Spring & Summer Festivals in Tennessee

Featured in this Article:

Spring Festivals and Events in Tennessee (March-May)
Summer Festivals and Events in Tennessee (June-September)

*Dates reflect the 2025 calendar year

Celebrate spring during Cheekwood in Bloom March 8-April 13, 2025 at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens. Thousands of tulips, hyacinths and daffodils fill the gardens with vibrant color and special events featuring music and art encourage everyone to get out into the sunshine. The Beer Garden is a lively space full of music, food and drinks, and places to relax. Snap a photo with Robert Indiana's iconic "The American LOVE (White Blue Red)" sculpture, develop your green thumb with like-minded horticulturists at Cheekwood Gardening School, enjoy Spring Afternoon Tea in Cafe 29, and celebrate the Hindu "Festival of Spring" Holi March 22. An egg hunt during Easter Weekend, the pet-friendly Dogs & Dogwoods and Arbor Day celebration round out the full calendar of events.

2025 Hercules Tires Big South Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships - Johnson City

2025 Hercules Tires Big South Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships will be played at Freedom Hall Civic Center in Johnson City. The championships will take place on March 9 with the men's final airing on ESPN2 at noon and the women's final at 6 p.m. The Big South Conference championships consist of 16 games in nine sessions. Each session has two games and the finals each fill their own sessions. Tickets are on sale now. See the full schedule of game times on the Big South Conference website.

Daffodil Day - Bell Buckle

Celebrate the coming of spring in Bell Buckle during the Daffodil Day March 22, 2025. You'll see thousands of daffodils line the roads and farmlands for a six-mile stretch of highway leading into Bell Buckle. Once in town, enjoy the flower show where youth and adult gardeners compete for ribbons. Don't miss the Arbor Day Ceremony where the notable tree of Bell Buckle is recognized and the Bell Buckle Citizen of the Year is awarded 2 p.m. on the Quilt Square.

Blooming Arts Festival - Linden

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 March 21-22, 2025 in downtown Linden. 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. 

Mule Day - Columbia

Yes, Tennessee has a "Mule Capital" of the world and it's in Columbia. Mule Day is April 3-6, 2025 and hosts dancing, music, food, competitions like log-loading and pony mule pulling, and parades of mules and their miniature counterparts. It's an adorable festival kids of all ages love to attend.

Trails & Trilliums - Beersheba Springs

Celebrate Earth Day with Tennessee naturalists during Trails & Trilliums April 4-6, 2025 for guided hikes, workshops and talks at Beersheba Springs Conference Center. Visit Stone Door, Savage Gulf, Greeter Falls and Collins Gulf to enjoy amazing overlooks, serene trails, wildflowers and waterfalls. Family-friendly activities include fair house building, campfire cooking, hands-on wildlife seminars, nature hikes and pioneering. It's a great way to experience Tennessee's scenic beauty and learn more about natural preservation.

Hot Slaw and Art Y'all - Cleveland

Hot Slaw was recently named as as an official state food. Celebrate the delicious condiment you can put on hotdogs, hamburgers or eat as a side at the family-friendly food and art festival in Cleveland, Tennessee. The Hot Slaw and Art Y'all! festival takes place April 5, 2025 with live music, artist exhibitors, pop-up street performances, food vendors, contests and, of course, hot slaw smothered on burgers, hot dogs and more.

Tennessee Tulip Festival - Eagleville 

The highly anticipated Tennessee Tulip Festival takes place April 5-6, 2025 at Lucky Ladd Farms in Eagleville, Tennessee, located about 40 miles south of Nashville. Experience 1 million tulips showcasing over 100 different varieties at the largest pick-your-own tulip farm in the Southeastern United States. Festival happenings include pick-your-own tulips, stunning photo opportunities, arts and crafts with a kid's market, live music, tulip photo contest, Dutch-themed food and treats, petting farm and zoo, nature trails and more. Advanced ticket purchase is highly recommended. 

Flower & Food Festival at Dollywood - Pigeon Forge

Dollywood is your springtime destination as the award-winning, family-friendly attraction introduces a new event, Flower & Food Festival April 18 - June 8, 2025. Marvel at the topiary structures, crafted by horticultural artists, reaching up to 14 feet. Take a selfie underneath Umbrella Sky, a tapestry of colorful umbrellas suspended over Showstreet. Keep your calendar open for the in-the-kitchen demonstrations and special culinary events that highlight the fresh ingredients of spring.

World's Biggest Fish Fry - Paris 

Thousands of people flock to the small town of Paris April 19-27, 2025 for the five tons of fried catfish that is served during the all-you-can-eat feast each April. Stay an extra day to enjoy the World's Biggest Fish Fry's Grand Parade, pageants, catfish races, and arts and crafts.

Music City Food & Wine Festival - Nashville

Feast your eyes on the Music City Food & Wine Festival April 24-27 which brings together some of the city's celebrated chefs, wine and spirits brands and restaurants for a massive weekend celebrating Nashville's cuisine. A lively chef competition, vendor market, sips from wine and spirits brands, pairing dinners and culinary delights from local restaurants will leave you full and satisfied. Special events include Intimate Dinners with Maiz de la Vida, Tailor, and Deacon's New South; the VIP kick-off event Feast: A Supper to Savor; a VIP brunch garden, Food Faire Market, the Grand Tasting on Saturday; and Big Gay Brunch hosted at Harriet's and LA Jackson. Ticket packages are available and going fast, so secure your spot today.

Polk County Ramp Tramp Festival - Reliance

Find out what a ramp is and how to use it in meals at this unique culinary festival dedicated to the ramp April 25-26, 2025 at this 4-H Camp McCroy in Reliance, Tennessee. The Ramp Tramp Festival kicks off with bluegrass music and servings of white beans, cornbread and ramps. Saturday is a full day with a ramp meal featuring fried ramps in eggs, fried potatoes, streaked meat, white beans and cornbread. Music fills the air all day and local craftsmen have handmade items for sale. Buck dancing and clogging happen later on in the afternoon. 

Dogwood Arts Festival - Knoxville

The Dogwood Arts Festival is one of the most celebrated cultural events in Knoxville, offering over 100 fine art vendors, live music, children's activities, entertainment, community art activities and more. The celebration takes place April 25-27, 2025 on the Performance Lawn in World's Fair Park. Additional spring events leading up to the festival include the incredible, live art competition Chalk Walk April 5, 2025, hiking on the Chapman Highway Dogwood Trail and the Dogwood Trail Walk and Talk April 10 at Knoxville Botanical Gardens

Memphis in May International Festival - Memphis

Memphis in May International Festival packs the month of May with unforgettable events. The World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest May 14-17, 2025 at Liberty Park, where barbecue teams from around the world compete for the title of World Champion and prize money. New for 2025, the festival's first Steak Cookoff Competition in partnership with the Steak Cookout Association will take place May 15. Teams can now compete for a $6,000 total prize purse and automatic entry into the March 2026 Steak Cookoff Association World Championship in Fort Worth, Texas. Thousands flock to watch and taste barbecue with a trip through BBQ Alley by Big Green Egg & Friends and more. The Great American River Run May 24, 2025 introduces an inaugural 10k run along with the half marathon and 5k routes. Take in Memphis as you run or watch runners compete along the banks of the Mississippi River and through downtown Memphis. Post-race fun includes music, food and beverages.

Outlandish Adventure Festival - Knoxville

Discover the incredible outdoor adventures that surround Knoxville at the new Outlandish Adventure Festival May 2-3 at Ijams Nature Center. The center will be transformed into an immersive and dynamic outdoor playground for families, nature lovers and thrill seekers. See high slacklining over the quarry, kayak flatwater freestyle, SUP sprint races and more. Shop at the maker tents filled with local goods, outdoor brands and more. Find your new favorite way to experience the outdoors with interactive activities like kayaking, trail running, biking and more. 

RiverBeat Music Festival - Memphis

With headliners like Missy Elliott, The Killers and Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals, Memphis' newest music festival, RiverBeat Music Festival at Tom Lee Park is sure to be a fun time May 2-4, 2025. Special Memphis elements include Boo Mitchell's Royal Studios Blues Jam, WYXR's Memphis Rap OGz lineup, and a Sunday Gospel Celebration. The riverfront is transformed into a vibrant celebration of art, creating an immersive and unforgettable experience. Live music performances, art installations and lighting activations create a dynamic atmosphere along the banks of the Mississippi River.

West Tennessee Strawberry Festival - Humboldt

Let your sweet tooth lead you to downtown Humboldt for the annual West Tennessee Strawberry Festival, Tennessee's largest and longest-running festival since 1934 that takes place May 4-10, 2025. An art extravaganza, fireworks, a contest for the best strawberry recipe, shortcake in the park, the Strawberry Market, live music and entertainment, parades and pageants make this festival a must-attend for any traveler.

Middle Tennessee Strawberry Festival - Portland 

The annual Middle Tennessee Strawberry Festival includes new offerings like magic show performances, live music and Robocars May 9, 2025 in downtown Portland. Be sure to catch the Strawberry Slam Wrestling Event, story hour, pancake breakfast, more than 150 food, craft and information vendors, live music, strawberry farmers and much more. Stay for the strawberry festival parade and fireworks that cap off the festival. 

Iroquois Steeplechase - Nashville

More than 25,000 spectators come to the beautiful Percy Warner Park in Nashville for the time-honored tradition of Iroquois Steeplechase May 10, 2025. Southern fashions, incredible food and thrilling horse races make this a crowd-pleasing event. Tailgating, furnished tents and family areas are available for guests to make the day a truly enjoyable experience. 

Southern Skies Music Festival - Knoxville

The Southern Skies Music & Whiskey Festival returns to Knoxville's World's Fair Park May 10, 2025. The celebration of music and community features performances from Americana legends Old Crow Medicine Show as well as The Dirty Guv'nahs, Charley Crockett, Willow Avalon, Devon Gilfillian, Southern Avenue, and Cruz Contreras & The Black Lillies. And, in collaboration with the Tennessee Distillers Guild, some of the top distilleries in Tennessee will offer a wide variety of whiskey and other unique, handcrafted spirits, bottles for sale and educational opportunities on the art of distilling, barrel aging and distilling history.

SmokeSlam - Memphis

SmokeSlam will take place on May 15-17, 2025 at Tom Lee Park and will be going into its second year of hosting this festival. If you’re looking for a unique Memphis experience, with the food that we are most known for - there’s no better time to visit to try our BBQ with an interactive experience that celebrates the craft and culture of our legendary BBQ, as well as our music, art and more. 

Tennessee Mountain Laurel Festival - Wartburg

Celebrate the gorgeous mountain laurel blooms in Wartburg during the Tennessee Mountain Laurel Festival with hikes along several trails as well as fun activities and events including live music, beer tastings, car show, children's games, craft demonstrations and so much more. The festival takes place May 17, 2025 on Courthouse Square. 

Memphis Italian Festival - Memphis 

The garlic, breads, pastas, and cheeses will lead your cravings for good food to the Memphis Italian Festival May 29-31, 2025. Enjoy dinner in the air conditioned Luigi's Cafe while overlooking Marquette Park. Live music, cooking demonstrations, a slew of food vendors and arts and crafts will also be featured. Kids and kids at heart will love Luigi Land, a collection of carnival games like Plinko, Roller Bowler, Balloon Pop and more along with mini carnival rides, mechanical bull and others. Smaller children can enjoy the inflatable bounce houses.

Travel to the small town of Lexington to enjoy music under the stars during First Friday Nights on the town square. A variety of local and regional artists play the first Friday in June through August. Arrive early to shop the local boutiques and enjoy a meal at restaurants downtown. Follow their Facebook page for the upcoming lineup announcement.

Promise Land Annual Music & Arts Festival - Charlotte

Enjoy the family-friendly Promise Land annual Music & Arts Festivalat Promise Land Historic Site in Charlotte. The festival features craft and food vendors, a children's pavilion, a Parade of Hats for Healthy Hearts and music guests. Dates will be announced soon. The Promise Land Community was settled by former slaves during 1870-1875 in Charlotte, Tennessee. The community encompassed more than 50 homes, several stores, three churches and an elementary school. Today, the Promise Land Heritage Association preserves and interprets the community's history.

CMA Music Festival - Nashville

CMA Music Festival comes back bigger and better than ever. Mark your calendar for June 5-8, 2025 where the brightest stars in country flock to Nashville for the biggest party in the city. 2025 tickets for nightly shows at Nissan Stadium are now available. Check out continued updates on CMA Fest including tickets, the star-studded lineup, stages and more.

Laser Live Planetarium Concerts - Memphis

The Museum of Science & History and Overton Park Shell are teaming up for a summer concert series in the Memphis Museum of Science & History AutoZone Dome at the Sharpe Planetarium. Get ready for a music experience like no other with Laser Live! on summer Saturdays. All concerts are accompanied by a full laser show inspired by the musician's work.

Second Saturday & Main Street LIVE Concert Series - McMinnville

Visit McMinnville for local shopping and live music all summer long. Local businesses are open late and live music can be heard during Second Saturday events. Enjoy shopping at local shops like The Doodle Fish, The Vintage Market, Three Sisters Candle Co. and Southern Traditions. Main Street LIVE is an outdoor concert series in downtown McMinnville June and July 2025 with a variety of music throughout the summer from country to Motown & R&B to classic rock.

Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival - Manchester

Artists like Luke Combs, Tyler, The Creator, Glass Animals, Avil Lavigne, Aly & AJ, Hozier, Vampire Weekend and more will play for music fans who will once again flock to the 700-acre farm for Bonnaroo June 12-15, 2025 in Manchester. Bonnaroo is also introducing for the first time The Infinity Stage, the world's largest 360-degree spatial audio experience. The farm becomes a city with various events like yoga, Soberoo, sustainable fun at Planet Roo, the classic Ferris Wheel, Splash-A-Roo and a village market with curated crafts, art and experiences. Tickets and packages are on sale now.

Summer Celebration at Dollywood - Pigeon Forge

Make your summer bigger, brighter and sweeter at Dollywood this summer during the Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration June 14 - Aug. 3, 2025. The Sweet Summer Nights drone and fireworks show returns with new illuminated scenes. Gazillion Bubble Show Aurora returns to the stages. Watch as millions of bubbles envelop the entire theater that all ages will love, featuring an homage to Dolly and the Great Smoky Mountains. Additionally, a garden hose fountain, rainbow art installations and an explosion of brilliant color will spread across the park.

Lavender Festival - Oak Ridge

The Lavender Festival, the oldest lavender festival in the Southeast takes place on Historic Jackson Square in Oak Ridge. The free festival June 21, 2025 includes live music, 130 artisan vendors and lavender learning sessions including how to grow lavender in East Tennessee, how to make local products from lavender and cooking with herbs demonstration and more. Children will love bubbles and sidewalk chalk, splash fountain in Jackson Square, building workshops, free train rides, The Art Spot and much more.

RC Cola-Moon Pie Festival - Bell Buckle

The RC-MoonPie Festival is a wacky festival that celebrates the classic Southern combo, RC Cola and MoonPie June 21, 2025 in downtown Bell Buckle. You'll find music, fun contests, cloggers, MoonPie games and a colorful parade among other activities.

Knoxville Brewfest - Knoxville

Knoxville has a flourishing brewery community and what better way to local craft beer than at Knoxville Brewfest? Featuring more than 20 local, regional and national breweries, Brewfest dates will be announced soon. It is a celebration of beer and the city's community spirit. Tickets include event admission, a commemorative tasting glass and beer tasting.

Smithville Fiddler's Jamboree - Smithville

Heralded as "The official festival for the state of Tennessee," the annual Smithville Fiddlers' Jamboree July 4, 2025 in Smithville is a celebration of the music and art of Appalachia. Hundreds of musicians and crafts people come to Smithville and thousands of attendees come to enjoy timeless bluegrass tunes and shop the wide variety of crafts.

Swiss Heritage Celebration - Gruetli-Laager

Join in on the Swiss Heritage Celebration at Stoker-Stampfli Farm Museum in Gruetli-Laager, Tennessee 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 27 for wine and cheese tastings, live German Polka music, farm rides, crafts and treats from Tennessee's oldest bakery, Dutch Maid Bakery. The event is held to support the preservation and restoration of the 1800s farm.

Fun Fest - Kingsport

Fun Fest features more than 80 events in over 30 locations July 18-26, 2025 in Kingsport. Enjoy the variety of events which include moonlight hikes, outdoor movies, hot air balloons, concerts, food trucks, block parties, fireworks and 8K races. The headliners for the Sunset Concert Series will be announced soon.

Tri-State Outdoors Fest - Harrogate 

Attend the Tri-State Outdoors Fest to learn about the numerous outdoor opportunities in and around Cumberland Gap like hiking, kayaking, canoeing, hunting, fishing, boating and more. Seminars and guided hikes led by world-renowned outdoor experts will take place. A children's area will include a kid-friendly obstacle course, archery, open-fire cooking demonstrations and more. Sample craft beer from Clinch River Brewing Company, enter drawings for prizes and enjoy live music. A large community clean up effort will happen on Sunday.

Kuumba Festival - Knoxville

Celebrate African culture in Diaspora featuring music, performances and the always-popular African World Marketplace during the Kuumba Festival in Knoxville. Festivities take place on Market Square and events continue at Morningside Park. See traditional crafts, clothing and food from all over the world. Enjoy the West African Drum and Dance Community Circle where everyone in attendance is welcome to participate. A local talent show, Kuumba Watoto Dance and Drum Village extravaganza and live music and entertainment are also highlights.

Monteagle Mountain Market Arts & Crafts - Monteagle

Meet the makers of Northeast Tennessee during the Monteagle Mountain Market Arts & Crafts in downtown Monteagle. Featuring over 100 artisans and crafters, browse and purchase handmade creations including fine art, leather work, woodcrafts, jewelry, metal art, glass art, primitive furniture and more. When you're hungry, head to one of the food vendors offering barbecue, burgers, homemade ice cream, turkey legs, kettle corn and fresh lemonade.

127 Yard Sale - Middle and East Tennessee

The 127 Yard Sale, considered the world's largest yard sale, spreads across Ohio, Michigan, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia and Alabama for 690 miles and featuring thousands of vendors each year. Here in Tennessee, you can shop for antiques, handmade items and more at booths and stops in Pall Mall, Jamestown, Clarkrange, Crossville, Pikeville, Dunlap, Signal Mountain and Chattanooga among others. Celebrities have even been spotted hunting for treasured pieces. This year's event takes place Aug. 7-10, 2025. 

Elvis Week at Graceland - Memphis

Elvis fans from all over the world gather at Graceland Aug. 8-16, 2025 in Memphis to celebrate the King of Rock n' Roll. Join in on the fun-filled week full of live music, contests, screening, panels and more. Highlights include Aloha from Hawaii 50th Anniversary Concert featuring Elvis on the big screen backed by a live band; the annual Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest; Conversations on Elvis featuring a panel of those who knew Elvis best sharing their memories and stories; and, of course, the annual Candlelight Vigil where fans gather in quiet remembrance of the King.

Meet the Mountains Festival - Johnson City

Get acquainted with Northeast Tennessee's great outdoors during Meet the Mountains Festival in Johnson City. Become an experiences outdoor enthusiast through numerous outdoor activities from paddling to hiking, mountain biking and fishing. The gear, people and resources are available to help you enjoy the vast landscape. Split into three zones - water zone, air zone and earth zone - the festival has activity stations like a zipline, rock wall, kayak demos, dock diving by Ultimate Air Dogs, mountain bike skills clinic, axe throwing and archery. Come out for two days of family-friendly outdoor fun.

Wilson County Fair-Tennessee State Fair - Lebanon

Ten days of fair fun including music, competitions and exhibits will take place during the Wilson County Fair-Tennessee State Fair Aug. 14-23, 2025 at the Wilson County Exposition Center in Lebanon, Tennessee. Live music and entertainment by local and regional artists, cloggers and square dancers will take place on five stages. See live stock shows, antique car show, dog shows, a cat competition, food competitions, robotics challenge and so much more. Have a ride on one of the carnival rides like the classic Ferris wheel or swings.

Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival - Townsend

The Great Smoky Mountains Hot Air Balloon Festival provides a visually stunning display of hot air balloons set against majestic mountains Aug. 16, 2025. Be one of only 300 participants of the VIP lift off package which includes parking, tented seating for the balloon viewing, ability to chat with balloonists, a balloon ride, commemorative gifts, food, tickets for adult beverages and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks. Family-friendly activities include live entertainment, balloon viewing, tethered balloon rides, crafters, food truck court and beer tent.

Delta Fair & Music Festival - Memphis

The Delta Fair & Music Fest has live music, festival food, helicopter rides, pig races, bike night, street performers and carnival rides for the kids.

These festivals and so many more can be experienced during your vacation to Tennessee. Check out even more festival fun on the calendar.