The Sun Refuses to Leave the Party!
The year's longest days are here, and Tennessee is making good use of every extra minute of daylight! From sunrise gatherings and music festivals to garden dinners timed for sunset, several events are turning summer’s extended evenings into the main attraction.
Catching the First Sunrise
Most Summer Solstice events focus on what happens after dark. Manchester goes in the opposite direction.
On June 21, early risers will gather at Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park for the annual Summer Solstice Sunrise, where the sunrise aligns with the park's ancient ceremonial site. Built more than 1,500 years ago, Old Stone Fort remains one of Tennessee's most fascinating archaeological landmarks, and the sunrise event offers a chance to experience it in a way that's tied directly to its history.
There's something satisfying about starting the longest day of the year before most people have even checked their phones. Register now to claim your spot, but hurry…tickets are going fast!
A Weekend Built for Campfires
From June 18-21, Long Hungry Creek Farm in Red Boiling Springs is hosting their Summer Solstice Music Festival, a four-day gathering of live music, camping, workshops, and bonfires. The festival has developed a loyal following among people who don't mind getting a little dirt on their boots. Days are filled with music and hands-on workshops, while evenings revolve around campfires, jam sessions, and conversations that tend to last well past sunset. The farm's rural setting means plenty of open sky, making those extra hours of daylight feel even longer. Tickets are available now!
Dinner at Sunset
A few days later on June 26, Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum will take a more polished approach to the season. Their Summer Solstice Celebration begins with cocktails at 7 p.m., followed by dinner at 8 p.m. and dessert served at sunset among the gardens. It's the sort of event that only works this time of year, when daylight hangs around long enough for dinner to stretch comfortably into the evening.
Consider this your reminder to make plans before these longer days disappear. Pick the sunrise, pick the campfire, pick the garden dinner. Just don't waste one of the best stretches of summer staring at your phone trying to decide!
Keep your evenings full of fun all summer long with our guide at https://www.guidetotennessee.com/festivals!
