100th Anniversary Spotlights

Tennessee shines a spotlight on a century of rich history, legendary music, and cultural milestones. Several cherished landmarks, institutions, and events are marking their 100th anniversaries in 2025, inviting travelers and locals to join in the celebration. From the rhythmic echoes of the Grand Ole Opry to the legacy of B.B. King and Elvis Presley, check out these destinations that are celebrating major milestones.

Elvis’s 90th Birthday at Graceland - Memphis

The King of Rock 'n' Roll, Elvis Presley would have turned 90 years old in 2025. Graceland, his legendary home in Memphis, commemorates his birthday with the new 90 For 90 Exhibit running now through December 2025, live performances, and tribute events. From a reimagined tour of his iconic mansion to new interactive displays throughout the Graceland property, these festivities pay homage to Presley’s pioneering influence on music, fashion, and pop culture. 

Dollywood's 40th Season - Pigeon Forge

Dollywood, nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2025 with a host of special events and enhancements. Established in 1986, Dollywood has grown from a modest attraction into a premier world-class destination, hosting well over 2 million visitors annually. To mark this milestone, Dollywood will introduce a new 40th-anniversary show starting Memorial Day weekend, a daily opening ceremony, and an expanded Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration featuring an enhanced drone and fireworks display. Additionally, the Imagination Playhouse, showcasing plays based on Dolly's Imagination Library, becomes a permanent fixture this season, offering performances from March through September. Get tickets this season to enjoy all of this and more.

Rhea County Heritage and Scopes Trial Museum - Dayton

Dayton, Tennessee, became the epicenter of national attention in 1925 during the famous Scopes Trial, which debated the teaching of evolution in schools. The Rhea County Heritage and Scopes Trial Museum will host a series of special events, lectures, reenactments, and interactive exhibits to commemorate this landmark case, offering visitors a chance to step back in time and experience a defining moment in American legal and educational history.

100 Years of Tom Lee - Memphis

Tom Lee, namesake of Memphis’s Tom Lee Park, marks a century of remembrance in 2025. On May 8, 1925, Tom Lee saved 32 people when he heroically rescued passengers from a capsized riverboat in the Mississippi River. Lee's extraordinary act of bravery earned him national recognition, and his story continues to inspire generations. To honor his legacy, a series of commemorative events will take place in Memphis, including a special ceremony at the Tom Lee Park along the riverfront. The celebrations will feature historical reenactments of the rescue, educational displays, and a community gathering to recognize Lee’s valor. 

Hale Springs Inn Celebrates 200 Years - Rogersville

Hale Springs Inn in Rogersville, Tennessee, is celebrating its 200th anniversary in 2025 with a variety of special events. This historic landmark, originally opened in 1825, has long been a hub for travelers seeking a warm welcome and rich Southern hospitality. Over the years, the inn has played a key role in the community, hosting notable figures such as U.S. Presidents Andrew Jackson, James K. Polk, and Andrew Johnson. The Inn’s anniversary celebration includes historical lectures, murder mystery dinners, themed afternoon teas, and whiskey tastings. Additionally, they are offering special anniversary packages with luxurious accommodations and a curated historical exhibit showcasing its rich history.

B.B. King’s 100th Birthday - Memphis

Blues icon B.B. King, a Mississippi native with deep ties to Tennessee, would have turned 100 this year. Celebrations of his life and music will take place throughout the state, especially in Memphis, where he left an indelible mark on Beale Street and the world. The B.B. King Museum and various music venues will host concerts and retrospectives, ensuring his legacy continues to inspire generations.

Grand Ole Opry - Nashville

Since its first broadcast in 1925, the Grand Ole Opry has been the heart of country music, launching the careers of countless artists and bringing the sounds of Nashville to audiences worldwide. To commemorate this historic milestone, special anniversary performances, exclusive backstage tours, and interactive exhibits will pay tribute to the Opry’s legendary past and its bright future.

Belcourt Theatre - Nashville

Founded in 1925, Nashville’s Belcourt Theatre has been a cornerstone of the city’s arts scene, showcasing everything from Hollywood classics to independent films. For its 100th anniversary, the historic theater is planning special screenings, filmmaker discussions, and a look back at its storied past. Film enthusiasts will have the chance to experience the evolution of cinema in one of Tennessee’s most cherished cultural spaces.

Sequoyah Birthplace Museum - Vonore

Born in East Tennessee in the 1770s, Sequoyah is one of the most celebrated members of the Cherokee Nation. In 1821, he introduced the Cherokee Syllabary, symbols that allowed his native language to be captured in written form. In 1825, the Cherokee National Council formally adopted it. Learn more at the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum in Vonore, about 36 miles south of Knoxville. Other sites honoring this history include the McClung Museum in Knoxville and the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center, which both house artifacts discovered at the Townsend Archaeological Project.

T.B. Sutton General Store - Granville

Located in the charming town of Granville, the T.B. Sutton General Store has been a gathering place for locals and travelers alike for a century. Known for its old-time charm, live bluegrass music, and Southern hospitality, the iconic store will celebrate its 100th year in 2025 with special musical performances, storytelling sessions, and historical displays.

Mountain City Fiddlers Convention - Mountain City

First held in 1925, the Mountain City Fiddlers Convention played a crucial role in preserving and promoting traditional Appalachian music. This year’s convention will be extra special, featuring legendary musicians, workshops, and performances honoring a century of fiddle tunes and folk traditions that continue to shape Tennessee’s musical identity.

2026 United States of America’s 250th Celebration – Nationwide

Start planning a 2026 trip through Tennessee to celebrate 250 years of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in the United States of America. The journey toward this historic milestone is an opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s past, visit places ranging from Tennessee's first pioneer towns to the newest attractions.

These 2025 milestone 100th anniversaries offer a unique opportunity to experience the state’s deep-rooted history and culture. Plan your visit to take part in celebrations, explore historic landmarks, and be part of Tennessee’s next 100 years.