Soak Up The Summer: This Week's Tennessee Tourism Round Up

  • Thursday, July 26, 2018
  • Jill Kilgore

Soak up the summer with free events like sunset concerts, movies in the park and family fun days at museums. Enjoy unique festivals like the Busker’s Festival, Grainger County Tomato Festival, Homecoming Days, Music City Brewer’s Festival and the Toast of Jackson. Treasure hunt at the World’s Longest Yard Sale, put on your dancing shoes or Find Your Fit in Franklin. For a complete list of events across Tennessee this week, visit tnvacation.com/calendar.

July 26

Tullahoma – Dance under the stars to the sounds of a big band for A Midsummer Night’s Swing 7 p.m. at South Jackson Civic Center with a dance class, great music, delicious ice cream and fantastic company.

Nashville – Cool down with Christmas in July for the free Movie Night at Public Square Park.

A Christmas Story begins at sundown. The fun starts at 6 p.m. with giant lawn games and frozen treats for sale.

Nashville – An intergalactic night of reckoning awaits at the Way Late Play Date: Star Wars vs. Star Trek 6:30-10 p.m. at Adventure Science Center. The adults-only event features science demos, drinks and food available from local vendors.

Nashville – The Rockin’ for Rhinos benefit show 7 p.m. at Mercy Lounge features intimate acoustic sets by Great Peacock, Pet Envy, The Aquaducks and more. All net proceeds benefit Rhino Conservation.

White House – Enjoy a free night of Music under the Stars 7-9 p.m. at the White House Splash Pad. Jeff Allen and White House middle schooler Ava Hurst will perform. There will be food trucks and free inflatables for the kids.

Ooltewah – Vote for your favorites at the Tomato Tasting at Ooltewah Farmers Market. Sample more than 70 varieties of tomatoes, like cherry tomatoes, slicers, beefsteak and more.

July 26-28

Livingston – More than 250 booths highlight handmade arts and crafts at the 80th annual Overton County Fair at the Overton County Fairgrounds. There will also be an open mule pull, family activities, truck and tractor pulls.

Elizabethton – See the Revolution as told by the Overmountain Men: colonists who defied British law and settled on Cherokee lands. Witness the drama of the 40th Annual Liberty! The Saga of Sycamore Shoals at Fort Watauga.

Lawrenceburg – As the birthplace of Southern gospel music, Lawrenceburg hosts the James D. Vaughn Quartet Festival at the Historic Crockett Theatre. The Kellys, Kingsmen and several other well-known groups will perform throughout the week.

July 26-29

Nashville – Corteo, the newest production from Cirque du Soleil, celebrates life’s unforgettable moments. Join the parade and get caught up in the show at Bridgestone Arena.

Murfreesboro – The Center for the Arts presents Memphis the Musical, the fictional story of DJ Huey Calhoun, a good ole’ local boy with a passion for R&B and Felicia Farrell, an up-and-coming singer he meets one fateful night on Beale Street.

Knoxville – Stop by to see gorgeous underwater photography by Bryce Gibson at Ijams Nature Center. The exhibit captures the beauty and diversity of wildlife living in East Tennessee’s waters.

July 26-31

Memphis – Summer is the perfect time to be a kid again and the Pink Palace Museum’s CTI Giant Theater is offering all adults admission to movies at the children’s price of $8, $2 off the regular ticket price.

July 27

Jackson – Stacy Mitchhart performs for Amp at the Market 7:30 p.m. at the West Tennessee Farmers Market. Guests can bring picnic baskets or visit one of the food concessions.

Memphis – There’s no place like the Orpheum Theatre for the Summer Movie Series. “The Wizard of Oz” starts at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. for fun activities, drink specials and a photo booth with movie–themed props and quotes. Tickets are $8.

Cookeville – Follow the yellow brick road for Summer at the Depot 8 p.m. at the Cookeville Depot. “The Wizard of Oz” shows at 8 p.m. under the stars. Popcorn and sodas are just $1 each.

Nashville – Wander the Nashville Zoo’s trails while enjoying unlimited samples of wine from around the world while listening to live music 7-10 p.m. for Red, White and Zoo. Tickets are $60. Food will be available for purchase through local vendors.

Nashville – Listen to bluegrass and roots pickers jam in circles under the trees 7-11 p.m. at the Full Moon Pickin’ Party at Percy Warner Park. Tickets are $25 and money raised protects Warner Parks, its education programs and special projects.

Nashville – The Frist Art Museum presents Frist Friday 6-9 p.m. inspired by the exhibits Chaos and Awe: Painting for the 21st Century and The Presence of Your Absence is Everywherewith live music, food trucks and tastings by Chef Maneet Chauhan.

Murfreesboro – Mark Henes will kick off his Transitions EP release with a full band show 7 p.m. at Carpe Café with guest appearances by Stan Lassiter, Derek Gayhart and Lexi Peto. Admission is free.

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. The series is the fourth Friday of every month.

July 27-28

McEwen – The 164th St. Patrick Irish Picnic and Homecoming is said to be the oldest-running festival in Tennessee, serving up 16,000 pounds of brisket and 4,200 chicken halves with secret sauce, as well as games, live entertainment and dancing.

July 27-29

Nashville – Nashville Patriot Fest at Nissan Stadium honors Tennessee heroes with live music, a rock climbing wall, kids’ zone and fun activities like the Patriot Olympics and Hattie B’s Iron Stomach Olympics.

Rutledge – Honoring the world-famous Grainger County tomatoes, the Grainger County Tomato Festival features tomato wars, live music, pageants, line dancers and lots more.

Sevierville – Shop for back-to-school essentials and the latest fall fashions during the Tax-Free Weekend at Tanger Outlet Center. Shoppers will get a break from local sales taxes on qualifying purchases.

July 27 & 29

Knoxville – The kids from “The Sandlot” return to the big screen once again for Summer Movie Magic at the historic Tennessee Theatre. Show times are 8 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m.Sunday. Tickets are $9 for adults, $7 for kids.

July 27-Aug. 4

Murfreesboro – Watch a variety of classes for various riding disciplines featuring the nation’s top Walking Horses and exhibitors at the 40th Annual International Grand Championshipsat Tennessee Miller Coliseum.

July 28

Memphis – It’s the battle of the superheroes during the Orpheum Summer Movie Series: Superman/Batman Double Feature 5 p.m. at the Orpheum Theatre. Activities start in the lobby at 6 p.m. with a photo booth. Tickets are $8.

Memphis – Put on your dancing shoes to celebrate National Dance Day 3:30-6 p.m. at the Pink Palace Museum. The event is free and will include dance performances from traditional belly dancing to jazz, tap and more.

Union City – It’s a blast from the past with Rocking Out at the Museum 6 p.m. at Discovery Park of America. Elvis impersonator Riley Jenkins and the David Fontana Band take the stage at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25.

Jackson – Raise your glass Saturday for wine samples, food pairings, seminars & art during the Toast of Jackson Wine & Art Festival 1-6 p.m. at the Jackson TN Fairgrounds.

Nashville – Sample beers from more than 40 breweries for Music City Brewers Fest 5-9 p.m. at Walk of Fame Park. There will also be giant Jenga and dodgeball. Money raised benefits the Nashville Humane Association.

Clarksville – Richard Waters featuring the Stacy Mitchart Band performs 6:30-9:30 p.m. during the free Jazz on the Lawn concert series at Beachaven Winery.

Columbia – Foster Party of 8 returns to the Riverwalk Park to headline Summerstock. The free concert 7:30-10:30 p.m. will honor fallen military members during the finale.

Granville – Cumberland Heart takes the stage at Sutton Ole Time Music Hour 6-8 p.m. at the T.B. Sutton General Store. Tickets are $20 for dinner and admission.

Monterey – See vintage and classic cars at the Monterey Cruise-In 4-7 p.m. in the parking lot of Bethel Inn & Suites. The Cruise-In is every fourth Saturday through October.

Knoxville – The Historic Ramsey House presents The Life and Music of Stephen Foster, who composed songs like “Oh! Susanna” and “My Old Kentucky Home, Good Night.” The workshop 10-11:30 a.m. includes live music and a sing-along.

Chattanooga – From jugglers to musicians and mimes, the Busker’s Festival at Chattanooga Market promises to be fun and entertaining for all ages. Buskers are street performers who perform for tips.

Chattanooga – Come Float and Glow during the yoga practice 1:30 p.m. at Hunter Museum of American Art with a gallery discussion on a glass piece by special exhibit artist Karen LaMonte. A $5 donation supports museum educational programs.

Bristol – Explore fun, games and activities during the free Family Fun Day 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. There will be square dancing, banjo bingo, an instrument petting zoo and crafts.

July 29

Memphis – Rapper Jarren Benton takes the stage at 7 p.m. at the New Daisy Theatre on Beale Street.

Franklin – Enjoy a night of live music on the lawn at Carnton 6-8 p.m. at the Sunset Concert Series featuring Resurrection, a Journey tribute band. Guests can bring picnic dinners or take advantage of delicious local eats at food trucks.

Knoxville – Some of Knoxville’s top bartenders compete with their best tomato-based cocktail during the Nourish Knoxville Tomato Jam noon to 4 p.m. at The Mill & Mine. Guests can vote for their favorites, sample brunch bites, play games and listen to music on the lawn. Tickets are $40.

July 30-Aug. 5

Hurricane Mills – Loretta Lynn’s Ranch transforms into a racing ground for the Rocky Mountain ATV/MC AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship.

Aug. 1

Nashville – 2018 Bring It Live! enamors audiences with fierce, original, high-octane performances 7:30 p.m. at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center with never-before-seen performances by Miss D and the Dancing Dolls.

Aug. 1-31

Pigeon Forge – During the month of August, participating businesses in Pigeon Forge will Celebrate Freedom by offering discounts to active military and veterans, military personnel, police, firefighters, paramedics and first responders.

Aug. 2

Memphis – Pet lovers can bring their well-behaved pups to the Metal Museum to have their paw prints cast in a clay mold or aluminum. The free Whet Thursday: Dog Days of Summer5-8 p.m. features food trucks, live music and a gallery talk.

Memphis – Key Glock, a young rap artist from Memphis and protégé of Young Dolph, performs 7 p.m. at New Daisy Theatre.

Memphis – Bring It Live! featuring Miss D and her Dancing Dolls with stunning, high-energy dance moves take the stage 7:30 p.m. at the Orpheum Theatre.

Nashville – Learn about the legacy of Wynonna and Naomi Judd, who dominated the country charts during the 1980s and 90s as The Judds: Dream Chasers exhibit opens at theCountry Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Nashville – Bring a blanket, folding chairs, a picnic and your pup on a lease to enjoy a free Movie Night at Public Square Park. “Remember the Titans” begins at sundown. The fun starts at 6 p.m. with giant lawn games and frozen treats for sale.

Knoxville – Bring out your dancing queen as the ABBA Tribute Show gets audiences singing 8 p.m. at the Tennessee Theatre.

Chattanooga – Dance to a new rhythm with an experience inspired by the exhibit Embodied Beauty at the Hunter Museum of American ArtBands on the Bluff kicks off 6 p.m. with live music, dancing, a cash bar and frozen treats for sale.

Aug. 2-4

Celina – The annual Homecoming Days festival around the Historic Courthouse features a duck race, cake walk, cattlemen’s steak cooking, cow patty contest, music and other fun family activities.

Aug. 2-5

Statewide - Treasure hunters and antique lovers can shop their hearts out at the World’s Longest Yard Sale, which stretches for 690 miles along Hwy. 127.

Aug. 3

Franklin – The free First Friday Art Scene Crawl takes you through downtown Main Street’s historic buildings 6-9 p.m.

Lewisburg – Stroll through Lewisburg for Fun Fridays 5 p.m. at the Marshall County Art Guild. There will be live music, kids’ activities, food trucks, a car show, movie in the park and all shops will stay open late for the event.

Knoxville – ABBA the Tribute Concert brings one of the greatest pop phenomena to life 8 p.m. at Tennessee Theatre.

Knoxville – Art, music, fun and food fill the streets of downtown for the free First Friday Art Walk. Explore art galleries, studios, exhibits and live music in the streets and a variety of venues.

Aug. 3-11

Franklin – Stroll the midways, snack on funnel cakes and fair food, ride rides, check out educational exhibits, livestock shows, live music and family fun during the Williamson County Fair at the Williamson County Agricultural Expo Park.

Aug. 4

Union City – Bring the family out to the Antique Tractor Show 10 a.m. at Discovery Park of America. Tractors will be set up around the Red Barn and guests can attend the show, free with park admission which is $10 per person for the event.

Nashville – Brit Floyd, known as the world’s greatest Pink Floyd Tribute Show, returns to the stage for a 45th anniversary retrospective of Pink Floyd’s iconic 1973 album, Dark Side of the Moon, 8 p.m. at Tennessee Performing Arts Center.

Nashville – During Backstage Nashville, get up close and personal with songwriters, enjoy a complimentary bourbon tasting, hit songs and the stories behind them 12:30 p.m. at 3rd & Lindsley. Tickets are $25.

Nashville – Art galleries and venues along the Fifth Avenue of the Arts and in the Historic Arcade host receptions and art openings for the free First Saturday Art Crawl 6-9 p.m.downtown.

Franklin – Take a variety of group classes, 5k run and healthy living activities for Find Your Fit Franklin 8 a.m. at the Private Franklin City Park. Enjoy a live DJ, food trucks and massages. All proceeds benefit St. Jude.

McMinnville – Singer/songwriter Todd Snider takes fans 333 feet underground with a concert in the World Famous Volcano Room 3 p.m. at Cumberland Caverns. Elizabeth Cook will open the show.

Pulaski – Bring a picnic and friends for a fun evening under the stars. Ben Daniels takes the stage at 6 p.m. for A Grape Event at Big Creek Winery. The event is free and wine will be available for purchase.

Spring Hill – Get ready for adventure for the Rip-N-Run 7-11 a.m. at Rippavilla Plantation with a 5k obstacle course, one-mile fun run, messy games and entertainment.

Knoxville – Bodybuilding competitors vie for prizes and giveaway in the national qualifier NPC Knox Classic at Knoxville Civic Auditorium.

August 4-5

Lewisburg – Bicyclists will compete in the Battle of Lewisburg Omnium in a time trial, crit and road race during the town’s Taste of Marshall County Festival at Lewisburg Square with live music, performance artists, food and fun.

Ongoing

Tennessee State Parks – Enjoy summer with a pontoon boat ride, kayak, throw an axe, fire a musket, do yoga in a cave, hike, toast s’mores, interact with reptiles or listen to a free concert. Here are some activities going on at Tennessee State Parks.

Memphis – Turn Memphis into a giant game board with the Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure. Guided from any smart phone, teams solve clues and complete challenges while learning local history. Sign up online here.

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.

Nashville – Get up close and personal with legendary hit songwriters 2:30 p.m. for Big Stage Mondays at 3rd and Lindsley.

Clarksville - Bring your lawn chairs, blanket and a picnic while enjoying the spectacular views and sipping on vino at the free music series Jazz on the Lawn 6:30 p.m. Saturdays atBeachaven Winery.

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.

Knoxville – Explore downtown Knoxville during the month-long Where’s Waldo Scavenger Hunt in boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops, at the Farmers Market and on the freedowntown trolley.

Knoxville – Shakespeare on the Square features two of William Shakespeare’s plays, rotated 7 p.m. nightly through Aug. 12 outdoors on Market Square in the heart of downtown. A $10 donation is suggested.

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

Gatlinburg – The Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales street performance festival takes place each night through Aug. 11 in downtown Gatlinburg and features musicians, storytellers, artisans, cloggers and more at different locations along the Parkway.

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. 

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