Witness fire breathers, compete in a city-wide scavenger hunt, join an interpretive hike, watch a free movie under the stars, strike a pose with yoga on the field, listen to live music or go to festivals like the Smithville Fiddler’s Jamboree. Here are the events going on across Tennessee this week. For a complete list, visit tnvacation.com/calendar.
Ongoing
Memphis – Join the Stax Museum of American Soul Music 2-4 p.m. every Tuesday in 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.
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.
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 – Explore downtown Knoxville during the month-long Where’s Waldo Scavenger Hunt in boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops, at the Farmers Market and on the free downtown trolley.
Andersonville – Kick back, relax and enjoy live music during Sundown Saturdays 6-10 p.m. on the patio of Stardust Marine, voted one of the top five marinas in East Tennessee.
Gatlinburg – The Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales street performance festival takes place each night through Aug. 11 in downtown Gatlinburg and features musicians, storytellers, artisans, cloggers and more at different locations along the Parkway.
Gatlinburg – Experience Summer in the Smokies every Wednesday through Sunday at Anakeesta with live music. Crafts and games for kids are offered on weekdays; and every evening you can toast your own s’mores at Firefly Village.
Pigeon Forge –Families can experience award-winning attractions like Wild Eagle and Lightning Rod and unique shows like iLuminate and DRUMLine Live!, with extended park hours from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. during Dollywood’s Summer Celebration.
Norris – Take a lawn chair or blanket and listen to 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 – 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.
July 5-15
Jonesborough – It’s the summer of 1776 and the nation is ready to declare independence, only if the founding fathers agree. Jonesborough Repertory Theatre presents 1776 the Musical.
July 5
Goodlettsville – The free Music on Main concert series 6:30-8 p.m. at Goodlettsville City Hall’s Gazebo Park features live music by Red Light 11, a kid’s zone and other family activities.
Nashville – Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman Auditorium feature incredible performances by some of the biggest names in bluegrass and newcomers who carry on the tradition. Vince Gill takes the stage for the summer series at 7:30 p.m. July 5.
Chattanooga – Charlie the Head brings on the heat for Bands on the Bluff: Psychedelic Summer 6 p.m. at Hunter Museum of American Art. Enjoy live music, art activities, neon experiences and ice cream treats and tours of the special exhibits for $5.
July 5-7
Eagleville – Tennessee’s largest petting farm and family fun park salutes heroes by offering free admission to Tennessee firemen, police officers, active/retired military, veterans and their families for Hometown Hero Days at Lucky Ladd Farms.
July 5-8
Nashville – Travel to a galaxy far, far away and enjoy Star Wars: A New Hope in concert as the Nashville Symphony at Schermerhorn Symphony Center performs John Williams’ Academy Award-winning score.
July 6
Jackson – Caleb Minter takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. for Music at the AMP at West Tennessee Farmers Market. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, a picnic basket or visit one of the food concessions.
Lexington – Enjoy live entertainment, shopping and fun for First Friday Night on the Square 6-9 p.m. at Lexington Court Square.
Cookeville – Travel back to 1985 for “Back to the Future” on the west patio at the Cookeville Depot. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy popcorn and soda for $1 each. Summer Cinema at the Depot continues Friday nights at 8 p.m. in July.
Clarksville – The Joel Brown Band takes the stage for the free concert series Jammin’ in the Alley 7-10 p.m. on historic Strawberry Alley downtown.
Nashville – Decide who wins among four finalists and a wildcard band competing in a live showdown 7 p.m. at Marathon Music Works. The winner gets an artist development, promotion package and a chance to play Lightning 100’s Live on the Green.
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.
Cleveland – Enjoy live music, free face painting, giant inflatable slide/obstacle course, great food, homemade ice cream, pizza and more at the First Friday Festival 7 p.m. on the Courthouse Square.
Jamestown – Get in shape and soak in history for the interpretive hike of Hazard Cave and Indian Rockhouse Trails at 3 p.m. at Pickett CCC Memorial State Park. Meet at the Hazard Cave Trailhead parking lot.
Kodak – Join interpretive rangers for a Summer Night Hike through Seven Islands State Birding Park to explore what goes on once the sun goes down. Meet at the Bluebird Barn by 8 p.m. Please pre-register here. Tickets are $8.
July 6-7
Smithville – Get your toes tapping at the Smithville Fiddler’s Jamboree & Crafts Festival with various state and national championships, jam sessions from talented musicians and juried craft exhibits.
July 7
Shiloh – Shiloh National Military Park features free rockabilly music at Concert in the Park 5:30 p.m. on the lawn of the park’s visitor center. Memphis rockabilly artist Jason D. Williams performs, whose piano skills draw comparisons to Jerry Lee Lewis.
Hurricane Mills – Spend Independence Day weekend with family fun, music and a fireworks show at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch with a special Salute to Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn with performances by Tre Twitty and Tayla Lynn.
Clarksville – Unwind and listen to live music for free during Jazz on the Lawn 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Beachaven Winery.
Nashville – The Nashville Zoo transforms into a water wonderland complete with slides, wet and wild games, and splashy attractions 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for Summer Splash H2Oliday.
Nashville – Witness high-flying aerialists, acrobats, fire breathers, fire dancers, jugglers, stilt dancers and more 2 p.m. for the Nashville Circus Spectacular at Cumberland Park. Local eats, vendors and breweries will be on site.
Nashville – Step inside Music City’s art world with the First Saturday Art Crawl, 6-9 p.m. at 5th Avenue of the Arts. More than 20 art galleries offer free admission to view their latest exhibits.
Crossville – Tennessee’s Miss America & Kellye Cash perform a special benefit concert for Youth Town 7:30 p.m. at Cumberland County Playhouse.
Granville – Native Tennessean John Tomlin & Company perform tunes steeped in bluegrass tradition 6 p.m. for Sutton Ole Time Music Hour. Admission is $20 and includes a Southern-style dinner beginning at 5 p.m.
Clinton – Bring blankets, lawn chairs and kick back with live music during the Jazz on the Hill concert series 6-9 p.m. outside Green McAdoo Cultural Center. The event is free, but vendors will be outside for food and drink purchases.
Butler – Sip on sangria, take a tour of Johnson County’s commercial agricultural vineyard and winery and savor wood-fired pizza during Sangria Saturdays, noon to 3 p.m. at Watauga Lake Winery.
Kodak – Walk among a rainbow of colors during the Wildflower Hike 8 a.m. at Seven Islands Birding State Park. The event is free, but you have to pre-register here. Meet at the Bluebird Barn.
Roan Mountain – Enjoy music from three of Tennessee State Park’s musical park rangers with a mix of bluegrass, country and more. The Summer Concert Series: The Free Rangers starts at 7:30 p.m. at Roan Mountain State Park’s amphitheater.
July 8
Memphis – Memphis’ jazz artist Deborah Swiney highlights songs from her new album “I Remember Rio” 6-8 p.m. during the free Pop-Up Sunset Jazz Concert at Court Square Park.
Monteagle – Bring bug spray, sunscreen, sturdy boots and a camera to capture stunning views during the Stone Door Hike 1 p.m. at South Cumberland State Park. The hike is free. Meet at the Stone Door Ranger Station.
July 10
Memphis – Lay out your yoga mat and strike a pose for Our Yoga Downtown 6-7 p.m. in Memphis Park. The free weekly classes happen every Tuesday.
Nashville – Enjoy an evening stroll through the gardens, walk the first floor of the mansion and take a horse-drawn wagon tour of the grounds 5:30-8:30 p.m. for Pinot with the President at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage. Wine & cheese will be served outside on the lawn. Tickets are $30.
July 10-15
Knoxville – The nine-time Tony Award-winning Best Musical, The Book of Mormon, brings outrageous misadventures to the historic stage of the Tennessee Theatre.
July 12
Jackson – The Summer Celebration Lawn & Garden Show features more than 40 plant and craft vendors, talks/tours by gardening experts, and a plant sale 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center.
Memphis – Grab a blanket and head to Handy Park to listen to free live music during the summer concert series Kix on Beale! Ashley McBryde and Mitchell Tenpenny take the stage at 7:30 p.m.
Nashville – Hundreds of yogis vinyasa 5:30-8:30 p.m. for Yoga on the Field at Nissan Stadium. The celebration includes an invigorating twilight class, followed by cocktail hour on the concourse.
Spring Hill – The Spring Hill Farmers Market 3-7 p.m. at The Mockingbird Restaurant offers live cooking demonstrations and taste tests using locally-grown meats, produce and herbs.
Portland – Soul Soup plays a variety of music from the 1960s to today’s hits for July Music on Main 7 p.m. on Main Street. Bring a lawn chair or rent one for $2. The concert is free.
Bristol – Radio Bristol presents the vintage Farm and Fun Time Variety Show, live from the Birthplace of Country Music Museum at 7 p.m. featuring live musical guests Carson Peters & Iron Mountain and The Brother Brothers. Tickets are $30.
July 12-14, 19-21, 26-28
Elizabethton – See the Revolution as told by the Overmountain Men: colonists who defied British law and settled on Cherokee lands. Witness the drama of the 40th Annual Liberty! The Saga of Sycamore Shoals at Fort Watauga.
July 12-15
Jackson – The Jackson Theatre Guild presents My Fair Lady at The Ned.
July 13
Union City – A storyteller by heart, Jason Michaels masters the art of deception and illusion 7 p.m. at Discovery Park of America.
Memphis – The Pink Palace Museum hosts a Family Science Night 7-10 p.m. that is out of this world. Visitors can get a glimpse of the world beyond Earth’s atmosphere through a telescope and explore space in the planetarium. Tickets are $12.
Memphis – Beat the heat with fun activities and a photo booth with special movie-themed props for Orpheum Theatre’s Summer Movie Series. The family-favorite, “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” starts at 7 p.m. Activities start at 6 p.m. Tickets are $8.
Cookeville – Watch “Father’s Little Dividend” for free under the stars on the west patio at the Cookeville Depot. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy popcorn and soda for $1 each. Summer Cinema at the Depot continues Friday nights at 8 p.m. in July.
Nashville – The Ralph Stanley Exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum examines the unique style and career of Ralph Stanley, half of the legendary bluegrass duo, the Stanley Brothers.
Linden – Take a walk down lonely street to the “Heartbreak Hotel” dinner show with Elvis tribute artist Jason Whited 6 p.m. at the Commodore Hotel & Café.
July 13-14
Murfreesboro – Uncle Dave Macon Music and Arts Festival at Cannonsburgh Village features the National Championships in old-time banjo, buck dancing and clogging, arts, crafts and food. Admission is $10 per day. Children 12 and under get in free.
Columbia – Cowboys and cowgirls compete in the 15th Annual Maury Co. Sheriff’s Rodeo 8 p.m. both nights at Maury Co. Park Arena. Proceeds go to community outreach programs. Tickets are $15.
July 13-15
Maryville – The 50th anniversary of the Smoky Mountain Classic Softball Tournament at Sandy Springs Park will feature the top-ranked teams in the U.S. Games begin at 10 a.m. on Friday, and 8 a.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Red Boiling Springs – A thrilling night is in store for the Overnight Ghost Hunt at Thomas House Hotel. The event includes lodging, meals, fully guided tours and ghost hunt training either Friday or Saturday night.
July 13-21
Kingsport – Pat Benatar, the Avett Brothers and Casting Crowns are among the performers who will take the stage during Kingsport Fun Fest in venues across town with children’s activities, hot-air balloons and a fireworks show.
July 13-22
Gatlinburg – Voted one of the Southeast’s “Most Popular Events,” the Summer Craftsmen’s Fair at Gatlinburg Convention Center hosts artisans and craftsmen from all over the U.S. with 200 booths of impressive creations and a kids’ corner.
July 14
Nashville – My So Called Banned sets the mood with their 90s jams for Super Cool Fun Fest 4-10 p.m. at Cumberland Park. The festival benefiting Greenways for Nashville includes a silent disco, 90s Party Zone, Skip It, Giant Jenga, 4 Square and more.
Nashville – Head to the Nashville Soul Music Festival at Public Square Park with performances by Cameo, En Vouge, Ying Yang Twins, High Five, Rob Base, & Michel’le; great food and fun. Doors open at 2 p.m. The show starts at 4 p.m.
Clarksville – Enjoy “Despicable Me 3” on the big screen outside at sunset for free Movies in the Park at Heritage Park. Bring a blanket and/or lawn chairs and come hungry. There will be food available for purchase from on-site concessions.
Clarksville – Explore an entire city block featuring large gallery spaces filled with fine art, science and history for Free Admission Day at Customs House Museum.
Pulaski – Bob Randall, Laura Lane, Danny Potter and Brenda McCready perform at a Benefit Concert 7-10 p.m. at Staar Theatre at Antoinette Hall. Tickets are $10. Money raised goes to restoration efforts at Antoinette Hall Opera House.
