Sycamore Shoals 17th annual Quilt Show Norris Dam hosts 3rd annual Pickin' in the Park Reelfoot Lake hosts annual Arts and Crafts Festival on Sept. 30 - Oct. 2
September 1-4
Bicentennial Capitol Mall hosts National Folk Festival on September 2-4
A large-scale three-day outdoor event presented free to the public, the National Folk Festival celebrates the roots, richness and variety of American culture. It features a broad array of music and dance performances, participatory dancing, workshops, children's activities, regional and ethnic foods, storytelling, parades, craft exhibits and demonstrations and more. A "movable feast of the deeply traditional folk arts," the National Folk Festival brings a jubilant and dizzying array of offerings that appeal to audiences of all ages. The festival’s artistic diversity is complemented by a delicious variety of ethnic and regional food specialties available for sale throughout the festival site. For more information visit www.nationalfolkfestival.com or call 615-741-5800.
Henry Horton hosts 3rd annual 5k Fun Runand Walk on September 3
Join the Friends of Henry Horton State Park for this family friendly fun run and walk. Race day registration is from 6:15- 6:45 a.m. in the pool parking lot. Race begins at 7 a.m. CT. Strollers, pets and cheerleaders are welcome. Race only entry fee is $25, race and t-shirt is $30 and race, t-shirt and Friends of Henry Horton membership is $50. All proceeds will be used for programs and projects at HHSP. Complete details. For more information and to preregister contact Cecile Wiser at cpwiser@il.com.
Davy Crockett Birthplace hosts Labor Day Celebration on September 3
Join us at the campground pavilion for the “End of the Season” celebration. There will be activities for the kids throughout the weekend beginning on Thursday and a bluegrass musical group from 7-9 p.m. at the campground pavilion on Saturday night. For more information contact Dawn.Coleman@tn.gov or 423-257-2167.
Standing Stone hosts 11th annual Campers Night Light Contest on September 3
Decorate your campsite with a creative selection of lights. 1st place prize, for most original display, is one week of free camping at Standing Stone State Park. 2nd place prize is two days/nights of free Camping at Standing Stone State Park. Judging will begin at dark. Camping Fee is required to participate! For more information contact: Shawn Hughes at 931-823-6347.
September 9-11 events
Roan Mountain hosts 49th annual Fall Naturalists’ Rally on September 9-11
The Fall Naturalists' Rally draws nature enthusiasts to Roan Mountain State Park for a weekend of hikes, workshops, and programming. Top naturalists share their knowledge of plants, birds, mushrooms, geology, stream ecology, and more. This fall rally features two top speakers, well-known birder and author, Fred Alsop and site geologist for the Gray Fossil site, Mick Whitelaw. This family friendly event is sponsored by the Friends of Roan Mountain. For more information and to register call Gary Barrigar at 423-543-7576 or the park office at 423-772-0190.
Fall Creek Falls hosts Mountaineer Folk Festival on September 9-11
This weekend’s jam-packed schedule includes handmade crafts, 2 stages of traditional mountain music, demonstrations of pioneer skills, country cooking and much more. Don’t miss this event! For more information call 423-881-5708.
Sycamore Shoals hosts 11th annual Celtic Festival on September 9-11
Friday Night Torchlight Ceremony 6:30 pm
Saturday – Sunday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Saturday Night Concert 6:30 pm
Celebrate Appalachia’s Celtic heritage! Opening with a torchlight ceremony Friday Night, Clans and Family Societies will be on hand to help with family history; dance, music, food, vendors, demonstrations, reenactments of 18th & 19th Century heritage, lectures, and a special musical concert on Saturday evening. Admissions charge. For more information call 423-543-5808.
Bicentennial Capitol Mall hosts Autism Speaks Charity Event on September 10
This event is a family day to raise awareness and funding for families living with Autism in the Nashville community. The event is free to the public and takes place 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. For more information call 615-741-5800.
Bledsoe Creek hosts Music Festiival on September 10
Join us for toe-tapping music, food and fun. Beginning at 11 a.m.CT, this day long festival features a variety of bluegrass and gospel music including Flat Broke Bluegrass Band and the Murdy Standard. Sponsored by the Friends of Bledsoe Creek State Park. For more information call 615-452-3706.
Carter State Natural Area hosts a Late Summer Hike on September 10
This natural area contains the most dramatic cave entrance in Tennessee as well as a number of rare and uncommon plants. Some of the unique species we will see are found only from in this area and adjacent areas in Alabama and Georgia. Other, more common, plants will be identified as we hike the trail. After a strenuous 2-mile hike to the cave entrance we will have lunch by the stream which comes out of the cave. Due to restrictions associated with White Nose Syndrome we will not tour the cave. We will return on the same route 2 miles back to the parking area. Bring lunch, plenty of water and wear boots with good ankle support. Carter Natural Area, parking area on Highway 56 at 10 a.m. CT. Reservations are required. RSVP by September 8 to Todd Crabtree, 615-532-1378 or todd.crabtree@tn.gov.
Fort Loudoun hosts Garrison Weekend on September 10 & 11
Join us for a weekend rich in history - our monthly Garrison Weekend – a time when the daily lives of the men, women and children of Fort Loudoun are recreated. Park staff and living history volunteers bring to life the 1750s. Visitors can interact with living historieans as they demonstrate a variety of tasks and skills common to a frontier fortification including musket firing demonstrations, an 18th century infirmary, the Commanders quarters and an 18th century Cherokee camp. For more information call 423-884-6217.
Paris Landing hosts Arts and Crafts Festival on September 10 & 11
Get an early start on holiday shopping at 11th annual Lakeway Kiwanis Club Arts and Crafts Festival. Now in its 11th year, the festival offers various handmade crafts and a selection of food vendors. The family-friendly event also offers face painting, balloon art, a petting zoo and pony rides. There is no charge for parking or to browse. 10 am – 5pm CT daily. For more information call 731 641-4465.
September 16-18 events
Fall Creek Falls hosts Fall Climbing Workshop on September 16-18
Get your rock on this weekend with Ranger Ray Cutcher and other climbing enthusiasts. Participants will learn about safety, knots, the use of climbing/rappel gear and climbing techniques as well as an overview of belay technique. Climbs range in difficulty. There are climbs for beginners and for to those who would like to test their climbing abilities. The fee for this event is $30.00 per person. For more information visit www.tnpark.com, email Ray.Cutcher@tn.gov or call 423-881-3297.
Henry Horton hosts Step Back in Time on September 16 & 17
The 8th annual Step Back in Time Festival features an 1840s encampment, horse-mounted historical re-enactors, arts and crafts, antique tractors, bluegrass music, food and much more. Activities will begin at 7 a.m. CT each day and run until approximately 7:30 p.m. The festival is free and open to the public. For more information call 931-364-7724.
Henry Horton hosts Hunters for the Hungry 5k and 10k Run on September 17
All registration fees from the Hunters for the Hungry Run 5K and 10K are used to process donated venison which is then donated to various charities to relieve hunger in Marshall County. Race kicks off at 6:45 a.m. CT. Strollers and cheerleaders are welcome. Sponsored by TWRA and the TWF. For more information and to register contact Lori Jett at 931-364-2222 ext 254 or Deborah Ridenour at 931-364-2222 ext 253.
Standing Stone hosts Natinal Rolley Hole Marbles Festival on September 17
Come to Standing Stone State Park in Overton County to be a part of the 29th National Rolley Hole Marble Championship. This traditional marbles contest draws some of the country’s best players to a tournament where players match wit and skills with special flint balls on a smooth dirt surface. Festival includes kids’ games, marble making, swap meet, tournament play, demonstrations, music and food. (Registration is required for Rolley Hole Tournament.) This one-of-a-kind family experience has been featured by ESPN, ABC, ABS, Sports Illustrated, National Georgraphic, Smithsonian Institution, Southern Living Magazine and Peanuts. For more information call 931-823-6347.
Bicentennial Capitol Mall hosts SoulWalk on September 17
This is a 5k walk and fundraising event to raise awareness for Nashville’s missions. It is free to the public and takes place between 9 a.m. to 2p.m. CT. For more information call 615-741-5800.
Frozen Head hosts Volunteer Trail Day on September 17
Meet at the Visitor Center at 9 a.m. ET. Bring a daypack with your water, lunch, good pair of hiking boots, and wear appropriate clothing for the weather conditions. Specific projects will be determined later but will focus on trail maintenance and repair. Some moderate hiking may be required and we will return at 3 p.m. or before. For more information call 423-346-3318.
Pinson Mounds hosts Archaeofest on September 17 & 18
Join us for acelebration of Native American culture and archaeology. Enjoy a wide range of craft demonstrations to include pottery, basketry, leatherwork, flint knapping and chipping, and jewelry making. Children and adults of all ages will enjoy the Native American story telling sessions. For more information call 731-988-5614.
Reelfoot Lake hosts Round House Reunion on September 18
Reefoot Lake welcomes the return of the Round House Reunion. During the 1950s and 1960s, people came from miles and miles to listen to the music, meet friends, and enjoy Reelfoot Lake. The Round House Reunion relives the feeling and sounds of that time. We invite you to join us for a day filled with good music and good friends – pack a picnic basket, or enjoy available concessions, and meet old friends. For more information call 731-253-8003.
September 24 National Public Lands Day events
Old Stone Forthosts 35th Bi-annual Knap-In Weekend on Sept. 23-25
Join us for a
three-day celebration of archaeoskills, including flint knapping, atlatl
throwing, pottery, cordage making and other aboriginal skills. The weekend's
main activities and special programming are slated to begin at 8 a.m. on
Saturday and will run until approximately 4:30 p.m. The festival is free and open to the public. For more information call 931-723-5073.
Bledsoe Creek hosts National Public Lands Work Day on September 24
Join the Friends of Bledsoe Creek to remove rock, reroute a ditch and clean away debris. Dress in weather appropriate clothing and bring gloves. For more information email Sharon Armistead at 615- 347-3639 or the park at 615-452-3706.
Cordell Hull Birthplace hosts National Public Lands Work Dayand Hike on September 24
Join the park for a rewarding morning of trail work followed by a guided hike on the Bunkum Cave Trail. Assistance is needed to maintain this beautiful trail! Long pants and boots are recommended. Snacks, water, work gloves and tools will be provided. Meet at 9 a.m. CT at the trailhead. For more information call 931-864-3247.
Davy Crockett Birthplace hosts National Public Lands Work Day on September 24
Join park staff and community members to observe this important day. NPLD is the nation's largest hands-on volunteer effort to improve and enhance the public lands that Americans enjoy. Meet at the campground pavilion at 11 a.m. ET for instructions. For more information please contact Dawn.Coleman@tn.gov or 423-257-2167.
Radnor Lake hosts National Public Lands Work Day on September 24
Staff and Friends of Radnor Lake will be out on the trails, removing invasive species and other general maintenance. For more information email jesse.germeraad@tn.gov or call 615-373-3467.
Bicentennial Capitol Mall hosts JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes on September 24
The event is a charity walk to raise awareness and fundraise for Type 1 Diabetes research. This event is free to the public and takes place between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. CT. For more information call 615-741-5800.
Sycamore Shoals hosts Overmountain Victory Celebration on September 24 & 25
Saturday:10 a.m. – 4 p.m ET. Sunday: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. ET.
Join us for an encampment by the Overmountain militia before the Battle of King’s Mountain in 1780. Live some of the most crucial days of the American Revolution! Call the park for a schedule of events. For more information call 423-543-5808.
Sycamore Shoals hosts Overmountain Victory Trail March on September 25
Members of the Overmountain Victory Trail Association have recreated the historic march to King’s Mountain since 1975. On September 25, at approximately 1 p.m. ET marchers will cross the Watauga River at Sycamore Shoals, just as the Overmountain militia crossed 231 years ago. For more information call 423-543-5808.
September 29-30 events
Sycamore Shoals hosts 17th annual Sycamore Shoals Quilt Show on Sept. 29-Oct. 2
This four-day exhibition, sponsored by the Sycamore Shoals Stitchers, features a show and demonstrations by local quilters held in the park museum. Bed quilts, wall hangings, holiday and baby quilts, miniatures and antique quilts will be on display. For more information call 423-543-5808.
Norris Dam hosts 3rd annual Pickin’ in the Park on September 30
Music is in the air at Norris Dam starting at 6 p.m. with The Real McCoys, Outta the Blue at 7 p.m. and featuring Jimbo Whaley & Greenbrier at 8 p.m. ET. Located in the historic outdoor amphitheater, (rain site will be located in the Tearoom). BBQ dinners will be sold by U-Bar Ranch in the Tearoom. This is event is free to the public but donations are accepted. This is also an alcohol free event. Flash lights are recommended. For more information call 865-426-7461 or 800-543-9335.
Reelfoot Lake hosts annual Arts and Crafts Festival on Sept. 30 - Oct. 2
Featuring over 300 exhibitors this is one of the most popuilar festivals in the South. Venders include potter, carvers, jewelry makers, music, and a delicious assortment of foods. For more information call 731-253-8003.