Explore caves, take a free yoga class, grab a blanket for free movies in the park or a free concert, square dance, toast your own s’mores, savor barbecue or weigh in on the champion of the Slider Showdown. Here are the festivals and events going on across Tennessee this week. For a complete list, visit tnvacation.com/calendar.
Ongoing
Memphis – Develop strength, flexibility and balance during free Pilates in the Park classes 6 p.m. Wednesdays at Memphis Park.
Memphis –Levitt Shell’s free live music series continues at Overton Park. Live performances kick off at 7:30 p.m.
Memphis – Join the Stax Museum of American Soul Music 2-4 p.m. every Tuesday in June and July for the Live in Studio A concert series, free for Shelby County residents. There will also be free hands-on activities for kids.
Collierville – Meet family and friends at the bandstand 7-9 p.m. each Thursday night in June and July on the Historic Town Square for live music, food and fun for Main Street Collierville’s 2018 Summer Concert series.
Crossville – The Cumberland County Playhouse presents the story of Quasimodo and Esmeralda with breathtaking spectacles during the musical The Hunchback of Notre Dame, based on the classic gothic novel by Victor Hugo.
Nashville – Musicians Corner in Centennial Park offers free live music 5-9 p.m. Fridays noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays. with Kidsville and Dogsville activities, food trucks and more.
Nashville – The Natchez Hills Winery at Nashville Farmers Market presents a free music series every Friday, Saturday & Sunday on the outdoor patio stage, showcasing new and upcoming Nashville talent.
Clarksville – Trek to the depths of one of the largest caves in the region at Dunbar Cave State Park. Tours are limited to 20 people, so reservations are strongly encouraged. Register online here.
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.
Knoxville – The free Concerts on the Square series continues 7-9 p.m. every Thursday at Market Square with performances by local bands ranging from classical music to blues, from swing to Americana and from soft rock to country.
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.
Norris – Take a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a weekly line-up of free music at Concert on the Commons, beginning 7 p.m. each Friday night outside at Norris Commons.
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 –Sing, explore and pretend in favorite places from Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, an exhibit at Creative Discovery Museum based on the award-winning PBS series. Meet Daniel the Tiger 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Chattanooga – Experience a broad spectrum of musical genres during the free Nightfall Concert Series 7 p.m. every Friday night through Aug. 31 outside in Miller Plaza.
Elizabethton – Learn something new this summer with History at Home Summer Programs at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park with interpretive hikes, tours of Carter Mansion and Sabine Hill, and tomahawk throwing. Click here for the schedule.
Gatlinburg – Experience Summer in the Smokies every Wednesday through Sunday at Anakeesta with live music. Crafts and games for kids are offered weekdays and every evening you can toast your own s’mores at Firefly Village.
June 21
Union City – Celebrate the “almost weekend” at Libation Station 5:30-9 p.m. at Discovery Park of America with live music by the Mullins Club.
Memphis – Grab a blanket and head to Handy Park to listen to free live music during the summer concert series Kix on Beale! Joe Nichols and Jimmie Allen take the stage at 7:30 p.m.
Goodlettsville – Country singer Adam Cunningham from NBC’s The Voice brings his soulful voice to the free Music on Main concert series, 6:30 p.m. on the lawn of Goodlettsville City Hall Gazebo Park.
Nashville – 3 ½ Men perform for the free concert series Live from the Back Porch 6 p.m. at Fontanel with live music, food, drinks and fun.
Nashville – Music City’s International Day of Yoga 5:30-9 p.m. at Cumberland Park will feature yoga, food trucks and live music. Free parking is available in Lot R at Nissan Stadium.
Nashville – Sing along with The Greatest Showman for Nashville Scene’s Movies in the Park at Elmington Park. The free event starts at 5 p.m. with food trucks, vendors and games. The movie starts at sundown.
Franklin – Relax & strike a pose for Yoga in the Park 10 a.m. at Harlinsdale Farm. This free event takes place on International Yoga Day and will feature family yoga, goat yoga, office yoga, mommy & me yoga, giveaways and more.
Brentwood – Can you tell a Katydid call from a Cicada? Have you ever called owls? Bring a picnic and enjoy a Summer Night Hike 7:30 p.m. at Owl Hill’s Nature Sanctuary.
Knoxville – Following in the footsteps of Houdini, “Street Magic” mastermind David Blaine defies what’s physically possible in endurance stunts 8 p.m. at the Tennessee Theatre.
Elizabethton – Hear history come alive with Songs and Tunes 2-3:30 p.m. at Sabine Hill. The concert at the historic site features ballads, fiddle tunes, spirituals and everything in between. Tickets are $10.
June 21-23
Jackson –The Miss Tennessee Scholarship Pageant features 36 dynamic local representatives competing for scholarships at Carl Perkins Civic Center, with one lady being awarded the prestigious title of Miss Tennessee 2018.
Lynchburg – Frontier Days at Wiseman Park & Lynchburg Square has a street dance, carnival, costume contests, pony rides, rodeo, delicious food vendors and other family fun.
June 21-24
Savannah – Broadway takes center stage as Dreamweavers present Cats, the Musical at Savannah Historic Theater.
Nashville – The ultimate love story continues in Love Never Dies, the spellbinding sequel to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center.
Knoxville –The 2018 USA Cycling Professional Road, Individual Time Trial and Criterium National Championships will be in Knoxville with night-time activities for cyclists & spectators downtown. Men and women’s national champions will be crowned.
Knoxville – The Tennessee Valley Players present everyone’s favorite storybook characters in “Into the Woods” at Carousel Theatre. Tickets are $20.
Knoxville – What happens when a failing Elvis impersonator reluctantly agrees to be a drag performer? Find out in the hilarious comedy the Legend of Georgia McBride at the Flying Anvil Theatre.
Chattanooga – Fasten your seatbelts. The Tony Award-winning musical and groovy 1960s comedy, BOEING BOEING, touches down at Chattanooga Theatre Center.
June 21-25
Knoxville – The Nief-Norf Summer Festival at UT Recital Hall brings together dozens of performers, composers and scholars to collaborate on the performance, creation and discussion of contemporary music.
June 21-26
Jackson – The Generals face the Pensacola Blue Wahoos at Jackson Generals Ballpark with specials like Thursday dollar dogs and drinks, Food Truck Friday and a birthday blowout carnival for mascot Talkin’ Sarge on Saturday.
Selmer – Sing along with the cast of Rydell High as Arts in McNairy present the cult classic, Grease the Musical, at The Latta.
June 22
Union City – Have a girls’ night out at Friday’s Wine & Paint Class 6:30 p.m. at Discovery Park of America.
Cookeville – Bring a lawn chair or blanket to see “Sling” at Dogwood Park Performance Pavilion. The free After Dark Movies in the Park begins 30 minutes after dusk. Concession stands and public restrooms will be open.
Roan Mountain – The Roan Mountain Moonshiners bring a toe-tappin’ good time for the free Summer Concert Series 7:30 p.m. at Roan Mountain State Park amphitheater.
Maryville – Come to the peaceful side of the Smokies in downtown Maryville for the Summer on Broadway & the Big BBQ Bash. The weekend combines classic cars, barbecue, music, a farmer’s market and the beer festival Hops in the Hills Saturday.
Corryton – Walk among the blooms, sample wines from three Tennessee award-winning wineries; enjoy food, music and fun activities for kids and adults during the Daylily Bloom Festival at Oakes Daylilies Display Garden.
Hohenwald – Put on your dancing shoes for line dancing, clogging, two-stepping and live music for Stepping at the Strand, 7 p.m. at Strand Theatre & Art Gallery. Concessions will be available. The series is the fourth Friday of every month.
Knoxville – Discover local African-American art and artists, featuring entertainers performing on three stages, live demonstrations, food vendors, dance workshops, arts and crafts and more noon to 10 p.m. during the Kuumba Festival downtown.
Knoxville – Listen to live music while soaking in culture 6 p.m. at the Knoxville Museum of Art for Alive After 5 with a live band, cash bars, food from area restaurants, free popcorn and free parking. Admission is $15.
June 22-24
Memphis – The Memphis Concrete experimental music festival at Crosstown Concourse features electronic musicians like IMAKEMADBEATS, Negative Gemini and more. Tickets are $15 per day or $40 for a weekend pass.
Hurricane Mills – The TN Trail Jam Jeep Trail Ride at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch features nearly 20 miles of trails, an obstacle course, mud bog, live music, karaoke, bonfires and music.
Red Boiling Springs – Dark figures, cold spots and disembodied voices are what ghost hunters will search for during the Haunted Hotel Overnight at the Thomas House Hotel. The event Friday or Saturday includes lodging, meals and a guided tour.
Clarkrange – The Vintage Market Barn Sale behind Cumberland Mountain General Store will have arts and crafts, handmade jewelry, boutique clothes, wood and metal work and more. There will be a cruise-in on opening night Friday.
Knoxville – The Center for Creative Minds at A1 LabArts presents a new exhibit from Knoxville artist Gunnar Quist, “Pixel Abstracts: Series BB.” The artist will be at the opening reception showcasing the hand-painted pixel art 6-9 p.m. June 22.
June 22-Aug. 11
Gatlinburg – The Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales street performance festival takes place each night in downtown Gatlinburg and features musicians, storytellers, artisans, cloggers and more at different locations along the Parkway.
June 22-Sept. 16
Nashville – Artists weave together the physical reality, memories, emotions and the virtual world in the exhibit Chaos and Awe: Painting for the 21st Century at Frist Art Museum.
June 23
Jackson – Walk among the beautiful gardens and water during the self-guided Annual Summer Pond Tour at Carter’s Nursery, which raises money for the Jackson Animal Care & Adoption Center. Tickets are $10 and kids under 12 get in free.
Union City –Get your motors running for the 4th Annual Car Show 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Discovery Park of America.
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. The movie Pitch Perfect 3 will begin at sunset.
Nashville – Get your adrenaline pumping with jaw-dropping displays and gravity-defying feats during the Monster Jam 7 p.m. at Nissan Stadium.
Nashville – Sing along with Disney in Concert: Magical Music from the Movies 7:30 p.m. at Ascend Amphitheater, with classics from The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King and Frozen.
Nashville – Sip craft beer from more than 70 craft brews; enjoy food, games and entertainment at the Nashville Predators Craft Beer Festival 3-7 p.m. at Bridgestone Arena.
Nashville – Explore the science behind your favorite sports 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Adventure Science Center. Hit the ice with Newton’s Laws of Motion, test your reflexes and get a hole in one with interactive activities for Sports Science Day.
Brentwood – This summer’s Music in the Meadow concert series kicks off with Anthony Adams & the Nite Owls at Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for picnics, a hike and meeting the owls. Music starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20.
Columbia – A party full of food, music and a huge parking lot full of antiques, arts and crafts. Shop ‘til you drop at the Big Bleu Pickin’ Party 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Bleu 32 Vintage Market Place.
Granville – Get ready for all-you-can-eat southern style cooking and live music. Clearview takes the stage for Sutton Ole Time Music Hour 6-8 p.m. at T.B. Sutton General Store.
Lobelville – Brian Warren and Dixie Overdrive take the stage for the free Music on Main Street concert series 7:30 p.m. on the grounds of Lobelville City Hall.
Linden – Bring the whole family, chairs and blankets for the Summer Splash Event 4:30-8 p.m. at Mousetail Landing State Park with a 100 ft. slip-n-slide, sprinkler area and a kid-friendly movie at dusk. Meet at the park pavilion.
Chattanooga – Stand up paddleboard your way through the architecture and art of Chattanooga at the Nature of Art: SUP ART program 10 a.m. to noon at the Hunter Museum of American Art.
Bristol – Back by popular demand, the unmistakable Paul Thorn returns to the Birthplace of Country Music Museum 7:30 p.m. for a special 1927 Society Concert experience.
Blountville – The 2018 Tennessee Pro National 1 p.m. at Muddy Creek Raceway will include the Cody Gragg Memorial 2 Stroke Race at intermission. There will be a practice and qualifying race Friday afternoon to determine the 40-rider field for the race.
June 23-24
Nashville – The Nashville Pride Festival at Public Square Park features top-rated entertainment on the Nissan Main Stage, an entertainment/drag stage, Kids Zone, Youth Pavilion and 200 vendors featuring local not-for-profits, artists and businesses.
June 24
Memphis – Join One Memphis at Handy Park Pavilion on the world-famous Beale Street for a free concert 4-6 p.m.
Franklin – Savor local breakfast food, coffee from local restaurants and eclectic music from around the world during BreakFEST, 8 a.m. at The Factory at Franklin. Music acts include New Found Glory, Bayside, the Movielife and Hot Rod Circuit.
Franklin – The Summer Sunset Concert 4-8 p.m. at Carnton will feature FAB, a Beatles Tribute. Guests are welcome to pack picnic dinners or take advantage of delicious local food trucks and beverage vendors on-site.
June 25
Jonesborough – Jonesborough’s original storytelling radio show shares stories celebrating relationships 7 p.m. at the International Storytelling Center. The musical guest for Yarn Exchange: Sweet Love will be Mark Caliham.
June 26
Nashville – Enjoy a warm summer night under the stars listening to free music during the Nashville Symphony Community Concert 7:30 p.m. at Two Rivers Mansion.
Nashville – Grammy-winning vocal group Little Big Town discuss their musical inspiration, creative process and career milestones 3:30 p.m. at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The new exhibit, Little Big Town: The Power of Four opens June 29.
McMinnville – See The Head and the Heart 333 feet below in the world-famous Volcano Room 7 p.m. at Cumberland Caverns.
June 27
Jackson – The Kimberlie Helton Band, Rev. Jessie & the Holy Smokes and Shaun Abbott take the stage at 6 p.m. for Country Music Lends Down a Hand at Casey Jones Village. All proceeds benefit the Down Syndrome Association of West TN.
Nashville – Roger Daltrey joins the Nashville Symphony and members of The Who’s touring band to perform one of the greatest rock operas ever written, “Tommy,” in its entirety 8:30 p.m. at Ascend Amphitheater.
June 28
Memphis – Craig Campbell and Danielle Bradberry rock the house 7:30 p.m. at Handy Park for the free live summer concert series Kix on Beale!
Memphis – Tour the gardens and discover different herbs used in your favorite cocktails. Stop by the gin and tonic bar to create your own mix or sip drinks from bitter to bubbly for Gin & JUNEipers at 6-9 p.m. at Memphis Botanic Garden. Tickets are $40.
Clarksville – Make a toast to almost Friday at DJ on the Dock 5 p.m. at Beachaven Winery for happy hour, blush wine spritzes, cornhole games and tunes from DJ Benton Lewis.
Somerville – The town of Somerville Star Spangled Celebration kicks off at 7 p.m. at Historic Somerville Square. Mike Watkins will perform his newest chart-topping single “Oh Say Can You See.” Bring a picnic or get a snack from food vendors.
Chattanooga – Yoga, vino and vinyasa come together for an intense practice, art-inspired dialogue and a cool down featuring wine from Empire Wines. Artful Yoga begins at 6 p.m. at Hunter Museum of American Art.
June 28-30
Memphis –Local photographers, filmmakers and musicians get to showcase their works during the Withers Creative Festival at Withers Collection Museum & Gallery.
June 29
Nashville – Listen to bluegrass and roots pickers jam in circles under the trees 7-11 p.m. at the Full Moon Pickin’ Party at Percy Warner Park. Tickets are $25 and money raised protects Warner Parks, its education programs and special projects.
Linden – Bobby Keel, who wrote songs for Garth Brooks, Hank Williams Junior, Merle Haggard and more, performs 6-9 p.m. at the Commodore Hotel.
Roan Mountain – The Stemwinder quartet of musicians playing guitar, mandolin, bass and banjo entertain at the Summer Concert Series at Roan Mountain State Park amphitheater. The free concert starts at 7:30 p.m.
Elizabethton – Gather around the campfire for Stories & S’mores 8:30 p.m. at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park. Enjoy tales, wit and humor from the park’s resident storyteller.
June 29-30
Savannah – Live music, a buck dancing contest, pickin’ & singin’ and a cake are on tap for the 40th annual Savannah Bluegrass Festival downtown and at Wayne Jerrolds River Park. Enjoy the music, food, shopping and dining downtown.
June 29-July 1
Jonesborough – Take part in the Jonesborough Days Festival downtown, featuring live music, storytelling, a 9 a.m. parade Saturday, fireworks Sunday at 10 p.m., children’s entertainment, craft vendors, games, food and more.
June 30
Tiptonville – Picnic, play volleyball, let the kids play, fish and relax during the Independence Day Celebration Fireworks and Concert 7 p.m. at Historic Reelfoot Lake. All festivities will be in the American Legion area.
Medina – The Venue at White Oak Farms will host Summer Songwriter’s Night “In the Round” experience with stories behind some of the biggest hits like “Whiskey Lullaby,” “Watching Airplanes,” and “Tin Man.” The event starts at 7 p.m.
Eagleville – Journey to Tennessee’s largest petting farm, Lucky Ladd Farms, to grab a slice during the Watermelon Festival. There will be a splash zone, inflatable slides and fun activities.
Nashville – A unique brunch experience 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. Guests can enjoy food, drinks, mimosa and bloody mary bars, music and a live auction. Proceeds go to the Tennessee State Parks Conservancy.
Franklin – Enjoy delicious sliders created by talented chefs from five Southern states as they compete in the Great Slider Showdown 4-7 p.m. at the Factory in Franklin. Guest judges include the Food Network’s Alton Brown.
Columbia – Taste some of the finest cornbread and white beans Maury County has to offer at the White Bean & Cornbread Supper 5-8 p.m. at the Athenaeum. Tickets are $5 and benefit the Athenaeum’s ongoing restoration.
Knoxville – The Rockin’ the Classics: Classic Car and 50s Rock ‘n’ Show is a blast from the past 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Historic Ramsey House. Vote for your favorite car, enjoy delicious food and listen to live music. The kid-friendly event is free.
Bristol – A Great American Tapestry tells the story of the Southern mountains’ musical birth and evolution. After the screening of the documentary at 7 p.m., the Birthplace of Country Music Museum will host director David Meinstraub for a Q&A session.
Alcoa – The free 40th Annual City of Alcoa FreedomFest 6-11 p.m. at the City of Alcoa Duck Pond features food vendors; children’s activities including face painting, a climbing wall, inflatables, military exhibits and live entertainment.
Tellico Plains – A community tradition since 1958, the Tellico Plains Annual Dance on the Square begins 5 p.m. with live music, square dancing, kid zone, cotton candy and snow cones and a night of family fun.
Cumberland Gap – The White Lightning Trail Festival celebrates the history of East Tennessee and Appalachian culture with musical performances, handcraft demonstrations, beauty pageant, 5K, arts, crafts, food and specialty vendor booths.
