Summer Festivals in Tennessee, 2007

Tennessee has some wonderful festivals every summer. Nashville, in particular, is the location of some great events that draw bands from all over the country. Memphis in May and the Beale St. Music fest really begins the outdoor music and festival season, a whole month-long calendar of events that draw people from all over the world. It begins with great music, mostly celebrating the blues and jazz, and honoring a single particular country every year. This year it's Ireland. Schools, museums, civic groups and dance companies put on shows during the month at various venues. Then the whole thing winds up with the great Barbecue Cookoff, the world's largest. At the very end of the month, a magnificent fireworks display heralds in the beginning of summer on the banks of the mighty Mississippi. This is the beginning of a series of festivals all over the state.

The American Artisan Festival is taking place in Nashville's Centennial Park this June. Live music and festival food booths will line the park, but the real focus is the displaying and selling of crafts and artwork from people from all over the country. Crowds stroll at leisure in and out among booths exhibiting beautiful crafts in wood, jewelry, textiles, ceramics, glass and metal. It's a festival of "textures, tastes, shapes, and sounds," a real celebration of the skill of American artisans at a time when many people have grown accustomed to cheap imports and knock-off imitations of the real deal. The activities begin June 15th, from noon to 7 p.m., and then on June 16th and 17th from 10 a.m. to 7 and 6 p.m., respectively. This is a huge event with 160 craftsmen from 39 states displaying their original handicrafts. They'll even have a childrens' art booth and admission is totally free.

The Annual Dukesfest
For something fun outdoors, the Annual Dukefest will provide a lot of laughs for Dukes of Hazzard fans. It's hard to realize how much interest the old popular tv show generated after it stopped producing. There are all kinds of Dukes of Hazzard memorabilia--mugs, refrigerator magnets, die-cast model cars and models, hats, photos and even license plates. Ben "Cooter" Jones and Bob Schneider have been touring the country for some years putting on shows for fans who love what the show represents. It's really a way of life being celebrated here: good old country boy rough and tumble life style, good-spirited rebellion, mom and pop values, love of country, and fighting the bad guys. The celebration will take place at Nashville's Motorplex and State Fairgrounds, June 2nd and 3rd. Tickets can be ordered online at the web site or by calling Cooter's Place at 615-872-8358. A two-day advance ticket is just $35 and a ticket price at the door is just $5 more.
Cooter's Place Nashville:
2613 McGavock Pike
Nashville, TN 37214

The Country Music Awards Festival always has a stupendous turnout for this celebration of country music's best performers and hits. There will be four full days of celebration in different venues this June on the 7th through the 10th. The nightly concerts will be at the LP Field; daily concerts will play downtown on the Cumberland River banks; and the Fan Fair takes place in the Convention Center. There's an area where kids can play on inflatables, see strolling magicians, have their face painted, play with balloons and a whole lot more. And there's wonderful carnival food everywhere. This is a huge event that all of Nashville has a hand in celebrating. Only lower level seating is still available now, so order ticket now to be assured seating for the nightly event at LP field. The price for four-day advance purchase to all events is $135 and lower, according to the seating location. You can purchase online or call 1-800-CMA-FEST to get tickets. This event is really a must-see in Nashville.