This Week's Tennessee Tourism Roundup

  • Thursday, September 13, 2018
 

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, visittnvacation.com/calendar.

Sept. 13

Jackson –Enjoy an evening with pianist and vocal stylist A.J. Croce, son of Jim Croce, 7:30 p.m. atThe NED.

Union City –Don’t miss thefreeCornfest Concert5:30-10 p.m. atDiscovery 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 Storieswill include appetizers, Tennessee whiskey and stories and songs from Grammy Award-winning songwriters 6 p.m. atLeiper’s Fork Distillery.

Maryville –Sample savory favorites from local restaurants, caterers and gourmet grocers and vote for your favorites during the 17thannualTaste of Blount6-8 p.m. atTheater in the Park.

Sept. 13-15

Lexington –Family fun, games, food and a carnival are in store at theHenderson County Free FairatLexington Fairgrounds.

Kodak –Keep calm and pick on. Enjoy three days of music from some of the nation’s best bluegrass musicians at theDumplin 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 theWest Tennessee State FairatFairgrounds Park. This year’s theme is “Apple Pies & Family Ties.” Clickherefor more information and a complete line-up.

Nashville –TheAmericana Music Festival& Conferencejoins 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 musicalSchool of Rockjams out at theTennessee Performing Arts Center.

Nashville –Let it go and sing along with the story of two sisters asDisney on Ice presents FrozenatBridgestone Arena.

Franklin –Experience a night of Shakespeare under the stars 7 p.m. atAcademy Parkwith a family-friendly production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The performance is part of the Nashville Shakespeare Festival’s 30thanniversary.

Knoxville –Laughter and a mystery to solve are on tap asTheatre Knoxville DowntownpresentsFour Old Broadsabout 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 Corneris offering afree concerteach Thursday in September atCentennial Park.September Sundownconcerts 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” duringHairsprayatRoxy 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 theBeastly Feast6-8 p.m. atChattanooga Zoo.

Sept. 14-15

Lewisburg –It’s a blast from the past during theStep Back in Time Festival9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days atHenry Horton State Park. It’s two days of music, food, storytellers, re-enactors and demonstrations.

Clinton –TheDays of the Pioneer Antique Showat theMuseum of Appalachiadisplays a fine selection of 18thand 19thcentury antiques. The event also features live mountain music, pioneer skill displays, southern fare and museum village tours.

Chapel Hill –TheStep Back in Time Festivalis two days of music, food, storytellers, re-enactors, demonstrations, old-time children’s games, pumpkin carving competitions and more than 30 craft vendors atHenry Horton State Park.

Sept. 14-16

Pinson – ArchaeofestatPinson Mounds State Archaeological Parkis a celebration of Native American culture and archaeology with craft demonstrations and storytelling sessions. The event isfree.

Selmer –Arts in McNairy presentsPinocchio, the delightful dramatization of Pinocchio’s transformation from puppet to real boy atThe Latta.

Nashville –Top chefs, restaurants and winemakers from Nashville and across the nation offer an exceptional culinary experience during theMusic City Food + Wine FestivalatBicentennial Capitol Mall State Park.

Cookeville –A weekend filled with adrenaline, multiple competitions and racers from across the country, the inauguralCookeville Motorcycle Classicrevs things up at thePutnam County FairgroundsandMiddle Tennessee Dragway.

Tullahoma –Set in medieval times, a band of troubadors tell the story ofThe Saint Who DancedatSouth Jackson Civic Center.

Townsend –Experience the magic of the Great Smoky Mountains on three gorgeous rides, including the Foothills Parkway and Cades Cove during theSmoky 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 novelJames and the Giant Peachat Ledbetter Auditorium in the Clement Building atColumbia State Community College.

Sept. 14, 21 and 28

Memphis –From the sweet sounds of soul to chilled-out beats and local bands, theNational Civil Rights Museumhosts itsfreeoutdoor concert series 6-8 p.m. atMuseum 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 masterpieceSweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Streetthrills atCumberland County Playhouse.

Sept. 15

Memphis –Held in Memphis’ largest historic district, theCooper-Young Festival9 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 theGreat American Airshow5 p.m. atDiscovery Park of America. Join thousands for the show, tasty food and live music.

Savannah –Music, food and fun are on tap at theBurnt Church Bluegrass Festivalnoon to 9 p.m. atBurnt Church Community Center. Tickets are $5.

Jackson –Brandon Lay & Jonathan Singleton performLive at the Amp. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnic basket or visit one of the food concessions at theWest Tennessee Farmers Market. Music begins at 7:30 p.m.

Selmer –Head toMcNairy High School10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the 2ndAnnual731 Festwith local vendors, food, live music and DIY workshops.

Saltillo –Celebrate Saltillo’s river heritage with a parade, live music, street dance, arts & crafts atSaltillo River Dayin downtown Saltillo.

Clarksville –Original artworks and crafts like jewelry, pottery, watercolors, woodwork, ceramics and photography will be on display at theFrolic on Franklin8:30 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 atSutton Ole Time Music Hour6-8 p.m. at theT.B. Sutton General Store. Tickets are $20 for dinner and admission.

Nashville –Four-legged friends rule the day at theDog Day Festival10 a.m. to 4 p.m. atCentennial Parkwith 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 fromThe Judds: Dream Chasersexhibit 1 p.m. at theCountry Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Murfreesboro –Toast to wine tastings, delicious food and great music duringWine around the Square6-9 p.m. in the historic downtown square. This community-oriented event will benefit the Power of Pink.

Franklin –Toys, aliens and Voltron; oh my! TheIC Collectors Conventionwith guest star William Shatner atAg Expo Parkhas vendors, vintage toys, artists, authors, panelists, movie props, interactive activities and kids activities.

Springfield –Visitors will get a digital map toExperience 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 inHistoric Springfield Squarefor a festival on Main Street with food, children’s activities, shopping and prizes.

Huntingdon –TheDixie Carter Performing Arts Centerwelcomes 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 atSunset Rhythm & VinesatNatchez 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 –TheStanding Stone Marbles Festival & National Rolley Hole Championshipsfinds the world’s best marble players competing in a tournament with live music, kids’ games, demonstrations and fun atStanding Stone State Park.

Rockford –It’s a night of food, wine tasting, fun and swing dancing at thePleasure Trail Concert5:30-9 p.m. atPapaw’s Opry Barn and Theater. Tickets are $35.

Oneida –Nationally-recognized storytellers will visit theBig South Fork National River & Recreation Areathis fall forHaunting 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 theOpen Community Jam2-5 p.m. at theBirthplace of Country Music Museum.

Sept. 15-16

Nashville–TheHowl at the Moon Indie Music FestivalatTwo Rivers Mansionis 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 Parkwill host a variety of special programs and demonstrations during the 155thanniversary of the Battle of Chickamauga.

Sept. 15-Nov. 4

Estill Springs – Opening Day and Fall MarketSamplingskick off Sept. 15 atGrandaddy’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 theirBrewery Comedy Tourto theTennessee 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 withWoofstocknoon atAscend Amphitheater. The celebration benefits dog-rescue organization Bonaparte’s Retreat.

Sept. 17-22

Savannah –TheHardin 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 theHardin County Fairgrounds.

Sept. 18, 25, Oct. 2 & 9

Nashville –Every Tuesday, theNashville Public Libraryhosts afreeConcert in the Courtyardfrom 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 theCorn Maze AdventureatLucky 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 atSpeaking of Art6:30-9 p.m. atChandelier. Enjoy live music, a complimentary beverage and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are $35.

Nashville –Wildlife meets nightlife at theSunset Safari6:30-10 p.m. at theNashville 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 historicCapitol Theatre. Tickets are $5.

Sept. 20-22

Covington –TheCovington-Tipton Co. Heritage FestivalatCourt Square Parkincludes 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 2ndannualMadison County CASA Cornhole Tournament6 p.m. at theWest Tennessee Farmers Marketdowntown.

Clarksville –TheDowntown @ Sunday Concert Series and Street Fair6-10 p.m. atDowntown Commonsfeatures 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. atGrinder House Coffee Shop.

Nashville –TheBacon & Barrel Festival6:30-9:30 p.m. atGreen Door Gourmetbrings 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 tofreemusic during the3rdFriday Night Concert Series7 p.m. atCannonsburgh Village. Walk the reconstructed pioneer village with a gristmill, schoolhouse, town hall, church and blacksmith.

Knoxville – Mountainfilm on Tourvisits theBijou Theatre7:30 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 atOktoberfestatOber Gatlinburg.

Sept. 21-22

Townsend –Local artisans and crafters show off their work at theOutdoor Fall Festival and Craft Fair10 a.m. to 5 p.m. atCAM Cabin Crafts. There will be food vendors, music and activities at thefreefest.

Sept. 21-23

Memphis –TheMemphis Cook Convention Centeris transformed into an automotive utopia with hundreds of the newest cars, trucks, crossovers and SUVs during theMemphis International Auto Show.

Brownsville –Celebrate the heritage and legacy of Flagg Grove School and its most famous student, Anna Mae Bullock, duringTina Turner Heritage DaysatWest TN Delta Heritage Center.

Nashville –Find everything to decorate the house for autumn at theNashville Flea Market: Colors of FallatThe Fairgrounds Nashvillewith 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 theNashville Home ShowatMusic 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 thefreeAfrican Street FestivalatHadley Park.

Nashville –A dazzling fresh take on the classical masterpiece,Swan Lakereturns toNashville Balletat theTennessee Performing Arts Centerwith live music performed by the Nashville Symphony.

Bristol –TheBristol Rhythm & Roots Reunioncelebrates 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 –TheTennessee Forest Festivalis 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 asAlice in Wonderland Jr.hops onto theRenaissance Centerstage into a world with the Mad Hatter, Cheshire Cat and a rapping caterpillar.

Sept. 22

Memphis –Join Hot Yoga Plus Memphis on the beautifulRhodes College Campusfor theMemphis 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 theWest TN Christian Music & Praise Fest6 p.m. at theDixie Café at the Old Country Store.

Michie –It’s an afternoon offreefun at theMichie Fall Festival2-6 p.m. atMichie City Parkwith craft vendors, games, food vendors, live music, a bounce house and family activities.

Clarksville –Enjoy afreemovie on the big screen outside at sunset atLiberty 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 Cafetravels to theDyer Observatoryfor live music under the stars. Hit songwriters play 8-10 p.m. forBluebird 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 theFirst Tennessee Muletown Bluegrass BBQ11 a.m. to 5 p.m. atRiverwalk Parkwith 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 annualStorytelling FestivalandStanding Stone State Park.

Pigeon Forge –The 15thannualOld Mill Heritage DayatOld Mill Squarewill 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 –TheMt. Juliet Pow WowatMundy Memorial Parkcelebrates the Native American/American Indian culture with food, arts, crafts and a competition pow wow with intertribal dancing.

Pulaski –The famousSpartan Tennessee RacesatMilky Way Farmwill run the hills, pastures and woods ofMilky Way Farmwith 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 duringCheekwood HarvestatCheekwoodwith 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 thePumpkin Patch & Fall Family Fun FestivalatLucky Ladd Farmswith 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 theGlass Blowing Workshop9 a.m. to 6 p.m. atErin’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. Clickherefor activities at Tennessee State Parks.

Brownsville –Tennessee music has many facets and FACE’s. See theFACE’s of Tennessee Musicexhibit atWest TN Delta Heritage Centerwith sketches of Carl Perkins, Eddy Arnold, Loretta Lynn, Justin Timberlake and more.

Nashville –Get up close and person with legendary hit songwriters atBackstage Nashville, Music City’s only daytime hit songwriters show 12 p.m. at3rd& 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 VineyardshostsMusic in the Vinesevery Saturday and Sunday April through October.

Granville –Bluegrass musicians perform 6-8 p.m. each Saturday night atSutton Ole Time Music Hourat theT.B. Sutton General Store. Tickets are $20 for dinner and admission.

McMinnville –Children can experience an underground world as vibrant as their imagination forFree Kid Fridaysthroughout September atCumberland Caverns. The daily walking tour 9a.m.to5 p.m. leaves every hour on the hour.

Hampshire –Pack a picnic and enjoy wine tastings and live music duringMusic on theRidge12:30-6 p.m. on Sundays atAmber Falls Winery.

Jonesborough –Bring a chair, relax and listen to old-time Appalachian music, folk, bluegrass and more for thefreeMusic on the Squareseries 7 p.m. every Friday through September on the courthouse steps.

Bristol –The exhibitBristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion through Your Eyeshighlights images of bands and musicians, buskers on the street and the festival through the eyes of attendees. The exhibit is on display at theBirthplace of Country Music Museum.

Knoxville –On Friday nights through Oct. 19, Market Square will transform into an outdoor theater for thefreeMovies on Market Square. Space Jam shows Sept. 14 and Clueless Sept. 21. Bring a chair, blanket and picnic basket.

Pulaski –Schedule afudge touratMilky 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.

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