Tennessee summer festivals are a great way to enjoy the warm weather and fun activities with your family. The state has plenty of options, from live concerts to flower festivals.
13 Best Tennessee Summer Festivals
There is no shortage of summer festivals in Tennessee. Here are our top recommendations for the best Tennessee summer festivals you can visit.
1. First Friday Nights
- Location: Downtown Lexington
- Date: May 6, June 3, and August 5, 2024
- Time: 6:00 – 8:30 p.m.
First Friday Nights in Lexington is undoubtedly one of the most fun Tennessee summer events. The town may be small, but the festival certainly isn’t, as visitors can enjoy lots of live music in the town square. There will be plenty of regional and local artists who can showcase their talent.
In addition, the festival features several downtown restaurants and local boutiques where you can shop. The festival will fill your heart and your stomach (though you might find your wallets a little emptier).
2. Promise Land Annual Music & Arts Festival
- Location: Charlotte
- Date: June 1, 2024
The Promise Land Annual Music & Arts Festival will be held with the theme of legacy, ancestry, and creativity. As its name implies, the festival will celebrate different types of music and art. There will be music, dancing, and showcases of indigenous traditions.
Moreover, the festival will include several activities, such as a children’s pavilion, a parade of hats, and musical performances. Visitors can also eat and purchase various local crafts.
3. CMA Music Festival
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- Location: Nashville
- Date: June 6-9, 2024
The CMA Music Festival is one of the most significant summer events in Tennessee. If you’re familiar with the festival, you’ll know it’s one of the state’s biggest events where renowned artists gather to party. Those interested can purchase four-night passes to watch performances from a star-studded lineup.
4. Laser Live Planetarium Concerts
- Location: Sharpe Planetarium, Memphis Museum of Science & History AutoZone Dome
- Date: May 13, June 10, July 15, August 19, and September 30, 2024
- Time: Doors Open @ 6:00 p.m. | Concerts @ 7:00 p.m.
- Price: $15 – $18
The Laser Live Planetarium Concerts is a series of summer concerts that includes several live music experiences and performances. Moreover, it will feature a complete laser show — a unique touch compared to other music festivals.
5. Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival
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- Location: Bonnaroo, Manchester
- Date: June 13-16, 2024
The Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival is one of the most anticipated summer events. It features several famous artists, such as Post Malone, Pretty Lights, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. In addition, there will be tons of activities like Splash-A-Roo, yoga, Broo’ers Festival, a Ferris Wheel, and a village market with several arts and crafts experiences. Those interested can purchase one-day, two-day, or four-day tickets.
6. Summer Celebration at Dollywood
- Location: Dollywood Theme Park
- Date: June 15 – August 11, 2024
There’s no better place than Dollywood to spend your summer at Tennesee. This season, there will be a special Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration. The Sweet Summer Nights fireworks and drone show will illuminate your nights and deliver spectacular shows.
In addition, millions of bubbles will be blown through the Gazillion Bubble Show Aurora. People of all ages will love watching bubbles fly to the sky — especially young children. Dollywood is also hosting rainbow art installations and a garden hose fountain.
7. Lavender Festival
- Location: Historic Jackson Square, Oak Ridge
- Date: June 15, 2024
The Lavender Festival features live music, educational lavender seminars, and over 130 artisan vendor booths. It is free and suitable for all ages.
8. Knoxville Brewfest
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- Location: World’s Fair Park Lake, Knoxville
- Date: June 22, 2024
The Brewfest in Knoxville will feature over 20 national, regional, and local breweries. It celebrates beer and community spirit. Visitors can purchase tickets to access the event, engage in beer tasting, and even take home a commemorative tasting glass.
9. Smithville Fiddler’s Jamboree
- Location: Smithville
- Date: July 5-6, 2024
The Smithville Fiddler’s Jamboree is one of the largest annual festivals in Tennessee in July. It’s Tennessee’s official festival and celebrates the art and music of Appalachia. Hundreds of artisans, craftsmen, and musicians will flock to the area to enjoy music and shop for various arts and crafts.
10. Fun Fest
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- Location: Kingsport, Tennessee
- Date: July 19-27, 2024
The Fun Fest is a unique event featuring over 80 events across 30 areas. Participants can enjoy several activities, including hot air balloon rides, fireworks, and 8K races. There are also block parties, outdoor movies, moonlight hikes, and food trucks during the event. In addition, several musical acts, such as Clay Walker, Boyz II Men, and Danny Gokey, will perform at the Sunset Concert Series.
11. Tri-State Outdoors Fest
- Location: Cumberland Gap
- Date: July 20, 2024
The Tri-State Outdoors Fest will teach you about the outdoor activities you can experience in the Cumberland Gap. These include hunting, boating, fishing, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, and more. There will also be tons of seminars and guided hikes from experts.
Families with young children can let their kids enjoy kid-friendly activities like open-fire cooking demonstrations, archery, and an age-appropriate obstacle course. For the adults, you can enjoy live music and sample craft beer from Clinch River Brewing Company.
12. 127 Yard Sale
- Location: Highway 127, Chattanooga
- Date: August 1-4, 2024
Sure, the 127 Yard Sale isn’t precisely a summer festival. Nonetheless, it’s one of the state’s largest events featuring yard sales from thousands of vendors. Tennessee shoppers can find handmade items and antiques from booths and shores in Jamestown, Crossville, Clarkrange, Dunlap, Signal Mountain, Pikeville, Pall Mall, and Chattanooga.
13. Wilson County Fair-Tennessee State Fair
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- Location: Wilson County Exposition Center, Lebanon
- Date: August 15 to 24, 2024
The Wilson County Fair features entertainment and live music from local artists, square dancers, and cloggers. Several events are also held, such as food competitions, robotics challenges, pet shows, and car shows. There are even several carnival rides and exhibits.
Have a Fun Summer in Tennessee
Several Tennessee summer festivals will be held in the state this year. There’s something for everybody — beer, music, and animal lovers. Make sure to clear up your schedule to catch a few of these before the end of the season!
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