Tennessee Family & Heritage Events
April 2-24
50Th Annual Dogwood Arts Festival - Knoxville - More than 60 miles of trails featuring some of the most spectacular dogwood trees of all kinds and colors. CONTACT: 865-637-4561, dogwoodarts.com
April 15 - 17
Rivers & Spires Festival - Clarksville - This festival includes over 100 entertainers, a kid’s and teen area, exhibits, car shows, food, jazz n’ wine and more. 931-245-4344, riversandspires.com
April 15-18
Africa In April Cultural Awareness Festival -Memphis - Celebration featuring education, economics, fashion, arts & crafts, music, and cuisine. 901-947-2133, africainapril.org
April 23-24
Spring Heritage Days Folk Festival - Union City - Annual folk festival demonstration of the skills and crafts of yesterday. Also, enjoy music and Southern vittles! Randall Pitts, 731-536-5171
April 30-May1
Townsend Spring Festival And Old Timers' Day - Townsend - Celebrate the unique and endearing culture of the Smoky Mountains with the Spring Festival and Old Timers Days in Townsend. The festival is located at the Townsend Visitors Center, and is highlighted by hot barbecue and the cool strummin' of bluegrass music. Several bluegrass artists and bands from around the region will be on hand to play, while cloggers take the stage to demonstrate the recognizable dance of the area. http://www.smokymountainfestivals.org/
May 1-2
Stitch & Share Quilt Show - Sparta - Old and new quilts, wall hangings, wearable art, a quilt-turning merchants market, door prizes and demonstrations all day. Friday and Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Sparta Civic Center. Light refreshments, admission $4.00. CONTACT: Bev & Bob Loitz, 931-935-5657
May 2-8
The West Tennessee Strawberry Festival - Humboldt - Family entertainment, fireworks, parades, revues, carnival, food vendors, musical presentations, recipe contest and more! Humboldt Chamber of Commerce, 731-784-1842, wtsf.org
May 4-October 30
Storytelling Live! - Jonesborough - The International Storytelling Center’s renowned Teller-in-Residence program features 26 internationally known storytellers. A different teller appears each week in live afternoon, evening and children’s performances. International Storytelling Center, 423-913-1276, storytelling.net
May 7-8
Jazzfest 2010 - Rutherford - Held on the public square in Murfreesboro, TN. Enjoy the best of local, regional and nationally known jazz artists in the shadow of the historic Rutherford County Courthouse. This is a free family oriented event with a large children's activity area and numerous food vendors. No admission charge. Contact: Main Street, (615) 895-1887 www.mainstreetjazzfest.com
May 7
25Th Annual Dolly Parade - Pigeon Forge - for more info call (865)453-8574 www.mypigeonforge.com
May 8
25Th Annual Flag Pond Ruritan Ramp Festival - Flag Pond - Since 1985, local residents of mountain hamlet Flag Pond, Tennessee have celebrated the coming of spring with the Flag Pond Ruritan Ramp Festival. From a small, local gathering of good cooks and bluegrass and gospel musicians, the festival has grown to a yearly festival attended by more than 1,000 people from all over East Tennessee and beyond. The 25th Annual Festival takes place in 2010, and promises to be the best one yet, with more music, more crafts, more children’s activities, and yes, even more delicious, pungent dishes featuring Allium tricoccum, the mountain ramp. Edgar Rice, 423-743-6185
May 8
Iroquois Steeplechase - Nashville - The sound of hooves pounding, the sight of silks flying, the scent of spring blooms, the taste of delicacies in the warm Tennessee sun...The Iroquois Steeplechase satisfies all the senses. For the 69th time, our yearly spectacle of horses, hats and hounds will take place at Percy Warner Park. We invite you to experience this unique Nashville tradition for yourself. It's a day like no other, one that's best shared by friends and families. For more than 68 years, the Iroquois Steeplechase has captivated thousands of spectators from near and far with its traditions, pageantry, and the energy of the sport. At the heart of the Iroquois Steeplechase is a cause that brings together the celebration of the past with a renewed hope for the future: the children of Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt. CONTACT: 866-207-2391, iroquoissteeplechase.org
May 11-13, 2010
Sevierville’S Bbq Boot Camp - Sevierville - This three evening workshop (from 5:30-9:30pm) offers two sessions on cooking BBQ and one on desserts, which are also a part of competition cook-offs. BBQ centered classes will be taught by 2009 Kansas City Barbecue Society Team of the Year captain Rod Gray while the dessert class will be taught by culinary arts instructor Catherine Hallman. Call 1-888-889-7415 for registration information.
May 13-15
World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest - Memphis - Memphis in May’s World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest at Tom Lee Park in downtown Memphis. Hundreds of teams compete for over $90,000 in prizes and supreme bragging rights. Teams adorn their areas with elaborate decoration, trophies attesting to their boasting rights, and as one can imagine clever and creative team names. While grilling is the main theme, the contest wouldn’t be complete without the Ms. Piggy Idol competition where grown men dress in tutus and snouts and women kick their heels (hooves) up. There is also a t-shirt competition and even a best booth contest. The World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, the Granddaddy of Grilling….where on this given Saturday, it’s anybody’s game. 901-525-4611, memphisinmay.org
May 14 & 15, 2010
Sevierville’S 6Th Annual Bloomin’ Bbq & Bluegrass Event - . - Sevierville - This Tennessee State Championship BBQ competition will host teams and judges from all across the United States. While the teams are busy cooking the best BBQ in the nation, event attendees can listen to world-class bluegrass from Blue Highway, Audie Blaylock, Tony Rice Unit and The Dan Tyminski Band. Best of all, admission and concerts are free.
May 15
Dinner With The Dearly Departed - Elizabethtown - Come and dine in the City Cemetery where individuals portray various personalities of the local historic characters buried within the cemetery. $20 per person; Saturday May 15th at 5:30PM; 270-234-8258; www.TourEtown.com
May 15-16
36Th Annual Festival Of British & Appalachian Culture - Rugby - With Continuous British Isles & Appalachian Music & Dancing, Traditional Arts & Crafts Folk Demonstrating & Selling Their Work, Storytelling Stage, Historic Building Tours, Delicious Food. 888-214-3400, historicrugby.org
May 27-30
Elvis Motor Classics International Car Show - Memphis - Visit ElvisMotorClassics.com for details.
May 28
The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra In Concert - Pigeon Forge - For more info call 1-800-792-4308
May 29
Autozone Sunset Symphony - Memphis The finale event of Memphis in May International Festival is appropriately its oldest event. The Sunset Symphony featuring the Memphis Symphony Orchestra offers the perfect close to a famous month in Memphis. Begun as a way to bring the Symphony to the masses, the popular event draws thousands who come to picnic, party, play and partake of great music. In addition to the orchestra, a nationally recognized group also performs. In 2008, platinum Motown recording artists The Four Tops entertained the audience. When the sun sets, let the fireworks show begin! 901-525-4611, memphisinmay.org
Thursdays, June-Sept
Downtown Costumed Walking Tour - Elizabethtown - Watch the past come alive during Thursday night’s guided walk through downtown Elizabethtown, where you will meet prominent figures such as P.T. Barnum and George Cluster. The outdoor stroll begins at 7PM (EDST) at 25 Public Square in Elizabethtown; June through September; 270-765-2175; www.TourEtown.com.
June 4-5
Smoky Mountain Pottery Festival - Townsend - The Smoky Mountain Pottery Festival features a wide variety of fine pottery in beautiful styles and exciting techniques. There will be 35 juried potters’ booths. Featured potter is award-winning artisan Cynthia Bringle. Guest potters include JoeFrank McKee, Peter Rose, and Hugh Bailey. There will be Raku firings, demonstrations of wheel-throwing and hand building, plus a Children’s Tent. Admission is free. This project is funded under an agreement with the Tennessee Arts Commission. CONTACT: 800-525-6834, smokymountainfestivals.org
June 4-5
Smoky Mountain Pottery Festival - Townsend - A juried, all pottery show at the Townsend Visitors Center. The Featured Potter is Cynthia Bringle. Plus there will be raku firings by JoeFrank McKee and Peter Rose, the Children's Tent with Carol Ware, Knoxville Potter Hugh Bailey, and 35 potters booths. http://www.smokymountainfestivals.org/
June 5-6
20Th Sycamore Shoals Native American Festival - Elizabethton - Come and discover the arts, music, dance, crafts, legends and stories of Native Americans. Sycamore Shoals State Historic Area, 423-543-5808, sycamoreshoals.org
June10-13
Bonnaroo Music Festival - Manchester- Bonnaroo brings together some of the best performers in rock and roll, Americana, Jazz, hip-hop, electronica and more. The festival's 100-acre village buzzes around the clock. 931-728-7635, bonnaroo.com
June 10-13
Cma Music Festival - Nashville - “Country Music’s Biggest Party” brings country fans and artists together for four days and nights of live music. 800-CMA-FEST, cmafest.com
June 11-August 7
Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales™ - Gatlinburg - All summer long visitors can meet characters, hear mountain music and learn about life in the Smokies on the streets of Gatlinburg. This 5th Annual celebration features storytellers, musicians and cloggers performing at different locations along the Parkway. Special Events Office, 800-568-4748, gatlinburg.com
June 12
Louie Bluie Music And Arts Festival - Caryville - This all-day Festival features a wide variety of music, crafts and storytelling traditions, as well as student art, food and beverages, and a festival t-shirt. Old-time musicians and string bands in the region play throughout the day, along with musicians and actors who were influenced by Campbell County Tennessee native Howard “Louie Bluie” Armstrong. Event is hosted by Campbell Culture Coalition. 423-566-3641, louiebluie.org
June 16
Bell Buckle Rc & Moon Pie Festival - Bell Buckle - Celebrate a Southern tradition with country and bluegrass music, clogging dancers, Moon Pie games, crafts, and the cutting of the world's largest Moon Pie. 931-389-9663, bellbucklechamber.com
June 18-19
8Th Annual Secret City Festival - Oak Ridge - Join us for this citywide celebration featuring the largest multi-battle WWII re-enactment in the South! Tours of Manhattan Project sites will be offered throughout the weekend. A special children's festival area features www.oakridgevisitor.com
June 18-20
17Th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival - Memphis - A three-day celebration with live entertainment featuring gospel, jazz, R&B, blues, rap, classical and neosoul music. Food and merchandise vendors, health & job fair, exhibits, dancers, storytelling, walk-jog-a-thon, basketball, softball, family reunions, class reunions, horseback riding, picnics and more. CONTACT: juneteenthmemphis.org
June 19
12Th Annual Lavender Festival - Oak Ridge - The Lavender Festival is an herb fair featuring the farmers market, music throughout the day, enticing food, vendors selling herb plants and herbal products, handmade soap, jewelry, pottery, culinary and garden items. www.oakridgevisitor.com
June 26
White Lightning Festival - Knoxville - Known for its historic significance and natural beauty, Cumberland Gap will be the site of this unique festival that celebrates the history and heritage of communities along the new Discover Tennessee White Lightning Trail. From the Civil War to modern day America, The White Lightning Festival will tell the story of those rugged, self-reliant people that made this area the topic of movies and gave birth to one of America's fastest growing sports - stock car racing. The White Lightning Trail, which begins in Knox County (Knoxville, TN) travels through eight other counties including Anderson, Union, Campbell, Claiborne, Grainger, Jefferson, Hamblen and Cocke. These communities share a rich heritage and that will be on display in the form of demonstrations, food, antique cars and a variety of music. 800-332-8164
July 2-3
Libertyfest - Lawrenceburg - Each year the community salutes a different state from the southeast during its Liberty Festival. In 2009 we salute the great state of Georgia, celebrating 70 years of “Gone with the Wind.” Special guests, food, fireworks, and fun! Anne Morrow, 931-762-7617, cityoflawrenceburgtn.com
July 3
Spring City Independence Day Celebration - Spring City - All day event which includes: live music, food, contests, crafts, annual duck race, Little Mr. and Miss Firecracker Pageant, and concludes with the Fireworks Display at dark. 423-365-6441, springcitytennessee.com
July 3
Mckenzie Freedom Festival - McKenzie - Celebrate America's Independence with a hometown celebration complete with flag waving parade, patriotic entertainment, music, historic characters, home-made ice cream contest (public chooses the winners), great food, crafts and spectacular fireworks at dark. McKenzie Recreation Park, 731-352-2292
July 3-4
40Th Annual Jonesborough Days - Jonesborough - Patriotic celebration of the region’s heritage in agriculture and storytelling. Visit villages from different periods in time, see traditional handmade crafts, enjoy free concerts and children’s activities. Historic Jonesborough Visitors Center, 800-401-4223, historicjonesborough.com
July 8-10
18Th Annual Great Celebration Mule & Donkey Show - Shelbyville - The Great Celebration Mule & Donkey Show may be about 50 years younger than The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, but it packs a lot of excitement into one weekend. Mules and donkeys converge for competition in halter, driving, and saddle classes. Includes a mule pulling contest, watermelon feast, barbecue dinner and more. CONTACT: The Celebration, 931-684-5915, twhnc.com
July 9-10
33Rd Annual Uncle Dave Macon Days Festival - Murfreesboro - This festival honors the memory of Uncle Dave Macon, one of the first Grand Ole Opry superstars. The event features music, dance, heritage activities, juried arts and crafts, food, a historic photo exhibit, and storytelling. 800-716-7560, uncledavemacondays.com
July 9-11
33Rd Annual Uncle Dave Macon Days Festival - Rutherford - Held at Cannonsburgh Village, 312 South Front Street, Murfreesboro, TN. This old-time music and dance festival is one of the very few old-time festivals in the country, featuring the National Championships in Old-Time Banjo, Old-Time Buck Dancing and Old-Time Clogging. Admission charged. Juried arts and crafts, specialty foods and impromptu jam sessions throughout the village on Friday and Saturday. The Motorless Parade takes place on Saturday morning. The prestigious Heritage Award is presented on Saturday evening. Other exhibits taking place during the festival include the Macon Memories historic photo exhibit, clogging demonstrations and Shape-note singing in the little white country church. The Gospel Showcase and Ministry Fair takes place on Sunday. Contact: Gloria Christy, (615) 893-2369 www.uncledavemacondays.com
July 14-18
Us Rowing Club National Championship - Melton Hill Lake - The Oak Ridge Rowing Association (ORRA) uses the Melton Hill Rowing Course to conduct regattas for past 30 years. Melton Hill Lake is known as one of the best rowing venues in the United States. Melton Hill Lake, which is fed by the Clinch River, is part of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) waterway system and TVA regulates flows during competitions to less than .06 meters per second. www.oakridgevisitor.com
July 16-17
41St Annual Threshermen'S Show - Adams - Old-time threshing equipment, blacksmith, and mule pulls and tractor pulls are just part of the fun and the Threshermen's Show. We also have fun for the family: craft fair, flea market, children's games, pony rides, and several food vendors are also present to make a pleasant day for all who attend. 615-696-2593, adamstennessee.com
July 16-18
43Rd Annual Murfreesboro Antique Show - Rutherford - Held at the Murphy Center, MTSU campus, Murfreesboro, TN. Quality glassware, furniture, silver, china, crystal, door prizes, silver and metal repair and restoration. Admission: $10.00-good for all three days. Friday, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Saturday, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. and Sunday, 11:00 a.m. a.m.-4:00 p.m. A portion of the proceeds benefit the American Red Cross-Heart of Tennessee Chapter. Contact: Michael Weaver, (770) 928-0052
July 16-24 & October 7-23
Gatlinburg Craftsmen’S Fair - Gatlinburg - Over 200 of the finest woodcarvers, potters, broom makers, stained glass makers, metal workers, basket weavers, calligraphers, and jewelers. 865-436-7479, craftsmenfair.com
July 29-31
Tennessee Quilts' Quiltfest - Jonesboro and Johnson City - QuiltFest 2010 will be the largest quilting event in our region, drawing quilters not only from Tennessee, North Carolina and Virginia, but from throughout the United States. Registration is available online or by calling toll-free 877-385-0934.
July 31
Folklife Festival - Kingsport - Celebrate the “good old days” with traditional entertainment from the East Tennessee hills! Enjoy a day full of old-timey music, games and tales. Delight in traditional life-skills demonstrations and contests. A great way for the whole family to re-live the traditions of our region. Warriors' Path State Park, 423-239-5786, state.tn.us/environment/parks/WarriorsPath
August 6-7
Cherokee Days Of Recognition - Cleveland, Red Clay State Historic Park – Held at the last eastern council grounds for the Cherokee Nation, this annual event celebrates Cherokee customs with food, storytelling, music, dance, crafts and more. Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce, 800-472-6588,
August 6 - 8
Rock-A-Billy Festival - Jackson - The world’s largest gathering of Rock-A-Billy artists and musicians, featuring the pioneers of Rock-A-Billy music as well as new artists. CONTACT: Rock-A-Billy Hall of Fame & Museum, 731-427-6262, rockabillyhall.org
August 10-16
Elvis Week 2010 - Memphis - Visit ElvisWeek.com for details.
August 14-15
David Crockett Days - Lawrenceburg - Join park and staff local historical for a 2-day event celebrating the birth of Davis Crockett, pioneer, political leader and one of Tennessee and Green County’s most famous sons. Explore living history demonstrations of life on the frontier, workshops, games, crafts, period food and music. 423-257-2167, dawn.coleman@tn.gov
August 27-29
Kentucky Heartland Festival - Elizabethtown - Enjoy food, fun and fellowship at the Kentucky Heartland Festival in August. Live Entertainment, Heartland 5-K Run, Parade and More! Held at Freeman Lake Park in Elizabethtown the last weekend of August; 270-765-4334; www.TourEtown.com
September 10-11
Riverfest - Clarksville - Clarksville celebrates its river heritage in a festival featuring musical entertainment, children's activities, arts & crafts, boat races and more. 866-557-9006
September 24-25
18Th Annual Townsend In The Smokies Fall Heritage Festival & Old Timers Day - Townsend - A celebration of the traditional music, crafts, and heritage of Townsend, Blount County, and the Great Smoky Mountains. Activities include bluegrass music, arts & crafts booths, antique tractor show, Appalachian demonstrations, and great food. Convention & Visitors Bureau, 800-525-6834, smokymountainfestivals.org
Sept 24-25
Fall Heritage Festival And Old Timers' Day - Townsend - Bluegrass music and clogging, an antique tractor and engine show, storytelling, children's activities, crafts by local artisans, great food, and demonstrations of a variety of traditional skills including basketry, spinning, weaving, sorghum molasses, apple butter making, lye soap, beekeeping, llamas, and blacksmithing. http://www.smokymountainfestivals.org/
September 25
Heritage Arts & Craft Show - Covington - Crafts, arts, quilts and folk art demonstrations. Kid’s parade, antiques and all day music & food on the Historic Downtown square. 901-476-9727, covington-tiptonchamber.com