Summer is heating up with live music, unique festivals and fun ways to cool off and soak up outdoor adventure. Here’s what’s new, trending and sizzling this summer in Tennessee. Photos for media use only here.
Memphis – See the film. Live the legacy. Don’t miss Baz Luhrmann’s ELVIS, starring Austin Butler and Tom Hanks, then visit the real-life locations in Memphis. Plan a trip to Elvis Week 2022, Aug. 9-17, as Graceland welcomes fans to honor the 45th anniversary of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s passing and legacy.
Nashville – Soccer fans are in for a treat at the new 30,000-seat GEODIS Park, which also features a 360-degree canopy, a 65-foot-wide shared concourse and a safe standing supporter’s section.
Franklin – Southall Farm & Inn is a luxury spa resort with 62 inviting guestrooms and suites, 16 separate cottages and amazing dining experiences amid the lush and rolling hills of historic Franklin.
Linden – Take a journey on the water with Night Kayaking along the Buffalo River, outfitted with lanterns and special water-illuminated lights, a perfect mix of scenic beauty, nature and unforgettable adventure.
Chapel Hill – Enjoy an evening on the farm with a gourmet 5 to 7-course, made-from-scratch, summer-inspired menu at the Farm to Table Dinner Series at Red Cedar Farms.
Eagleville – Country hit maker Craig Morgan and his wife Mindy opened a coffee shop, restaurant, bar and music venue called Grindstone Cowboy, a welcoming place for coffee, fellowship and music.
Columbia – It’s all fun and games at Columbia’s smokeatory and Instagram fave, The Cranky Yankee Meat & Greet, serving up smoked meats, cheddar biscuits and delicious sides.
Bell Buckle – Bring the family, chairs and blankets and enjoy Bell Buckle’s first-ever Summer Concert Series at the award-winning Bell Buckle Park. Admission is free.
Monteagle – Opening Aug. 2022, the Historic Highlander Folk School Library will give visitors the opportunity to explore the story of organized library and Civil Rights movements in the South, as well as the power of music to inspire and bring people together.
Pelham – The Caverns teams up with the dynamic jamtronic band Papadosio to present the Subterranea Festival Aug. 5+6. The deep underground event takes place inside one of the venue’s largest caves and features onsite camping, live art, yoga workshops, sound baths, cave tours, food trucks and more.
Pigeon Forge – Guests will soon enjoy 91 new mountain-themed guest rooms, a grand lobby, more eats and treats,diverse activities and entertainment like in-room scavenger hunts at Country Cascades Waterpark Resort, as part of the resort’s $30 million expansion.
New Restaurants, Bars, Breweries, Distilleries and Shops
Memphis – Enjoy a curated list of cocktails, mocktails, wines, flatbreads, grilled cheese and a Cuban sandwich at the new cocktail bar, Inkwell, in the hip Edge District, next to the historic Sam Phillips studio.
Memphis – Penny’s Nitty Gritty, by basketball icon “Penny” Hardaway, is an upscale dining experience with a touch of southern fare like the dish collard green fondue at Westin Memphis Beale Street.
Nashville – Hot concerts, sports watch parties, themed events, a bar and skyline views at the largest rooftop downtown await at Skydeck on Broadway, part of Assembly Food Hall at Fifth + Broadway, celebrating its one-year anniversary.
Clarksville – The Mailroom, opening in Aug., in downtown Clarksville’s historic federal building, will feature Korean and South American cuisine, with a large outdoor deck with fire pits.
Lebanon – Born out of a passion for craft beer and community, The Cedar Tap is Lebanon’s first craft beer taproom offering the finest local and regional craft beer, cider, and seltzer selections.
Columbia – Find your style at the new locally and women-owned Aubree P. Boutique, with fashion-forward clothing, accessories, bags and jewelry.
Springfield – Wine lovers can enjoy an amazing selection of natural wines by glass and bottle. Mystic Picnic Wine also features a curated selection of whiskeys and food featuring produce from local farms. Craving more, check out Etta Rae’s on the square, providing a Southern experience with a twist using fresh, local ingredients.
Dickson – Savor a craft-brewed beer on the patio, an eclectic blend of dishes from bar fare to “Italian takeover,” trivia, karaoke and bluegrass brunches at Furnace Brewing in revitalized downtown Dickson.
Gainesboro – Nestled in the hills of the Upper Cumberland plateau, the owners of Roaring River Distillery carry on the family tradition of making everything by hand. Take a step back in time, check out the store, take a tour or do a tasting. Look for them under the Texaco Star.
Wartburg – Satisfy your appetite at the newly reopened Tanners Historic Cafe. Sit at the original century-old counter, antique booths or tables for a grilled cheese panini and ice cream sundae. Tour the adjoining heritage room featuring a resorted vault from when the build served as a bank in the 1900s.
Sevierville – The aroma of wood-burning and meat smoking will delight your taste buds as Veteran Chef David Rule brings new flavor at Trotter’s Whole Hog BBQ in the downtown’s historic district.
Sevierville – Iron Forge Brewery brings eclectic taste, featuring an indoor tasting room, outdoor patio, restaurant and enclosed beer garden with dramatic views of Le Conte and Little Pigeon River.
Townsend – Guests can tour the new Company Distilling, enjoy a cocktail, sample Straight Bourbon Whiskey finished with maple wood and listen to live music.
Johnson City – One of the city’s newest downtown restaurants is treating guests to a unique dining experience. Juan Siao celebrates a fusion of authentic Mexican and Asian cuisine.
New Hotels & Places to Stay
Memphis – The 136-room Caption by Hyatt Beale Street, located on the corner of Beale Street, debuts this summer as a vibrant, tech-forward hotel utilizing repurposed and recycled materials.
Nashville – Hotel Fraye opens in Midtown this August. The upscale 200-room Hilton Curio property includes restaurants, a rooftop bar and lounge, a poolside oasis and state-of-the-art wellness center.
Sevierville – SkyLand Ranch transports guests via a scenic chairlift to the top of SkyLand Ranch, where hours of fun await, including a mountain coaster, suspended bridge, canopy walks and a variety of miniature animals like cows and donkeys, which are all rescues.
New Attractions and Exhibits
Union City – The new Discover Steampunk: A Fantastical Hands-On Adventure exhibit at Discovery Park of America features eight galleries inspired by different visionaries from the Victorian Age and how their philosophy, art, innovation and science have shaped our world today.
Nashville – Stroll through the Nashville Zoo and watch as lights dance on the trees, shimmer on the water and illuminate the Zoo’s scenery in a kaleidoscope of color during Night Visions through July 17.
Nashville – The new Colorscapes exhibit at Cheekwood Estate and Gardens seeks to inspire wonder and connection to the natural world through color in immersive work by world-renowned artists.
Murfreesboro – See squirt guns, floating lily pads, mini boats, a fishing pond, hydroelectric dam, vortex ball drops, launchers and fun activities at the new WaterWorks exhibit at Discovery Center.
Chattanooga – Artists bring works to life inspired by myths, fairy tales and modern epics in the Enchanted: A History of Fantasy Illustration at the Hunter Museum.
Knoxville – Learn the story of Clayton, how to protect the planet, become an otter spotter, explore fun activities and join the mission of a lifetime at theKnoxville Zoo’s Knoxville Zoo’s Clayton Otter Creek exhibit.
Trending Places this Summer
Memphis – Love craft beer? Join the Hop Stops, get your pass, check-in at participating local breweries, enjoy the city’s craft beer scene and maybe win a prize.
Dyersburg – Beat the heat at the new splash pad at Forked Deer River Park, which also includes a playground, dog park and trail. Downtown Dyersburg also features artisan products, coffee and food trucks at its Main Street Farmers Market.
Nashville – Gaylord Opryland’s “Summer of More” at SoundWaves is packed with family-friendly fun like Pirates & Princesses-themed activities, waterslides, rapid and lazy river, restaurants and a spa.
Portland – Enjoy live music, do yoga outside in the sunshine, get a frose flight and relax during the monthly Music on the Lawn series at Sumner Crest Winery.
Linden – Explore the Buffalo River with a Riverside RV-ing journey as part of a stay at the Commodore Hotel. These private sites include water and electric hook-ups, picnic table, recreation area and fishing.
Columbia – Yanahli Park is Maury County’s newest and largest park, featuring 474 acres of ecosystems, walking trails, biking trails and access to the Duck River, which winds through Middle Tennessee and is one of the state’s most scenic waterways with kayaking and tubing opportunities.
Tullahoma – Join Cascade Hollow Distilling Co. for Front Porch Fridays on the third Friday of each month, with live music, food & cocktails featuring George Dickel whiskey.
McMinnville – Experience shows from below, 333-feet underground in the world-famous spectacular Volcano Room during Cumberland Caverns Live, with concerts this summer like Jefferson Starship, 10,000 Maniacs and Reckless Kelly.
Chattanooga – Rock City celebrates its 90th anniversary with fun events like Summer Music Weekends and a year-long line-up of enhancements focused on innovation, sustainability, art and people.
Knoxville – Thousands will flock to the World’s Fair Exhibition Hall for the Brickuniverse Lego Fan Convention Aug. 13-14 downtown with LEGO builds, life-sized LEGO models and fun activities.
Anderson County – Hit the water aboard a canoe, kayak, hydro-bike, paddleboat or stand-up paddleboard while enjoying the beauty of East Tennessee, including at Norris Lake, Clinch River, Melton Hill Lake and Big Ridge State Park. Find out how to rent and book your outdoor adventure.
Johnson City – Fridays After 5, a 12-week free summer concert series in King Commons Park, is a community favorite in the heart of the historic downtown district, home to local restaurants, breweries, retail shops, parks, public art and 360-degree mountain views.
Mountain City – Throw an ax, hit the mountain biking or hiking trails, bird watch, gather around the firepit or front porch, enjoy lunch or check out a community event at Doe Mountain Recreation Area.
Summer Festivals & Events
Columbia – Take a stroll and a sip during Cars and Coffee, a vintage car show on the third Saturday of each month located in Mike Wolfe’s Columbia Motor Alley right off the downtown square.
Huron – Join Sunset Valley Farms for Sunflower Sundays in July. Visit the farm’s field to pick sunflowers and enjoy live music, Farmer Brian’s BBQ, hot fresh mini-donuts and Bill’s fresh lemonade.
Nashville –Cheekwood Estate and Botanical Gardens’ new Songwriters Under the Stars Series is underway. Visitors can bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy wine by the bottle, specialty beers, craft cocktails and tasty fare from local food trucks.
White House – Cozy up for the Music Under the Stars Summer Concert series at Fran Hutson Amphitheater with performances by Kruise Kontrol, Fortunate Sons and Spilt Milk Band.
Granville – Listen to singer-songwriters perform during the Newbird on the Water series at Wildwood Resort & Marina with unique lodging like cabins, airstreams and boats.
McMinnville – Bring a chair, a friend and try some local fare at a Mini Food Truck Festival and listen to great music all summer long during Main Street Live! on Court Square.
Dickson (June 25) – The Dickson Street Festival, 12-10 p.m. downtown, features a kids’ zone, food and art vendors, multiple beer gardens, five stages for live music and fireworks show after dark.
Shiloh (June 25) – Shiloh National Military Park will host a special ranger-led hike 10 a.m. at the park visitor center. Bring sunscreen, water and comfortable shoes to learn about General William “Bull” Nelson’s Division’s story during the battle. Register by calling 731-689-5696.
Johnson City (June 25) – The Brothers Comatose, Kitchen Dwellers and Urban Soil are set to perform at the micro music festival, High on the Hillside, also featuring food trucks and craft beer.
Nashville (June 25-26) – Nashville Pride Festival features to-rated entertainment on multiple stages, a family zone, community art and activities at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. Continue the fun at W Nashville with a photo booth, drag brunch and sips benefiting PFLAG Nashville.
Lebanon (June 25-26) – Built on teamwork and overcoming obstacles, the Tough Mudder is the chance to unplug, experience the unexpected, and accomplish something bigger than yourself.
Rugby (June-Aug) – Join in or just watch Irish Road Bowling in historic Rugby. Teams roll an iron ball down Rugby Parkway and back to the start during this quirky sport, 6 p.m. on select dates this summer.
Clarksville (June-Oct.) – Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy free music at 7 p.m. on the first and third Fridays at the free Downtown Commons summer concert series, featuring local and regional musicians. Hear Hot Lanta, Barracuda, The Eagles Project and more.
Hohenwald (July 1) – The Cleverlys take the stage at Hohenwald’s Summer Concert and Fireworks, 5 p.m. at City Parking Lot with waterslides, face painting, food trucks, family activities and fireworks after the concert.
Milan (July 1) – Grab a blanket and lawn chairs and head to Milan City Park, 6-9:30 p.m., to enjoy live music from local band, Mostly Locust, food trucks and fireworks show.
Monterey (July 1-2) – Freedom Fest 2022 at Old Gray Event Center is the Upper Cumberland’s kick-off for Independence Day weekend, featuring country stars Chris Janson, Ty Herndon, Andy Griggs and Darryl Worley. Activities include a BBQ cook-off, kids’ zone, 100 vendors and fireworks show.
Granville (July 2) – Celebrate the Red, White and Blue with a firework show off the waters of Cordell Hull Lake. Bring the family, lawn chairs and picnic for the free Fireworks on the Cumberland.
Cookeville (July 4) – Experience the second largest fireworks show in Tennessee at Red, White & BOOM! Star Spangled Concert & Fireworks Spectacular at the Putnam Co. Fairgrounds. The concert kicks off at 5 p.m., followed by the fireworks show at 9 p.m.
Nashville (July 4) – Old Dominion, Gramps Morgan, Cassadee Pope and Levi Hummon will take the stage during Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th, which features a family fun zone, and the largest fireworks show in the city’s history, synchronized to a live performance by the Nashville Symphony.
Knoxville (July 4) – Come chill on the hill. Mabry-Hazen House hosts an old-fashioned Fourth of July Celebration 5-10 p.m. with great views, good food and beer, live music, fun games and tours of the 1958 house. Bring lawn chairs and blankets and spread out on 7 acres of green space to watch the fireworks.
Springfield (July 8-9) – Pick your own sunflowers, take selfies, go through a sunflower maze and find treasures at the craft fair during the Sunflower Festival at Red River Farms. Admission is $10.
Lewisburg (July 8 + 29) – Kick back and enjoy Fun Fridays on the Square with food trucks, vendors, live music, cornhole, a car show and activities for kids.
Kingsport (July 15-23) – Kingsport Fun Fest is packed with live music, an art show, trash barrel paint-in, parade, scavenger hunt, downtown street fair, handmade market, and kids’ activities.
Watertown (July 16) – The Watertown Jazz Festival features a great line-up of performances and art during the family-friendly community event in the historic public square.
Cumberland Gap (July 16) – Explore the region’s plentiful outdoor activities like kayaking, ATV parks, guided hikes, live music and workshops during the Tri-State Outdoors Fest.
Rutledge (July 23) – The Grainger County Tomato Festival, named a top ten festival in the U.S. by Parade magazine, features local artists, authors, craftsmen, live music and world-famous tomatoes.
Lawrenceburg (July 27-30) – Legacy Five, Gold City, The Kellys, Poet Voices and more will take the stage at the historic Crockett Theater during the James D. Vaughan Quartet Festival in Lawrenceburg, known as the birthplace of southern gospel music.
Knoxville (Aug. 5-6) More than 200 quilts will be on display, with vendor demos, scavenger hunt and boutique of unique items at the Smoky Mountain Quilt Show at Knoxville Expo Center.
Johnson City (Aug. 19-20) – The Meet the Mountains festival is a one-stop-shop to experience all of the region’s outdoor opportunities, including kayaking, paddle boarding, ziplining and mountain biking.
Knoxville (Aug. 28) – Embrace culture, cuisine, film festival, crafts and fun activities during the Knox Asian Festival, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at World’s Fair Park.
BEFORE YOU GO
Legendary Tennessee favorite Puckett’s Gro. & Restaurant now ships its award-winning barbecue, Southern sides, specialty sauces and spices. Get your backyard barbecue fix through Goldbelly. For a complete list of what’s happening in Tennessee, visit tnvacation.com/calendar.
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