Not man things bring a community together like a good festival. Add the beauty of Tennessee’s lakeside scenery, and the experience becomes unforgettable. Over the years, I’ve planned my camping trips and lake getaways around annual events, turning an ordinary weekend into something truly memorable. Whether it’s a summer music jam by the water, a fireworks show on the Fourth of July, or a fall harvest celebration, the events and festivals near Tennessee lakes give locals and visitors a chance to enjoy music, food, art, and small-town charm while surrounded by nature.
What makes these gatherings even more enjoyable is the laid-back lakeside atmosphere. The pace slows down. People smile more. Conversations are easy, and the sunsets seem to last longer. I’ve met strangers who became friends and returned year after year to the same spot, sharing stories over fresh funnel cakes or dancing to bluegrass under the stars.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through some of my favorite events and festivals near Tennessee lakes. Each one brings something unique to the table, and no matter which season you prefer, there’s likely something happening not far from your favorite waterfront destination.
Summer Music and Fireworks at Percy Priest Lake
Percy Priest Lake near Nashville is one of the busiest lakes in Middle Tennessee, and it lights up in summer with events that attract locals and tourists alike. One of the most fun weekends I’ve had here was during the July 4th celebrations. Families lined the shore with lawn chairs, boats floated in the water just offshore, and the fireworks display reflected in the lake’s surface like a mirror.
Music festivals are common throughout the summer, and nearby venues host lakeside concerts ranging from country to rock and Americana. Many of the marinas around the lake host their own small events, often free to attend. It’s not uncommon to paddleboard out in the morning, come back to a live band setting up at the dockside bar, and enjoy an evening of music right by the water.
Reelfoot Lake Pelican Festival
Reelfoot Lake, located in northwest Tennessee, is one of the most unique lakes in the state—and the events that surround it are just as distinctive. One that stands out to me is the Reelfoot Lake Pelican Festival held in October. This celebration honors the arrival of American white pelicans during their migration south, and bird lovers from all over gather to witness the spectacle.
Guided boat tours, educational talks, arts and crafts vendors, and local food make it more than just a birdwatching event. The community around Reelfoot really comes alive, and I always enjoy chatting with the artists and photographers who exhibit here. It’s a great example of how events and festivals near Tennessee lakes celebrate both nature and culture in equal measure.
Annual Rock Island Spring Festival
Every spring, the town near Rock Island State Park hosts its own celebration to welcome the warm weather. Nestled between the Caney Fork River and Center Hill Lake, this area is one of my favorite places to unwind, and the spring festival adds an extra layer of charm. I’ve wandered through booths of handmade jewelry, watched live blacksmithing demonstrations, and snacked on cornbread straight from a cast iron skillet.
Local musicians play all day, and the riverside stage gives everything a soundtrack of flowing water and birdsong. It’s a small-town event with a big heart, and it always feels like stepping back in time in the best way possible.
Pickwick Lake Catfish Derby
At Pickwick Lake in west Tennessee, the Catfish Derby is one of the most exciting events of the year—especially if you’re a fishing enthusiast like me. I joined the derby on a whim once, not expecting much, and ended up meeting some incredible people and learning a few tricks about catfishing from seasoned locals.
The event includes prizes for different weight categories, and even if you’re not competing, the energy around the marina is contagious. There are food trucks, live music, and kids’ games that make it more than just a tournament. I love the friendly competition, the smell of grilled food in the air, and the buzz of boats launching at dawn with hopeful anglers.
Center Hill Lake’s Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree
A short drive from Center Hill Lake, the town of Smithville hosts the annual Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree and Crafts Festival every July. This is one of the biggest summer events near the lake and draws musicians and artisans from all over the Southeast. It’s part music competition, part street fair, and part cultural time capsule.
I’ve spent full days here wandering through stalls of pottery, homemade soaps, and handwoven baskets. The music is nonstop—bluegrass, folk, and old-time tunes filling the air as young and old alike compete in dance and instrument competitions. Afterward, heading back to the lake to swim or relax makes the whole day feel perfectly rounded.
Douglas Lake’s Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival
If you time your visit to Douglas Lake right in the fall, you’ll get to enjoy the Smoky Mountain Harvest Festival. While the bulk of the celebration is spread across towns like Sevierville, Dandridge, and Gatlinburg, the area around the lake also gets involved with craft fairs, pumpkin patches, and harvest-themed activities.
Last October, I camped along Douglas Lake and spent the weekend hopping from one event to the next—one minute sipping hot apple cider by a lakeside bonfire, the next minute browsing local produce and baked goods at a farmers market. The crisp air, colorful foliage, and family-friendly activities make this one of the most scenic and festive times to visit.
Tims Ford Lake’s Lynchburg Music Fest
Tims Ford Lake is close to the town of Lynchburg, home to the world-famous Jack Daniel’s Distillery, and it’s also near one of my favorite summer events: Lynchburg Music Fest. This festival blends southern rock, Americana, and country with Tennessee hospitality.
Camping near Tims Ford and attending the festival has become a tradition for me. During the day, I relax by the water, paddle around the coves, and take short hikes. In the evening, it’s all about music, food trucks, and dancing under the stars. There’s no better way to enjoy both nature and live music in one trip.
Harrison Bay’s Spring Wildflower Weekend
Harrison Bay State Park near Chickamauga Lake hosts an event in spring that’s a bit more relaxed but equally enjoyable: the Wildflower Weekend. If you’re into botany or just love photographing wildflowers like I do, this is an ideal time to visit.
Naturalists lead guided walks through blooming trails, and you’ll find clusters of birdwatchers, artists, and outdoor lovers soaking in the seasonal beauty. The event doesn’t draw massive crowds, which I appreciate, and the timing is perfect for a peaceful lakeside retreat. After walking the trails, I usually settle into a picnic spot by the water to sketch, read, or simply breathe.
Old Hickory Lake’s Jazz on the Cumberland (Nearby)
While technically hosted in downtown Nashville, the Jazz on the Cumberland concert series often draws people staying near Old Hickory Lake. I like to camp or stay at a nearby lakeside cabin, then drive in for the evening concert. It’s a short trip and well worth it.
The event takes place at Cumberland Park with sweeping views of the river and skyline, and it features some of the best jazz musicians in the region. It’s free, family-friendly, and relaxed. After the concert, I usually grab some dessert at a food stall and then head back to the lake for a quiet night under the stars.
Planning Tips for Lakeside Events
Over the years, I’ve learned that attending events and festivals near Tennessee lakes takes just a bit of planning to make the experience smooth and enjoyable. Here are some tips that always help me:
- Reserve lodging or campsites early, especially during festival weekends.
- Bring cash, since some small vendors and rural areas don’t always accept cards.
- Pack for changing weather, including rain gear or extra layers for chilly evenings.
- Check local event calendars, as some of the best festivals aren’t heavily advertised.
- Arrive early to get good parking, especially at small-town or lakeside venues.
I also try to support local businesses while I’m in town—buying from artisans, eating at diners, and chatting with people who make the festivals happen. It adds to the richness of the experience.
Why I Keep Coming Back
There’s a magic that happens when community celebration meets natural beauty. The events and festivals near Tennessee lakes offer more than entertainment—they create memories that last well beyond the weekend. Whether it’s the hum of a banjo near Center Hill Lake or the shimmer of fireworks over Percy Priest, each gathering becomes part of the rhythm of the seasons.
I’ve seen generations of families dancing, artists passing down their crafts, and newcomers discovering the joy of lakeside living for the first time. These moments remind me why I continue to explore and revisit these events each year.
For anyone planning a trip to Tennessee or looking for a unique way to experience its lakes, I can’t recommend timing your visit around one of these festivals enough. You’ll come for the music, food, or crafts—but you’ll stay for the laughter, conversations, and lakeside views that linger long after the sun sets.
Events and festivals near Tennessee lakes truly highlight the best of both worlds: the warmth of community and the serenity of nature. And once you’ve experienced that combination, you’ll find yourself planning the next one before the current weekend’s even over.