This Week's Tennessee Tourism Round Up

  • Thursday, June 14, 2018

Grab a blanket and head to a free concert, a laser show under the stars or a movie in the park. Discover clues to a secret Shakespeare play, learn a new skill or enjoy the summer at festivals across the state. Here’s what’s going on across Tennessee this week. For a complete list of events, visit tnvacation.com/calendar.

Ongoing

Memphis –Levitt Shell’s free live music series continues at Overton Park. Live performances kick off at 7:30 p.m.

Memphis – Join the Stax Museum of American Soul Music 2-4 p.m. every Tuesday in June and July for the Live in Studio A concert series, free for Shelby County residents.

There will also be free hands-on activities for kids.

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.

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.

Columbia – A new exhibit, Focus on Columbia’s Past, at Pryor Art Gallery and W7thCo Photo Gallery reconnects the community to its past while preserving a collection of photos spanning more than a century.

Knoxville – The free Concerts on the Square series continues 7-9 p.m. every Thursday at Market Square with performances by local bands ranging from classical music to blues, from swing to Americana and from soft rock to country.

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.

Norris – Take a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a weekly line-up of free music at Concert on the Commons, beginning 7 p.m. each Friday night outside at Norris Commons.

Lookout Mountain – Enjoy bluegrass and a mix of modern and folk country music with a spectacular view of Seven States for Rock City’s Summer Music Weekends.

Chattanooga – Experience a broad spectrum of musical genres during the free Nightfall Concert Series 7 p.m. every Friday night through Aug. 31 outside in Miller Plaza.

Gatlinburg – Experience Summer in the Smokies every Wednesday through Sunday at Anakeesta with live music. Crafts and games for kids are offered weekdays and every evening you can toast your own s’mores at Firefly Village.

June 14

Memphis – The music heats up as summer rolls in. Come to one of the most iconic streets in America and enjoy the FREE KIX on Beale Concert Series. Dylan Scott and Jillian Jacqueline will take the stage 7:30 p.m. in Handy Park.

Memphis – Get ready to boogie as Lightnin’ Malcolm brings a rock steady sound 7 p.m. to the Memphis Music Mansion.

Halls – Honor the flag and support veterans during the Flag Day Celebration 2 p.m. at the historic Veterans’ Museum.

Nashville – Watch a movie under the stars for free at Nashville Scene’s Movies in the ParkLegally Blonde begins at sundown in Elmington Park. Bring a picnic or purchase eats from local food trucks.

Nashville – 3 ½ Men and Clark Beckham perform for the free concert series Live from the Back Porch 6 p.m. at Fontanel with live music, food, drinks and fun.

Clarksville – Thursday is the new Friday at Beachaven Vineyards & Winery at DJ on the Dock. Happy hour starts at 5 p.m. with blush wine spritzers. Listen to tunes from DJ Benton Lewis and play cornhole games. Cheers!

Portland – Code of the Hills entertains for the free Music on Main concert at 7 p.m. Food vendors will be at the concert or you can visit the restaurants on Main Street to grab a meal before the music starts.

Spring Hill – See a local cooking demonstration and taste test using a variety of locally-grown meats, produce and herbs as Spring Hill Farmers Market sets up 3-7 p.m. at the Mocking Bird Restaurant. A portion of proceeds goes to a non-profit.

Gray – Hands On! Discovery Center opens its new location at Gray Fossil Site. It’s the first and only all-ages science museum in the region with a blend of natural history, interactive science exhibits and art.

June 14-16

Chattanooga – Set against the backdrop of the Tennessee River at Ross’ Landing, the Riverbend Festival covers almost every genre of music on multiple stages. The festival also features 5K and 10K races.

June 14-17

Knoxville – A family from a small Texas town must come to grips with the accidental death of the elderly family matriarch in the dark comedy Sordid Lives at Theatre Knoxvilledowntown.

June 14-24

Knoxville – What happens when a failing Elvis impersonator reluctantly agrees to be a drag performer? Find out in the hilarious comedy the Legend of Georgia McBride at the Flying Anvil Theatre.

Chattanooga – Fasten your seatbelts. The Tony Award-winning musical and groovy 1960s comedy, BOEING BOEING, touches down at Chattanooga Theatre Center.

June 14-25

Knoxville – The Nief-Norf Summer Festival at UT Recital Hall brings together dozens of performers, composers and scholars to collaborate on the performance, creation and discussion of contemporary music.

June 14-30

Elizabethton – Learn something new this summer with History at Home Summer Programs at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park with interpretive hikes, tours of Carter Mansion and Sabine Hill, and tomahawk throwing. Click here for the schedule.

June 15

Jackson – Relive the fantasy-adventure of the Goblin King in the 1980s cult classic, “Labyrinth” during Reels at the Amp at the West Tennessee Farmers Market. The movie begins at sundown. Food trucks will be on site.

Cookeville –Bring the family to watch Brave under the stars at After Dark Movies in the Park. The summer outdoor movie series at Dogwood Park Performance Pavilion is each Fridayin June. Movies begin at dusk.

Nashville – Celtic Woman Homecoming 7:30 p.m. at Tennessee Performing Arts Center transcends national and cultural boundaries to celebrate the timeless emotion of Ireland’s centuries-old heritage.

Murfreesboro – Step back in time and listen to a free live concert 7-9 p.m. at Cannonsburgh Village’s 3rd Friday Night Concert.

Knoxville – Purple Masquerade is a high-performance concert celebration and tribute to the man, the myth that is Prince 8-11 p.m. at Open Chord Music.

Maryville – Professional storytellers Susan Fulbright, Roland Mote and Stephen Fulbright present Laughter! 6-7:30 p.m. at Vienna Coffee House. Donations go to School Storytelling Programs.

Jamestown – Learn stories about the night sky and how to identify constellations at the Night Sky Program 8:30 p.m. at the Pogue Creek Canyon State Natural Area Astronomy Field atPickett CCC Memorial State Park.

Townsend – The old-time string, country blues and jug band Knox County Stompers will have you stomping your feet during the Summer Concert Series 7 p.m. at Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center. Tickets are $10.

June 15-16

Nashville – The Jefferson Street Jazz & Blues Festival features local and national jazz and blues artists, food and retail vendors at multiple locations across Nashville. The event pays homage to the historic treasures of the Jefferson Street community.

Columbia – Share an extraordinary Evening with Rory Feek 7 p.m. in the concert hall on his farm at 4544 Highway 431. Experience a night filled with stories, songs, laughter, tears and love.

Newport – Hot rods, food and fun are on tap for the Moonshine Rod Run at Newport City Park, a 30-year tradition.

Newport – The Popcorn Sutton Memorial Jam Festival honors the legendary mountain moonshiner with a car show, vendors, bands and stars from Discovery Channel’s hit show “Moonshiners” at Cocke County Fairgrounds. Tickets are $10.

June 15-16, 21-24

Knoxville – The Tennessee Valley Players present everyone’s favorite storybook characters in “Into the Woods” at Carousel Theatre. Tickets are $20.

June 15 & 17

Knoxville – Prepare to see Alfred Hitchcock’s 1958 masterpiece Vertigo on the big screen at the historic Tennessee Theatre.

June 15-17

Columbia – One of Shakespeare’s most beloved and comedic plays, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, is center stage at Jones Student Center Plaza on Columbia State Community Collegecampus.

Knoxville – Vintage Market Days at Chilhowee Park & Exposition Center showcases art, antiques, clothing, jewelry, handmade treasures, home décor, outdoor furnishings and seasonal plantings.

June 15-Aug. 19

Crossville – The Cumberland County Playhouse presents the story of Quasimodo and Esmeralda with breathtaking spectacles during the musical The Hunchback of Notre Dame, based on the classic gothic novel by Victor Hugo.

June 16

Memphis – Beef up your collection of vinyl with the Soulsville Record Swap 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Stax Museum of American Soul Music. There will be a pre-party Friday, June 15 atMemphis Made Brewing from 7-10 p.m. with DJs and drink specials.

Memphis – Party 4-8 p.m. at the Brooks Museum in celebration of African-Print Fashion Now and the reopening of the African art galleries. Design a bag with Memphis designer Samilia Colar, listen to live music and take part in art-making activities.

Brownsville – FifeFest introduces the music tradition of fife and drum bands to a new generation 4-8 p.m. at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center. The event will feature Grammy-nominated bluesman R.L. Boyce and Kesha Burton.

Shiloh – Shiloh National Military Park hosts the Moments of Shiloh Bicycle Ride. Join Park Ranger Charlie Spearman at 10 a.m. for a bicycle tour and learn about the symbolism behind some of the battlefield’s most prominent monuments.

Clarksville – Bring a blanket, lawn chairs and a picnic to enjoy a free movie under the stars for Movies in the Park at Heritage Park. Disney’s classic The Lion King will begin at sunset.

Clarksville – Discover the history of signatures written on the walls of Dunbar Cave State Park, from soldiers to famous photographers to snake oil salesmen. Stories Written in Stone is2-4:30 p.m. Tickets are $15. Meet at the Visitor Center.

Nashville – Take a tour with tastings from local restaurants, local beverage flavors and music from local artists at the 16th Annual Nissan Taste of Music City Festival 6-10 p.m. at Public Square Park.

Nashville – A musical and visual spectacle to blow your mind as the Nashville Symphony performs The Music of Pink Floyd 8:30 p.m. with a dazzling light show under the stars atAscend Amphitheater.

Nashville – To celebrate Nashville Shakespeare Festival’s 30th anniversary, there will be pop-up plays at secret locations across Nashville from March – November. Get your ticket forThe Tempest at 2 p.m. on June 16 at TicketsNashville.com.

Franklin – Nearly 70 musicians will perform live music 3-7 p.m. on neighborhood porches during Porchfest. An evening concert will be on the lake from 7-10 p.m. Food trucks and aMakers Market will be in the Town Center.

Columbia – The Muletowner Sundowner free summer concert 5-10 p.m. in the Lot at Woodland & E. 7th Street will have live music, food trucks, vendors and beer on tap. The upbeat dance band Top Tier from Nashville will perform.

Thompson’s Station – Walk through charming downtown Thompson’s Station and enjoy food, wine, beer and whiskey. Tickets for Sip & Savor at the Station are $40 and benefit local parks, recreation and green space.

Bell Buckle – Step back into some old-fashioned fun at the 24th Annual RC-MoonPie Festival with a parade, stage entertainment, cloggers, arts and crafts booths, skits, MoonPie toss, 5K & 10-mile runs and the World’s Largest MoonPie.

Linden – Delicious food, great music and fun. Station Joe, Rockhouse Players and Kevin Booth will take the stage 7:30-10 p.m. for the free Music on Main Street at Perry County Courthouse Square.

Oak Ridge – The Lavender Festival 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Historic Jackson Square celebrates health, herbs and the environment with live music, artisans, a children’s tent, free cooking demonstrations and educational presentations.

Hampshire – A summer day of family fun in the heart of a southern small town. The Hampshire Village Jubilee & Festival 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. brings live music, food trucks, vendors, small business shopping, local wineries, organic farms and a kid’s zone.

Winchester – Musicians gather for the free Tims Ford Saturday Nite Pickin’ 5:30-9 p.m. at Tims Ford State Park recreation building. Good music, coffee and snacks keep it a real porch pickin’ experience.

Knoxville – Sample brews from local, regional and national breweries 4-8 p.m. for Knoxville Brewfest in the heart of downtown. All proceeds benefit CureDuchenne.

Knoxville – More than 16,000 pounds of wings, a wing eating competition, culinary corner, live music, kids’ corner and silent auction are in store at the Big Kahuna Wing Festival noon to 8 p.m. at World’s Fair Park. Tickets are $25.

Knoxville – Explore history during the free Family Fun Day: Egyptian Deities at McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture, featuring activities, crafts, tours and more.

Knoxville – Skilled quilters compete for ribbons and awards for the 38th Annual Quilt Show at Knoxville Expo Center.

Bristol – Musicians of all ages and skill level are invited to join the all-new Community Jam session 2-5 p.m. at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. Musicians can gather, pick and collaborate.

June 16-17

Memphis – Bass Pro Shops challenges families to put down their digital devices and discover the joys of fishing for Free Family Fishing events at its locations. There will be free catch-and-release ponds, seminars and kids’ craft tables.

Roan Mountain – The Rhododendron Festival is a springtime tradition of the blooming of the world-famous rhododendron gardens atop Roan Mountain State Park with handmade crafts, food and music.

June 17

Crossville – Take dad for delicious southern home cooking while enjoying the scenic beauty of the Cumberland Plateau for Father’s Day at the Homestead Harvest in Cumberland Mountain State Park.

Buchanan – Give dad a break from the grill and treat him to a dinner worthy of a king, 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Riverboat Restaurant in Paris Landing State Park.

Nashville – For Father’s Day, City Winery gives dads the chance to experience one of the best Beatles tributes ever with the Emmy Award-winning tribute band The Fab Four.

Nashville – It’s all about dad at The Mockingbird with specials for Father’s Day, including “Dad’s Brats,” a grilled brat with beer-melted onions, a “Big Poppa Burger” and a “Pop-sicle,” an ice cream sundae with whisky caramel and butter pecan ice cream.

Chattanooga – Celebrate with dad at the Chattanooga Zoo. All fathers get free admission on Father’s Day.

Kodak – Dads and their families can work together to Build a Bluebird Nest Box to take home. Meet at the Bluebird Barn in the main entrance of Seven Islands State Birding Park. The cost is $10 per box.

June 18

Delano – Come down to Hiwassee/Ocoee State Park 6-8 p.m. for Pickin’ in the Park. Enjoy sitting around the campfire with s’mores while listening to the banjo, guitar, fiddle and mandolin. Play your own instruments or just relax and enjoy the show.

June 19-24

Nashville – The ultimate love story continues in Love Never Dies, the spellbinding sequel to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center.

June 19 – July 24

Knoxville – Show off your dance moves during 5-weeks Hip Hop Dancing Classes, Tuesdays at 6:15 p.m. at East Tennessee Technology Access Center. There will be no class July 3. Call 865-219-0130 for information.

June 20-23

Jackson –The Miss Tennessee Scholarship Pageant features 36 dynamic local representatives competing for scholarships at Carl Perkins Civic Center, with one lady being awarded the prestigious title of Miss Tennessee 2018.

June 21

Memphis – Grab a blanket and head to Handy Park to listen to free live music during the summer concert series Kix on Beale! Joe Nichols and Jimmie Allen take the stage at 7:30 p.m.

Nashville – 3 ½ Men perform for the free concert series Live from the Back Porch 6 p.m. at Fontanel with live music, food, drinks and fun.

Brentwood – Can you tell a Katydid call from a Cicada? Have you ever called owls? Bring a picnic and enjoy a Summer Night Hike 7:30 p.m. at Owl Hill’s Nature Sanctuary.

Elizabethton – Hear history come alive with Songs and Tunes 2-3:30 p.m. at Sabine Hill. The concert at the historic site features ballads, fiddle tunes, spirituals and everything in between. Tickets are $10.

June 21-24

Savannah – Broadway takes center stage as Dreamweavers present Cats, the Musical at Savannah Historic Theater.

June 21-26

Selmer – Sing along with the cast of Rydell High as Arts in McNairy present the cult classic, Grease the Musical, at The Latta.

June 22

Roan Mountain – The Roan Mountain Moonshiners bring a toe-tappin’ good time for the free Summer Concert Series 7:30 p.m. at Roan Mountain State Park amphitheater.

June 22-23

Maryville – Come to the peaceful side of the Smokies in downtown Maryville for the Summer on Broadway & the Big BBQ Bash. The weekend combines classic cars, barbecue, music, a farmer’s market and the beer festival Hops in the Hills Saturday.

Corryton – Walk among the blooms, sample wines from three Tennessee award-winning wineries; enjoy food, music and fun activities for kids and adults during the Daylily Bloom Festival at Oakes Daylilies Display Garden.

June 22-24

Hurricane Mills – The TN Trail Jam Jeep Trail Ride at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch features nearly 20 miles of trails, an obstacle course, mud bog, live music, karaoke, bonfires and music.

Red Boiling Springs – Dark figures, cold spots and disembodied voices are what ghost hunters will search for during the Haunted Hotel Overnight at the Thomas House Hotel. The event Friday or Saturday includes lodging, meals and a guided tour.

Knoxville – The Center for Creative Minds at A1 LabArts presents a new exhibit from Knoxville artist Gunnar Quist, “Pixel Abstracts: Series BB.” The artist will be at the opening reception showcasing the hand-painted pixel art 6-9 p.m. June 22.

June 22-Sept. 16

Nashville – Artists weave together the physical reality, memories, emotions and the virtual world in the exhibit Chaos and Awe: Painting for the 21st Century at Frist Art Museum.

June 23

Jackson – Walk among the beautiful gardens and water during the self-guided Annual Summer Pond Tour at Carter’s Nursery, which raises money for the Jackson Animal Care & Adoption Center. Tickets are $10 and kids under 12 get in free.

Union City –Get your motors running for the 4th Annual Car Show 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Discovery Park of America.

Clarksville – Bring a blanket, lawn chairs and a picnic to enjoy a free movie under the stars for Movies in the Park at Heritage Park. The movie Pitch Perfect 3 will begin at sunset.

Nashville – Get your adrenaline pumping with jaw-dropping displays and gravity-defying feats during the Monster Jam 7 p.m. at Nissan Stadium.

Nashville – Sing along with Disney in Concert: Magical Music from the Movies 7:30 p.m. at Ascend Amphitheater, with classics from The Little MermaidBeauty and the BeastThe Lion King and Frozen.

Nashville – Sip craft beer from more than 70 craft brews; enjoy food, games and entertainment at the Nashville Predators Craft Beer Festival 3-7 p.m. at Bridgestone Arena.

Brentwood – This summer’s Music in the Meadow concert series kicks off with Anthony Adams & the Nite Owls at Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for picnics, a hike and meeting the owls. Music starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20.

Columbia – A party full of food, music and a huge parking lot full of antiques, arts and crafts. Shop ‘til you drop at the Big Bleu Pickin’ Party 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Bleu 32 Vintage Market Place.

Granville – Get ready for all-you-can-eat southern style cooking and live music. Clearview takes the stage for Sutton Ole Time Music Hour 6-8 p.m. at T.B. Sutton General Store.

Lobelville – Brian Warren and Dixie Overdrive take the stage for the free Music on Main Street concert series 7:30 p.m. on the grounds of Lobelville City Hall.

Linden – Bring the whole family, chairs and blankets for the Summer Splash Event 4:30-8 p.m. at Mousetail Landing State Park with a 100 ft. slip-n-slide, sprinkler area and a kid-friendly movie at dusk. Meet at the park pavilion.

Chattanooga – Stand up paddleboard your way through the architecture and art of Chattanooga at the Nature of Art: SUP ART program 10 a.m. to noon at the Hunter Museum of American Art.

June 23-24

Nashville – The Nashville Pride Festival at Public Square Park features top-rated entertainment on the Nissan Main Stage, an entertainment/drag stage, Kids Zone, Youth Pavilion and 200 vendors featuring local not-for-profits, artists and businesses.

June 24

Franklin – The Summer Sunset Concert 4-8 p.m. at Carnton will feature FAB, a Beatles Tribute. Guests are welcome to pack picnic dinners or take advantage of delicious local on-site food trucks and beverage vendors. 

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