May Events in Middle Tennessee

May 6 – 7, 13 – 14, 20 – 21, 27 – 28, & 29: Tennessee Renaissance Festival 

Arrington | 10 am – 6 pm
Step  back into 16th Century England as you enjoy castle tours, jousting and birds of prey shows, folk music, dancing, and much more. Also spend some time at the Renaissance Marketplace enjoying specialty food and drinks and browse for jewelry, silks, and swords displayed by over 60 Artisan dealers. Each weekend is themed, so be sure to check their website to plan your perfect outing.

May 5 – 6: Sevier Park Fest

Sevier Park & 12 South Neighborhood
Celebrating and bringing together the 12 South, Hillsboro Village, and Belmont neighborhoods, this two day festival promises a fun weekend for all guests. A ticketed event will take place Friday night from 6 – 10 pm and will feature music from the Lone Bellow, Muddy Magnolias, and Family and Friends. Events taking place on Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm are free to the public and include more music, food and craft vendors, a hot wing eating contest, a kids area, and more.

May 5 – 7: Tennessee Craft Fair

Centennial Park | Friday and Saturday 10 am – 6 pm | Sunday 10 am – 5 pm 
Hundreds of Tennessee craft artists will be on hand showcasing one of a kind pieces including jewelry, photography, furniture, wood, leather, and much more. Food vendors will be on site as well as demonstrators and a kids area with hands-on activities.

May 13: Middle Tennessee Strawberry Festival

Portland | 7 am – 10 pm
Celebrating the rich agricultural history of Portland, the Middle Tennessee Strawberry Festival offers live music, a carnival, fireworks, craft vendors, a 5k, and of course, strawberries from local farmers. Several events are taking place in the two weeks leading up to the event including a pageant, golf tournament, and more chances to hear live music and enjoy the carnival, so check out their event calendar for more details.

May 12, 19, & 26: Musician’s Corner Acoustic Friday Night

May 13, 20, & 27: Musician’s Corner Saturdays

Centennial Park | Times Vary
Featuring both up and coming and already famous artists, Musician’s Corner has become a springtime staple at Centennial Park. The free event welcomes guests of all ages as well as dogs, includes food trucks, beverage tents, Kidsville, and Dogsville, and encourages sustainability and local businesses.

May 13: Iroquois Steeplechase

Percy Warner Park | 8 am – 5:30 pm (first race at 1 pm)
Dress in your finest as you attend the 76th annual Iroquois Steeplechase. Guests will witness some of the best horses and riders in the world as they tackle the three-mile turf track of Percy Warner Park. In addition, enjoy the event’s family areas, delicious foods, and refreshing juleps, all while supporting various local nonprofits and charities.

May 18 – 20: Franklin Rodeo

AG Expo Park | 7 pm
In its 68th year, the Franklin Rodeo invites guests to come enjoy a range of events including bareback riding, roping, mutton busting, barrel racing, bull riding, and more. In addition, a parade will take place on Saturday the 13th at noon in downtown Franklin and a free party at the AG Expo will kickoff the event on Wednesday the 17th from 6 – 9 pm.

May 20: Nashville Wine and Food Festival

Bicentennial Mall | 12 – 4 pm
Mix and mingle with fellow wine and food lovers at the 4th annual Nashville Wine and Food Festival. Featuring not only wine and food, of-age guests can enjoy the festival’s beer garden, cigar lounge, and attend wine and food seminars led by top sommeliers and chefs. Guests are also given a complimentary Riedel wine glass and wine accessories to take home.

May 25-27: Music City Jazz Festival

Riverfront Park | Times Vary
Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy a weekend of enjoying smooth jazz, people-watching, food, and drinks. Picnic lunches and coolers are encouraged.