Labor Day Weekend signals the end of summer and Tennessee is packed with fun activities celebrating the season’s end and giving a taste of fall, including the International Goat Days Festival, Eye Full of Paris Weekend, Cooper-Young Festival, Tina Turner Heritage Days, Cotton Festival, Riverfest, Cookeville’s Fall Funfest, Homesteads Apple Festival, Tennessee Honey Festival, Tennessee Soybean Festival, Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, Mountaineer Folk Festival, Cherokee Fall Festival, Tennessee Valley Fair, Taste of Autumn and the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival. For a complete list, visit tnvacation.com/calendar.
Aug. 29-Sept. 1
Mountain City – The Long Journey Home Tour and Festival begins with a kickoff dinner and square dance with authentic Old Time fiddling with music throughout the weekend and closes with a traditional gospel Sunday Singin’ 2 p.m. Sept. 1 at the historic Heritage Hall downtown.
Aug. 30-Sept. 1
Jackson – The 30th annual African Street Festival at the Oman Arena features live music by R&B, blues, hip hop, reggae, gospel and neo soul artists, local and international food, arts and crafts, activities for children, African drummers and dancers.
Aug. 30-Sept. 2
Nashville & Middle Tenn. – Discover things to do Labor Day weekend in Nashville & Middle Tennessee with live music, festivals, fireworks, outdoor activities, family fun, sports events, and more.
Chattanooga – Enjoy some of the best toe-tapping old-time bluegrass music and a mix of modern folk country music and birds of prey shows during Summer Music Weekends at Rock City Gardens.
Gatlinburg – The Labor Day weekend weather forecast is calling for snow at Ober Gatlinburg. Come make snowmen and snow castles and go snow tubing. Singer and guitarist Nygel Bounds will play a free concert 1-5 p.m. Saturday.
Aug. 30-Sept 7
Sparta – The White County Agricultural Fair is one of the oldest fairs in Tennessee featuring events like Lego brick building contests, pageants, antique tractor pulls, livestock shows, live music, ATV races, demolition derby and carnival rides.
Jonesborough – The Journeys of Women fundraising art exhibit shines a light on the incredible talent of regional artists at the McKinney Center. Artwork will be for sale to benefit the Women’s Fund.
Aug. 30-Sept. 8
Memphis – Experience live music, festival food, helicopter rides, pig races, redneck yacht rides, bike night, street performers, a petting zoo and carnival rides during the Delta Fair & Music Festival.
Aug. 31-Sept. 1
Cookeville – Named a top festival by Rolling Stone, Muddy Roots Music Festival celebrates its 10th anniversary. Experience three days of camping, vintage cars, vendors and pinups with music from punk to traditional country.
Shiloh – Cannons will roar again during Cannon Firing Demonstrations at Shiloh National Military Park. Each firing will also interpret the weapons, projectiles, and procedures Civil War artillery crews used during the war.
Aug. 31-Sept. 2
Union City – Make plans to spend Labor Day weekend doing fun activities at Discovery Park of America. The Cruise-In is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 31. Christian Music Weekend lasts the whole weekend with several praise and worship bands.
Sept. 1
Knoxville – Eat, drink and enjoy A Gathering of Ancient Sounds from seven local Celtic and Appalachian bands 2-8 p.m. at Historic Ramsey House. Bring a comfy chair and enjoy the sounds of East Tennessee musical history.
Sept. 1-7
Martin – Celebrate Tennessee agriculture with live music, pageants, a farmers market and fireworks at the Tennessee Soybean Festival in historic downtown. Runaway June, Walker Hays and The Oak Ridge Boys will perform.
Sept. 2
Monterey – A flea market, music, food and auction are on tap during the Labor Day Celebration at Whittaker Park. Slick Nickel will perform.
Sept. 3-7
Jonesborough – Hailed as “a storyteller of great energy and imagination” by The Stage performing arts magazine, Diane Edgecomb brings mythic moments to life in her stories during Storytelling Live at the International Storytelling Center.
Sept. 5
Nashville – Celebrate flavor, culture and rich diversity during the 5th annual Empanada Tasting Event 5:30 p.m. at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $30 and support the Tennessee Latin Chamber of Commerce and Latino-owned businesses.
Sept. 5-7
Clarksville – Riverfest is a three-day music and arts festival held along the banks of the Cumberland River with food, the Riverfest Regatta, Rally on the Cumberland and fun activities.
Sept. 6
Knoxville – Sip and stroll throughout the evening, enjoy great art at local galleries and live music during First Friday. Downtown anchors include The Art Market, The Emporium and downtown Visitors Center, home of the WDVX Blue Plate Special.
Sept. 6-7
Millington – The International Goat Days Festival kicks off with the World’s Greatest Goat Parade at 5:30 p.m. on Friday and family fun continues with tractor pulls, antique tractor show, equestrian events, car show, swap meet, barbecue contest, arts & crafts, games and rides, fishing rodeo, horseshoes, corn hole tournaments, battle of the bands and live music.
Cookeville – Cookeville’s Main Street music festival, Fall Funfest, kicks off autumn with live music, arts and crafts vendors, battle of the bands, delicious food and fun for the whole family.
Gallatin – More than 70 vendors bring furniture, artwork, clothing, beauty products, soap, signs and food to Market in the Park at Triple Creek Park 4-8 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.
Sept. 6-8
Spencer – The Mountaineer Folk Festival at Fall Creek Falls is jam-packed with fun. Guests can enjoy handmade crafts, traditional mountain music, storytelling, folk culture exhibits, square dancing, clogging, pioneer demonstrations and hiking.
Sept. 6-15
Knoxville – Celebrate 100 years at historic Chilhowee Park during the Tennessee Valley Fair. The event showcases traditions of the region’s past with crafts, live music, fair food like funnel cakes and deep-fried cheesecakes.
Sept. 6-Nov. 25
Gatlinburg – The city rolls out all the stops with seasonal decorations, including new life-size 3D scarecrow people. The Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival features special events and autumn-themed displays throughout downtown.
Sept. 7
Hendersonville – The Tennessee Honey Festival 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Memorial Park raises awareness toward the honeybee crisis. Activities include honey vendors, food trucks, live music, interactive children’s activities and exhibits.
Gallatin – Chalk the Walkway for free at the Douglass-Clark House for a chance to win prizes. The contest is open to all ages. Chalk contest entries must be drawn 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Judging is at 1 p.m. and winners are announced at 1:30 p.m.
Sept. 7-8
Vonore – Visitors can step back in time to experience Native American food, Cherokee arts and crafts, blacksmith demonstrations, music and dance at the Cherokee Fall Festival 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Sequoyah Birthplace Museum.
Sept. 8
Knoxville – Professional and emerging artists of all ages will turn sidewalks into brilliant canvases during Chalk Walk at the Fair noon to 4 p.m. to celebrate 100 years of the Tennessee Valley Fair. Cash prizes and ribbons will be awarded.
Knoxville – Ijams Nature Center’s Symphony in the Park 5:30-8:30 p.m. honors nature in art and music and features a silent auction during a cocktail hour followed by a seated dinner. This year’s fundraiser includes the debut of a “wing” installation created by Matthew Cummings, owner of Pretentious Glass Company.
Sept. 9
Nashville – Bring the whole family to Frist Art Museum 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for Family Mondays with special programming, trilingual story time and the Martin ArtQuest Gallery. The story for this month is Magritte’s Marvelous Hat.
Sept. 10-15
Jackson – Kids and kids at heart can spend the week enjoying thrilling rides, carnival food, live music and other events during the West TN State Fair at Fairgrounds Park.
Nashville – Legendary artists, rising stars, industry professionals and music fans flock to Americana Music Fest for educational music forums to learn more about the industry and concerts at venues across the city.
Sept. 10-30
Chattanooga –Fall is a great time to dive into adventure at the Tennessee Aquarium. College students and members of scouting organizations and their families can enjoy half-price admission.
Sept. 11
Memphis – The Food Truck Garden Party 5-8 p.m. at Memphis Botanic Garden features live music, a cash bar and food from Say Cheese, Mama D’s, Smokin’ Hot BBQ, Soi Number 9, Grub and Kabob Food Truck. The $5 cover includes one drink & admission.
Sept. 11-14
Memphis – Bring tailgating gear; listen to live music and take part in special events during the 30th annual Southern Heritage Classic Cultural Celebration, the annual matchup between Tennessee State University and Jackson State University.
Sept. 12
Goodlettsville – Authentic Storytelling is a night to celebrate all types of storytelling and the spoken wordStorytellers are welcome to participate in one of the world’s oldest traditions 7 p.m. at Authentic Coffee Company.
Chattanooga – Create a masterpiece at the Paint like an Impressionist workshop 6-8 p.m. at Hunter Museum of American Art. Tickets are $2 and include a customized exhibit tour, materials to make the artwork and a glass of wine.
Gatlinburg – Sample delicious signature dishes from local restaurants and go on a nostalgic musical journey during the Taste of Autumn 5-8 p.m. at Mill’s Conference Center. Tickets are $30. A portion of proceeds benefit United Way of Sevier County.
Sept. 13-14
Clinton – Craftsmen demonstrate centuries-old talents during the Days of the Pioneer Antique Show at the Museum of Appalachia. Tour the museum, authentic Appalachian artifacts and farm village with animals.
Sept. 14
Memphis – 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.
Somerville – The 20th annual Cotton Festival includes vendors, arts and crafts, music, food, car show, 5k run, kid center and canning contest.
Clarksville – Celebrate the end of the season at the Summer’s End Festival 8-11 p.m. at Wicked Good Sandwiches with regional acts, music, artists and a showcase of local businesses.
Gallatin – Grit, Grace and Grub 3-7 p.m. lets visitors sample local cuisine while enjoying live bluegrass music. Participating restaurants will offer samples or small plates along the route while musicians play live music. Tickets are $25.
Hilham – The world’s best marble players take center stage at the National Rolley Hole Marble Championship and Festival at Standing Stone State Park with live music, kids’ games, marble vendors, tournament play, food and children’s activities.
Rugby – Hear the stories of some of Historic Rugby’s most colorful characters of the last 139 years during the Lantern Tour 6 p.m. at Laurel Dale Cemetery. Stories come from letters, diaries, newspaper accounts and interviews. Tickets are $20.
Sept. 15
Memphis – Whiskey lovers and nature buffs can sip whiskey, eat barbecue, bid at the silent auction and soak up nature at Whiskey in the Wild 5-8 p.m. at Lichterman Nature Center. Money raised benefits the center’s education programs.
Sept. 17-21
Jonesborough – Nationally-recognized and award-winning fourth generation storyteller and author Lyn Ford shares folktale adaptations, spooky tales and original stories during Storytelling Live at the International Storytelling Center.
Sept. 19
Nashville – Enrich your art experience during Art after Dark at Frist Art Museum with live music, thought-provoking conversations, lectures, Drop-In Drawing sessions and more.
Sept. 20-21
Linden – Perry County celebrates its 200th Birthday at 12 p.m. with a street festival with more than 100 vendors, an old-fashioned fiddlers contest, a county fair, tours of the county’s historic landmarks and music.
Algood – The small town showcases beautiful quilt displays, a quilt barn tour, an auction, square-dancing exhibitions, crafts and a country store during the Upper Cumberland Quilt Festival.
Sept. 20-22
Nashville – The Music City Food + Wine Festival brings together stars of Nashville’s culinary scene with acclaimed regional and national chefs, wine and spirits experts at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park with a Grand Taste, demos, panels and a Gospel Brunch Sunday.
Bristol – The award-winning Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion music festival celebrates 18 years in historic downtown, home to the 1927 Bristol Sessions. More than 120 acts take 20 outdoor stages and indoor venues during the fest.
Sept. 21
Humboldt – Crown Winery’s second annual Harvest Festival 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. is packed with events like the Stomp the Grapes competition, refreshing wine and beer tastings, music and food.
Eva – Rock n’ Race Weekend features the Eva Music and Arts Festival with arts, crafts, performances and competitions in a variety of sports including biking, canoeing and running.
Gallatin – Trousdale Place will have a FREE open house event in conjunction with the Smithsonian Magazine’s Museum Day! Trousdale Place was home to former governor William Trousdale, who served in the War of 1812, Creek Wars, Seminole Wars, and the Mexican-American War.
Cumberland Gap – Celebrate the history of East Tennessee and Appalachian culture at the White Lightning Trail Festival. The fest will feature a 5K run, arts, crafts, food, music and specialty vendor booths in the historic town.
Sept. 21-22
Pinson – The 37th annual Archaeofest 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park celebrates Native American culture with demonstrations, dancing, activities and authentic crafts.
Crossville – Learn about the history of the Cumberland Homesteads while enjoying live entertainment, crafts, basket making, woodcarving, jewelry makers, fried apple pies and apples of all kinds at the Homesteads Apple Festival.
Sept. 21-Jan. 12
Murfreesboro – Send golf balls through jump tracks, loop tracks, roller coaster tracks, design a freestyle ramp or track and witness what goes into the ultimate racing experience at Discovery Center’s new featured exhibit, Hands-On Harley Davidson.
Sept. 26
Gallatin – Families can enjoy a coming-of-age classic during Family Movie Night 6 p.m. at Tennessee’s oldest movie theatre, the Palace Theatre, with a showing of the 1986 film, Stand by Me. Tickets are $3.
Sept. 26-28
Bolivar – The Tennessee Forest Festival salutes the area’s forest industry and includes indoor and outdoor games, art and photographer shows, Loggers’ Breakfast and music.
Sept. 26-29
Memphis – Gonerfest, presented by Memphis’ own Goner Records, brings together talented bands for four days and three nights of rock ‘n’ roll mayhem with performances by The Mummies, The Oblivians with Mr. Quintron and Moto.
Sept. 27-28
Henderson – The Chester County BBQ Festival downtown serves up famous Chester County barbecue and features live entertainment, street vendors, arts and a kid zone.
Bartlett – The Bartlett Festival kicks off Friday night with a midway carnival, vendors and live music. On Saturday, events include a 5k, great local music, arts & crafts, a car show, children’s activities and an MBN-sanctioned barbecue contest.
Sept. 27-29
Memphis – Priscilla Presley hosts Elvis Presley’s Graceland’s inaugural Elegant Southern Style Weekend celebrating the food, fashion, architecture, design and culture of the American South with seminars, parties, hands-on-workshops, food and more.
Brownsville – Celebrate the heritage and legacy of Flagg Grove School along with its most famous student, Anna Mae Bullock, at Tina Turner Heritage Days at West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center.
Paris – Spend the weekend celebrating the visual and performing arts with theater performances, live music and more in a variety of venues during the Eye Full of Paris Weekend.
Knoxville – Opa! Celebrate the Greek Fest with authentic Greek food, delicious Greek pastries, live music, traditional Greek dancing, shopping and fun activities at St. George Greek Orthodox Church.
Sept. 27-Nov. 3
Gatlinburg – The 10th annual Oktoberfest at Ober Gatlinburg features Bavarian-style food, drink, music, traditional folk dances, bier garten, outdoor games, inflatables, face painting and kid-friendly activities.
Sept. 27-Nov. 2
Pigeon Forge – Fall provides the perfect backdrop for festive family fun at Dollywood’s Harvest Festival featuring the Great Pumpkin LumiNights that showcases thousands of jack-o-lanterns, pumpkin-themed food, entertainment and activities.
Sept. 28
Carthage – Step back in time to the days of pioneers at William Walton Days. Guests can enjoy good food, great shopping and outstanding entertainment at the Historic Courthouse Square.
Morristown – Celebrate the inaugural Morristown Craft Beer Festival with an extensive variety of craft beers, food, live music, fun activities and games.
Pigeon Forge – Experience the past in the present during Old Mill Heritage Day at the Historic Old Mill with demonstrations, a petting zoo, kid’s train rides, basket making and farmers market.
Maryville – Edgar Allen Lee, Craig Alan and Mitch Townley take the stage for Songwriters in the Round, an evening of Americana, country, folk and inspirational music 6 p.m. at Vienna Coffee House.
Sept. 28-29
Union City – Enjoy authentic craftsmen, artists and musicians during the
