Mule Day is a beloved tradition in Columbia that has been around for almost 170 years. It began as a humble cattle fair and mule market, but today it draws more than 200,000 people and takes place over four days. The iconic events include a mule shooting contest and a “Mule Day” parade, where floats compete for awards in various categories. Authentic Appalachian food, music, and dancing are also part of the festivities.
The Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival is a family-friendly celebration of spring and Japanese culture. Visitors are invited to come and admire the cherry blossoms scattered around Nashville's Public Square. During the festival, there are plenty of activities to enjoy, such as Japanese music and dance, martial arts demonstrations, crafts with 26% art, conferences and cultural exhibitions, activities for children, wrestling with sumo suits, and delicious Japanese cuisine. Polk County Ramp Tramp Festival is another popular event in Central Tennessee.
This festival celebrates the wild plant known as “ramp” which grows in the mountainous regions of the eastern United States. Festival attendees can enjoy a meal with this plant while listening to 15 regional and national bluegrass artists who pay homage to the roots of the mountain at the Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival in Kodak, Tennessee. The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival is an unparalleled music festival in the country. It is a relaxed and fun-filled celebration of music set against the beautiful backdrop of The Park at Harlinsdale in Franklin.
The African Street Festival focuses on the diverse cultures of Africa and on African-American culture. The Memphis Festival in May hosts the World BBQ Cooking Championship which brings together about 200 teams from across the United States and elsewhere in Tom Lee Park on the banks of the Mississippi River. Further Farms in Nashville celebrates eye-catching flowers with live music, campfires, art exhibits, great food, and more for three full days every year. The Tennessee Renaissance Festival brings 16th-century England to life at Gwynn Castle, a popular Tennessee monument.
The Nashville International Songwriters Association organizes the CMA festival which transforms downtown Nashville into a real concert hall with multiple stages in famous public spaces such as Riverfront Park and the Walk of Fame. Concerts are held every night in front of around 50,000 spectators at Nissan Stadium. Created to honor the world-famous tomatoes grown in Grainger County, this summer festival has grown significantly since its inception in 1992. Every region and nearly every city in this state has its own collection of festivals that celebrate its unique history and culture. Johnson City hosts musical performances, events for the whole family, attractions, art exhibitions, contests and marathons organized in outdoor locations throughout downtown Johnson City.
