Free Summer 2011 Festivals Near Nashville

There are several free festival events that will be happening just south of Nashville in the Middle Tennessee area between now and the end of the summer. In addition to these free events, there are some relatively cheap festivals also going on throughout the summer, so check a calendar of events for those if none of these pique your interest.

June

Located just an hour south of Nashville, Eagleville is hosting their annual Eagleville Main Street Festival on June 4, 2011. There will be many food stalls, activities for the kids like bouncy houses, dancing, music, art, crafts and a car and motorcycle show. For more information visit the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce.

On June 18, 2011, Bell Buckle, TN will once again be having their RC MoonPie Festival. Bell Buckle is a beautiful small town located just about an hour south of Nashville down I-24. The MoonPie Festival has been a tradition for many years and, according to the MoonPie website, it is considered a "Southeastern Tourism Society Top 20 Event." There will be food, a parade, music, crafts and contests. Be sure to enjoy the red caboose and the lovely outdoor mural commemorating the event while you are in town.

July

If you feel like traveling, or you live in East Tennessee rather than Middle Tennessee or Nashville, you might want to check out the Old Fashioned Fourth of July Celebration in Etowah, TN on Saturday, July 3, 2011. This is an all day even that begins with a pancake breakfast and a 5k race, and continues with music, souvenirs and family friendly events all day long until the fireworks finale at 8pm.

August

If you love barbecue and you don't mind driving the hour and a half from Nashville to McMinnville, the Smokin' in McMinnville BBQ Festival is the place to be on August 11-13, 2011. There will be arts and crafts, live entertainment, a special play area for the kids, a swimming pool*, sporting contests and, of course, mountains of barbecue. There will be teams competing for the Tennessee State Championship Competition $15,000 prize for best barbecue, but you will be unable to sample their fare, except during one event, which requires a $5 armband. The festival vendors accept cash only and there are other restrictions, so be sure to read the FAQ on their website before attending. *Admission to Gilley Pool is $4 .