Must-See Events in Tennessee

Experience traditional entertainment, from great blues music to authentic Aztec dances and unique craft shopping at the World Market. The festival is an amazing place to teach kids about different cultures, from the Americas and beyond. Nashville is the state's biggest city and a haven for music lovers of every kind.

Throughout July, go beyond the books and help your children in a real-life Where’s Waldo Scavenger Hunt. As a bonus, you’ll see many of the city’s best sights along the way in the summer weather. The Old City is an architectural wonder, and the Fort Sanders neighborhood has pretty Victorian buildings.

There really is something for every age at this event in May. Catch street music, local art stalls, a fireworks display, and an air show. It caters to every interest as you stroll through Memphis in the springtime. Beale Street is known as the "Home of the Blues."

Here, you'll find an enormous screen showing the latest blockbusters at this center for family fun in Chattanooga. Also, see a variety of daily events, or get a VIP pass and let the kids get up close and personal with the animals for a superb day of activities for all ages.

That’s Asheville, not to be confused with Nashville! Close to the Great Smoky Mountains, this three-day festival of music and food in fall will enthrall lovers of the outdoors. It will place you close to the national park, where you can make the most of the changing colors among the many waterfalls, hiking trails, and valleys.

Love a bit of literature? Then head to Nashville from mid-August to mid-September and catch a Shakespearean performance in one of the city’s gorgeous parks. Pre-show events and food stalls will keep you entertained for hours.

Everyone knows Dolly Parton, but did you know she has her own theme park in Tennessee? Home to water slides, zip lining, and special events including exclusive VIP tours and the Harvest Festival in fall, the park makes for a unique day out.

Who doesn’t love a good free event? Every Tuesday in the summer, you can watch live jazz performances on Market Square, with free parking nearby to ensure you don’t spend a dime and still enjoy a fantastic night of music. The square is the heart of the city and there's always some kind of outdoor event going on here.

East Tennessee is famous for its bluegrass music. Close to Knoxville, this venue offers covered areas to keep the party going in all weather. Browse great food stalls and walk your dog outside the performance areas. Hop on the city's trolley (streetcar) service and you'll make the most of all the sights around town as you move between attractions.

Middle Tennessee is known for its country music. In Clarksville, go to a different kind of music festival in July, where the focus is on beer and live music. This is the state's oldest incorporated city, and the historic downtown hub is perfect for shopping, art galleries, and eating out.

Close to Nashville, also in Middle Tennessee, is the city of Manchester, where you’ll find Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival. Make the most of the awesome weather in July at this must-see celebration, which includes big-name performances, art exhibits, and quirky stalls and tents with different types of entertainment.

Finally, over to West Tennessee, home of blues music. Beale Street Festival is part of the larger Memphis in May festival, which also includes the World Championship Barbeque Cooking Contest, the Great American River Run Race, and star-studded concerts.