Cookeville, TN & Upper Cumberland
Upcoming Events
Festivals, concerts, farmers markets, and community events in Cookeville and the Upper Cumberland.
TN Banana Festival 2026
The Tennessee Banana Festival brings a day of banana-themed fun to the Putnam County Fairgrounds - banana eating contests, live music, carnival rides, local vendors, a free petting zoo, and bounce house. A uniquely Cookeville summer tradition.
Red White & BOOM
Cookeville's signature Independence Day celebration culminates in Tennessee's 2nd largest fireworks display on the 4th of July. The 2026 edition marks America's 250th birthday and debuts at the new Putnam County Fairgrounds on Tennessee Ave, with a Star-Spangled Concert followed by the fireworks spectacular.
First Friday Arts - July
Art Round Tennessee's monthly First Friday event brings the arts to Cookeville's Historic Westside. Stroll from gallery to gallery, meet local artists, shop original work, and enjoy live music at stops including Edison Hills, Glass Tangerine, Plenty Bookshop, and more. Suggested $5 donation.
Downtown History Hike
Explore downtown Cookeville's history with a guided "hike" between the Cookeville Depot Museum and the Cookeville History Museum on Broad Street. Held the second Saturday of each month, April through October, from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Free and open to all ages.
Third Thursday Concert Series - July
Part of the city's free Third Thursday Concert Series at the Dogwood Performance Pavilion, May through August. A different band and music genre is showcased each month. The concert begins at 7:30 PM. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy a relaxed evening of music in the park.
Putnam County Fair
The annual Putnam County Fair returns for a full week of carnival rides, livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, beauty pageants, a rodeo, and nightly entertainment on the main stage. One of the Upper Cumberland's longest-running summer traditions at the Putnam County Fairgrounds.
First Friday Arts - August
Art Round Tennessee's monthly First Friday event brings the arts to Cookeville's Historic Westside. Stroll from gallery to gallery, meet local artists, shop original work, and enjoy live music at stops including Edison Hills, Glass Tangerine, Plenty Bookshop, and more. Suggested $5 donation.
Downtown History Hike
Explore downtown Cookeville's history with a guided "hike" between the Cookeville Depot Museum and the Cookeville History Museum on Broad Street. Held the second Saturday of each month, April through October, from 10:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Free and open to all ages.
Big Band Sound Orchestra - August
A free evening of swing and big band standards from the Big Band Sound Orchestra at Dogwood Park, presented by the city Leisure Services and Cultural Arts Division. Music begins at 7:30 PM. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the show.
School of Dance Open House
An open house for the city School of Dance at the Cane Creek Recreation Center, with classes offered in ballet, jazz, tap, and modern dance for ages 3 and up. Drop in from 5 to 6 PM to meet instructors and learn about the fall session.
Third Thursday Concert Series - August
The season finale of the city's free Third Thursday Concert Series at the Dogwood Performance Pavilion. A different band and music genre is showcased each month, May through August. The concert begins at 7:30 PM. Bring a chair or blanket and enjoy a relaxed evening of music in the park.
First Friday Arts - September
Art Round Tennessee's monthly First Friday event brings the arts to Cookeville's Historic Westside. Stroll from gallery to gallery, meet local artists, shop original work, and enjoy live music at stops including Edison Hills, Glass Tangerine, Plenty Bookshop, and more. Suggested $5 donation.
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