Cheekwood Estate & Gardens is inviting the community to celebrate art, music and summer traditions during a four-day festival marking America’s 250th anniversary.
The Cheekwood Community Celebration: Arts and Music in America is set for June 4–7 and returns for its second year with an expanded lineup of live performances, visual art, and family-friendly activities across the estate’s gardens and historic grounds.
The festival blends music inspired by Tennessee’s rich cultural heritage: from Memphis blues to Nashville country and the bluegrass traditions of the Great Smoky Mountains—with interactive experiences designed for visitors of all ages.
Guests will also have the opportunity to explore ‘America the Beautiful: National Parks and Landmarks by Rail,’ the largest model train exhibition ever presented at Cheekwood, running from May 2 through September 6.
Inside the mansion and museum, visitors can view American art exhibitions including An American Story: Paintings from The Parthenon’s Cowan Collection and Common Ground: The Hainsworth Collection in Conversation with Cheekwood’s Permanent Collection.
Throughout the weekend, attendees can enjoy food trucks, specialty cocktails, hands-on art activities and a passport-style scavenger hunt, creating a mix of entertainment and cultural exploration.
The event opens Thursday evening with a special kickoff edition of Thursday Night Out, featuring a performance by Timbo and Lonesome Country. Daily programming continues Friday through Sunday with live music on the Arboretum Lawn Stage, along with daytime activities and evening performances each night.
Featured performers throughout the weekend include Derek Pell, the Rische Family Band, Todd Day Wait, Nathan Belt and Ping Rose, showcasing a range of Americana, bluegrass, country and blues sounds.
Festival organizers say the event is designed to bring people together through shared experiences rooted in American culture and creativity.
Tickets are available through Cheekwood’s website, with member pre-sale beginning May 5 and general public sales opening May 12. Members receive free daytime admission and discounted evening event tickets, while general admission daytime tickets are offered at half price.
All guests are required to reserve timed-entry tickets in advance.
