Middle Tennessee is home to some of the best events and festivals in the country. From music festivals to food festivals, there is something for everyone in this vibrant region. Here are some of the top events and festivals in Middle Tennessee that you won’t want to miss:
Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival – Manchester, TN
Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival is one of the largest music festivals in the country, attracting over 80,000 visitors each year. Held on a 700-acre farm in Manchester, TN, Bonnaroo features a wide range of musical genres, from rock and pop to country and hip-hop. In addition to the music, the festival also offers art installations, comedy shows, and food vendors.
Tennessee State Fair – Nashville, TN
The Tennessee State Fair is a longstanding tradition in Nashville, dating back to 1906. Held at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds, the fair offers a variety of activities for all ages, including carnival rides, live music, and agricultural exhibits. There are also food vendors serving up classic fair favorites like funnel cakes and corn dogs.
Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival – Franklin, TN
The Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival is a two-day event held in Franklin, TN. The festival features a mix of musical genres, including rock, folk, and country. In addition to the music, the festival also offers a variety of cultural experiences, including craft beer and wine tastings, local food vendors, and a marketplace featuring handmade goods.
CMA Fest – Nashville, TN
CMA Fest is the ultimate country music festival, attracting fans from around the world to Nashville each June. The festival features four days of live music from some of the biggest names in country music, as well as up-and-coming artists. In addition to the music, fans can enjoy meet-and-greets with their favorite performers, as well as food and drink vendors.
Nashville Film Festival – Nashville, TN
The Nashville Film Festival is one of the oldest and most respected film festivals in the country. Held annually in Nashville, the festival showcases independent films from around the world, as well as offering workshops and panel discussions for aspiring filmmakers. The festival also offers a variety of special events, including screenings of classic films and Q&A sessions with filmmakers.
Tomato Art Fest – Nashville, TN
The Tomato Art Fest is a quirky and fun event held each August in the East Nashville neighborhood of Nashville, TN. The festival celebrates all things tomato, with food vendors serving up tomato-based dishes, as well as art vendors selling tomato-themed merchandise. There are also live music performances, a tomato-themed parade, and a tomato beauty pageant.
Middle Tennessee Highland Games & Celtic Festival – Nashville, TN
The Middle Tennessee Highland Games & Celtic Festival is a celebration of Scottish and Irish culture held each September in Nashville, TN. The festival features traditional Scottish and Irish music, as well as athletic competitions such as the caber toss and hammer throw. There are also food vendors serving up Scottish and Irish cuisine, as well as vendors selling Celtic-themed merchandise.
These are just a few of the many events and festivals that Middle Tennessee has to offer. With such a diverse range of activities and experiences, there is always something new to discover in this vibrant region. So, whether you’re a music lover, foodie, or culture enthusiast, Middle Tennessee is the place to be