Local Summer Events and Festivals in Middle Tennessee

http://www.tnrenfest.com/

2124 New Castle Rd

Arrington, TN

37014

Kicking off the fun summer events in Middle Tennessee this year is the ever popular Tennessee Renaissance Festival. Located in Arrington, just 25 miles south of Nashville, the festival is held every weekend in May plus Memorial Day. Artisans, musicians, actors, and more supply plenty of entertainment. See the incredible jousting and falconry, or watch magicians and the human chess match. You can also find all kinds of wonderfully crafted goods at the many booths. Buy your yourself a cape, coins, baskets, and bath salts, or perhaps weapons, armor, and elf ears. Be sure to take a tour of the castle on the grounds and learn the story of how the festival began.

Tennessee Fiber Festival, May 22-23

http://www.tnfiberfestival.com/

1053 Highway 47 E.

Dickson, TN

37055-2541

Hosted by Beth and Steve of Three Creeks Farm, the Tennessee Fiber Festival is in its third year this summer. Featuring vendors from all over Middle Tennessee as well as several from neighboring states, the festival is the place to be for anyone interested in spinning, fiber, or yarn. Classes will be hosted, and you can pick up wool roving, Amish baskets, handcrafted soaps, hand spun yarns, and woven goods while you're there. You can also get needle felting supplies, drop spindles, and carders. More than likely, you will get to spy a fiber goat and a few Angora rabbits as well. If you're interested in attending a class or workshop you will need to visit the website and purchase your workshop registration beforehand.

RC and Moon Pie Festival, June 20

http://www.bellbucklechamber.com/rcmoon.html

4 Railroad Square

Bell Buckle, TN 37020

A Southern tradition at this point, celebrating RC cola, Moon Pies, and the historic town of Bell Buckle, this festival is entering its 15th year in June of 2009. The festival starts off with the 14th annual 10 Mile Run. Country music and bluegrass will be played during the festivities, and more than 50 booths featuring handcrafted goods and artwork will be set up. You can buy yourself a deep fried Moon Pie, watch some cloggers, and take part in contests such as the Watermelon Seed Spitting Contest, or the Moon Pie Toss.

Uncle Dave Macon Days, July 10-12

http://www.uncledavemacondays.com/

Cannonsburgh Village

312 South Front Street

Murfreesboro, TN 37129

This festival has been around for over 30 years and for good reason. Excellent music and dance competitions are held, with more than $15,000 being rewarded to winners. The festival honors the banjo player and entertainer, Uncle Dave Macon a Grand Ole Opry star. The festival is well-known and filled with kids' activities, music, arts and crafts, and storytelling - be warned though, it's also filled with as many as 40,000 people during its run. While you're there, take in the regular sights of Cannonsburgh village as well.