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Tennessee’s small towns ring in spring with charm, history and outdoor adventures.
*Dates are reflective of 2025
Tennessee’s small towns ring in spring with charm and outdoor adventures. It’s in the small towns you can gallivant the state’s countryside with easy access to parks, rivers, meadows and mountains. See Bell Buckle bloom yellow; eat your weight in catfish; and explore Tennessee's scenic beauty, made even prettier with springtime blooms.
Bell Buckle celebrates its Daffodil Day in its downtown area. Mass plantings of the golden beauties were planted more than 100 years ago along the corridors to the scenic little town of Bell Buckle. The daffodils have multiplied and now grow in every direction throughout the tree-lined town and corridors leading to the charming little railroad town. Horticulture seminars, The Daffodil Flower Show, and a seed exchange round out the festival events.
Construct fairy houses, take a hike through the South Cumberland Plateau with naturalist experts and browse the vendors at Trails & Trilliums. Birds of prey programs and demonstrations on natural dye making are also on the calendar during Trails & Trilliums that supports South Cumberland State Park, Tennessee largest state park.
When the mountain laurel blooms, the Mountain Laurel Festival shows attendees just how beautiful it is with a whole month of celebrations like the Climb with a Ranger event and the Mountain Laurel 5K race. It all culminates on Courthouse Square including 24 designated trails in Frozen Head State Park, Pickett CCC Memorial State Park, Cumberland Trail State Scenic Trail, and Obed Wild & Scenic River to name a few.
More than 150 regional and local artists come to Linden, Tennessee to show off their talents and artwork for the thousands of attendees who flock to the Blooming Arts Festival. Fine arts like glass art, woodwork and painting can be found displayed along Linden's Main Street. Demonstrations like chainsaw carving, live dance performances and food vendors can all be enjoyed. Stop in at the Commodore Hotel & Cafe for a made-from-scratch lunch that you'll remember well after your visit.
Bridge stitching, creating rolags, peg loom-beg classes and demonstrations take place to teach attendees fiber arts at the Great Smoky Mountain Fiber Fair. See displays of llamas, angora rabbits, sheep and goats. There are lots of activities for families and shopping opportunities in the Marketplace.
The juried festival, named to honor Tennessee’s state flower, welcomes local and regional entertainment talent, more than 160 crafters and merchants and food vendors for an event that draws thousands of spectators. See demonstrations like wheel-thrown pottery, woodworking and crocheting while noshing on Southern food favorites, stir fry and gyros while seeing entertainment ranging from clogging, square dancing and jazz music.
Celebrate the deliciousness of the famous slawburger at The Slawburger Festival that will either feed or start a craving for this unique burger found in Fayetteville. Thousands of slawburgers have been sold at the festival. Enjoy this culinary masterpiece while listening to five bands perform throughout the day and exploring this quaint Tennessee town.
Eat your weight in catfish at the World's Biggest Fish Fry where more than 12,000 lbs. of catfish is fried up and served with sides. Enjoy the two-hour grand parade, carnival, rodeos, and even catfish races all week-long.
The battle for who can cook the yummy Southern staple is on at this event as thousands flock to South Pittsburg for the National Cornbread Festival to taste test some of the best cornbread creations. Mosey down Cornbread Alley and sample various cornbread recipes. Play games, ride carnival rides, enjoy live music and see the arts and crafts from area vendors. You can even tour the Lodge Cast Iron Foundry where the famous cast iron skillets are meticulously made.
Enjoy the fruit of summer at the Middle Tennessee Strawberry Festival in downtown Portland. The Strawberry Slam Wrestling Event kicks off festivities followed by a golf tournament, strawberry story hour, live music during the free Strawberry Jam with fireworks. Meet local farmers and purchase produce, enjoy magic shows and the annual Strawberry Festival Parade. This year's theme is "Super Berries" and begins at Freedom Drive, ending at Portland East Middle.
Celebrate everything related to mules at Mule Day. Learn how the mule has played a vital part in Columbia, Tennessee history. The festival is made complete with mule pull contests, lumberjack competitions, “best of breed” contest, working mule competition and so much more. Keep an eye out for the Wagon Train that kicks off festivities at Maury County Park.
The 40th annual Trenton Teapot Festival is held annually to celebrate the very rare collection of porcelain Veilleuses-Theieres or teapots. Enjoy music, arts and crafts and learn the history of how the rare collection came to this small Tennessee town.
The two-day Military Expo at Discovery Park of America includes programs and interactive activities for the whole family. Hear reenactors share stories of military history, see a preview of the temporary exhibit, "Vietnam, 2 Soldiers, 2 Artists, 2 Journeys. Then and Now.", gallery talks and explore military vehicles and equipment. More 2025 event details will be announced soon.
It is the summer of 1776 and the Watauga settlement is at war. Take in the 200 colonial and Native American reenactors as they present this dramatic retelling of the Cherokee attack brought onto the settlers of the Watauga valley at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park. Visit the living history camps, shop with period vendors, and witness battle re-enactments both days. Hear the rattle of muskets, smell the campfire smoke and see history come to life.
History, art, and outdoor adventures await for families ready for a memorable spring in Middle Tennessee.
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