5 Unique Tennessee Festivals to Attend This Summer

July 13-14

This year marks the 41st year that the Uncle Dave Macon days has occurred. The festival celebrates Uncle Dave Macon who was the first star of The Barn Dance, now known as The Grand Ole Opry, and Americana music in general. More than 40,000 music lovers come to Murfreesboro each year to enjoy the music, food, games, and celebration that spreads across Cannonsburgh Village in Murfreesboro. This year’s festival is July 13-14, 2018 with famous Americana musicians like Rhonda Vincent, Flatt Lonesome, Ralph Stanley II, Hogslop String Band, The Isaacs, NewTown, The Cleverly’s, Glade City Rounders and more. Music and dancing competitions take place while guests can enjoy food and family-friendly entertainment. Craft vendors will also be there.

Check out the local event, get more information, and buy your tickets on their website.

July 13-21

Kingsport hosts Fun Fest July 13-21 at J. Fred Johnson Stadium. The event features a Sunset Concert Series highlighting some of today’s great music groups like The Avett Brothers, Casting Crowns, Passion, and Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo. See gorgeous hot air balloons, listen to top artists, and enjoy ample food options at this festival that creates community unity. There’s kids and senior areas, free entrance to local attractions, concerts, and tons of other events throughout the entire week. Check out everything that is happening on their website here.

If you have read Money Magazine or US news lately you know the Franklin Bluegrass Along The Harpeth Festival is the place to be. It’s not just another “canned festival” it was born here over a 100 years ago. It’s a bluegrass music festival with food booths, craft booths, and art show. Friday night features a huge music show and Saturday is a bluegrass music contest. This event is free to the public. Learn more at bluegrassalongtheharpeth.com.

July 27-29

Last and certainly not least is the fan favorite Tomato Festival happening this year on July 27, 28, and 29 at the Rutledge Middle and Elementary schools in Grainger County. Started in 1992, the festival was created to celebrate and promote the world famous Grainger County Tomatoes as well as other Grainger County agricultural products. The festival hosts many local artists, authors, talent, and craftsmen in the area and has quickly become the largest free festival in East Tennessee and one of the top 10 festivals in the U.S. by Parade magazine. The event is a family friendly event promoting southern culture and hospitality. For more information on the event, check out their website here.

July 29-30

Hosted by members of St. Patrick Church, St. Patrick’s School and the friends of the Parish, the Irish Picnic is always held the last Friday and Saturday in July. The Irish Picnic is the major fund raiser for Saint Patrick’s School which has taken place since the beginning of the school over 150 years ago. Some 21,000 pounds of barbecue pork will be slow cooked over hickory bark coals during a 24-hour laborious process, ready for hungry lunch crowds Saturday morning.

Early visitors may want to feast on the 4,200 chicken halves that will be prepared by lunch time Friday. Plan to stay for the free live music and dancing that begins at 6:00 pm in the outdoor bandstand. If you’re feeling a bit of the Irish luck, try your hand at the numerous games, including basketball, dart throw, and a duck pond, that will be open from 5:00 pm until 11:00 pm. Friday and again on Saturday from 9:00 am until 11:00 pm. Music and dancing will begin Saturday morning and last throughout the day.

This article was brought to you by Infiniti of Cool Springs, offering new and pre-owned vehicles, helping you and your family make summer memories. Infiniti of Cool Springs is located at 211 Comtide Ct., Franklin, TN 37067.

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