Adamsville Main Street Music Festival

Held in Downtown Adamsville, activities include a 5K Run, Food & Craft Vendors, Authors Corner, Motorcycle, Children’s Corner,  Live Music, Fastest Man In Adamsville Race & Motorcycle Fun Races, Line Dancing Lessons, Presentation of the Miss Music Fest Pageant Queens, Street Dance, Health Fair, and Down Town Community Art Project.  For more information, visit www.abiz.org.

Annual Buford Pusser Memorial Festival, Car Show, Beauty Revue & Carnival
Held on the Saturday of Memorial Day Weekend. This community festival features live demonstrations, films, family activities, live entertainment, fair rides and events, and more. Small admission to some events. Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. For more information, call (731) 632-1403; Fax: (731) 632-1779.

Ghost Tours at Magnolia Manor

Take a tour of the reported haunted Magnolia Manor at 418 N. Main Street.  Three tours each night - 7pm,  8pm and 9 pm. Your tour will include all of Magnolia Manor plus you'll see The Memphis Mid-South Ghost Hunters Paranormal Investigation Group conducting an actual investigation on the tour! You'll be able to ask them questions and see the equipment they use. You'll also see evidence they've gathered at Magnolia Manor and other haunted sights throughout the Mid-South.  After touring the house, you'll board horse drawn wagons and take a ride through historic Bolivar to see the location of other famous haunted places including The Wrens Nest, The McNeal House, The Pillars, and Polk Cemetery.  All hosted by tour guides and local historians.  For more info, call 731-658-6700 or visit www.magnoliamanorbolivartn.com.

Historic Bolivar Home Tour
Each April, the Hardeman County Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities presents a spring home tour of Historic Bolivar, Living History of 1862.  Bolivar is home to 119 buildings included on the National Register of Historic Properties in Washington, D.C., and this tour shows a small glimpse of what Bolivar has to offer.  For more information, call (731) 658-6554; http://thepillars.info/living.htm.

Music on the Square

Held at 7 p.m. on Friday nights throughout the summer, local talent is showcased in this weekly event in downtown Bolivar.
 

Decaturville Main Street Festival
Held in October, a fun filled day for family and friends. Events Include, a Bicycle Rodeo, Small Wheels Parade, Look-a-like Contest, Pumpkin & Pie Eating Contest & much more. Specialty craft & food vendors will be on hand for your enjoyment. Come spend a beautiful fall day in downtown Decaturville! For more information, call (731) 852-2034.
 

African Street Festival
Held each Fall at T.R. White Sportsplex and hosted by the Society for African American Cultural Awareness (SAACA) to promote awareness, educate & entertain members in the Jackson area. Variety of entertainment for the entire family. For more information, call (731) 928-1807 or go to www.saaca.com

Bagels and Bluegrass Bicycle Century Tour
Hosted at Jackson State Community College each fall, this event is comprised of a total of four rides to fit any cyclist’s needs (15, 30, 60, 100) featuring two of West Tennessee’s beautiful state parks – Chickasaw and Pinson Mounds, as well as a 10 mile run and a children’s bicycle rodeo. For more info, call (731) 616-7474 or go to www.bagelsandbluegrass.tn.org

Bemis Reunion Days
Hosted by the Bemis Historical Society annually the third weekend of May at the Bemis Theater (home of the Bemis Mill Village Museum). Class reunions, music, exhibits, food, and fellowship abound. For more info, call (731)424-0739.

“Bunny Run” Street Rod & Custom Car Show

Held in April annually at the Jackson Fairgrounds and sponsored by the Jackson Rod & Custom Car Club features over 600 street rods and custom cars and trucks from 1972 or earlier. 100% of the gate proceeds benefit this children's charity. For additional information, call 731-426-7292.

Casey Jones Village/Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store
Proud of be one of Tennessee’s Top 10 Attractions, Casey Jones Village and Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store brings numerous family oriented events to Jackson annually. With its unique 1890’s atmosphere, Casey Jones Village celebrates the life and legend of Casey Jones and features the world famous Southern restaurant Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store restaurant. Highlights throughout the year include:

The Casey Jones Hobo Gathering. Held the last weekend in April, is an annual gathering celebrating the history and culture of the American hobo and their long association with railroading.  For more information call (731) 668-1222 or visit  www.caseyjones.com

Casey Jones Day. Celebrates April 30th, 1900, the date of the beginning of the Casey Jones legend and anniversary of his heroic last ride. Special festivities are planned for April 30, 2008 to commemorate this momentous day.  For more information call (731) 668-1222 or visit  www.caseyjones.com

The Casey Jones Bluegrass Festival. There’s nothing like it between the Smokies and the Ozarks! This truly unique 2 day music festival held each September features ole-time string, bluegrass and gospel music, arts and crafts and more. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy great music under the stars at the Casey Jones Village Amphitheatre.  For more information call (731) 668-1223 or E-mail CaseyJonesTn@yahoo.com. Website: www.caseyjones.com

Annual Christmas Eve Breakfast. Each year as a gift to the city, Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store serves their world famous Southern breakfast buffet from 6:30 am to 2 pm at a deeply discounted price. Attendance each year is around 2000 people and is an annual tradition with many families. Beautiful Christmas decorations and the festive atmosphere make it a Jackson tradition in its 22nd year in 2006. For more information call (731) 668-1223 or E-mail CaseyJonesTn@yahoo.com. Website: www.caseyjones.com
 

Ghost Tales of Jackson

d n English and Premier Players present Stories of the Spirits of Downtown Jackson; held between the Court House & City Hall on Main Street in Downtown Jackson (Madison County) at sundown (6:30 p.m.). Bring a chair and an open mind.  Free admission.  In case of rain, the event will be held at Farmers Market, Shannon Street at Lafayette. For more info, call 731-427-7379.

International Rock-a-Billy Music Festival
The International Rock-a-Billy Hall Of Fame And Museum, a resource center dedicated to preserving and promoting Rock-a-Billy Music, holds the annual Rock-a-Billy Fest each year featuring the pioneers and the developing artists of Rock-a-Billy Music. Events include a Hall of Fame Induction Banquet and Celebrity Golf Tournament. For more information, call (731) 427-6262 or go to www.rockabillyhall.org. E-mail: rock@rockabillyhall.org

Jackson Downtown Development Corporation
Jackson Downtown Development Corporation stages numerous annual events in downtown Jackson to improve the quality of life and aid in revitalization efforts. Call for a comprehensive schedule of upcoming activities. Noted events include:

The Shannon Street Blues & Heritage Festival. Held the first week of June each year, this musical event includes a barbecue cooking contest, heritage activities and live music.

Christmas in the City. A month long gala event in December with lights, carolers and other seasonal happenings. For more information, call (731) 427-7573; Fax: (731) 425-8339; E-Mail: ; Web Site: www.downtownjackson.com
 

The Jackson Symphony
207 East Lafayette Street; Jackson, Tennessee 38301; 731-427-6440; 731-427-6417; E-mail:  jso@aeneas.net; Web Site:  www.TheJacksonSymphony.org
Celebrating its 50th anniversary in the 2010-2011 season, The Jackson Symphony is one of the premier arts and entertainment organization in West Tennessee.  Concert highlights include the Beach Boys, KC & the Sunshine Band, Laurice Lanier and other Classical and Pops favorites.   For more info, Contact Joni Miles M-F, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Miss Tennessee Scholarship Competition
Held at the Carl Perkins Civic Center in Jackson beginning on the third Wednesday each June. Patron tickets for the Miss Tennessee Scholarship Competition are available for purchase by mail order only beginning March 1st of each year. Tickets are $50.00 per person and will admit you for all four nights of the competition. For more information, please call 731-425-8590 or go to www.misstennessee.org.

NAIA Division I Women's Basketball National Championship
In March of each year, the 32 top NAIA Division I women's college basketball teams in the nation come together at Oman Arena in Jackson for a week-long tournament. For more information, call (731) 616-7474, Toll Free 866-261-7534; E-Mail: mbhopper@eplus.net; Web Site: www.naia.jackson.tn.us
 

Salem Battlefield Annual Dedication

Held mid-December each year, the Salem Battlefield Association holds a dedication ceremony on the site on Cotton Grove Road where on the morning of December 19, 1862, approximately 1,500 Confederate Calvary along with Freeman's Battery with three pieces of artillery under the command of Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest, clashed in a 2 hour battle with about 1,000 Federals under the command of Col. Adolph Englemann.  For more information, call (731)424-1279.

The Jackson-West Tennessee Boat, Sport and Travel Show and RV Showcase
Held in February at the Carl Perkins Civic Center and Jackson Fairgrounds Activities Building.  Vendors from over a dozen states gather for the 4-day "show and sell" event to display watercraft, recreational vehicles, hunting accessories, fishing tackle, and a variety of things appealing the the avid outdoorsman and their families. For more information, contact: HeavyWeight Promotions, 255 Marina Rd. at Exit 133 of I-40, Camden KY Lake, TN 38320, 731-584-7880, 800-225-7469; www.JacksonBoatShow.com

The STAR Center’s KidsFest
Held in October at the Jackson Fairgrounds. Unique, fun-filled interactive events just for kids and their families. Events include petting zoo, pony rides, bucket truck rides, crafts, live entertainment, health screenings, vendor booths, cultural area, games, clowns, puppets, finger painting, fire, police, and electrical safety demos, face painting, general store, Mid-South Fair Talent Show Preliminary Competition and more. See the “Mr. Chuck show”, Purina Amazing Pet Talent Show Preliminary, carnival area with huge inflatable playground, Chili Cook-off, Touch-A-Truck, silent auction and a pit stop competition. Proceeds benefit The STAR Center and its mission to provide life-changing services for children and adults with disabilities in West Tennessee. For more info, call (731)668-3888; Fax (731) 668-1666. E-Mail: bjames@starcenter.tn.org or go to www.starcenter.tn.org

USJ Holiday Mart
Hosted by University School of Jackson Mother's Club and held the weekend before Thanksgiving each year at the Carl Perkins Civic Center.  Get the Holiday season started with fresh baked goods, antiques, food, gifts & more.  For more information, call (731) 668-4573.

West Tennessee Antique Car Show & Swap Meet
Held annually each May in Downtown Jackson and sponsored by the West Tennessee Antique Car Club.  9 a.m.-4 p.m.  Registration until 12 noon, early judging starts at 10 a.m. 25 judged classes for antiques, classics, street rods, special interest vehicles. Registration $20 for first vehicle, each additional $10.  Spectators free.  Food available in show area.  For more information, call 731-668-2863 or 731-293-3147.

West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx

See our Attractions section listing for details. For current season schedule, call (731) 988-JAXX or go to www.diamondjaxx.com

West Tennessee State Fair
Held each September at the Jackson Fairgrounds. Regional fair including carnival rides, talent shows, 4H and various competitions. Tuesday-Friday open at 5 p.m., Saturday-Sunday open 1:00 p.m. For more information, call (731) 424-0151; Fax (731) 424-8271; E-Mail: beckyc1@usit.net

Beech Lake Bikefest

Held in October at Beech Lake in Lexington, this event includes a poker run, bike show, bike vendors and exhibitors, and live music. Proceeds benefit The Exchange Club Carl Perkins Center.  For more information, call (731) 307-9100.

Festival of the Lakes
Held on July 4th weekend at Beech Lake in Lexington, this festival features a BBQ Cook-off, Kayak, Canoe and Cardboard Boat Race, a Beach Baby and Miss Festival of the Lakes Pageant, live entertainment, lots of food and fun and, of course, the Fireworks Extravaganza Grand Finale!!  For more info, call the Henderson County Chamber of Commerce 731-968-2126 or visit www.hctn.org

Henderson County Folk Festival

Held in the second Saturday of May on Court Square in Lexington, this event features live Blue Grass and Folk music, folk exhibits, antique car show, old time games for the kids, and trivia contest for adults.  Traditional folk food vendors. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For more info, call 731-968-3239 or visit http://www.everetthornlibrary.org/html/folk_festival.html

Parker’s Crossroads Civil War Battlefield Park
The Parkers Crossroads Battlefield Park hosts special events throughout the year.  These park activities offer visitors a unique look at civilian life in the 1860s; artillery, infantry, and cavalry tactical demonstrations; and a glimpse of the military camp life shared by Civil War soldiers.  Events include lantern walks, guided tours, and living histories. The schedules are posted at www.parkerscrossroads.com and the Log Cabin Visitors Center at 20650 Hwy 22N.  For more information call the visitors center at 731-968-1191.   

Parker’s Crossroads Battleground Chili Cook-Off
Located mid-way between Memphis and Nashville at the intersection of I-40 and State Highway 22 (Exit 108) at Parker’s Crossroads City Park held each year in June. CASI and Battlefield Association sponsored event. All donations from this event are used for the preservation efforts of the Parker’s Crossroads Battlefield Park. For more information, call (731) 968-1191 or go to www.parkerscrossroads.com. 

Parker’s Crossroads Battleground Memorial Lantern Walk
Held in March and sponsored by the Parkers Crossroads Battlefield Association. Starting at dusk, guides will lead groups on lantern lighted walks through the battlefield with volunteers portraying soldiers and civilians sharing stories taken from the letters and diaries of the period.  The 40 minute walk will start at tour stop 7 which is located south of I-40.  Turn east onto Federal Lane traveling approximately 1/4 mile to the battlefield parking area. The event is open and free to the public. Trails are wheelchair accessible. For more information call Sue Jordan at 731-986-5572 evenings or visit www.parkerscrossroads.com.

Parker's Crossroads Music Highway Amphitheatre

Performances held throughout the year.  The amphitheater is located 1/2 mile north of I-40 Exit 108 on Hwy. 22 in the Parkers Crossroads City Park.  For more information, call  (731)968-1191 or visit www.parkerscrossroad.org.

Possum Festival
Held in October at Parker’s Crossroads City Park featuring World’s Largest Possum Hunt and World’s Largest Possum Race, country music concerts, food, pony and mule pull, flea market, food and much more. For more information, call (731) 968-9751.

Annual Peavine Arts & Crafts Festival

Held in September, three days of Gospel, Bluegrass, Country Rock, Culinary Arts, Visual Arts, Crafts and Story Telling.  Events and exhibits to be held at various locations around town including Water Tank Hill, Parsons Partin City Park, Municipal Museum, Art Gallery and Decatur County Civic Center.  The Parsons Rivertime Players present an "Old Time Toby Tent Show" true to the performances of "Bisbee's Comedians" who toured small towns from the 1920s to the 1960s bringing song, comedy, magic and theater to rural West Tennessee. Other events include a beauty contest, cook-off, car cruise in, and tractor pull.  For more info, call (731)847-6359.

World’s Largest Coon Hunt
Since 1976 the Decatur County World's Largest Coon Hunt - Benefit for St. Jude is held annually on the second full weekend of April, Thursday thru Sunday. Over $2.3 million dollars has been donated to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. The Coon Hunt is located at the Decatur County Fair Grounds – Parsons; 1925 Hwy 641 South Parsons, TN 38363, South of Interstate 40/Exit 126- About 17 miles on your left. For more info, call (731) 847-2404 or www.decaturcountycoonhunt.com
 

Darryl Worley’s Tennessee River Run
Held in September at Pickwick Landing State Park in Hardin County. This annual event consists of a Golf Tournament, Fishing Tournaments, 5K Run, Motorcycle Poker Run, Boat Poker Run, Songwriters in the Round concert, Southern Rock Concert and Country Music Concert featuring Recording Artist and Hardin County native son Darryl Worley. Proceeds benefit the Darryl Worley Foundation, Inc. serving the needs of Hardin and McNairy Counties, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, LeBonheur Children’s Medical Center and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. For more information or to make a donation, contact The Hardin County Bank; 1200 Wayne Road, Savannah, TN 38372; (731) 925-8181; 1-800-552-3866; or go to www.darrylworley.com.

Fourth of July Fireworks

Held at Pickwick Landing State Park, this annual event includes fireworks from Sandy Beach beginning at 9 p.m.  No admission; donations accepted at Hardin County Convention & Visitors Bureau.  For more info, call 731-952-8181 or 800-552-3866.

National Catfish Derby's World Championship of Catfishing
Held at Pickwick Landing State Park, the World Championship of Catfishing is a buddy competition, with prize money paid to the top seven teams. Additional events include the free Kid's Fishing Rodeo and the free six week National Catfish Derby Big Fish rodeo that  awards weekly prizes to the biggest blue cat of the week, in addition to a grand prize for the overall biggest blue of the contest. For more info, call (731) 234-1888.

Pickwick Ride and Reside Boat, Home and Travel Show

Held each May at Pickwick Landing State Park and featuring Pickwick’s local boat dealers.  Each dealer will have new and used boats on display with some in-water.  The event will also include a home show in which Hardin County real estate professionals will offer a tour of available homes surrounding Pickwick Lake.  The travel show will provide information on local attractions, historic sites and vacation opportunities.  9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. For event information, visit www.pickwickrideandreside.com or call 731-925-2363 or 731-925-8181.

Pinson Mounds ArcheoFest
Held in September, this festival is an educational celebration of the Native American culture with various tribal representation from across the U.S. This festival includes Native American dancers, singers, storytelling, traditional foods & various crafts. For more information, call (731) 988-5614 or go to www.tnstateparks.com/pinson

Bucking on the River
Held annually on Friday and Saturday nights of the 2nd weekend in July. Founder is Whit Ashe, World's Toughest Cowboy 2007. The only PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association) Rodeo in West Tennessee. Held at the Hardin County Fairgrounds. For more information, call 731-925-2983 or 731-925-2364.

Savannah Bluegrass Festival
Held annually the 1st weekend in July.  Founder is Wayne Jerrolds, a  former Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys, champion fiddler, song writer, inventor of the "fiddlelin" ( fiddle on one side, mandolin on the other). Held at the Wayne Jerrrolds Riverpark. Wednesday night is Youth Gospel Fest, Thursday night is Rocking on the River, Friday and Saturday nights are Bluegrass. For more information, call 731-417-9128, 731-925-2161 or 731-925-2364.

Arts in McNairy Artisan Trail

Biannual tour of McNairy County artisan shops and studios.  See the artists and crafts people at work in their environment and purchase high quality handmade items including pottery, clothing, brooms, quilts, sculpture, paintings, glassware, carvings and more.  For more info, call 731-645-6360.

Hockaday Broomcorn Festival
The Hockaday family of Selmer has been growing broomcorn since the early 1990’s. These corn plants do not develop an ear, but instead develop “straw-like” stalk that grows from the top. This straw is dried, cultivated, and used to create incredible handmade brooms by the Hockaday family. For years each September, the Hockaday family celebrated the broom corn with an annual Broomcorn Festival. Starting in September 2006, this popular festival is being expanded to “Selmer in September” and will be held at the Selmer City South Park. Over forty folk artists will make and sell their wares along with live music, food, and entertainment for the whole family. For more information, call (731) 645-6360.