Carefree Operation, The Sunny Side of Life, With Added Doses of Fun

Jump right into summer fun. From Memphis to the mountains, you’ll find family amusements, festivals with arts, food and music, cultural exploration, one-of-a-kind events and downtown good times. Take home a collection of delightful memories.

Tennessee’s summer festivals are a glorious mix of music, heritage, fine arts and crafts, great food and, sometimes, just plain old summertime silliness. Whether it’s Elvis Week, Shannon Street Blues & Heritage Festival or International Rock-A-Billy Festival in Jackson, Bonnaroo blowout in Manchester, Smithville’s famous Fiddler’s Jamboree or funky Dexfest in Dandridge, there’s music for every taste.

For some unconventional merrymaking, check out music, games and the ever-popular Synchronized Wading Extravaganza at Bell Buckle’s RC Cola MoonPie Festival. Discover arts, music, legends and dance at Sycamore Shoals Native American Festival in Elizabethton or Cherokee Days of Recognition in Cleveland. Get a taste of our state’s important World War II heritage at Secret City Festival in Oak Ridge.

Urban adventures are on tap throughout the state, from Chattanooga’s famous Riverbend Festival to Visual, Performing and Culinary Arts Festival in downtown Franklin to Starlight Symphony in Jackson. There’s always something going on at Frist Center for the Arts in Nashville. Take a break outdoors while you enjoy International FolkFest in Murfreesboro. Spend some time with the Bard at Nashville’s Shakespeare in the Park or Knoxville’s Shakespeare in the Square. If it’s arts and crafts you’re looking for, try Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair or Blue Plum Festival in Johnson City. For something a little different, visit Tojo Creek Gourd Gala and Art Festival in Lebanon.

Nothing says summer fun like fireworks! Fourth of July events throughout the state will illuminate our night skies. Baseball games, like the Southern League All Star Game in Jackson or any of the nine minor league teams around the state, are a great place to cap off your night with fireworks. Festivals like Smokin’ the Water in Kingston and Freedom Festival in Hendersonville are sure to put a sparkle in your summer.