AmericaTheBeautiful.com © 2015

- All Rights Reserved.

Peter’s Travel Log

• Travel Blog
• See America
• Travel Videos

When it comes to special events, fairs and festivals, Tennessee  has something for everyone. Whether it's honoring food, history, heritage, or one of the four seasons, Tennessee’s  celebrations are known for their authentic charm. The following is just a sample of the events taking place year round.

Dogwood Arts Festival

February 14-16, 2014  in Knoxville, Tennessee

Selected as one of the Southeast Tourism Society’s Top 20 Events for February 2013, the Dogwood Arts House & Garden Show is the largest House and Garden Show in East Tennessee for those interested in energy efficient, cost saving products and services, and home and gardening enthusiasts!This event offers a chance to visit and admire beautiful gardens that features an arts & crafts fair, outdoor and more. Visit: www.dogwoodarts.com

Mule Day

March 31 - April 6, 2014 in Columbia, Tennessee

Mule Day, with its festive air eventually evolved into what is now an almost week-long celebration of the mule. Thousands of visitors come to Columbia to take part in the numerous activities ranging from working mule and best of breed events, to horse shows, arts and crafts booths, and a flea market. The smell of barbecue specialties and homemade pies blends with the smoky aroma of roasted corn and funnel cake sweetness. The highlight of the Mule Day festivities is the Mule Day Parade held on Saturday. Entries are judged and cash prizes and ribbons are awarded in several categories. Visit: www.muleday.com

Memphis in May International Festival - Beale Street Music

May 2-4, 2014 in Memphis, Tennessee

The 2013 Beale Street Music Festival marks the 38th anniversary of the festival which each year attracts music enthusiasts from all 50 states and a dozen foreign countries to the storied city where rock-n-roll and blues music all began.  Over the past decade the festival has attracted over 1.1 million music fans to the multistage three-day event, best known for its eclectic mix of contemporary rock, blues, soul and modern talent and its musically inspired setting.  The festival is held in a beautiful 25 acre riverfront park at the foot of historic Beale Street overlooking the mighty Mississippi River. Visit: www.memphisinmay.org

Riverbend Festival

June 6-14, 2014  in Chattanooga, Tennessee

The Riverbend Festival is an internationally award winning 9 day music festival! Located in the heart of Chattanooga, Tennessee there is no better way to enjoy your summer. Riverbend takes place on the 21st Century Waterfront along the Tennessee River. Boasting five stages with over 100 bands featuring world class entertainment ranging from classic rock, jam bands, country, urban and bluegrass! Riverbend draws over 650,000 patrons annually. We offer countless activities to participate in during Riverbend. Come enjoy our Children's Village, Mobile exhibits, Bluecross Riverbend Run / Walk, Marketplace, Fireworks  and MUCH MORE! Visit: www.riverbendfestival.com

CMA Music Festival

June 5-8, 2014  in Nashville, Tennessee

More than 400 Country artists gather in Nashville to say thank you to the fans for supporting Country Music. With the hottest stars in the format coming back every year, CMA Music Festival has sold out for three consecutive years– This year, Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum, and others take the stage.  The CMA Music Festival is the largest country music party in the world and the ultimate destination for music lovers! The annual, four-day event features more than 70 hours of live music and 30 hours of autograph signing by over 400 country music artists and celebrities. While the evening concerts at LP Field provide full-tilt excitement, the Daytime Stages offer a more intimate setting for day-long, nonstop music from your favorite hit makers in Downtown Nashville.  Visit: www.cmafest.com

Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival

June 12-15, 2014  in Manchester, Tennessee

You may ask: “What is Bonnaroo?” -: 4 of the best days ever. 80,000 happy campers. 700 Acres of Tennessee Nature. 150 epic performances. 10+ stages of music. Several dozen comedians. An escape into Excitement. ...The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival is a four-day, multistage camping festival held on a beautiful 700-acre farm in Manchester, Tennessee every June. Bonnaroo brings together some of the best performers in rock and roll, along with dozens of artists in complementary styles such as jazz, Americana, hip-hop, electronica, and just about any contemporary music you can think of. In addition to dozens of epic performances, the festival's 100-acre entertainment village buzzes around the clock with attractions and activities including a classic arcade, on-site cinema, silent disco, comedy club, theater performers, a beer festival, and a music technology village. Visit: www.bonnaroo.com

Secret City Festival

June 13, 14, 2014  in Oak Ridge, Tennessee

The Secret City Festival celebrates 12 years of family fun, great entertainment, arts & crafts, and commemorates the incredible history that makes this town unique. Join us as we honor the men and women who built this community and helped end the greatest war mankind has ever known.   This award-winning, 2-day event includes the following and MUCH MORE: Visit: www.secretcityfestival.com

Elvis Week

August 9-17, 2014  in Memphis, Tennessee

Each August, Elvis fans of all ages from around the world gather in Memphis, Tennessee for Elvis Week -- a commemoration of the music, magic and memories associated with the legacy of Elvis Presley. Longtime fans and those who are new to it enjoy a full week of music, dance, sports, social and charitable events -- all in an atmosphere of international friendship and camaraderie. Most fans say it feels like a huge family reunion they all look forward to each year. The week also includes the annual candlelight vigil. Visit: www.elvis.com

National Storytelling Festival

October 3-5, 2014  in Jonesborough, Tennessee

The festival, now over 41 years old and acclaimed as one of the Top 100 Events in North America,includes a variety of accomplished artists whose stories take listeners back to their childhood, across cultures, and into the world of imagination. The storytelling takes place in large, circus-type tents in downtown Jonesborough with seating in each tent. Regular programming is then scheduled in each tent throughout the day; our attendees simply choose which tent they want to attend at which time. Visit: www.storytellingcenter.net

Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue

October  in Lynchburg, Tennessee

Considered the Super Bowl of barbecue competitions, the Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue occurs every October, and features some of the finest BBQ chefs across the Globe.The good people of Lynchburg have joined the folks at Jack Daniel Distillery to host the annual Jack Daniel’s World Championship Invitational Barbecue – what many have called the most prestigious barbecue competition in the world. More than 60 championship barbecue teams and some 25,000 visitors from around the world descend on Lynchburg annual Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue, now more than 20 years old. Visit: www.jackdaniels.com