Tour waterfalls, hike among the wildflowers, canoe on Reelfoot Lake, unwind with yoga and wine, discover your roots with genealogy workshops and wear green for unique St. Patrick’s Day celebrations across the state. Here’s what’s going on this week in Tennessee. For a complete list of events, visit tnvacation.com/calendar.
Ongoing
Pigeon Forge – The entire month of March is a tribute to the Irish as they built Titanic in Belfast, Ireland. The Titanic Museum will host multiple events to honor the 159 Irish passengers and crew aboard Titanic.
Bristol – Students can celebrate Spring Break at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, offering $5 admission for students ages 6-17 through April 22. Kids 5 and under get in free.
Knoxville – Pedal out the winter blues by joining Cedar Bluff Cycles’ Winter Greenway Rides through downtown Knoxville on Tuesday and Thursday nights through March. Rides start and finish at the bike shop.
Tiptonville – Capture incredible photos and explore some of the most unique areas of Reelfoot Lake with Guided Canoe Floats with the Reelfoot Lake State Park rangers. Contact Reelfoot State Park Visitor Center for reservations at 731-253-9652.
Memphis – Every Friday in March, take a Tram Tour across the beautiful grounds of the Memphis Botanic Garden. The tram leaves every 20 minutes 10 a.m. to noon. Free with regular garden admission (cancelled if storming).
March 6-April 6
Union City – Discovery Park of America is the perfect place to explore with your family, from dinosaur bones to a giant human sculpture slide and children’s garden. Students on Spring Break get $2 off general admission.
March 8
Memphis – The Pure Memphis Music Series continues as spellbinding performer and Memphis born Talibah Safiya performs at Old Dominick Distillery.
Bristol – Radio Bristol presents the Farm and Fun Time Variety Show, live from the Birthplace of Country Music Museum with the rootsy jazz of Bumper Jacksons and the Tin Pan Alley sound of Roochie Toochie & the Shepherd Kings.
Nashville – The Songs of Johnny and June fill the historic Ryman Auditorium for Opry Country Classics 7 p.m. featuring performances by Mark Collie, Chris Janson, Mandy Barnett, Chuck Mead, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers.
Knoxville – Poets, spoken word artists and performance artists can showcase their works at the Electric Pheasant Poetry Slam 8 p.m. at Scruffy City Hall.
Knoxville – Unwind with Pinot & Poses at Carleo’s Nightclub. $5 gets you one hour of yoga and one class of wine. The class starts at 6:30 p.m. with a wine party afterwards. Yoga participants receive $3 wine until 11 p.m.
March 8-10
Memphis – The Blues Cultural Center presents a musical revue titled Down on Beale. The musical experience captures the essence of Memphis and Beale Street with multiple performances at Clayborn Temple.
March 8-11
Memphis – The Memphis Comedy Festival features stand-up comedy, improv, podcasts, open-mics, seminars and shows at venues across the city with headliner Lizz Winstead, co-creator of The Daily Show and co-founder of Air America Radio.
Knoxville – Boaters can get inspiration for spring and summer out on the water. The Downtown Knoxville Boat Show takes over the Knoxville Convention Center, showcasing products from the boat, marine and automotive industries.
March 8-18
Nashville – A moving production about the differences that make us who we are, Mockingbird takes center stage at Nashville Children’s Theatre. The production is based on the National Book Award-winning book Mockingbird by Kathryn Erskine.
March 8-23
Crossville – The Cumberland County Playhouse presents “Welcome Back to Ivy Gap,” a hilarious, heartwarming family comedy.
March 8-24
Knoxville – The Synergy Art Exhibition at Clayton Center for the Arts features the work of gifted students from local schools K-12, Monday-Saturday (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.); Sunday (noon to 6 p.m.)
March 9
Nashville – Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s American Currents: The Music of 2017 exhibit features a behind-the-scenes look of major country music happenings and artifacts from Brothers Osborne, Eric Church, Maren Morris, Randy Travis and more.
Nashville – Comedian, author, playwright and actor Lewis Black drums up the laughs as his The Joke’s on US Tour hits the Ryman Auditorium.
Knoxville – Take a seat in the historic Tennessee Theatre for an intimate performance and evening with a solo acoustic performance by Jason Mraz.
Knoxville – Grab your raspberry beret and get ready for a night of costumes, high energy and Prince’s greatest hits as the Prince Tribute Band Purple Masquerade takes the stage 8 p.m. at Open Chord Music. Tickets are $10.
Knoxville – Famed ghost hunter and film star J. Adam Smith brings Knoxville’s history alive by sharing the science behind paranormal investigation during the Paranormal Adventure Tour 8 p.m. at Haunted Knoxville Ghost Tours.
Memphis – “The Chaos and the Cosmos: Inside Memphis Music’s Lost Decade, 1977-1986” exhibit opens at The Stax Museum of American Soul Music, featuring Patricia Rainer’s photographs of icons Al Green, Willie Mitchell, Wayne Jackson, Sam Phillips and more. Admission to the opening reception 6:30-9 p.m. is free.
Nashville – The region’s top youth poets, emcees, and spoken word artists compete for top lyrical honors at the Southern Word Grand Slam Semifinal 5 p.m. at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts. The event is free.
March 9-10
Union City – Masquerade Theatre Co. presents the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat at 7:30 p.m.
March 9-11
Savannah – Dive under the sea with Ariel and friends as Dreamweavers of West Tennessee present Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr. at the historic Savannah Theatre.
Red Boiling Springs – Investigate what goes bump in the night for the Haunted Hotel Overnight Ghost Hunt at Thomas House Hotel. The overnight event includes lodging, meals, tours and ghost-hunt training. Choose either Friday or Saturday night.
Memphis – Bring your mom, sister and best friends for a day spent discovering hundreds of boutiques, trendy jewelry, gourmet treats, health and beauty, fashion shows and more at the Southern Women’s Show at the Agricenter.
Memphis – A weekend of science fiction/fantasy, art, costumes, comics, gaming and more takes over the Memphis Hilton in East Memphis for Mid South Con 36, the Mid South’s longest-running annual fan-run, all-volunteer Science Fiction Convention.
Knoxville – Explore an interplanetary circus with aerialists, stilt walkers, jugglers, acrobats, wire walkers and clowns during the 7th Annual Circus Extravaganza Outta Space at the Clayton Performing Arts Center.
Kingsport – Hunting, fishing, boating and outdoor enthusiasts are in for a treat with the biggest outdoor expo in Northeast Tennessee at The 3B Outdoor Expo at Meadowview Conference Center.
March 9-April 8
Chattanooga – During the Spring Break Safari, families can explore the city and attractions by solving clues with a scavenger hunt at their own pace. Pick up a free guide at the Chattanooga Visitors Center or download it online.
March 10
Franklin – Sample whiskeys from around the world, chat with master distillers and cozy up with great local food and live music at the Whiskey Warmer, 6-9 p.m. at Westhaven Residents’ Club. The event benefits the Westhaven Foundation, which provides grants, scholarships and funds for charities and organizations serving Franklin.
Smithville –Savor a wine tasting, appetizers and a gourmet buffet dinner crafted to compliment the tasting at Evins Mill. Mark Ray of Northfield Vineyards will discuss the history of his winery as you sample Northfield wines.
Jackson- Kick off spring with Jackson Cotillion Club’s Hula Hustle, a Hawaiian-themed 5k benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Jackson 8 a.m. to noon at the West Tennessee Farmers Market. Kick off Spring with Jackson Cotillion Club’s, Hula Hustle, a Hawaiian-Themed 5k benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Jackson.Kick off Spring with Jackson Cotillion Club’s, Hula Hustle, a Hawaiian-Themed 5k benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of Jackson.
Memphis –The Orpheum Theatre hosts an evening of laughter with “The Greek Comedy Tour.” A mix and mingle cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres that begins 6:30 p.m. before the main event. A DJ’d after-party will follow the show.
Castalian Springs – Grab a lawn chair or blanket for live music, beer, food, costume contests, hurling, Gaelic football and Irish ghost stories at the County Sumner Irish Festival at Bledsoe Fort Historical Park. Tours will be given of the Rogan cottage, an authentic Irish dwelling, as well as guided hikes of the park.
Nashville – The Tennessee Performing Arts Center celebrates 50 years of Pink Floyd with a Pink Floyd Laser Show featuring “Dark Side of the Moon” 8 p.m.
Nashville – Guests can meet, get autographs, take photos with princesses and take part in magical games and activities at the Nashville Zoo. Guests can dress up as their favorite princess characters.
Goodlettsville –Kids can bring their favorite American Girl doll for a Tea Party 10-11:30 a.m. or noon to 1:30 p.m. at Historic Mansker’s Station with fun activities and crafts, dessert and tea.
Nashville – Families are invited to a royally special party this spring, featuring fun games and crafts. Young knights and princesses should come in their best costume dress for a Tea Party 10 a.m. at Belle Meade Plantation.
Nashville – From flaming demonstrations to planetarium features, the MAD Bash fundraising party for adults-only gives grownups the chance to explore exhibits 6:30-10:30 p.m. at Adventure Science Center.
Knoxville – The McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture hosts Family Fun Day: Sculpting Stories 1-4 p.m. The free event features activities, crafts, tours of the galleries and more.
Knoxville – Students will experience National Geographic Live’s Beauty and Bizarre by photographer Anand Varma at the Bijou Theatre. The show teaches students about science, biology, biodiversity and fieldwork through stunning images.
Knoxville – Disney’s big screen magic comes alive with guest singers and film clips from classics like Beauty & the Beast and Frozen at Music of Disney: Tale as Old as Time at Knoxville Civic Auditorium & Coliseum.
Pigeon Forge – Enjoy a glass of wine paired with breakfast at Mountain Valley Winery, Hillside Winery and Sugarland Cellars Winery. Take home a commemorative coffee mug and wine glass after visiting all three locations on the Rocky Top Wine Trail.
Granville – TN-KY Bluegrass will have you stomping your feet at Sutton Ole Time Music Hour 6-8 p.m. at T.B. Sutton General Store. Enjoy southern cooking served in the dining room. The $20 dinner includes admission to the show.
Nashville – The dynamic duo NEW NORTH plays and connects through the universal language of music 7 p.m. for Live at Natchez Hills Winery at Fontanel.
March 10-11
Franklin – Charles Esten will sing the songs of Deacon Claybourne, his character from the hit television series “Nashville” at the Franklin Theatre.
Pulaski – Spend the afternoon hunting for candy treasure on Tennessee’s Chocolate Estate Milky Way Farms 1-4 p.m. The hunt begins at 2 p.m. Kids can also have their picture taken with the Easter Bunny.
Nashville – Grab your friends & a bottle of vino for Rhythm & Vine at Natchez Hills Winery at Fontanel. The free concert series showcases up-and-coming artists.
March 10-18
Lookout Mountain – Find the luck of the Irish at Rock City’s 11th annual Irish celebration and festival Shamrock City. The event includes live Irish music, Irish jig lessons, Irish food, specialty beer, dancing and the High Falls flowing green.
March 11
Memphis – Walk the beautiful grounds of the Memphis Botanical Garden for the Signs of Spring Walk, 1:30 p.m. Free with garden admission. No reservations necessary. Meet at the Visitor’s Center.
Memphis – Food trucks featuring everything from barbecue to homemade Southern comfort food, local beers, wine and music take over Clayborn Temple, noon-6 p.m. for Southern Food Truck Sunday.
March 12
Knoxville – A unique blend of instrumental and harmonies, the chemistry of I’m With Her: Sarah Jarosz, Sara Watkins and Aoife O’Donovan takes the stage 8 p.m. at the Bijou Theatre.
Knoxville – The global pop culture phenomenon Power Rangers celebrates 25 morphinomenal years with Power Rangers Live! 6 p.m. at the historic Tennessee Theatre.
Memphis – Join a reception, worship and “Living the Legacy” panel at Temple Israel for Moral Mondays. The last of the three-part series features speakers discussing social justice issues amid the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
March 12-13
Nashville – Explore your Scots-Irish Genealogy at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage. The workshop Monday is $15, $45 for individual research consultations Tuesday. Call 615-889-2941 to reserve your spot.
March 14
Knoxville – Author and historian Jack Neely will host a Brown Bag Lecture at the East Tennessee History Center. Over Here! Knoxville’s Part in World War I, 1917-1918, The Home Front and the Great War’s Local Legacy begins at noon.
Nashville – Let Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater lift your spirits with dance with contemporary works that touch on the beloved classics Revelations 7:30 p.m. at Tennessee Performing Arts Center.
March 15
Nashville – Practice different techniques and skills, gain instructional guidance and be inspired by the artworks in galleries for Drop in Drawing 5-8 p.m. at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts.
Nashville – Music City Roots on the Road Live features Elizabeth Cook, Allen Thompson, Darrin Bradbury and Little Bandit at the Basement East.
Nashville – The long-awaited Expedition Peru: Trek of the Andean Bear exhibit opens at the Nashville Zoo. The ribbon cutting ceremony is at 1 p.m.
Nashville – Tracy Lawrence, Sylvia, Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers sing their own hits as well as timeless favorites, 7 p.m. for Opry Country Classics at the historic Ryman Auditorium.
March 15-18
Nashville -Relive the magic of your favorite wizard in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in concert with the Nashville Symphony at Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
March 16
Pigeon Forge – Dolly Parton kicks off Dollywood’s “Season of Showstoppers,” 10:30 a.m. EST, with a 2018 entertainment showcase featuring performers from Festival of Nations and the new Spring Mix music series. Orleans, Janie Fricke and Ladysmith Black Mambazo are set to perform.
Chattanooga – The Tennessee Aquarium IMAX 3D Theater will premiere The Wild Around You 3D, a documentary focused on the relationship between people and the animals at 5:30 p.m. Academy Award-nominated director and producer, Andrew Young, will introduce the special screening.
Nashville – Join WSM’s Fontanel Friday live radio broadcasts at Natchez Hills Winery at Fontanel. Enjoy hand-crafted wines and a specialty cocktail menu, while grooving to live music on the Winery Stage.
Knoxville – The traditional Irish band Four Leaf Peat brings their Paddy’s Day party 8 p.m. to the Historic Bijou Theater. The band is also releasing their fourth full-length recording (recorded at the Bijou).
Union City – Enjoy a fun Friday evening with friends as you sip wine and create masterpieces at Discovery Park’s Wine & Paint Class! Tickets are $25Enjoy a fun Friday evening with friends as you sip wine and create masterpieces at Discovery Park’s Wine & Paint Class! Tickets are $25Enjoy a fun Friday evening with friends as you sip wine and create masterpieces 6:30 p.m. at Discovery Park of America’s Wine & Paint Class. Tickets are $25.
March 16-17
Jonesborough – Celebrate St. Paddy’s Weekend in Tennessee’s oldest town. The weekend-long fun includes a scavenger hunt, fun run, leprechaun search, live music, brews and much more.
March 16-18
Knoxville – The Women in Jazz Jam Festival kicks off Friday night with a performance by the popular Women in Jazz Jam Festival Band at Knoxville Museum of Art’s Alive After Five Concert Series. The fest features music, workshops and women and girl-led businesses set up downtown.
March 16-April 22
Knoxville – The city’s first-ever Chinese Lantern Festival at Chilhowee Park & Exposition Center features more than 30 lantern displays, stage performances by Chinese acrobats and Chinese folk art demonstrations.
March 17
Memphis – Wear your green and bring the family for the 46th Annual Silky O’Sullivan Beale Street St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Festgoers can also tour the home of W.C. Handy (the Father of the Blues) and enjoy outdoor concerts at W.C. Handy Park.
Erin – Wish upon a shamrock and enjoy a festival parade on Main Street, delicious food, entertainment and impressive crafts at the Wearin’ of the Green Irish Day Celebration.
Franklin – Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in historic downtown Franklin with the 15th Annual Main Street Brewfest 5-8 p.m. The event features more than 70 beers, food trucks, shopping, entertainment and plenty of Irish cheer.
Nashville – Celebrate St. Patrick’s Weekend at Riverfront Park in downtown Nashville. The free Music City Irish Fest features live Irish music, dance, food and more. We Banjo 3, The Willis Clan and Beat Root Revival will perform.
Knoxville – The Knox St. Patrick’s Parade features bagpipes, firetrucks, Irish tunes, and floats 1 p.m. along Gay Street from Church Avenue to Barley’s in the Old City. After the parade, join the Cel-O’bragh-tion in Krutch Park with Irish inspired music, food and drinks.
Chattanooga – Lions, tigers, bears and shamrocks. Spend St. Patrick’s Day visiting the animals at the Chattanooga Zoo.
Union City – Spend St. Patrick’s Day dining, dancing and helping a good cause at Discovery Park of America. The Junior Auxiliary of Obion County’s Annual Charity Ball features cocktails, an Irish kissing booth and silent auction. Tickets are $50.
Bell Buckle – Follow the yellow-lined roads to Bell Buckle for Daffodil Day. The charming town will celebrate the bounty of daffodils with a flower show, seminars, free tree seedlings and a new plant and seed exchange.
Franklin – If you’re feeling cooped up, journey outside with a Wildflower Hike at Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary. 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Hikes will also be held March 24 and 31st, as well as on Saturdays in April.
Woodbury –Aaron Tessis transports you back to the 1950s, performing toe-tapping favorites like “Peggy Sue” and “Everyday” in A Tribute to Buddy Holly, Your Buddy at the Arts Center of Cannon County.
Granville– Gordon & Mable 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.
Huntingdon – Singer and songwriter Pam Tillis brings her captivating sound 2 p.m. to The Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center.
Pulaski – March is National Quilting Month and you can celebrate at the Quirky Quilters of Pulaski Quilt Show 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the historic STAAR Theatre on the square. Free admission also includes tours of the opera house.
Jackson – Rev up your engines at the 8th Annual Motor Mania Car Show at the Jackson/Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau. Showing includes the best in custom, classic, hot rods, exotics, imports, motorcycles and more.
Silver Point – Get a breathtaking glimpse of beautiful waterfalls at the 17th Annual Waterfall Tour. Ride a school bus from the Visitors Center at Edgar Evins State Park to waterfalls and overlooks at Fall Creek Falls State Park and eat lunch there in the inn.
March 17-18
Memphis – A refreshing and funny salute to Americana. The Wonder Bread Years Starring Pat Hazell (former Seinfeld writer) will have audiences laughing at the Orpheum Theatre.
Alcoa – Start spring off with a bang on the Alcoa-Maryville Greenway. The Pistol Ultra Run features everything from a family-friendly 1-mile walk/run to the 100 miler.
March 17-April 9
Pigeon Forge – Experience some of the most captivating entertainment as more than 200 performers from around the world celebrate their cultures through music, art and dance for Dollywood’s Festival of Nations.
March 17-May 31
Bristol – A new special exhibit opens at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, featuring Appalachian Photographs of Cecil Sharp, 1916-1918, as he collected songs from the region.
March 18
Knoxville – The East Tennessee History Center presents The Road to Suffrage 1-4 p.m. Leading scholars will discuss the important work of women who rallied during the suffrage movement in Tennessee. The event is free.
