These country festivals are a great way to explore Middle Tennessee’s rural side, and most are only an hour or so from Nashville. From pet pickle competitions to bluegrass fiddlin’ and MoonPies, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at these small-town festivals.
When: June 7, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Where: Promise Land Historic Site in Charlotte
Cost: Free
Details: This festival celebrates the Promise Land Community, established by formerly enslaved Black folk from 1870-1875. Hear live music, attend a parade of hats, and shop at a silent auction. There will also be live tours and a children’s area.
When: June 14
Where: Downtown Pulaski
Cost: Free
Details: This small-town festival includes a corn hole tournament, SunDrop chugging competition, milk drop, SunDrop pageant, axe throwing, live music, food trucks, and heaps of vendors.
When: June 14, 3-8 p.m.
Where: Highland Realm Farm in Hampshire
Cost: $5
Details: Pick blueberries, listen to live music, and ride horses at this country farm festival. There are plenty of kid activities, as well as lots of vendors. It’s Hampshire’s biggest festival.
When: June 20-21
Where: Hickman County
Cost: Free
Details: This is a self-guided tour of Hickman County’s farms, eateries, markets, artisan shops, and more. Check out the participating tour stops!
When: June 21, 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
Where: Downtown Bell Buckle
Cost: Free
Details: This festival has been around for about 30 years. It starts with 10-mile and 5k races. The parade begins at 11 a.m., and there will also be clogging, a “Musical Entertainer” contest, and the world’s largest MoonPie.
When: July 4-5
Where: Downtown Smithville
Cost: Free
Details: Since 1972, this music and arts festival has attracted thousands of visitors. If you love bluegrass, it’s the place to be.
When: July 12, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Putnam County Fairgrounds
Cost: $3; kids are free
Details: I mean, who doesn’t love pickles? There’s a pet pickle contest, helicopter rides, a petting zoo, and pickles galore. I’m in just for the pet pickle contest alone.
When: July 26, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Downtown Monterey
Cost: Free
Details: This festival has free watermelon slices, vintage finds, and farmer market stands!
When: August 16, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Bibb-White Civic Center in White Bluff
Cost: Free
Details: Celebrate our favorite pollinators at this family-friendly festival, with heaps of honey and hives, more than 80 vendors, live entertainment, and food trucks. Bring a picnic blanket!
