Tennessee statewide events

Designated as the official festival of the state of Tennessee, this free two-day event features traditional bluegrass and old-time music and dance competitions, handmade craft vendors, and community performances rooted in Appalachian tradition.

Join Rocky Top Veterans Foundation at Printshop Beer Company for a warm evening of food, friendship and camaraderie. Every veteran receives a complimentary dinner as all generations come together to connect and celebrate their shared service.

Splash into the free River Town Festival along the Hiwassee River Blueway at Cherokee Crossing. Enjoy a Duck Race for Charity, Cardboard Boat Regatta and Hiwassee Queen excursions. Don't miss the "Glow With the Flow" night paddle and fireworks on July 18–19.

Send kids back to school in style at the Back-to-School Celebration at I.H. Managerial Park in Lakeland. Enjoy a water slide, outdoor games and a screening of "Monsters University." Food trucks and prizes round out the fun. Bring chairs and blankets.

Celebrate the inaugural Sullivan County Tennessee Fair in Blountville. Enjoy live music, nightly entertainment, food vendors and craft artisans. Explore technological exhibits and community competitions at this exciting new event that promises fun for the entire family throughout the week.

Get quirky at the free Tomato Art Fest in Nashville's Historic Five Points. Admire more than 300 tomato art pieces, watch costumed performers and enjoy food vendors and a parade. Visit the Bloody Mary Garden Party or join the cornhole tournament. Some events ticketed.

Cycle into the Carter County Omnium in Elizabethton, a USA Cycling-sanctioned race set in the Appalachians. Watch amateurs and pros compete in a mountain road race, time trial and criterium. It's a thrilling weekend for cycling fans and competitors alike.

Explore the East Tennessee History Fair at the East Tennessee History Center in Knoxville. This day-long Semiquincentennial celebration features living history, live music and crafts. Enjoy film screenings and children's activities at this engaging tribute to the region's rich and storied past.

Drive into the Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion at the LeConte Center in Pigeon Forge. Browse more than 300 vendors, join trail rides and enjoy the Show and Shine. Don't miss the Invade the Cove ride through Cades Cove, Jeep Night and giveaways.

Celebrate a century of fun at the 100th Annual Appalachian Fair at the Appalachian Fairgrounds in Gray. Enjoy midway rides, Clydesdales, a watermelon contest and a tractor pull. Watch livestock shows and the Golden Knights parachute exhibition at this milestone event since 1926.

Enjoy free, all-ages fun at Dueling Pianos at Old Glory, held at Silo Park at Old Glory Distilling Co. in Clarksville. From 7 to 9:30 p.m., enjoy interactive piano performances, craft cocktails, smoked sandwiches, games and fire pits. No outside food or alcohol.