East Tennesee Visitors Guide

Bristol Rhythm & Roots Festival
2026-09-11 - 2026-09-13
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion 2026 in Bristol, Tennessee.

Photo Credit: Cora Wagoner

At this award-winning summer music festival, the roots of traditional Appalachian music are brought to life through talented musicians Sept. 11-13, 2026. Known as the birthplace of country music, Bristol’s music history runs deep and have been celebrated by nationally-known artists. The 2026 concerts include Sierra Ferrell, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Los Lobos, The War and Treaty, Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives and many more who will perform on more than a dozen stages during the three music-filled days.

Dumplin Vallery Bluegrass Festival
2026-09-17 - 2026-09-19
Mountain roots are honored as 15 regional and national bluegrass acts flock to the Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival each September in Kodak, Tennessee. Enjoy the views of the Great Smoky Mountains while hearing some of the best bluegrass talent. Past artists include The Gibson Brothers to Rhonda Vincent & The Rage. Picking and jam sessions, food and merchandise add to the fun.

Rogersville Bike Nite-Motorcycle
2026-09-19 17:00 - 20:00 UTC
Rogersville Bike Nite Motorcycle Show
NEW Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
5:00 – 8:00
Live Entertainment, Vendors and Raffle Prizes
Pre-registration $10.00 per bike includes free T-shirt
Registration Day of Event $10.00 per bike
For More Information: 423-272-2186
Setup: 3:00pm / street closes @ 4:00pm

3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival
2026-10-02 - 2026-10-03
The 3 Sisters Festival (named after the three daughters of Fletcher Bright) honors the musical legacy of bluegrass fiddler Fletcher Bright, by offering a free two-day festival to the community that features some of the biggest names in traditional and not-so-traditional bluegrass. The 3 Sisters Festival has experienced a tremendous response since its inception in 2007, and is now recognized as a premier event in its field. In 2017, American Country magazine named 3 Sisters as one of the Top Five Bluegrass Festivals in the country, making the Scenic City a music destination for people from all corners of the world. Some of the artists it has featured in the past include Del McCoury Band, Yonder Mountain Band, Ricky Scaggs, Rhonda Vincent, Bela Fleck, Steep Canyon Rangers, Sam Bush, Mandolin Orange and more. Bring your lawn chair or blanket, come early and stay late for the best in bluegrass.The 3 Sisters Festival is sponsored by the Fletcher Bright Company and is produced by Chattanooga Presents, the company that is responsible for other recognized events such as Nightfall, Pops on the River and Ice on the Landing.
Chattanooga, Tennessee

Heritage Days
2026-10-09 10:00 - 2026-10-11 18:00
HERITAGE DAYS
OCTOBER 9, 10 & 11, 2026

Step Back in Time and Savor the Spirit:
Why You Can’t Miss Rogersville’s
Heritage Days Festival

Imagine yourself strolling through a vibrant tapestry of history, where the aroma of apple cider mingles with the lively tunes of Appalachian fiddles.
Welcome to Heritage Days in Rogersville, Tennessee, a three-day celebration that whisks you away to a bygone era, where community, tradition,
and good old-fashioned fun reign supreme.
Mark your calendars for October 2024, and prepare to immerse yourself in the rich heritage of this charming Tennessee town.
Wander through rows of over 100 artisan booths, bursting with handcrafted treasures, each one a unique testament to local talent and creativity.
Watch skilled demonstrators breathe life into age-old crafts, from woodcarving to basket weaving, and get inspired to unleash your own inner artisan.
Let the rhythm of the past move you as Appalachian musicians fill the air with foot-stomping jigs and soulful ballads.
Witness the grace of traditional dancers as they spin and twirl in vibrant costumes, and feel the spirit of community come alive.
For a glimpse into the town’s storied past, step back in time with Civil War reenactors, who bring history to life
with vivid portrayals of soldiers and camp life.
Heritage Days isn’t just about the past, it’s about celebrating the present too! Take a ride on the Heritage Children’s Train,
a miniature marvel that will delight little ones. Indulge in a delectable array of festival food, from succulent barbecue
to homemade pies, each bite a burst of Southern flavor. And don’t miss the Great Chili Cook-off,
where fiery concoctions compete for your taste buds and the coveted trophy.
As the sun dips below the horizon, gather around the bonfire and listen to captivating tales spun by local storytellers,
their voices weaving magic under the starlit sky. Capture the essence of the festival with a photo at the antique car cruise-in,
where vintage automobiles gleam like polished memories.
Heritage Days is more than just a festival, it’s an experience. It’s a chance to connect with the heart and soul of Rogersville,
to savor the warmth of community, and to create memories that will last a lifetime. So, mark your calendars, pack your dancing shoes,
and get ready to step into a world where history comes alive, and every corner whispers a story. See you in Rogersville!

FREE TO THE PUBLIC
For Complete information and Applications go to – www.rogersvilleheritage.org

CaveFest
2026-10-10 - 2026-10-11
The Caverns presents CaveFest Oct. 10-11, 2026. This upcoming music festival will feature 2026 concerts by Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, Peter Rowan & Sam Grisman Project, Rising Appalachia, Keller & The Keels and many more over two days during this boutique music festival rooted in Americana, bluegrass and roots music. The music festival weekend includes family-friendly activities like cave yoga, a sound bath, kids’ activities, open jam sessions, late-night shows and local vendors. VIP packages and upgraded stay options are available for purchase. VIP packages include on-site yurt stays, hotel and transportation packages, large pre-pitched tent glamping and VIP camping if you bring your own gear. VIP guests enjoy private bars, climate-controlled restrooms and showers, charging stations and more.

Featured Image: Bluegrass Underground at the Caverns in Pelham, Tennessee.
Photo Credit: Aaron Lee Tasjan

2026 IBMA World of Bluegrass
2026-10-23 - 2026-10-24
The most important week of bluegrass happens in Chattanooga Oct. 23-24, 2026. The two-day 2026 IBMA World of Bluegrass live music festival will host some of the top bluegrass artists in the world. Additional events will include a convention, tradeshow, awards show and artist showcases across downtown Chattanooga. The 2026 festival lineup will be announced soon.

Featured Image: Photo Credit: Visit Chattanooga

Trunk or Treat: Halloween
2026-10-31 17:00 - 20:00
Truck or Treat
October 31, 2026
The Rogersville Main Street Program and the Rogersville/Hawkins County Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a Trunk or Treat Event on October 31st from 1:00-9:00 in the downtown Historic District of Rogersville. This event is to provide a fun and safe Halloween night for the children, ages 1-12, of our community and will feature many activities throughout the evening. Activities will include a costume contest and trunk or treating out of the car trunks. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes will be awarded in the following age groups:
AGES 1-4
AGES 5-8
AGES 9-12

Rogersville Christmas Parade
2026-12-05 16:00 - 18:00
2026 Rogersville Christmas Parade

You’re invited to participate in the 2026
The parade will be held in Rogersville on December 6, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. Line-up for the parade will begin at 3:00 p.m. in parking lot in front of East Rogersville Baptist Church and Rogersville Middle School.
First, second and third place prizes will be awarded to those floats that wish to be judged. If you would like to have your float entered into the contest, please be sure to be in the parking lot in front of East Rogersville Baptist Church no later than 2:30 p.m. Judging will begin at 3:15. Please have your float set up and ready to be judged at this time.
The fire trucks will line up in the Hawkins Elementary parking lot.
With Santa’s annual visit, Downtown merchants Open House and the tree lighting service on the Courthouse Square, this year’s celebration promises to be the best yet. We look forward to a good turnout for the parade and the many activities planned. Please fill out the entry application and return it to the Chamber of Commerce office no later than December 4, 2025. We’ll see you December 6th at 2:30 p.m. at East Rogersville Baptist Church!
Application for Rogersville Christmas Parade: click here
Or call 423-272-2186
