Springs Festivals in May and June are Celebrations of Appalachian Spring

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 9: Dollywood Flower and Food Festival- Pigeon Forge

• Apr 27: Ball Play Ramp Festival- Tellico Plains- a tasty, pungent food of spring foraging free
• May 3: Sheep Shearing Days- Museum of Appalachia, Clinton- demonstration ($)
• May 3-4: Blooms, Brew, and BBQ– Sweetwater- 10 am to 8 pm- the smoky sweetness of spring. free
• May 3-4: Clinch River Antique Festival– Clinton. One of the best antique events in the state. free
• May 3-4: Tellico Plains Trout Festival– Tellico Plains –Workshops, music, food, and family events. Free
• May 4: Bluegrass on the Green- Morristown Free
• May 11: Southern Skies Music and Whiskey Festival- Knoxville- Live music, vendors, ($)
• May 18-19: Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival and Games- Townsend ($$)
• May 18- Strawberry Festival- Morristown- yummy food, classic cars, vendors, and live music.  Free
• May 18: 9^th Annual Tennessee Mountain Laurel Festival– Wartburg- Hikes, live music, vendors, and food. Free
• Jun 7-8: Flatwater Tales Storytelling Festival:  Oak Ridge- laugh, cry, and sing ($)
• Jun 7-8: Popcorn Sutton Festival– Newport- Music, tastings, and vendors. ($)
• Jun 14-15: Annual Moonshine Rod Run- Newport City park- car show, music, and food. Free
• Jun 13-15: 33^rd Annual Great Smoky Mountain Trail Ride– Oliver Springs at Windrock Park
• Jun 15- Aug 11: Dollywood Smoky Mountain Summer Celebration- Pigeon Forge
• Jun 15: Lavender Festival- Oak Ridge- annual festival with the sweet display of fresh lavender.
• Jun 21-22: 43^rd Annual Quilt Show and Competition– Knoxville- displays, quilt appraisals, workshops ($)