This Week's Tennessee Tourism Round Up

  • Thursday, November 1, 2018
  • Amanda Stravinsky

Honor veterans and their service, celebrate the fall harvest with night hikes and campfire s’mores, vinyasa at the Music City Yoga Festival or get in the holiday spirit at Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas, Gatlinburg's Winter Magic, Gaylord Opryland’s A Country Christmas and Cookeville's Mistletoe Market. Watch an inspiring film at the Indie Memphis Film Festival. Here’s what’s going on across Tennessee this week. For a complete list of events, visit tnvacation.com/calendar.

Nov.

1

Memphis – A night full of music as the Memphis Music Hall of Fame inducts 7 musical giants, including “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin, Stax legend Eddie Floyd and blue-eyed soul group The Box Tops at Cannon Center for the Performing Arts.

Jackson – Enjoy an evening with stand-up comedian, actor and country music artist, Rodney Carrington 7 p.m. at Carl Perkins Civic Center.

Columbia – Stroll and dine on remarkable culinary creations from downtown restaurants during Taste of the Town 5:30-8:30 p.m. at The Family Center. Tickets are $30 and benefit The Family Center.

Murfreesboro – Join the kickoff benefit concert for the annual Uncle Dave Macon Days with A Hoedown Hootenanny featuring the Hogslop String Band 7-9 p.m. at Puckett’s Murfreesboro. Tickets are $20.

Nov. 1-3

Nashville – When Nora left her husband in Henrik Ibsen’s classic A Doll’s House, she started an entirely new conversation about their roles in society. See one of Broadway’s hottest performances, A Doll’s House 2 at Tennessee Performing Arts Center.

Nashville – Keep the Halloween horror alive with Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the notorious parody “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at the Belcourt Theatre. Tickets are $22.

Cookeville – In honor of the 100th Anniversary of the Armistice, as well as Upper Cumberland native Sgt. Alvin C. York, the Great War Symposium at Tennessee Tech University and downtown Cookeville will have scholarly presentations, living history, artifacts and documents, vintage automobiles, period music and a period-rules football game.

Taft – Lyons Family Farm has all the fall fun with a pumpkin patch, hayrides, kids’ zone, music, fireworks and more. Check the website for a complete schedule of special events.

Pigeon Forge – Dollywood’s Harvest Festival is even more spectacular this season with thousands of carved and illuminated jack-o-lanterns. The Great Pumpkin LumiNights features artistic sculptures, whimsical scenes and family-friendly fun.

Toone – Autumn brings Falcon Ridge Farm’s biggest event. Take a tractor-drawn hayride, pick pumpkins right off the vine, play in the corn box, ride a pony, pet animals and enjoy other fun fall activities during the Falcon Ridge Fall Festival.

Nov. 1-4

Nashville – A spectacular new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of the Opera makes a triumphant return to the Tennessee Performing Arts Center.

Estill Springs – Fall Market Samplings wrap up Nov. 4 at Granddaddy’s Farm. Guests can pick their own pumpkins, take hay rides, play in the kids’ zone, journey through the corn maze and get fall decorations.

Bristol - Celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Banjo Gathering at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum with an anniversary concert, broadcasts on Radio Bristol, and three days of presentations, exhibitions and a banjo marketplace for studying, buying, selling and trading vintage banjos and parts.

Nov. 1-5

Memphis – Indie Memphis Film Festival brings a broad range of independent features, documentaries and short films to Memphis from all corners of the country. More than 50 feature length films will screen during the city-wide festival.

Nov. 2

Murfreesboro – Kick off the holiday shopping season at Sip, Shop and Stroll 6-9 p.m. in historic downtown Murfreesboro. The Country Gourmet will also release the 2018 Murfreesboro Christmas ornament.

Knoxville – Explore galleries, studios and artist collectives; roam through shops hosting open houses and local exhibits, enjoy performance art and live music in the streets during thefree First Friday ArtWalk downtown.

Nov. 2-3

Waverly – The annual Quilts Show & Christmas Open House at First United Methodist Church features intricate handmade quilts and other artisan items for sale. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite in the Viewer’s Choice Award.

Cookeville – Celebrate the Mistletoe Market, a two-day shopping extravaganza that features 50 local boutiques under one roof and dining in the on-site café at Leslie Town Centre. A silent auction will benefit Friends of Cookeville/Putnam Co. Animals.

Townsend – Live musicsavory bites and sweet treats from local restaurants and a vast selection of sample craft spirits from regional legends, Grains and Grits at Townsend Visitors Center will also feature Jack Daniels JDX Mobile Distillery Trailer Tour.

Nov. 2-4

Columbia – The President James K. Polk Home and Museum will celebrate the 11th president’s birthday with free events, including early 19th century music, period games, a scavenger hunt, gold panning, children’s art station and birthday cake.

Nov. 2-17

Woodbury – The winner of 10 Tony Awards, Hello Dolly!, is a classic family-friendly musical at The Arts Center of Cannon Co.

Nov. 3

New Johnsonville – Cannons will ring out to commemorate the anniversary of the Civil War Battle of Johnsonville. Civil War Days at Johnsonville State Historic Park will feature living history presenters, live music and weaponry demonstrations.

Jackson – The overture of Mozart’s dazzling fairy tale “The Magic Flute” sets the scene for the much-anticipated performance by the Jackson Symphony Orchestra for The Four Notes 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church.

Dover – Dip and mold Homemade Candles with beeswax and tallow layer by layer 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the Homeplace 1850s Working Farm.

Gallatin – Bring out the whole family for a day filled with food, shopping, dancing and music during the Grand Ole Gallatin Music Festival 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Douglass-Clark House. Take a free tour of the house and walk along the greenway.

Nashville – Bring your appetite and explore the savory science behind food at Super Science Saturday: Chow Down 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Adventure Science Center. Sink your teeth into snacks and watch science demonstrations.

Nashville – Circus Brew Zerkus 6-10 p.m. in Germantown’s Morgan Park combines all things circus and craft beer into a unique event complete with beer-pouring aerial acts, magicians, fire breathers, stilt walkers and more under the big tap!

Nashville – Stroll through more than 20 art venues during the free First Saturday Art Crawl 6-9 p.m. at 5th Avenue of the Arts in the historic Arcade.

Nashville – Cornbread Bacon Benedict. Crustless Mini Bacon Quiche. Flying Pig Waffle. Bloody Mary Bars. Try Nashville favorites all in one place for Bacon, Eggs and Kegs 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at First Tennessee Park.

Franklin – Taste wines, shop, sample food from local restaurants all while listening to great live music during Wine Down Main Street 7-10 p.m. in historic downtown Franklin. Proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee.

Murfreesboro – Expecto Patronum. The Harry Potter Festival & Trivia at Mayday Brewery from 1-4 p.m. includes face painting, magic, photo booth, crafts, games and thematic brews. Trivia starts at 5 p.m.

Murfreesboro –Archaeology displays, crafts, a children’s mini-dig, games, ancient “tattoos” face painting and activities are in store at Archaeology Day 1-4 p.m. at Patterson Park Community Center. The event is free.

Smyrna – Sit around the campfire for fun games, music and s’mores during the Family Campfire and Night Hike 6-9 p.m. at Sharp Springs Park. There will be an optional hike with activities.

Granville – The Foxfire Newgrass Band entertains audiences with their unique flavor of “newgrass” music at Sutton Ole Time Music Hour 6-8 p.m. at the T.B. Sutton General Store. Tickets are $20 for dinner and admission.

Knoxville - Join the Tennessee Theatre 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. for a 90th Anniversary Open House with self-guided tours and discover special details and history of the theatre. There will be special giveaways, a scavenger hunt and more.

Knoxville – Fur traders, circuit-riding preachers, longhunters, statesmen, and adventures: who were your ancestors? Learn about history at the Early Families in the Fork Workshop 10 a.m. to noon at Historic Ramsey House.

Wartburg – Come join the Night Sky Celebration on Nemo Bridge and experience the Obed National Dark Sky Park 6-9:30 p.m. with great music, barbecue and a look at the stars.

Nov. 3-4

Nashville – Find handmade goods from independent artists, activities, entertainment and food trucks 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair. The event in the Gulch neighborhood is free.

Nov. 3, 10

Nashville – Celebrate Reading at the Nashville Zoo. During the first two Saturdays in November, visitors will follow a story map to hear a different children’s book read to them at various stops around the zoo and hear great stories among animal habitats.

Nov. 4

Memphis – The ultimate comfort food for a cause. Sample grilled cheese sandwiches from multiple teams competing to raise money for homeless animals at the Memphis Grilled Cheese Fest, noon-6 p.m. at Crosstown Concourse.

Dover – See why access to a good blacksmith during the 1800s was so important during Blacksmithing, Forging Ahead 1-3 p.m. at the Homeplace 1850s Working Farm. Rediscover the skills and learn from the past.

Nov. 5, 12, 19 & 26

Vonore – Want to learn a new language? Why not try Cherokee. The Sequoyah Birthplace Museum is offering beginner and advanced beginner Cherokee Language Classes from 6-8 p.m. The cost is $50 for new students & $40 for returning students.

Nov. 5-Dec. 24

Nashville – Start the holiday season off right by giving. The Frist Art Museum will offer free admission on Mondays in November and December to guests who bring a nonperishable food item for Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee.

Nov. 6

Pigeon Forge – Head to Patriot Park for the kick-off of the 29th annual Smoky Mountain Winterfest Celebration. Draped in more than 5 million holiday lights, Pigeon Forge creates a winter wonderland for guests and locals through the end of February.

Nov. 7

Gatlinburg – Celebrate the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival at the annual Chili Cook-off. Enjoy live entertainment, sample chili recipes from local restaurants and businesses and vote for your favorite 5-8 p.m. in downtown Gatlinburg.

Nov. 8

Memphis – The Stax Museum of American Soul Music and Crosstown Arts team up for a Soul Cinemas screening of the 1971 film “Shaft” at 7 p.m. at Crosstown Concourse Arts East Atrium.

Collierville – Round up the usual suspects and bring them to the Morton Museum of Collierville History 7 p.m. for Classic Movie Night with a showing of “Casablanca.” Snacks will be available for purchase. The suggested donation is $10.

Gatlinburg – Enjoy a guided trolley tour of Gatlinburg Winter Magic’s Trolley Ride of Lights. The trolley leaves at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 from Ripley’s Aquarium Trolley Station. Book your seats on-line by visiting www.gatlinburg.com/events.

Greeneville – Come on down and spin the wheel. The Price is Right Live showcase heads to the Niswonger Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 8-10

Franklin – Guests can meet Civil War re-enactors; get hands-on experience with clothes, trades and weapons of the past. At both Carter House and Carnton, the living history experience Blue & Gray Days is the perfect field trip and great for families.

Nov. 9

Memphis – Unwind after hours, cozy up around campfires and get competitive with Campfire Date Night Game Night 7-10 p.m. at Memphis Botanic Garden. Tickets are $15. Hot dogs and s’mores are included. There will be a cash bar.

Nashville – Experience the Academy Award-winning film, Gigi, 7 p.m. at the Frist Art Museum Auditorium. The movie is free, first come, first seated.

Nov. 9-10

Jackson – Join a weekend of activities, programs, appreciation and Celebrating Our Veterans for the sacrifices they made for your country at Englewood Baptist Church. The downtown Veterans Parade will be Saturday at 11 a.m.

Medina – The Mistletoe Mingle at White Oaks Farm features hand-selected vendors throughout the area that offer clothing, jewelry, greenery, décor, bath products, gift baskets, antique décor and specialized food.

Cookeville – Prowl around in Cookeville’s historic district and WestSide cultural district for Art Prowl, a free two-day walking art tour exploring more than 30 artists’ studios and galleries, demonstrations, kids’ activities and opportunities to meet artists.

Norris – Enjoy Fall Heritage Days at the Museum of Appalachia. On Friday, November 10 families and guests can take part in fun activities, including rag doll making, old-fashioned games, pottery making, weaving, square dancing and more.

Nov. 9-11

Nashville – Need the perfect holiday gift. Shop for unique seasonal gifts, toys, clothing, jewelry, food items, pottery and collectibles during The Christmas Village at The Fairgrounds Nashville.

Tullahoma – The dark musical, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, takes center stage at South Jackson Civic Center. Tickets are $18.

Nov. 9-Jan. 1

Nashville –A Country Christmas at Gaylord Opryland, features Cirque Dreams Holidaze Stage Spectacular, ICE! featuring Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, A Trace Adkins Christmas, holiday lights and more.

Nov. 10

Wildersville – Park rangers will share stories, give unique insight and work on projects like trail building during Ranger Day 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Natchez Trace State Park. Participants earn 5 service hours for TN Promise, scholarships and clubs. Cost is $10.

Clarksville – Impersonators will present the stories of people from the history of Clarksville and Montgomery County during Day with the Dead 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fort Defiance Civil War Park & Interpretive Center.

Clarksville – The Veterans Day Celebration 5-9 p.m. at Kleeman Recreation Center will include a parade, fellowship, reflections, special presentations and an opportunity for veterans and families to connect with others to celebrate their service.

Nashville – The Music City Yoga Festival 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Rocketown is Small World Yoga’s annual fundraiser and celebration of yoga, fitness and wellness. Join another year of yoga, vendors, live music, local food and surprises.

Nashville – Sample a variety of premiere wines, gourmet food, listen to live music and shop artisan crafts during Sip TN 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Nashville Farmers Market.

Nashville – Join street vendors and local businesses while enjoying great food, live performances and a pup parade at the Making Merry Street Festival 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. in the Berry Hill Neighborhood. A Very Merry 5K kicks off at 7:30 a.m.

Nashville – Grab your gear and Hike for the Homeless at Edwin Warner Park. The event includes hiking on two paved trails, food, live music and children’s activities. The event is pet and stroller-friendly. Registration begins at 9 a.m.

Linden – Play a character or just watch and help solve a crime at the interactive Murder Mystery Dinner at the Commodore Hotel. Call 931-589-3224 to reserve your spot and for more information.

Murfreesboro – Join the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Rutherford County 8 a.m. to noon at MTSU Track & Soccer Stadium. The walk is held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide to raise awareness and funds for care, support and research.

Elizabethton – Celebrate the changing season at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Colonial Harvest Celebration with re-enactments, spinning, weaving and hand carding demonstrations and handmade items for sale.

Nov. 10-11

Elizabethton – Spend a day visiting some of the finest fiber producers and artists. The Fall Fiber Fair at Fort Watauga will include workshops, vendors, handmade items for sale, raw fibers and demonstrations of spinning, weaving and more.

Nov. 10-Jan. 5.

Pigeon Forge – Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas is even better this season. Experience the largest expansion ever featuring more than 4 million lights, fun rides and attractions, plus award-winning holiday shows.

Nov. 10-Jan. 7

Bristol – The For All the World To See: Visual Culture and the Struggle for Civil Rights exhibit at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum examines the role visual culture played in shaping and transforming the struggle for racial equality in America through a compelling assortment of photographs, TV clips, art posters and historic artifacts.

Nov. 11

Union City – Discovery Park of America thanks and honors those who served our country and continue to serve our freedom offering all veterans, military service members and their depends free admission 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Veterans Day.

Halls – Remember all who served at the Veterans Day Celebration 2 p.m. at the Veterans Museum. There will be a courtyard re-dedication and program to honor those who have a new paver installed and veterans from all branches of service.

Nashville – Learn the history of Tennesseans in military service, send a card to a veteran and hear stories from real Tennessee Veterans 1-5 p.m. at the Tennessee State Museum. Visit the temporary exhibit, The Great War: A Centennial Exhibition.

Nashville – Celebrate one of rock’s most iconic bands with the Music of the Rolling Stones live with the Nashville Symphony 7:30 p.m. in a high-energy performance with a dynamic vocalist at Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

Nashville – Come on down! The interactive stage show, The Price is Right, gives eligible contestants the chance to play classic games from TV’s most popular game show 7 p.m. atTennessee Performing Arts Center.

Gatlinburg – Join the city of Gatlinburg saluting the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces in a Veterans Day Celebration 11 a.m. at Ripley’s Aquarium Plaza that includes stirring musical tributes, ceremony and veteran recognition.

Ongoing

Clarksville – See hundreds of porcelain pieces, moving parts, lights and even a model train making its way through the village at  Christmas Town at the Customs House Museum. Admission is $7.

Gatlinburg – The Smoky Mountains Harvest Festival is a 12-week celebration of the fall season with new decorations, 3-dimensional scarecrow people and area events including a chili cook-off to let guests experience autumn in the Smokies.   

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