The Best Festivals and Fairs in Tennessee this Fall

There’s Venice, Cannes and Toronto – and then there’s Unreal. Far removed from its mainstream counterparts, this annual Memphis film festival celebrates the genres of Horror, Sci-fi and Fantasy, with several days of screenings. There’s also a prestigious awards ceremony, in which both short and feature length films from all over the world compete for a host of prizes. Founded in 2011, the festival has grown significantly in size, evidenced by the large crowds of movie fans who visit each year. If you’re in town this September, you might wish to consider joining them. (Photo: Unreal Film Fest)

The 26th annual Oktoberfest, Tennessee’s answer to the famous Bavarian beer festival over the pond in Germany, will take place high atop the Cumberland Plateau. Here, visitors are invited to come and enjoy an array of entertainment, much of which will have a strong German flavor. There’ll be oompah music from three German/Polka bands at the Knights of Columbus, while guests can also enjoy a taste of authentic German food including bratwurst, weisswurst, knackwurst, pork schnitzel, kasseler rippchen, sauerkraut and spaetzle, while those with a sweet tooth will doubtless gravitate towards the German chocolate cake and cheesecake. But taking centre stage will of course be the booze, with a huge range of both imported and domestic beverages in ample supply. Admission tickets are $7.50 at the gate while advance tickets are $6.00. (Photo: Crossville Ocktoberfest)

The South has a proud history of literature that not only dates back hundreds of years, but has a knack of getting to the heart of American identity. In particular, Tennessee boasts several Pulitzer Prize winners, and has also made an impression on legendary authors like Tennessee Williams. To showcase the best in new literature coming out of this hotbed of literary talent, Literacy Mid-South is once again holding its Mid-South Book Festival. There will be discussions and presentations from over 75 authors, with an accompanying literary themed street-fair aimed at getting the whole family excited about reading. (Photo: Mid-South Book Festival)

The State Fair is a Tennessee institution. The fair has run for over 150 years and continues to exist for the same reasons it did when it began: family fun, education and state pride. Practically, what that means is that it holds events like the apple pie judging competition and, perhaps most importantly, both thrilling and kid-friendly rides. The State Fair runs from the afternoon to late into the night, so festival-goers will have a chance to experience as many of the rides as they can handle, as well as each night’s musical entertainment. (Photo: Tennessee State Fair)

Authenticity is something that is of particular importance to Blues music and to be considered a Memphis Blues musician is something that carries great weight. The honours roll-call of Memphis bluesman is long and includes distinguished artists including Howlin’ Wolf to B.B. King and Mississippi John Hurt. So, there’s a good reason why the Bona Fide Blues Festival has that name: all the acts are bluesmen and women working within a 100-mile radius of Memphis, without exception. The festival is the passion project of the Memphis Blues Society, whose main purpose is to support Memphis Blues music. The two-day festival will feature over 40 acts on one stage. (Photo: The Bona Fide Blues Festival)

Like in many other cities across the world, there have been more and more craft breweries popping up across the city of Nashville in recent years. So, to show off the best in local Nashville and Tennessee beer, the city has held the Beer Festival for the last five years. This year there will be over 100 beers to sample, which is sure to cater to every beer lover’s tastes. As well as a whole lot of beer (as well as wine), the festival has food stalls and games to entertain kids and adults alike. Taking place in the venue known as Musicians Hall of Fame, the festival will run from 3pm to 8pm. (Photo: Nashville Beer Festival)

Africa is a continent filled with rich and diverse cultures, often misunderstood or unknown by the Western world. The African Heritage Festival is therefore designed to be a fun and interactive way for people to learn about Africa, and potentially, their African heritage. Set-up as a charitable event to help those facing extreme poverty, the festival features a range of educational workshops and performances. If previous years are anything to go by, there will be lots of colourful costumes, dancing and African music to entertain both young and old from 1pm to 7pm. (Photo: African Heritage Festival)

If you’re going to visit a music festival anywhere in the world, there are few locations that can match Memphis for history and resonance. The Memphis Music & Heritage Festival proves this very point with its magical celebration of the musical, artistic and cultural legacy of the Memphis area. Taking place at the city’s Center for Southern Folklore, the two-day event showcases eclectic performances by musicians, dancers, poets, artists, speakers and more, spanning numerous genres. The action takes place across several stages, and there’s also an array of workshops and stalls for visitors to enjoy. When it comes to immersing yourself in one of the world’s great cradles of artistic talent, it doesn’t get any better than this. (Photo: 2016 Center for Southern Folklore Archives)

RiverArtsFest returns to the Historic South Main Arts District for its 10th year this October. Approximately 40,000 people attend each year, making it the largest fine arts festival in the Mid-South. The Artist Market features more than 170 juried fine artists from across the country, and three musical stages hosts a wide variety of acts by known regional artists, along with spirited street performers. Artist in Motion stations demonstrate painting, glass fusing, papermaking and more, and Hands on Art is a creativity station for all ages. Food and beverages and local shops and galleries complete the festival atmosphere. (Photo: RiverArtsFest)

Yet another Memphis institution that pays tribute to the city’s rich and vibrant musical history, the Moon River Festival is a hugely popular celebration featuring some of the region’s – and country’s – finest folk rock and Americana musicians. In fact, it’s so popular that 2016 will see the festival move from a one-day event to a two-day extravaganza, along with a change of date from Summer to Fall to avoid the oppressive heat and allow revellers to enjoy the festivities in a more refreshing climate. Speaking of refreshing, there’ll be plenty of beverage purveyors on hand to keep you well-oiled as well as food vendors serving up traditional Memphis dishes. (Photo: Moon River Festival)

The Italian Food & Lights Festival is a celebration of everything that Tennessee’s sizeable Italian community has to offer. Over the three-day festival, guests will be able to experience the best of Italian food, arts, culture and, of course, wine. With a musical celebration of Frank Sinatra on the Friday night, a grape stomping competition, a bocce ball tournament and a meatball eating competition, visitors won’t be stuck for things to see and do. There’s also a kids area to ensure that the young ones don’t miss out on finding out how the boot-shaped Mediterranean country has contributed to American culture. (Photo: Italian Lights Festival)

A festival in Memphis wouldn’t be complete without the accompaniment of great music, and,for that reason those who attend the Memphis Food and Wine Festival will be treated to homegrown Memphis blues as they sample the best of the city’s food and wine. The festival has been created to showcase the best chefs that Memphis has to offer, via a series of food stalls. The festival will also feature offerings from the city’s best sommeliers, vintners and wine enthusiasts. The festival takes place against the relaxing backdrop of Memphis Botanical Gardens and runs from 6pm-10pm. (Photo: Memphis Food and Wine Festival)