Summer Events and Fairs in Tennessee

July 13 - 18, 2026

A longtime favorite among state fairs in July, the Anderson County Fair brings together small-town charm and classic Tennessee fair traditions. It’s an easy addition to any Tennessee in July itinerary, especially for families looking for rides, contests and community events.

• Parking information: Free parking available on-site
• Summer highlights: A standout during Tennessee in July
• Event highlights: Livestock shows, tractor parade, pie contests
• Operational hours: Open daily at 5 p.m., closes at 10 p.m.
• Ticketing:
  • $10.00 General Admission
  • $40.00 Season Tickets
  • FREE! Children Under 6

July 20 - 25, 2026

The Greene County Fair is one of the most action-packed fairs in Tennessee, known for its high-energy events and entertainment lineup. Special events in the past have included aerialists, acrobatics and daredevils; championship bull riding; tractor and truck pulls; and The Big Dance: Line Dancing at the Stage. If you’re exploring fairs in July, this fair stands out for its mix of rodeo events, carnival fun and family-friendly attractions.

• Parking information: Free or low-cost parking near fairgrounds
• Summer highlights: Popular stop for fairs in July
• Event highlights: Demolition derby, rodeo, circus acts
• Operational hours: Evening hours with extended weekends
• Ticketing: General admission with ride wristbands
  • Adults - $10
  • Kids (6-11) - $5
  • Children 5 and under - Free

Aug. 31 - Sept. 5, 2026

Tucked into the mountains of Northeast Tennessee, the Claiborne County Fair delivers a classic small-town experience with a strong lineup of entertainment and community traditions. This long-running Tennessee fair is a great stop for visitors looking to experience local culture, live music and high-energy events in a more relaxed setting.

• Parking information: Parking is included with admission
• Accessibility features: Open fairgrounds with accessible areas; some terrain may vary
• Summer highlights: A late-season fair that showcases Northeast Tennessee’s rural traditions
• Event highlights: Gospel and bluegrass performances, ATV/UTV drag racing, demolition derby, antique and modified tractor pulls, pageants and competitions
• Operational hours: Gates open at 5 p.m. daily
• Ticketing: $20 cash-only admission; includes rides, entertainment and parking

Sept. 1 - 7, 2026

Set in the foothills of the Smokies, the Sevier County Fair offers one of the most scenic fairs in Tennessee. This late-season event is a great way to extend your Summer in Tennessee, blending mountain views with classic fair entertainment.

• Parking information: Free on-site parking available
• Summer highlights: Late-season favorite for Summer in Tennessee
• Event highlights: Dog shows, rodeo, live performances
• Operational hours: Typically evening hours on weekdays, mid-afternoon to evening on weekends
• Ticketing: Admission pricing varies by day, children under 10 free

Sept. 11 - 20, 2026

This Knoxville, TN, fair is a marquee event among regional fairs, drawing visitors from across the state for concerts, rides and food. The Tennessee Valley Fair offers fun events like a rodeo, demolition derby, concerts, the annual Cotton Candy Classic 5K and rides.

• Parking information: On-site parking available at Chilhowee Park, $15 at gate
• Accessibility features: ADA parking, restrooms and accessible seating areas, email tickets@tnvalleyfair.org for more information
• Summer highlights: One of the largest fairs in the summer with statewide draw
• Event highlights: Concerts, midway rides, games and classic fair food
• Operational hours: Vary daily; typically morning through late evening
• Ticketing: Daily admission and ride wristbands available online and onsite

May 2–31, 2026

Step into a different era at the Tennessee Renaissance Festival, a lively Renaissance Fair in Tennessee held weekends throughout May. Often considered alongside the top 50 state fairs for its scale and immersive experience, this event blends history, performance and marketplace energy just outside Nashville.

• Parking information: On-site parking available at festival grounds
• Accessibility features: Outdoor setting with pathways; some areas may be uneven terrain
• Summer highlights: A signature late-spring event that kicks off the season with immersive, themed weekends
• Event highlights: Stroll through Covington Glen marketplace, shop artisan goods, enjoy jesters, minstrels, jugglers and magicians, hear pirate tales and watch the royal joust. Guests can also visit Castle Gwynn grounds, test their skills with games and sample a wide range of food vendors
• Operational hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Ticketing: Timed entry tickets available online; themed weekends may vary

July 13 - 18, 2026

The Bedford County Fair offers a traditional Tennessee fair experience rooted in agriculture and community. It’s a great stop for travelers exploring Tennessee in July and looking for authentic, family-friendly summer fairs.

• Parking information: Free parking at fairgrounds
• Summer highlights: Classic summer fairs experience with agricultural events, carnival and pageants
• Event highlights: Mule competitions, tractor pulls, live music
• Operational hours: Vary by day
• Ticketing: Pricing varies by day, family passes offered for all days of the fair, carnival arm bands are $25 in addition to admission costs

July 30 - Aug. 8

As one of the longest-running fairs in Tennessee, with 2026 being the 100th anniversary, the Putnam County Agricultural & Industrial Fair blends tradition with interactive exhibits and entertainment. It’s a reliable pick for anyone searching for a fair in Tennessee during peak Tennessee summer travel.

• Parking information: On-site parking available
• Summer highlights: Long-standing tradition among fairs in Tennessee
• Event highlights: Carnival rides, demonstrations and exhibits
• Operational hours: Afternoon and evening hours
• Ticketing: Pricing varies by day, rides armbands are extra

August 7 - 15, 2026

Located just outside Nashville, the Williamson County Fair is a standout among Nashville summer events and a favorite for locals and visitors alike. It’s a convenient way to experience a lively Tennessee fair while staying near the city.

• Parking information: Free on-site parking with shuttle options
• Summer highlights: Major draw for Tennessee summer near Nashville
• Event highlights: Fireworks, thrill shows, demonstrations
• Operational hours: Evenings weekdays; daytime weekends
• Ticketing:
  • Adults: $14
  • Children 6-12: $7
  • Children 5 & Under: FREE
  • Rides sold separately

Aug. 13 - 22, 2026

Also known as the State Fair of Tennessee, this large-scale event combines the best of county fairs into one destination and is a major highlight of the season. The state fair was originally in Nashville but moved to Lebanon in 2019 to be held in conjunction with the much larger Wilson County Fair, a combination that rivals the scale of top 50 fairs in the country.

• Parking information: General parking is free, preferred is $10 a day, overflow lots with shuttles also available to avoid traffic
• Accessibility features: For ADA parking, turn on car's flashers as you arrive
• Summer highlights: One of the biggest summer fairs statewide
• Event highlights: Live music, rodeo events, 4-H competitions
• Operational hours: Hours vary by weekday and weekend, refer to website for accurate timing
• Ticketing: Admission and unlimited ride wristbands

August. 17 - 22, 2026

The Cumberland County Fair highlights the agricultural roots of a classic Tennessee fair, with a focus on crafts, competitions and local traditions. It’s a great addition to a Summer in Tennessee itinerary for those looking for a more relaxed fair experience.

• Parking information: Free parking available
• Summer highlights: Classic Tennessee fair experience
• Event highlights: Art, floral and craft competitions
• Operational hours: Hours have not yet been announced for the 2026 season. Check website for more details
• Ticketing: $15 general admission; rides are separate

Sept. 24 - Oct. 3, 2026

The Middle Tennessee District Fair is one of the region’s largest and most established fairs in Tennessee, offering a wide range of entertainment and exhibits. It’s a strong late-season option for extending your summer in Tennessee.

• Parking information: $10 parking on-site
• Summer highlights: Extends summer in Tennessee into early fall
• Event highlights: Demolition derby, concerts, livestock shows
• Operational hours: Typically afternoon/evening
• Ticketing:
  • General admission varies by day.
  • Children 6-12 are $5
  • Under 6 are free
  • $40 season passes offered
  • Rides and games not included in admission

Aug. 24 - 29, 2026

For those looking to experience a West Tennessee State Fair atmosphere, the Obion County Fair delivers classic entertainment and community traditions. It’s a strong pick among fairs in the summer in West Tennessee.

• Summer highlights: Popular among fairs in the summer in West Tennessee
• Event highlights: Duck calling contests, pet shows, live music
• Operational hours: Varies
• Ticketing: $5 admission most days; rides separate

Sept. 4 - 13, 2026

The Delta Fair & Music Festival is one of the largest festivals in the summer in Tennessee, combining a traditional fair with a full music lineup. It’s a major highlight of Tennessee summer, especially for those visiting Memphis.

• Parking information: On-site parking available
• Accessibility features: ADA parking and accessible venues
• Summer highlights: Large-scale Tennessee summer event
• Event highlights: 150+ live performances and music, contests, attractions and carnival rides
• Operational hours: Hours vary by day, check website for more info
• Ticketing:
  • Adults: $15
  • Seniors 65+: $10
  • Youth 5-12: $10
  • Children 4 and under: free
  • Twilight admission pricing after 5 p.m. on the weekends
  • Ride wristbands are sold separately

October 16 - 25, 2026

The West Tennessee State Fair rounds out the season and carries the spirit of State Fair Tennessee into the fall. It’s a great option for those wanting to continue their Summer in Tennessee experience a little longer.

• Parking information: Free on-site parking available
• Summer highlights: Extends Summer in Tennessee into fall
• Event highlights: Daredevil shows, livestock competitions
• Operational hours:
  • Weekdays 5pm-10pm
  • Saturdays 11am-10:30pm
  • Sundays 1pm-9pm
• Ticketing:
  • General admission: $4
  • Age 3 and under: free
  • Unlimited rides armbands sold separately: $30
  • Additional admissions pricing available on special days

Beyond county fairs in the summer, Tennessee’s festival season starts early and carries through the warmer months, offering even more ways to plan a trip around Tennessee in June and beyond. From blooming fields to small-town celebrations, these events highlight the best of Tennessee in the summer.

Spring brings standout experiences like the Tennessee Tulip Festival in Eagleville (March 11–22, 2026), along with the West Tennessee Strawberry Festival in Humboldt (May 3–9, 2026) and the Middle Tennessee Strawberry Festival in Portland (May 8–9, 2026) just under an hour from Nashville. The Sky Lantern Festival Tennessee, typically held in April, adds a unique visual experience to the season, so you can plan for your Tennessee fair plans in 2027. While you have your calendar out, keep fairs in Chattanooga, TN, in mind as the Hamilton County Fair is typically in the late fall season but does not have official dates for 2026 yet.

As the calendar turns to summer, even more festivals and community events fill the schedule, making it easy to pair fair visits with additional events in Nashville this summer and across the state. Explore even more seasonal celebrations in our Spring & Summer Festivals in Tennessee guide.