The Soundtrack of America is Made in Tennessee and you can hear great music at festivals like Tina Turner Heritage Days, Americana Music Festival & Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion. Here’s a look at other festivals and fall-themed activities going on across the state this week. For a complete list of events, visit tnvacation.com/calendar.
Sept. 13
Jackson – Enjoy an evening with pianist and vocal stylist A.J. Croce, son of Jim Croce, 7:30 p.m. at The NED.
Union City – Don’t miss the free Cornfest Concert 5:30-10 p.m. at Discovery Park of America. The Gas Station Chicken Band and Blackberry Breeze will perform. Blue Bank Resort will have catfish plates for sale and there will be light snacks.
Leiper’s Fork – An Evening of Spirits, Songs and Stories will include appetizers, Tennessee whiskey and stories and songs from Grammy Award-winning songwriters 6 p.m. at Leiper’s Fork Distillery.
Maryville – Sample savory favorites from local restaurants, caterers and gourmet grocers and vote for your favorites during the 17th annual Taste of Blount 6-8 p.m. at Theater in the Park.
Sept. 13-15
Lexington – Family fun, games, food and a carnival are in store at the Henderson County Free Fair at Lexington Fairgrounds.
Kodak – Keep calm and pick on. Enjoy three days of music from some of the nation’s best bluegrass musicians at the Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival. Music starts each day at noon and doesn’t stop until 11 p.m.
Sept. 13-16
Jackson – Find thrilling rides, carnival food, live music and fun activities at the West Tennessee State Fair at Fairgrounds Park. This year’s theme is “Apple Pies & Family Ties.” Click here for more information and a complete line-up.
Nashville – The Americana Music Festival & Conference joins legendary artists, upcoming stars, industry professionals and fans for six days of panels, seminars, showcases and parties across the city and the annual Americana Honors & Awards Show.
Nashville – A wannabe rock star posing as a substitute teacher turns a class of straight-A students into a mind-blowing rock band as the musical School of Rock jams out at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center.
Nashville – Let it go and sing along with the story of two sisters as Disney on Ice presents Frozen at Bridgestone Arena.
Franklin – Experience a night of Shakespeare under the stars 7 p.m. at Academy Park with a family-friendly production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The performance is part of the Nashville Shakespeare Festival’s 30th anniversary.
Knoxville – Laughter and a mystery to solve are on tap as Theatre Knoxville Downtown presents Four Old Broads about a sassy seniors’ cruise and the hilarious characters trying to get on board.
Knoxville – The Tennessee Valley Fair has culinary arts and crafts, livestock shows, sports, special events, homegrown goodies and concerts with performances by Rick Springfield, Joe Diffie, Scotty McCreery and more.
Sept. 13, 20 & 27
Nashville – Musicians Corner is offering a free concert each Thursday in September at Centennial Park. September Sundown concerts showcase local artists like Amy Stroup, the Whigs and Birdtalker with food trucks, local artisans and Kidsville activities.
Sept. 13-29
Clarksville – The 1950s are out and the 1960s are in as lovable teen Tracy Turnblad tries to dance on the popular “Corny Collins Show” during Hairspray at Roxy Regional Theatre. Tickets are $25.
Sept. 14
Chattanooga – Observe and learn about the beastly eating habits of carnivores and why it is important for survival at the Beastly Feast 6-8 p.m. at Chattanooga Zoo.
Sept. 14-15
Lewisburg – It’s a blast from the past during the Step Back in Time Festival 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days at Henry Horton State Park. It’s two days of music, food, storytellers, re-enactors and demonstrations.
Clinton – The Days of the Pioneer Antique Show at the Museum of Appalachia displays a fine selection of 18th and 19th century antiques. The event also features live mountain music, pioneer skill displays, southern fare and museum village tours.
Chapel Hill – The Step Back in Time Festival is two days of music, food, storytellers, re-enactors, demonstrations, old-time children’s games, pumpkin carving competitions and more than 30 craft vendors at Henry Horton State Park.
Sept. 14-16
Pinson – Archaeofest at Pinson Mounds State Archaeological Park is a celebration of Native American culture and archaeology with craft demonstrations and storytelling sessions. The event is free.
Selmer – Arts in McNairy presents Pinocchio, the delightful dramatization of Pinocchio’s transformation from puppet to real boy at The Latta.
Nashville – Top chefs, restaurants and winemakers from Nashville and across the nation offer an exceptional culinary experience during the Music City Food + Wine Festival at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park.
Cookeville – A weekend filled with adrenaline, multiple competitions and racers from across the country, the inaugural Cookeville Motorcycle Classic revs things up at the Putnam County Fairgrounds and Middle Tennessee Dragway.
Tullahoma – Set in medieval times, a band of troubadors tell the story of The Saint Who Danced at South Jackson Civic Center.
Townsend – Experience the magic of the Great Smoky Mountains on three gorgeous rides, including the Foothills Parkway and Cades Cove during the Smoky Mountain Bike Tour. The Dancing Bear Lodge will be the home base for the tour.
Sept. 14-16, 21-23
Columbia – Watershed Public Theatre’s 2018-2019 season starts with a stage adaptation of the family-friendly classic Roald Dahl novel James and the Giant Peach at Ledbetter Auditorium in the Clement Building at Columbia State Community College.
Sept. 14, 21 and 28
Memphis – From the sweet sounds of soul to chilled-out beats and local bands, the National Civil Rights Museum hosts its free outdoor concert series 6-8 p.m. at Museum Founders Park. Concerts also feature spoken world artists, stand-up comedians, MLK speeches and DJs, Sip & Shop and food trucks.
Sept. 14-Oct. 26
Crossville – The Tony Award-winning macabre musical masterpiece Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street thrills at Cumberland County Playhouse.
Sept. 15
Memphis – Held in Memphis’ largest historic district, 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.
Union City – Watch planes from the 1930s swirl and twirl in the sky for the Great American Airshow 5 p.m. at Discovery Park of America. Join thousands for the show, tasty food and live music.
Savannah – Music, food and fun are on tap at the Burnt Church Bluegrass Festival noon to 9 p.m. at Burnt Church Community Center. Tickets are $5.
Jackson – Brandon Lay & Jonathan Singleton perform Live at the Amp. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnic basket or visit one of the food concessions at the West Tennessee Farmers Market. Music begins at 7:30 p.m.
Selmer – Head to McNairy High School 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the 2nd Annual 731 Fest with local vendors, food, live music and DIY workshops.
Saltillo – Celebrate Saltillo’s river heritage with a parade, live music, street dance, arts & crafts at Saltillo River Day in downtown Saltillo.
Clarksville – Original artworks and crafts like jewelry, pottery, watercolors, woodwork, ceramics and photography will be on display at the Frolic on Franklin 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. along the 100 blocks of Franklin Street in the historic downtown.
Granville – Code of the Hills Bluegrass 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.
Nashville – Four-legged friends rule the day at the Dog Day Festival 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Centennial Park with a microchip clinic, food trucks, door prizes, fun zones and music. Tickets are $5 and all proceeds benefit the Nashville Humane Association.
Nashville – Aspiring designers can learn about style, identity and symbolism before customizing costume templates with fabric, lace and gems, drawing inspiration from The Judds: Dream Chasers exhibit 1 p.m. at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Murfreesboro – Toast to wine tastings, delicious food and great music during Wine around the Square 6-9 p.m. in the historic downtown square. This community-oriented event will benefit the Power of Pink.
Franklin – Toys, aliens and Voltron; oh my! The IC Collectors Convention with guest star William Shatner at Ag Expo Park has vendors, vintage toys, artists, authors, panelists, movie props, interactive activities and kids activities.
Springfield – Visitors will get a digital map to Experience Robertson County’s smoking barns of the fall, the Spirit of the Bell Witch, historic whiskey industry and the amazing soil that feeds agricultural roots. Guests can gather in Historic Springfield Square for a festival on Main Street with food, children’s activities, shopping and prizes.
Huntingdon – The Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center welcomes Grammy Award-winners Dailey & Vincent to the stage at 7:30 p.m., the first show of the FirstBank Dixie Live Series.
Hampshire – Enjoy a meal, glass of wine and music under the stars at Sunset Rhythm & Vines at Natchez Hills Vineyard. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. and there will be a silent auction, table decorating contest, dinner and music. Tickets are $40.
Hilham – The Standing Stone Marbles Festival & National Rolley Hole Championships finds the world’s best marble players competing in a tournament with live music, kids’ games, demonstrations and fun at Standing Stone State Park.
Rockford – It’s a night of food, wine tasting, fun and swing dancing at the Pleasure Trail Concert 5:30-9 p.m. at Papaw’s Opry Barn and Theater. Tickets are $35.
Oneida – Nationally-recognized storytellers will visit the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area this fall for Haunting in the Hills. The day-long event is free and features a day of family-oriented activities leading up to an event of chills with ghost stories at 8 p.m.
Bristol – Bring your instruments and join other local musicians to gather and pick, collaborate, share experiences and have fun for the Open Community Jam 2-5 p.m. at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.
Sept. 15-16
Nashville– The Howl at the Moon Indie Music Festival at Two Rivers Mansion is the ultimate showcase of independent artists with performances by more than 30 acts, food, drinks and more.
Sept. 15-16, 18-20
Chattanooga – Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park will host a variety of special programs and demonstrations during the 155th anniversary of the Battle of Chickamauga.
Sept. 15-Nov. 4
Estill Springs – Opening Day and Fall Market Samplings kick off Sept. 15 at Grandaddy’s Farm. All season, guests can pick their own pumpkins, take hay rides, play in the kids’ zone, journey through the corn maze and get fall decorations.
Sept. 16
Clarksville – Some of the best comedians in the country take their Brewery Comedy Tour to the Tennessee Valley Brewing Company. The laughs start at 7:30 p.m.
Nashville – Join Emmylou Harris, John Hiatt, Ashley Monroe and Margo Price as they close out Americana Fest week with Woofstock noon at Ascend Amphitheater. The celebration benefits dog-rescue organization Bonaparte’s Retreat.
Sept. 17-22
Savannah – The Hardin County Agricultural Fair, a tradition since 1859, features live music, little tikes demo derby, car show, monster trucks, delicious fair food and fun activities at the Hardin County Fairgrounds.
Sept. 18, 25, Oct. 2 & 9
Nashville – Every Tuesday, the Nashville Public Library hosts a free Concert in the Courtyard from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Grab some lunch and enjoy the weather while listening to great live music.
Sept. 19-Oct. 28
Eagleville – Getting lost is part of the fun in the Corn Maze Adventure at Lucky Ladd Farms. The farm features more than 100 farm animals, inventive attractions and playground, mega slides, pony rides, wagon rides and pumpkin patch.
Sept. 20
Jackson – Meet some of Jackson’s finest artists whose works will be for sale at Speaking of Art 6:30-9 p.m. at Chandelier. Enjoy live music, a complimentary beverage and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are $35.
Nashville – Wildlife meets nightlife at the Sunset Safari 6:30-10 p.m. at the Nashville Zoo. The unique social event features food and drinks from more than 50 Nashville restaurants, live entertainment and special animal hosts.
Lebanon – Relive the story of Atticus Finch on the big screen with a showing of the classic “To Kill a Mockingbird” 6:30 p.m. at the historic Capitol Theatre. Tickets are $5.
Sept. 20-22
Covington – The Covington-Tipton Co. Heritage Festival at Court Square Park includes a farm-to-table dinner, scholarship auction, bluegrass band, tours of historic churches and hand-crafted products like art, clothing and home décor.
Sept. 21
Jackson – Test your skills for a chance to win $2,000 at the 2nd annual Madison County CASA Cornhole Tournament 6 p.m. at the West Tennessee Farmers Market downtown.
Clarksville – The Downtown @ Sunday Concert Series and Street Fair 6-10 p.m. at Downtown Commons features live music and beer. Venture down Strawberry Alley for the Street Fair, where local artists will sell handmade items.
Crossville – Singer-songwriter Chris Long performs a special intimate show live 6 p.m. at Grinder House Coffee Shop.
Nashville – The Bacon & Barrel Festival 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Green Door Gourmet brings together 20 of Nashville’s best restaurants and a vast array of spirits to savor bacon, barbecue, fine bourbons, whiskeys and live music.
Murfreesboro – Take a step back in time and listen to free music during the 3rd Friday Night Concert Series 7 p.m. at Cannonsburgh Village. Walk the reconstructed pioneer village with a gristmill, schoolhouse, town hall, church and blacksmith.
Knoxville – Mountainfilm on Tour visits the Bijou Theatre 7:30 p.m. for an evening of inspiring and captivating films handpicked from the Mountainfilm Festival in Telluride, Colorado. Tickets are $12.
Gatlinburg – Authentic German cuisine like schnitzel, bratwurst, pretzels and a Bier Garten, outdoor games, traditional Bavarian folk dances, sing-alongs, yodels and the Oompah Band are on tap at Oktoberfest at Ober Gatlinburg.
Sept. 21-22
Townsend – Local artisans and crafters show off their work at the Outdoor Fall Festival and Craft Fair 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at CAM Cabin Crafts. There will be food vendors, music and activities at the free fest.
Sept. 21-23
Memphis – The Memphis Cook Convention Center is transformed into an automotive utopia with hundreds of the newest cars, trucks, crossovers and SUVs during the Memphis International Auto Show.
Brownsville – Celebrate the heritage and legacy of Flagg Grove School and its most famous student, Anna Mae Bullock, during Tina Turner Heritage Days at West TN Delta Heritage Center.
Nashville – Find everything to decorate the house for autumn at the Nashville Flea Market: Colors of Fall at The Fairgrounds Nashville with antique furniture, decorations, dishware, boutique clothing, carpets, knick knacks, yard art and more.
Nashville – Discover unique décor, meet home improvement experts and find the right contactor at the Nashville Home Show at Music City Center. Enjoy live cooking demonstrations by local chefs and create a beautiful home décor peace.
Nashville – Take part in African dances, art exhibits, snack on food and listen to live Gospel, Reggae, Jazz and R&B during the free African Street Festival at Hadley Park.
Nashville – A dazzling fresh take on the classical masterpiece, Swan Lake returns to Nashville Ballet at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center with live music performed by the Nashville Symphony.
Bristol – The Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion celebrates Bristol’s heritage and culture as “The Birthplace of Country Music” at venues across the city, including performances by Old Crow Medicine Show, Railroad Earth, the Taj Mahal Trio and more.
Sept. 21-29
Bolivar – The Tennessee Forest Festival is packed with activities, including a tennis tournament, fashion show, highland games, cornhole competition, BBQ competition, color run, parade, pickleball, log sawing competition and live music.
Sept. 21-29
Dickson – Journey down the rabbit hole as Alice in Wonderland Jr. hops onto the Renaissance Center stage into a world with the Mad Hatter, Cheshire Cat and a rapping caterpillar.
Sept. 22
Memphis – Join Hot Yoga Plus Memphis on the beautiful Rhodes College Campus for the Memphis Yoga Festival, featuring more than 30 yoga classes, kid’s zone, vendors, food trucks, tea garden and walking meditation.
Jackson – Nashville singer-songwriter Ryan Larkins, The Knight Family, The Barnetts and more will perform during the West TN Christian Music & Praise Fest 6 p.m. at the Dixie Café at the Old Country Store.
Michie – It’s an afternoon of free fun at the Michie Fall Festival 2-6 p.m. at Michie City Park with craft vendors, games, food vendors, live music, a bounce house and family activities.
Clarksville – Enjoy a free movie on the big screen outside at sunset at Liberty Park. Pre-show activities begin at 5 p.m. followed by Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” Bring a blanket, lawn chairs and picnic basket or visit the concessions.
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.
Columbia – Get a genuine taste of true southern barbecue at the First Tennessee Muletown Bluegrass BBQ 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Riverwalk Park with live bluegrass music, chainsaw carvings, a disc golf course, caricature artist, food and fun activities.
Hilham – Hear storytellers weave their magic of spoken word with ghost stories, children’s animal stories, folk legends and other tales during the 7th annual Storytelling Festival and Standing Stone State Park.
Pigeon Forge – The 15th annual Old Mill Heritage Day at Old Mill Square will be filled with music, food, fun, games, demonstrations like lye soap, apple butter and sorghum making and pottery, crafts and tradition.
Sept. 22-23
Mt. Juliet – The Mt. Juliet Pow Wow at Mundy Memorial Park celebrates the Native American/American Indian culture with food, arts, crafts and a competition pow wow with intertribal dancing.
Pulaski – The famous Spartan Tennessee Races at Milky Way Farm will run the hills, pastures and woods of Milky Way Farm with obstacles, competitive racing and fun. Come run, test your endurance or just have fun watching the races.
Sept. 22-Oct. 21
Nashville – Celebrate all things fall during Cheekwood Harvest at Cheekwood with more than 5,000 chrysanthemums in deep autumn. Stop by to see the Scarecrows invading their Turner Seasons Garden or pick the perfect pumpkin from the patch.
Sept. 22-Oct. 28
Eagleville – Visit the Pumpkin Patch & Fall Family Fun Festival at Lucky Ladd Farms with fall festivities including a corn maze, pumpkin carving contest, giant pumpkin slingshots, homemade pumpkin pie, kettle corn and caramel apples.
Sept. 23
Clarksville – Blow or make your own ornament, pumpkin, paperweight or memorial orb at the Glass Blowing Workshop 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Erin’s Farm. Classes start at $35 and start hourly. To reserve a spot, call 931-980-3985.
Ongoing
Statewide – Get a taste for fall with apple butter making, rock climbing workshops, hikes, waterfall hikes, stargazing, canoe floats and stories around the campfire with s’mores. Click here for activities at Tennessee State Parks.
Brownsville – Tennessee music has many facets and FACE’s. See the FACE’s of Tennessee Music exhibit at West TN Delta Heritage Center with sketches of Carl Perkins, Eddy Arnold, Loretta Lynn, Justin Timberlake and more.
Nashville – Get up close and person with legendary hit songwriters at Backstage Nashville, Music City’s only daytime hit songwriters show 12 p.m. at 3rd & Lindsley. Enjoy complimentary bourbon tastings, hit songs and the stories behind them.
Arrington – Head out to the vineyard with family and friends to listen to jazz or bluegrass music and enjoy award-winning wines. Arrington Vineyards hosts Music in the Vines every Saturday and Sunday April through October.
Granville – Bluegrass musicians perform 6-8 p.m. each Saturday night at Sutton Ole Time Music Hour at the T.B. Sutton General Store. Tickets are $20 for dinner and admission.
McMinnville – Children can experience an underground world as vibrant as their imagination for Free Kid Fridays throughout September at Cumberland Caverns. The daily walking tour 9 a.m.to 5 p.m. leaves every hour on the hour.
Hampshire – Pack a picnic and enjoy wine tastings and live music during Music on the Ridge 12:30-6 p.m. on Sundays at Amber Falls Winery.
Jonesborough – Bring a chair, relax and listen to old-time Appalachian music, folk, bluegrass and more for the free Music on the Square series 7 p.m. every Friday through September on the courthouse steps.
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.
Knoxville – On Friday nights through Oct. 19, Market Square will transform into an outdoor theater for the free Movies on Market Square. Space Jam shows Sept. 14 and Clueless Sept. 21. Bring a chair, blanket and picnic basket.
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.
