Springs Festivals in May and June are Celebrations of Appalachian Spring

ByJulie Graham

Spring festival season continues to bring the sights, sounds, and tastes of Appalachian Spring.  From the traditions of storytelling and sheepshearing to the pungency of smoky BBQ and ramps, the region is celebrating the best of the season.

Music is at the heart of East Tennessee and Appalachian spring traditions.  Learn about the history and heritage of the people who settled this area through the storytelling, food, and arts on display at one of these family, friendly festivals.   Late spring means that the mountain ridges are showing their spring best with flowering wild azalea, mountain laurel, and rhododendron.  Best of all, most of these family, friendly events are free!

Through Jun 8: Dollywood Flower and Food Festival- Pigeon Forge-  40th Anniversary Year.

  • May 9: Sheep Shearing Days- Museum of Appalachia, Clinton- demonstration ($)
  • May 10: Southern Skies Music and Whiskey Festival- Knoxville- Live music, vendors, ($)
  • May 16-17: 10th Annual Tennessee Mountain Laurel Festival– Wartburg- Hikes, live music, vendors, and food. Free
  • May 17-18: Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games- Townsend ($$)
  • May 17- Strawberry Festival- Morristown- yummy food, classic cars, vendors, and live music.  Free
  • May 17-18 and 24-25: Tennessee Pirate Fest- Harriman- Live performances, food and music.
  • May 24-25: Newport Renaissance Faire- Newport- A step back to a time of street performances ($)
  • May 31- Jun 1: Tennessee State Disc Golf Championships- Morristown
  • Jun 6-7: Flatwater Tales Storytelling Festival:  Oak Ridge- laugh, cry, and sing ($)
  • Jun 6-7: Popcorn Sutton Festival– Newport- Music, tastings, and vendors. ($)
  • Jun 7-8: Lenoir City Arts and Craft Festival- Lenoir City- Juried artists and vendors.
  • Jun 7: FREE FISHING Day
  • Jun 12-14: 34th Annual Great Smoky Mountain Trail Ride– Oliver Springs at Windrock Park
  • Jun 13-14: Annual Moonshine Rod Run- Newport City park- car show, music, and food. Free
  • Jun 14: Brushy Mountain Concert Series- Clint Black- Back on the Blacktop Tour.
  • Jun 14- Aug 3: Dollywood Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration- Pigeon Forge
  • Jun 20-21: 44th Annual Quilt Show and Competition– Knoxville- displays, quilt appraisals, workshops ($)
  • Jun 20-21: Summer on Broadway- Maryville
  • Jun 21: Lavender Festival- Oak Ridge- annual festival with the sweet display of fresh lavender.

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