What's New this Summer in Tennessee

WHEELS & WHISKEY, WILDSIDE, STAY INSIDE A MUSIC STUDIO, COZY CABINS, INNOVATIVE EATS & FESTIVALS AND DOLLYWOOD’S 40th: TENNESSEE TOURISM UNVEILS WHAT’S NEW THIS SUMMER

Photos for media use courtesy Tennessee Tourism unless noted in image title.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - June 10, 2025 Soak up the sun, reconnect with nature, savor a new restaurant, make memories at a new festival or stay somewhere unique. Here’s a look at what’s new and happening this season in Tennessee. Find your summer travel inspiration.

NEW ATTRACTIONS, EXHIBITS & EXPERIENCES

Nashville – The Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker exhibit at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum focuses on turning points in Parton’s life and career through the decades, how she overcame obstacles and became one of the most beloved and recognized living legends.

Arrington – Soak up the summer at Arrington Vineyard’s first-ever Crawfish Festival June 14 with an authentic, Louisiana-style crawfish boil. Sip on Arrington wines and listen to live music.

Shelbyville - Enjoy a day filled with exotic and performance automobiles, live music, food, family, fun and treats at the first-ever Wheels & Whiskey at Nearest Green Distillery June 28.

Smoky Mountains – Unleash your inner WildSide. Ride the longest zipline in America, drive off-road, take a guided UTV tour and hit the trails at this outdoor adventurer’s dream.

Pigeon Forge – Roar into summer at the interactive Jurassic Adventure at The Island in Pigeon Forge, featuring life-sized animatronic dinosaurs and a custom Island Fountain Show telling the story of the dinosaurs.

Chattanooga – Starting June 18, Rock City invites guests and their pups to enjoy Dog Days every Wednesday 5 p.m. to close. Enjoy The Enchanted Trail with pup-themed photo ops, free dog bandanas, hot dog pop-up GOOD DOG and pup cups at Café 7. Each week features a local shelter highlighting adoptable dogs and rescue efforts.

Bulls Gap – Midfield Lavender Farm is perfect for summer day out. Pick lavender and wildflowers along the new wildflower trail, take a short hike, shop for honey, handmade soap and artwork from local artisans and be sure to try the lavender lemonade.

Knoxville – Covenant Health Park, the new, state-of-the-art, vibrant downtown stadium home to the Knoxville Smokies and One Sporting Club, brings fans together for minor league baseball games and soccer matches with an electric atmosphere and scenic downtown views.

Farragut – The Farragut Museum reopened after renovations with exhibits highlighting the historical settlement of the area, marble industry, railroads, veterans and a gift shop offering books, local products and keepsakes.

NEW HOTELS & PLACES TO STAY

Memphis – With a lively past as a hotel, bathhouse, bordello, nightclub and recording studio, Hotel Pontotoc is reimagined as a new luxury boutique hotel with historic charm. Stop into the hotel’s basement bar, The Dame, for craft cocktails and live music on the garden patio.

Nashville – 12 South’s first and only luxury hotel, The Gilmore by AvantStay, is now open, offering guests luxury amenities, a picturesque setting and local perks through the “Taste the 12” program with beloved spots like Bartaco, The Filling Station and Five Daughters Bakery.

Franklin - Stay where music history was made. Dark Horse Recording has welcomed legends like Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift. Now, guests can book a luxurious suite in the heart of the studio with a behind-the-scenes private tour.

Loudon – Unmatched scenic beauty meets unforgettable adventure at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort, with cozy cabins, spacious campsites and pet-friendly campground, multi-level splash park and themed events.

NEW RESTAURANTS, RETAIL & MUSIC VENUES

Jackson – Central Creek American Bistro features innovative dishes made with high-quality, locally sourced ingredients. The menu rotates seasonally with an option for a chef’s tasting.

Jackson – International design meets local curation at Home Soule, with antiques, one-of-a-kind furniture, home décor and shopping to find something uniquely yours.

Nashville – Pastis Nashville, the NYC-based Parisian bistro is set to open this summer in the heart of Wedgewood Houston, serving French fare with a modern twist, including onion soup and boeuf bourguignon, duck confit, croque madame and steak frites.

East Nashville – The lively Sho Pizza Bar invites guests to savor neo-Neapolitan pizzas in a wood-fired oven, small plates, sandwiches, fresh salads and a full cocktail bar.

NEW BARS, BREWERIES, DISTILLERIES, WINERIES & SPIRITS

Franklin – Explore Franklin one sip at a time with the new Sips & Spirits passport and experience a curated trail of the best local spots for whiskey, wine, cocktails and beer.

Gatlinburg – Smokin’ Banjo Wine Company along the Gatlinburg Wine Trail serves sparkling wines and hard ciders in playful blends such as Banjo Blues and Sweet Heat.

MILESTONES

Nashville – The National Museum of African American Music honors the city’s 150-year legacy as “Music City,” with star-studded events during June’s Black Music Month, showcasing the complete story of Black music’s influence on American culture. Check out the calendar.

Nashville – The Grand Ole Opry 100 Plaza Summer Concert series, free Friday and Saturday nights through Aug. 30 is the perfect place to discover rising stars and country favorites. Grab a tasty food truck bite, cool off with a drink and listen to the sounds of summer.

Jonesborough (July 4-5) - Tennessee’s oldest town celebrates the 55th annual Jonesborough Days Festival with a western disco theme, patriotic parade, fireworks, live music, a MoonPie eating contest, inflatables, craft booths, food trucks, live music and storytelling.

Gatlinburg – (July 4) The 50th annual 4th of July Midnight Parade draws thousands of spectators to the family-friendly celebration with a River Raft Regatta, mesmerizing drone show, grand finale fireworks show and live music set against the background of the Smoky Mountains.

Pigeon Forge – Turn sun-kissed days into starry nights during Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration with sprinklers, interactive fountains, fan-favorite gazillion bubble show, dazzling fireworks, drone shows and entertainment as the park celebrates 40 years of magic.

Bell Buckle (June 21) – Celebrate the 30th anniversary of the RC Cola and MoonPie Festival with music, cloggers, wacky contests, games, a 10K and 5K, colorful parade and family fun downtown.

NEW OR POPULAR SUMMER EVENTS

Chattanooga – As night falls, Summer at Rock City transforms into a glowing wonderland. Guests can explore lantern-lit trails, new lighting installations, a softly glowing Swing-A-Long Bridge, new hand-crafted gnomes designed to match color-coded trails, bird and native animal shows and more.

Manchester (June 12-15) – Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival features performances by Luke Combs, Olivia Rodrigo, Avril Lavigne and more. The festival’s entertainment village buzzes with epic performances, classic arcade, on-site cinema, silent disco and a music technology village.

Southside (June 13-15) – Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and stories of Civil War Days at Historic Collinsville with lantern tours, living history demonstrations, battle reenactments and a ladies’ tea. Sutlers will be on-site selling drinks and food like cornbread.

Rugby (June 14 + 28, July 12) – Head to Historic Rugby for its popular Irish Road Bowling. Take part or watch this quirky sport as teams roll an iron ball down Rugby Parkway at 6 p.m. ET at Rugby’s Print Shop. The event is free. Check out the full 2025 schedule.

Gatlinburg (Now-Aug. 10) – Get ready to dig in at Anakeesta’s United Tastes of America, bringing a coast-to-coast lineup of eats served with a Smoky Mountain twist. Savor crispy crab mac, apple orchard donuts, peach ice cream, cocktails, carnival-style treats and live music.

Jonesborough (Now-Sept. 28) – Bring your chair or blanket and relax during the free Sunday summer music series, Brews & Tunes, is underway in the historic downtown at International Storytelling Center plaza featuring regional songwriters, food trucks and local beer. Cross Plains (June 21) – Enjoy a day filled with live performances, artisan vendors, delicious food trucks and engaging connections during the Feel Food Festival at Ruby’s Happy Farm.

Nashville (July 4) - Celebrate Independence Day at the free, family-friendly Fourth of July in Nashville with one of the largest fireworks shows in the country, live music by Dierks Bentley, Russell Dickerson, Niko Moon and Grace Bowers & the Hodge Podge.

Clinton (July 4) – The Museum of Appalachia’s Independence Day Anvil Shoot marks the holiday with an old-fashioned pioneer celebration, bell-ring ceremony, flag procession, live music, demonstrations from blacksmiths, spinners, weavers, woodworkers and more.

Eagleville (July 5-6) – The Tennessee Sunflower Festival at Lucky Ladd Farms is a weekend filled with vibrant pick-your-own sunflowers, live music, maker’s market craft fair, pups in the park, photo contest, festival food and drinks, splash pad and butterfly observatory.

Kingsport (July 18-26) – Kingsport Fun Fest is packed with family-friendly fun with a parade, scavenger hunt, block parties, sunset concert series, kid’s central and much more.

Memphis (Aug. 8-16) – Graceland will be the heart of the world’s biggest Elvis Celebration, Elvis Week, full of incredible music, panels, contests, fan meetups, exciting guests and events.

Knoxville (Aug. 9) – Celebrate light and community at the Knoxville Water Lantern Festival at Chilhowee Park and Exposition Center. This unforgettable evening is filled with tasty food trucks, fun music, activities and thousands of lanterns lighting up the night.

Johnson City (Aug. 15-16) – Ever paddled a kayak or paddle board, cast a fly rod, or ridden a mountain bike over an obstacle course? Experience the outdoors all in one place at the Meet the Mountains Festival at Winged Deer Park Lakefront.

For more inspiration, explore these Summer Festivals and Events in Tennessee.

ABOUT TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF TOURIST DEVELOPMENT

The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) is dedicated to driving economic growth and tourism in all 95 counties. TDTD’s global marketing efforts increase visitation to Tennessee, which boosts tax revenue, creates jobs and attracts new investment across the state. Tennessee is a global destination of choice offering visitors world-class music, live entertainment, family-friendly experiences, charming communities, innovative and classic culinary creations, renowned scenic beauty and outdoor adventure—all centered at the crossroads of rich history and unrivaled hospitality. Vacations “sound perfect” in Tennessee. Visit TNvacation.com and follow @TNvacation on social media for travel inspiration.

Media Contact:

Amanda Murphy

Amanda.Murphy@tn.gov

Jill Kilgore

Jill.Kilgore@tn.gov

Chelsea Trott

Chelsea.Trott@tn.gov