The 10 Best Small-Town Festivals Near Nashville You’ve Never Heard Of

When it comes to finding a small town festival worth visiting, you'll want to make your way down to Nashville, Tennessee. Due to its prime location in the middle of the state, Nashville has a special upper hand on low-key local festivals and tiny spots just outside of town. How many of these will you be visiting this summer?

10. Hoedown on the Harpeth

A showcase for local bluegrass, folk, and country musicians, Hoedown on the Harpeth is a two-day event every October at the Hayshed Farm in Kingston Springs. Dates are currently set for October 13th and 14th, 2017, aligned with the full moon to help the party carry late in to the night.

9. A Taste of Country USA

Every year, Springfield throws the Taste of Country USA, featuring country music, food, and fun. Bring the whole family and cheer on your favorite competitors in the Talent of Tennessee singing competition. The 2017 date is currently set for September 16th.

8. Middle Tennessee Fiber Festival

2017 marks the 10th annual Fiber Festival, which features over 50 vendors and over 40 different workshops and classes, from Beginning Lace Knitting to Spinning Angora Rabbit Fiber. This year's Festival is May 26th and 27th.

7. International FolkFest

The International FolkFest is in Murfreesboro and takes place every June. The FolkFest works to promote international cultures through the arts, with a focus on dance. The 2017 festival is June 11 to June 18.

6. Rivers and Spires Festival

The Rivers and Spires Festival is a free festival in downtown Clarksville and features vendors and music. Past headliners include Charlie Daniels, Diamond Rio, and Little Big Town. While the 2017 edition is already over, look for this Middle Tennessee staple again in April of 2018.

5. Gallatin Main Street Festival

This festival will be celebrating its 35th year in the Fall of 2017 and features more than 170 vendors, selling arts, crafts, and all kinds of foods. There are also multiple live music stages as well as an area for kids, making this the perfect family festival.

4. Watertown Music & Arts Festival

With the 2017 edition slated for Saturday, July 8th, the Watertown Music Festival is slated for its 22nd year in a row. For a day-trip, take the Tennessee Central Railway's Murder Mystery train to the festival from Nashville.

3. Tennessee Renaissance Festival

Running every weekend every May, the Tennessee Renaissance Festival takes place at a real life castle in the town of Covington Glen. Each weekend has a different theme, from Arts and Crafts weekend to Pirate Invasion Weekend. Head on down, grab a turkey leg, and enjoy the festivities!

2. Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival

This festival is kind of a big deal. The 2017 edition is September 23rd and 24th and will feature Justin Timberlake, The Avett Brothers, and Walk The Moon. Head on down to Franklin for this larger-than-life small town festival.

1. The RC Cola/Moon Pie Fest

Located in serene Bell Buckle, the RC Cola and Moon Pie Festival is a summer staple. It takes the third Saturday of every June and features a parade, vendors, and a pageant for Mr. RC Cola and Ms. Moon Pie.

What a neat thing, wouldn't you say?

Psst: did you know that A Drive Down Tennessee’s Loneliest Road Will Take You Miles And Miles Away From It All?