Take a Peek at What’s on in Tennessee
As spring wildflowers bloom, the magic of the outdoors beckon. Among the many destinations offering something exciting for groups to discover out in nature is Tennessee, a treasure trove of happenings and openings groups won’t want to miss out on.
WHAT’S NEW
Statewide: Have your whiskey and eat it too. The Tennessee Whiskey Trail recently debuted the Cork to Fork Culinary Trail, pairing distilleries with local restaurants to create spirit-infused, chef-driven dishes like maple bread pudding and smoked old-fashioned bone-in pork loin. Register for a Cork to Fork digital passport to find your perfect pairing.
Gatlinburg: Anakeesta’s Mountaintop Adventure Park debuts an immersive Firefly Experience, inspired by the Synchronous Fireflies and the new Crystal Express, a 56-glass gondola experiences offering panoramic views of the mountains, as part of its Making More Magic expansion.
Photo courtesy of Julian Harper.
Pigeon Forge: NightFlight Expedition takes flight spring 2026 at Dollywood’s Wildwood Grove. Adventurers will fly through the Smokies, conquer raging rapids, climb mountain peaks and glide across a shimmering lake on this thrilling first-of-its-kind ride.
Knoxville: Muralists go head-to-head in a live painting competition during the new KnoxWalls Murals & Music Festival May 30 around Emory Place. Festgoers can watch the art unfold, enjoy performances by local & regional musicians and shop from local businesses and crafters.
Chattanooga: Ruby Falls has a new Junior Caver Tour. In this guided cave adventure, families see incredible ancient formations on the way to the waterfall, explore cave geology, learn why caves form and why conservation matters. Each child earns a badge and take-home activity sheet.
Photo courtesy of Tennessee Tourism.
Nashville: Lost & Found, a new community space and outdoor hangout in East Nashville, features an open-air bar, wine shop, shopping, and rotating food trucks including The Pepper Pot.
Also, opening June 2026, the Songteller Hotel will celebrate the life and legacy of Dolly Parton with Dolly’s Life of Many Colors museum, rooftop bar, live entertainment, and immersive storytelling elements inspired by Dolly's songs and journey.
Don’t forget 2026 sees Frist Art Museum celebrate 25 years. Housed in a beautifully preserved Art Deco former post office, the museum brings world-class rotating exhibitions from around the globe to Nashville to enrich the city’s vibrant and dynamic arts scene.
Photo courtesy of Dogwood Arts.
Memphis: The National Civil Rights Museum’s Legacy Experience opens May 16. Five immersive thematic galleries explore poverty, education, housing, gender equity and nonviolence, weaving together history and urgent questions of today. New outdoor spaces also feature reflection areas. This landmark expansion also marks the museum’s 35th anniversary.
Another notable anniversary, groups can celebrate 50 years of beauty at Dixon Gallery and Gardens with Tulips & Spring Color at the Dixon, the largest spring bulb display in the museum’s history! Over 500,000 bulbs including tulips, daffodils and anemones will cover the grounds in a breathtaking explosion of color.
Clarksville: The Tennessee Wings of Liberty Museum opens May 16 and will be the second largest museum in the nation’s Army-museum enterprise. Exhibits and artifacts will represent and honor the legacy of service members.'
Photo courtesy of Tennessee Tourism.
Jackson: The new Hyatt Place offers 127 stylish guest rooms, a restaurant, fitness center, and pool, located just minutes from downtown. Guests and locals can also enjoy classic Italian cuisine at Vicari, a warm and inviting restaurant on the hotel’s first floor.
Oneida: Stay, celebrate and relax at Timber Rock Lodge, a boutique hotel, spa and event venue near Big South Fork with mountain views, scenic trails and outdoor adventure.
More inspiration can be found at tnvacation.com.
Courtesy of Groups Today.
Main photo courtesy of Tennessee Tourism.
