School's Out - What's a Student To Do With All This Free Time??
June is a peaceful and beautiful time in Tennessee. By now, it’s gotten quite hot in the Western part of the state, but past Nashville and toward the East, the higher elevations still have some cool mornings and evenings. There are lots of fun ways to enjoy the climate and experience rich culture in this sunny part of the year:
West Tennessee
Memphis doesn't slow down during the summer! Grab a blanket, pack a picnic, and head over to Overton Park for the free Summer Concert Series that takes place every weekend, for free, at the Levitt Shell. The Levitt Shell provides a fantastic sense of community and fun for all ages. For the sports-lovers, baseball is a great American tradition to be involved in during the summer season. Ballparks, hotdogs, baseball and fireworks are the perfect combination of a fun summer day. The Memphis Redbirds have games throughout the summer- and every Thursday, college students can get in the game for $5.
On June 2nd-4th, get ready to feast on Italian food at the Memphis Italian Fest held at Holy Rosary Parish. Partake in games, music, and of course, watching food competitions. June 2nd-6th also hosts the Memphis Black Expo, saluting Egypt with family-friendly activities, music, food, and festivals. Discover and celebrate black history while meeting other members from the community! The Memphis Juneteenth Urban Music Festival will be held June 17-19, commemorating the abolition of slavery in the United States. Enjoy music, dancing, food, and more.
Middle Tennessee
Nashville, otherwise known as the city of music, offers multiple music festivals in the month of June. The city is not exclusive to country music, but spans over a wide variety of genres. On June 9th-12th, people from all over Tennessee come to Nashville for live country music entertainment with the CMA Festival. If country music isn’t your style, you can head on over to Manchester for the famous Bonnaroo Music Festival, also taking place on the 9th-12th. The Vans Warped Tour, which takes place for one day only on June 29th is also another great music festival that any music fanatic would enjoy.
Outside of music and games, Nashville is home for the Parthenon in Centennial Park, the exact replica of the Greek temple, as well as many other museums. In addition, visit Nashville’s #1 Must See attraction: Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage. Every Sunday from June to September, the Hermitage partakes in “Sunday LIVE!” where you get a different hands-on, interactive experience each week. Activities vary from learning to duel like Tennessee gentleman to churning butter!
Only 30 minutes outside of Nashville, in Ashland City, you can attend the annual Ashland City Summerfest. Taking place on June 7th-11th, Ashland City brings the community together through fun carnival rides, concerts, food, games, and fireworks every night. Its great entertainment for all ages!
East Tennessee
The city of Sevierville is a fantastic to place to visit in June if you want refreshing weather. Located near the Great Smoky Mountains, people have a wide range of activities to partake in. Similarly, Knoxville offers many attractions for all ages. Particularly, on June 24th, Knoxville hosts the Kuumba Festival, celebrating African heritage all day through dance, crafts, food, and art.
In Roan Mountain, you can embrace the beauty that Tennessee offers by attending the Rhododendron Festival on June 18th-19th. The festival celebrates the world’s largest Rhododendron garden. Come commemorate it alongside a TN National Park and peaceful streams, as well as available food and art vendors.
Save this website so you can always know the most up-to-date information on Festivals in Tennessee, year-round!
Guest Blogger: Laura Cardona, Class Of 2018, Rhodes College, Memphis