You don’t need the luck of the Irish to find a unique celebration this St. Patrick’s Day. Here’s what’s going on across Tennessee this week to inspire you to get out and enjoy a taste of spring. 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.
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).
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.
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 through April 6.
Jonesborough – Tour guides dressed in period clothing escort you through downtown streets sharing the history of the town, its people and the lives they built. Historic Jonesborough Tours depart 1 p.m. Saturdays from Chester Inn Museum. Tickets are $5.
Cookeville – Geared toward preschool-age, bring the little ones 10:30-11 a.m. every Friday to the Cookeville Depot Museum for the free event Train Tales, a train story that talks about railroad friends.
Memphis – “The Chaos and the Cosmos: Inside Memphis Music’s Lost Decade, 1977-1986” exhibit continues 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.
March 15
Chattanooga – Let it Glow with the Cocktails in Color series at Hunter Museum of American Art. Mixologists from the Flying Squirrel will design specialty cocktails inspired by the art. You can make your own Lite Brite creations and take Polaroid selfies.
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 Elise Davis, Allen Thompson, Darrin Bradbury and Little Bandit 7 p.m. at the Basement East.
Nashville – The Expedition Peru: Trek of the Andean Bear exhibit opens at the Nashville Zoo, enveloped in an authentic, indigenous village featuring a lodge, courtyard with seating areas, lush vegetation and beautiful wood, stone and metalwork.
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 +17
Clarksville – Enjoy the tranquil setting of the cool cave and the area’s wildlife all while flowing, stretching and breathing in a yoga sequence for Yoga at the Cave 9 a.m. at Dunbar Cave State Park.
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 15-25
Chattanooga – Tennessee Williams’ masterpiece The Glass Menagerie captures imaginations at Chattanooga Theatre Centre.
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.
Maryville – On World Storytelling Day, join the Smoky Mountain Storytellers’ celebration in the fellowship hall 7 p.m. at Highland Presbyterian Church. Coffee & cookies will be provided. Jim Eastin, Sheri Liles and others will perform.
March 16-17
Jonesborough – Celebrate St. Paddy’s Weekend in Tennessee’s oldest town. The weekend-long fun includes a scavenger hunt, fun run, beers from Depot Street Brewery, leprechaun search, live Celtic music and much more.
Columbia – Visit more than 30 vendors for all of your home and garden needs at the Maury County Home and Garden Show at the Baker Building at Maury County Park. The free event also includes giveaways, door prizes 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 hosts the largest Chinese Lantern Festival in the Eastern U.S. featuring more than 30 lantern displays, stage performances by Chinese acrobats and Chinese folk art demonstrations at Chilhowee Park & Exposition Center.
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.
Memphis – Three bands and other Memphis musicians take the stage for ShamROCK Show 7 p.m. at the Memphis Music Mansion. Lights May Flicker, J. Lively and The Moon Glimmers are among the performers.
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 Day at Public Square Park in downtown Nashville. The free Music City Irish Fest features live Irish music, dance, food and crafts.
Nashville – Irish whiskey, orange wine and corn beef & cabbage. Join the St. Patrick’s Day Pie Town Crawl for food & drink specials 5-11 p.m. at City Winery, Tennessee Brew Works and Proper Sake Co. Wear green to get $1 off drinks.
Loudon – Spend St. Patrick’s Day at Tennessee Valley Winery with wine, entertainment, Irish pub salad, corned beef, braised cabbage soda bread and an Irish caramel tart. A $35 ticket includes dinner and a limited number of drink tickets.
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.
Sevierville – The 8th Annual Shamrock Cruisin’ for Food will cruise from Smokies Stadium to The DINER at noon where trucks will pack food and donations to stock pantries of Sevier County Food Ministries and Wears Valley Ranch Children’s Home.
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.
Spring City – Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day 6:30 p.m. at Tennessee Valley Theatre. Enjoy a traditional Irish dinner and Irish tunes featuring the band “Dreams of Kings.” Tickets are $18. Money raised benefits the New Roof Fund.
Chattanooga – Fill the bowls of those facing hunger at The Venue Chattanooga. HullaBOWLoo, the Chattanooga Area Food Bank’s Signature Event, includes a tasting of trademark dishes from local restaurants, music and a live auction.
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.
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.
Elizabethton – Hear history come alive for Songs and Tunes 2 p.m. at Sabine Hill. This concert at the historic site features ballads, fiddle tunes, spirituals and everything in between.
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
Chattanooga – Rock City’s 11th annual Shamrock City includes live Irish music, Irish jig lessons, Irish food, specialty beer, dance performances, costumed characters, and family fun. You can even see the High Falls flowing green.
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 + 24
Franklin – If you’re feeling cooped up, journey outside with a Wildflower Hike 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary. Hikes will also be held March 31, as well as on Saturdays in April.
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
Nashville – Climb for the Clouds and meet some of Nashville Zoo’s ambassador animals 6 to 8 p.m.at Climb Nashville West. The event will raise money for clouded leopard research and conservation efforts.
Spring Hill – A bride-to-be’s dream. Browse wedding vendors, florists, photographers, caterers, limo service, alterations, make up and more at the Bridal Fair 1-4 p.m. at Rippavilla Plantation.
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.
March 20
Memphis – Nikole Hannah-Jones, New York Times Magazine staff writer, presents her work reporting on school resegregation 7 p.m. at the Orpheum Theatre. Wendi C. Thomas, founder of MLK50: Justice through Journalism, will lead the conversation.
Chattanooga – The lineup for the 2018 Moon River Festival will be announced. The Memphis-born music festival will relocate Sept. 8-9 to Coolidge Park in Chattanooga this year. Tickets go on sale Thursday, March 22.
March 20-24
Pigeon Forge – Celebrate the art and heritage of quilting at the 24th Annual A Mountain Quiltfest at the LeConte Center. There will be a quilt show, classes based on skill level and technique, vendors’ booths and quilting necessities and accessories.
March 21
Nashville – Trace Adkins & friends take the stage 7:30 p.m. at the historic Ryman Auditorium for Jammin’ to Beat the Blues. The show benefits Mental Health America of Middle Tennessee.
March 21-24
Sevierville –Ponies in the Smokies takes over Sevierville Convention Center, featuring a Shine Run, car show, indoor & outdoor vendors, All Ford Cruise-In, live music, food and drink specials.
March 21-25
Memphis – Forging on the River at The Metal Museum provides blacksmiths, metalsmiths and enthusiasts the chance to network, share ideas and work collaboratively on projects while enjoying the museum exhibits and grounds.
March 22
Memphis – Enjoy a festive happy hour by chefs Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman. 5 p.m. at the Gray Canary. Meet winemaker Andre Mack and Mouton Noir Wines. Guests will then have a family-style dinner at Old Dominick Distillery.
Nashville – Learn about “This Victorian Life: Historical Living in the Modern World” in the historic Carriage House at Belle Meade Plantation. The free lecture series lasts from 5:30-7 p.m.
March 22-24
Nashville – The Nashville Symphony conducts The Violins of Hope. The collection of restored instruments played by Jewish musicians during the Holocaust will be featured on stage at Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
March 22-25
Knoxville – Musicians, visual and performance artists come together for the Big Ears Festival. The music festival and interactive experience takes place in city venues like the historic Tennessee Theatre, The Mill & Mine & the Bijou Theatre.
March 23
Jonesborough – Join the Music on the Square 20th Anniversary Gala 6-10 p.m. at the McKinney Center. The fundraiser supports the summer concert series and will include food, drinks, a live auction and live music. Tickets are $40.
Nashville – Stairway to Zeppelin is a salute to Led Zeppelin-based in Nashville and covering some of the greatest rock music of all time 8 p.m. at the Mercy Lounge. Tickets are $10.
Memphis – Guy featuring Teddy Riley, creators of the New Jack Swing Style, headline the 90s Block Party. The nostalgic throwback concert party features hip hop, R&B and soul artists at the Fedex Forum.
Memphis –Brooks Uncorked 6:30 p.m. at Memphis Brooks Museum of Art is one of the hottest parties of the year, featuring winemaker Andre Mack and Mouton Noir Wines, tastes from the city’s hottest restaurants, signature cocktails, silent auction and live entertainment.
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.
March 23-24
Linden – The Blooming Arts Festival in downtown Linden is full of live music, savory cuisine, local artisans and vendors, activities for the kids, Quilt Show and exhibitions of “homemade and handmade” goods.
March 23-25
South Pittsburg – Things may go bump in the night at the overnight Ghost Hunt at the Old South Pittsburg Hospital. The event includes indoor-style camping, light snacks and drinks and a fully guided tour. Choose either Friday or Saturday night.
Franklin – Fans from around the world gather for celebrity appearances, live music events and Elvis tribute artists from around the world for the Nashville Elvis Festival. Celebrate the legacy of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll at Franklin Theatre.
March 23-April 15
Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain – Adventure awaits you at Rock City’s Fairytale Nights 6 8 p.m. Fly to Neverland with Peter Pan; waltz with Beauty and the Beast; enjoy radiant gardens with Cinderella and learn to sword fight like a knight!
March 24
Pelham – The Caverns opens with its first ever show, Billy Strings and The Sweet Lizzy Project, in the first PBS Bluegrass Underground taping of the new season in its new home. The Caverns is located at the foot of Monteagle Mountain. Packages and tickets for all events are on sale now and can be purchased at thecaverns.com.
Brownsville – Phenomenal women share their dynamic stories to uplift and inspire at “Wisdom for the Ages” 3 p.m. at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center. Author Bond Hopson will sign copies of her books, including The Women of Haywood: Their Lives, Our Legacy. The program honoring Women’s History Month is free.
Memphis – Graceland commemorates the 60th Anniversary of Elvis Presley’s military service by offering complimentary tickets to Elvis Presley’s Memphis to all military veterans and those serving active duty.
Memphis – Let your imagination soar with an art-filled, story-filled and dance-filled event with the magic of Peter Pan. Professional dancers will soar through the FLY studio at Ballet Memphis. The family event is free.
Memphis – The Easter EGGstravaganza at the Children’s Museum of Memphis features a pancake breakfast, photos with the Easter Bunny, crafts and a lavish Easter egg hunt with chocolate bunnies and lush toys.
Jonesborough – The annual Easter Eggstravaganza at Jimmy Neil Smith Park noon to 3 p.m. has games, face painting, crafts and pictures with the Easter Bunny. The Hunt for the Golden Egg will follow immediately after at the Lollipop Shop.
Sevierville – Enjoy fun games, crafts, storytelling and activities for all ages during the Easter Extravaganza at the Sevierville Commons. The Easter Egg Hunt kicks off at 10 a.m.
Lawrenceburg – Grab your flashlight and step into spring with a guided Twilight Trek 7 p.m. at David Crockett State Park. Join park rangers for a chance to wander into the dusk, watch the night come to life and gaze at the stars.
Hilham – Bring water and comfortable shoes for the Spring Hike 9 a.m. at Standing Stone State Park. Hikers will see the natural side of the park changing from spring to winter and learn the history behind it. The 1.5-mile loop is expected to take two hours.
Nashville – As part of Nashville Shakespeare Festival’s 30th anniversary celebration, there will be pop-up plays at surprise locations across Nashville, starting with Much Ado about Nothing March 24. You can buy tickets at TicketsNashville.com.
Nashville – The Tennessee Performing Arts Center presents Confidential; the all-new dance tour from the stars of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Valentin Chmerkovskiy, and Peta Murgatroyd.
Granville– Michael Feagan & the Fiddlegrass Band 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.
Murfreesboro – Shop ‘til you drop at more than 50 booths during the Community Yard Sale 7 a.m. to noon at Cannonsburgh Village.
Chapel Hill – Find out what goes bump in the night for Spirits of the Past 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. at Henry Horton State Park Inn. The investigation only is $85. For $100, you get the investigation, dinner and hotel room. Light snacks and drinks are included.
Spring City – He’s written songs for Alan Jackson, George Straight and Kenny Chesney. Troy Jones takes the stage 7:30 p.m. at Tennessee Valley Theatre. Tickets are $12.
March 24-25
Knoxville – The Knoxville Marathon is the largest road race in East Tennessee. Participants can run a marathon, half-marathon, relay, 5K or kids’ run, crossing the finish line at Neyland Stadium.
