Scavenger hunts, specialty burgers for a bargain, beer & cheese pairings, free concerts, movies under the stars, sing-along musicals, a 90s party, a craft fair and unique festivals like Uncle Dave Macon Days and Kingsport Fun Fest are all on tap this week across Tennessee. For a complete list of events, visit tnvacation.com/calendar.
Ongoing
Tennessee State Parks – Do yoga at sunrise, kayak or go on a pontoon boat ride at dusk, hike, toast your own s’mores, listen to a free concert or learn how to fire a musket. Here are some of the activities going on at Tennessee State Parks.
Memphis – A 79-year tradition continues with Peabody Rooftop Parties 6-10 p.m. Thursdays at The Peabody Hotel. Weekly admission is $10-$15 with a snack buffet and drink specials.
Memphis – Turn Memphis into a giant game board with the Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure. Guided from any smart phone, teams will solve clues and complete challenges while learning local history. Sign up online here.
Union City – Rock out to your favorite tunes or make your own music in the Science of Rock ‘n’ Roll exhibit at Discovery Park of America.
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 – Rhythm and Vine features performing artists, as well as new and upcoming Nashville talent every Saturday and Sunday at Fontanel. The free concert series is in the tasting room or the patio depending on the weather.
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.
Chattanooga – In the new exhibit Embodied Beauty, works by Karen Lamonte explore the tensions between body and spirit, perfect and imperfect beauty with sculptures in cast glass, clay, bronze and iron at Hunter Museum of American Art.
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.
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.
July 12
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.
Memphis – Celebrate Friday eve with 30 Thursdays: Cocktails & Canvases at Memphis Botanic Garden. Bring your own beverages and painting supplies for the 6 p.m. outdoor painting class using the spectacular gardens as a backdrop.
Nashville – City Winery swaps grapes for grains for the Beer & Cheese Pairing at 6:30 p.m. A certified cicerone and Nashville’s resident cheese expert from Murray’s Cheese’s pair five beers with different cheeses. Tickets are $40.
Nashville – Bring a blanket, folding chairs, a picnic and your pup on a leash to enjoy a free Movie Night at Public Square Park. “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” begins at sundown. The fun starts at 6 p.m. with giant lawn games and frozen treats for sale.
Nashville – Find your inner strength with Yoga on the Field at Nissan Stadium. The class starts at 6:30 p.m. with cocktail hour after. There will be a cash bar, food for sale, photo booth, activities and giveaways. Tickets are $20. Bring your own mat.
Clarksville – Kick back during happy hour for DJ on the Dock 5-8 p.m. at Beachaven Winery with tunes by DJ Benton Lewis, beach games, discounted wines and dancing.
July 12-14
Nashville – Make your own puppet and put together a mini-show with new friends 10 a.m. to 1p.m. at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The museum will provide materials, you bring the creativity. The event is free with museum admission.
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.
Tullahoma – Bringing Charles Dickens’ beloved novel to life, Lionel Bart’s Oliver! takes audiences on a wild adventure through Victorian England at South Jackson Civic Center.
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 12-17
Memphis – Chow down on new burgers and old favorites at restaurants and burger joints all around the Mid-South at a special Burger Week Burger Price of $5.99 or less during lunch and dinner hours.
July 12-25
Columbia – The exhibit “Focus on Columbia’s Past” at Columbia State Community College’s Pryor Art Gallery reconnects the community to its past while preserving a collection of photos spanning time for more than a century.
July 12-29
Knoxville – Stop by to see gorgeous underwater photography by Bryce Gibson at Ijams Nature Center. The exhibit captures the beauty and diversity of wildlife living in East Tennessee’s waters.
July 12-Aug 12
Knoxville – Shakespeare on the Square features two of William Shakespeare’s plays, rotated nightly at 7 p.m. outdoors on Market Square in the heart of downtown. A $10 donation is suggested.
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 – Sit under the stars surrounded by a beautiful garden as a soft summer breeze floats by during Live at the Garden Summer Concert Series 6:30 p.m. at Memphis Botanic Garden. Boy George & the Culture Club and the B52s will perform.
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.
Franklin – The Annie Moses Summer Music Festival 7:30 p.m. at The Factory at Franklin features young musicians in a stirring concert experience that takes you to the root and heart of the Americana style.
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
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.
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.
July 13-15
Knoxville – Broadway, Opera and online dating come together in A Perfect Match at Flying Anvil Theatre. The show is a musical memoir of the love story and performing highlights of Knoxville native, Laura Beth Wells and her husband, David Crawford.
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.
Blountville – The Kawasaki Team Green Tennessee State Championship takes over Muddy Creek Raceway with the team pit bike races, slippy slide and the championship race Sunday.
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.
Lawrenceburg – Lawrenceburg Community Theatre presents the musical comedy, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, based on the classic 1954 film starring Howard Keel and Jane Powell.
July 13-29
Murfreesboro – The Center for the Arts presents Memphis the Musical, the fictional story of DJ Huey Calhoun, a good ole’ local boy with a passion for R&B and Felicia Farrell, an up-and-coming singer he meets one fateful night on Beale Street.
July 14
Union City – Learn about hunting tactics, various feeding strategies and extraordinary prey items snakes consume during World Snake Day at Discovery Park of America. A special program will be presented 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Reelfoot Room.
Nashville – Grab a lawn chair and 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.
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.
Granville– The family bluegrass band, Kentucky Just Us, perform during Sutton Ole Time Music Hour 6-8 p.m. at the T.B. Sutton General Store. Tickets are $20 for dinner and admission.
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.
Oak Ridge – Discover as many species as possible in one location during the Bioblitz 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Worthington Cemetery. The free event lets families and friends work together to find species of plants, animals, microbes, fungi and organisms.
Roan Mountain – Don’t miss the bluegrass stylings of veteran musicians, The Corklickers, during the free summer concert series 7:30 p.m. at Roan Mountain State Park amphitheater.
Chattanooga – Kurt Vile & the Violators perform at the city’s newest live music venue, The Signal at 8:30 p.m. Tickets start at $25.
July 14-15
Nashville – Watch the World Cup on a jumbotron at Von Eldrod’s Beer Garden and Sausage House with a chance to win merchandise & tickets to future matches and appearances by Nashville Soccer Club players during Sunday’s championship.
July 15
Knoxville – Fur traders, circuit-riding preachers, long hunters, statesmen and adventurers: who were your ancestors? The Early Families of the Forks Workshop 2-4 p.m. at the Historic Ramsey House shares old documents and research. Tickets are $20.
July 16
Chattanooga – The indie rock band Modest Mouse takes the stage 8 p.m. at the Tivoli Theatre.
July 16 & 18
Franklin – Kevin and Michael of the Bacon Brothers, who have seven albums spanning rock, soul, folk and Americana, take the stage at the Franklin Theatre.
July 16-22
Nashville – Enjoy Nashville’s best burgers at a special $5 price during Nashville Scene’s Burger Week. Participating restaurants include The Slider House, Burger Republic, The Nashville Jam Co., Hopdoddy Burger Bar and Bavarian Bierhaus.
July 19
Jackson – Come and pick or just come and listen as the Jackson Area Plectral Society sponsors an Open Jam every Thursday night from 6-9 p.m. at Casey Jones Village.
Nashville – Bring a blanket, folding chairs, a picnic and your pup on a leash to enjoy a free Movie Night at Public Square Park. “Space Jam” begins at sundown. The fun starts at 6 p.m. with giant lawn games and frozen treats for sale.
Goodlettsville – Red Light 11 takes the stage for the free concert series Music on Main 6:30-8 p.m. on the lawn next to Goodlettsville City Hall. The event will also include a kid’s zone with children’s activities.
Chattanooga – Ocean explorer Fabien Cousteau, grandson of Jacques Cousteau, shares his memories of ocean exploration while raising awareness and support for conservation projects, 6 p.m. at Tennessee Aquarium. Tickets are $50.
July 19-28
Livingston – More than 250 booths highlight handmade arts and crafts at the 80th annual Overton County Fair at the Overton County Fairgrounds. There will also be an open mule pull, family activities, truck and tractor pulls.
July 20
Memphis – Memphis Zine Fest IV, 4-7 p.m. on the Theater Stair at Crosstown Concourse, will feature zine vendors from across the city. The event is free.
Memphis – Beat the heat with the summer film series 7 p.m. at the Orpheum Theatre with the film “Selena.”
Cookeville – Bring a chair or blanket and get ready to laugh for “Santa Claus Conquers the Martians” 8 p.m. for Summer Cinema at the Cookeville Depot. Grab popcorn and soda for just $1 each. The movie is free.
Nashville – Lightning 100’s Half Christmas Beer Fest 7-11 p.m. at Marathon Music Works include tastings, access to snow machines, sweater decorating station, photo booth, food trucks, costume contest and karaoke. Tickets are $40.
Murfreesboro – Step back in time and listen to a free live concert 7-9 p.m. at Cannonsburgh Village’s 3rd Friday Night Concert.
Franklin – A huge backyard party with all-you-can-eat catfish, an old-fashioned social with bluegrass and R&B/jazz music, the 44th annual Bethlehem UMC Fish Fry kicks off at 4:30 p.m. at Bethlehem United Methodist Church.
July 20-21
Townsend – Bring the whole family to see all kinds of Volkswagen vehicles and enjoy children’s activities, a swap meet, new and used parts, vendors, games and more during the Summer Jam Volkswagen Car Show at Tally Ho Inn.
July 20-22
Murfreesboro – The Murfreesboro Antique Show & Sale, a long-standing Murfreesboro tradition, attracts some of the finest antique dealers from across the country at the Middle TN Convention Center. Admission is $7 for a three-day pass.
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.
Dayton – Experience one of the most famous court trials in Tennessee with an informational play at the historic Rhea County Courthouse. The Scopes Trial Festival also features a car show, bluegrass music and more.
Knoxville – Charlotte Bronte’s great love story comes to life with music to lift your heart as The Word Players present the musical drama, Jane Eyre, at the historic Bijou Theatre.
July 21
Buchanan – Join hundreds of lake lovers on boats and jet skis for the “Water Fun Run” at Paris Landing State Park. Decorate your boat with a pirate theme for a chance to win gift certificates.
Nashville – Solve the clues to discover the location of the next Pop-Up Right Shakespeare play, Titus Andronicus, at 2 p.m. Get your tickets here for the secret show as part of Nashville Shakespeare Festival’s 30th anniversary.
Franklin – Enjoy a five-course meal with locally sourced, organic and healthy ingredients for the Farm-to-Table Dinner 6:30 p.m. at Gratitude Ranch. A portion of the proceeds benefit SAFE, a local non-profit serving foster children and families in need.
Cookeville – The CrossFit Culinary Ninja Workshop at CrossFit Mayhem is a one-day, highly interactive course where you get to learn directly from Chief Culinary Ninja Nick Massie and leave with 16 self-prepared nutritional meals.
Granville – The Foxfire Newgrass Band entertains at Sutton Ole Time Music Hour 6-8 p.m. at the T.B. Sutton General Store. Tickets are $20 for dinner and admission.
Mt. Pleasant – Put a picnic basket and goodies together with family and friends to enjoy “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” during Movies on the Square 8 p.m. on Public Square.
Chattanooga – Barbecue, bluegrass and brews are in store for Q’n Brew 6-9 p.m. at the Chattanooga Zoo. Taste the best barbecue in the city and sample tasty beer while also enjoying the zoo and listening to bluegrass musicians.
Knoxville – Author, teacher and storyteller Fred Sauceman shares stories of an Appalachian family during Pigs and Hickory: A Southern Barbecue Seminar 2-4 p.m. at the Historic Ramsey House. $25 tickets include a barbecue buffet.
Bristol – Local musicians can gather and pick, collaborate and share their experiences during a free Community Jam Session 2-5 p.m. at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.
Pigeon Forge – Lace up your shoes for a colorful, fun-filled day in the Smoky Mountains as the Titanic Museum hosts the Titanic Color Run 5K. The race starts at 7:30 a.m. and benefits autism awareness.
Pigeon Forge – Award-winning country artist Neal McCoy performs some of his biggest hits 8 p.m. at Country Tonite Theatre.
Maryville – Grab coffee and dessert as Smoky Mountain Storytellers present Laughter! 6 p.m. at Vienna Coffee House. Donations go to storytelling programs.
July 22
Memphis – Sample the best local meats, pickled products, fruits, sweets and cheeses and pair them with wine, beer and cider at the Butcher Board Festival 4-7 p.m. at the South Main Market.
Franklin – Dress up in your 80s and 90s NYC streetwear and visit New York City from your theatre seat while singing along to the fan-favorite movie musical “RENT” 2 p.m. at the Franklin Theatre.
