookeville – The Farm-to-Fork dinner 6 p.m. at Dogwood Park celebrates one local chef and one local farmer. Guests will enjoy a beautiful summer night full of food, drink, conversation and all things local. Tickets are $75.
Nashville – The Bluebird Cafe travels to the Dyer Observatory for live music under the stars. Hit songwriters play 8-10 p.m. for Bluebird on the Mountain. After the performances, the telescope is opened for visitors to get a look at the night sky.
Nashville – A perfect girl’s night out, Nashville designer boutiques come together under one roof offering fashionistas and bargain hunters discounted apparel, handbags and jewelry during Fashion for a Fraction 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at City Winery.
Franklin – Touch, pick up and play all kinds of instruments, discover the joy of music and meet the Chick-fil-A cow 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the free Musical Petting Zoo at Sky Studios.
Franklin – The air will be filled with the aroma of hickory smoke and simmering sauce for the Great American Barbecue Festival 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm. Savor barbecue, enjoy the car show, live music and visit craft vendors.
Hampshire – Grab a glass of wine while helping a good cause during Swine & Wine 2-9 p.m. at Natchez Hills Vineyard with live music, food, drinks and family fun. Money raised benefits the Maury Magic Riders, a therapeutic riding program.
Knoxville – PostModern Spirits holds its first anniversary party Noon-11 p.m. with a special “Full Circle” whiskey release. The party includes raffles, special whiskey releases, food trucks and tours of the distillery. The event is free.
Chattanooga – Learn about the Civil War around Chattanooga through programs that feature living historians firing artillery demonstrations 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Point Park.
Chattanooga – Witness the Battle below the Clouds 6 p.m. at Ruby Falls. 20 teams of amateur grillers and smokers put their skills to the test. Cheer on your favorite team, listen to live bluegrass music, eat BBQ and have a chance to win prizes.
Chattanooga – Kick back with a brew in the beautiful Glenn Miller Gardens 6 to 11 p.m. at the Chattanooga Choo Choo. The Rail and Hops Brewers Festival focuses on the artistry of brewing hand-crafted beers, showcases chefs and features live music.
Kodak – Various breweries from across the state and region bring their best brews for Tennessee Smokies Beer Fest 4-8 p.m. at Smokies Stadium. Tickets start at $30.
Mosheim – The Goodwater Grape Stomp at Goodwater Vineyard includes a stomp competition, wine slushees made in house, smoked meats from The Giggling Pig and live music from Pulp Friction and The Bean Tree Remedy.
Aug. 26
Baxter – Enjoy an afternoon of wine and furry shelter friends. Wine & Whiskers 2-4 p.m. at Del Monaco Winery. There will be a silent auction, smooch-the-pooch photo booth, pet vendors and pour for a paw.
Knoxville – Celebrate Asian culture with traditional dance, instrumental music, martial arts, authentic food, fashion, crafts and kids activities during the Knox Asian Festival 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Market Square.
Ongoing
Nashville – Enjoy the Nashville Zoo for a bargain during 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.
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.
Jonesborough – Bring a chair, relax and listen to old-time Appalachian music, folk, bluegrass and more for the free Music on the Square series every Friday through September at 7 p.m. on the courthouse steps.
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.
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.
Gatlinburg – Saturdays in the Summer at Ober Gatlinburg features local musical talent ranging in genres from soul, country, jazz and rock. Head up the mountain 6-8 p.m. Saturdays through Aug. 25 to the Season of Ober restaurant.
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.
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. The event continues Saturdays through Sept. 1.
