Birds (and songwriters) are singing, daffodils are blooming (especially in Bell Buckle), Elvis will be in the building(s), and anyone can be Irish for the day. Enjoy it all at area festivals this month. Any or all of them is a great excuse to get out of the house and enjoy spring in Middle Tennessee!

COUNTY SUMNER IRISH FESTIVAL

Image:  VisitSumnerTN.com

March 11, 2023, 10 am – 3 pm, Castalian Springs, TN

Live Irish music is sure to have you dancing and toe-tapping, but there’s more: The event also includes guided hikes, storytelling, craft beer from Half Batch Brewing, historic house tours, kids’ activities, and food from a variety of vendors. Wear your favorite Irish-themed attire and enter the costume contest—pets included!—and you might just win a prize. The event is held at Bledsoe’s Fort Historical Park, home to an authentic Irish cottage from the late 1790’s. Details here.

BELL BUCKLE’S DAFFODIL DAY & BBQ COOK-OFF!

Image: Yoksel Zoch on Unsplash

Saturday, March 18, 2023 10:00 am – 4:00 pm in Bell Buckle, TN.

Every march, Bell Buckle bursts into full bloom with miles of daffodils, and marks the arrival of spring by inviting everyone to come enjoy a day full of fun, family-friendly activities. Be sure to stick around and help decide who “has the best butt in Bell Buckle” at the BBQ cookoff. The only thing better than the smell of BBQ is getting to sample all the entries. Find out more.

TIN PAN SOUTH SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL

Image:  Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival Facebook

March 28 – April 1, 2023, Nashville, TN.

Now in its 31st year, the largest songwriter’s festival in the world brings hundreds of songwriters—both rising stars and legends in their prime—to Music City. Showcasing a variety of genres, the event is spread across Nashville in many popular venues. Each venue will host numerous rounds throughout the week, showcasing hundreds of songwriters from Nashville and beyond. Week-long passes and tickets to individual events are available. Learn more here.

NASHVILLE ELVIS FESTIVAL

Image:  Nashville Elvis Festival

March 30 – April 2, 2023 at The Factory at Franklin, TN.

Join fans from around the world for the 7th annual Nashville Elvis Festival and celebrate the music and legacy of Elvis Presley. It’s a whole weekend of live music performances, celebrity appearances, an Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist competition and more!  This year’s event features 20 of the top Elvis Tribute Artists from around the world competing in the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest plus headliners and special guests, including World Champion Ted Torres (pictured above). Buy tickets here, thank you…thank you very much.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: COMING IN APRIL

The festival fun continues next month! Check out these April events:

April 01:  Franklin Whisky Warmer. Designed for whiskey aficionados and newcomers alike. Enjoy a live bluegrass concert playing throughout the night, local food trucks, photo booth, cigar lounge and more! Tickets and information here.

April 15:  Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival. A full day of music, dance, martial arts, a roving Japanese Candyman, Cosplay Contest, “Taste of Japan” and much more. Find out more.

April 22-23:  Main Street Festival, Franklin. eclectic arts and crafts vendors, superb entertainment, great food & drink, and fun for the entire family right in the heart of historic downtown Franklin. Get details.

April 29:  Water Lantern Festival, Nashville. Enjoy food trucks, music and fun, then design your own lantern and launch it. Experience the magic as the lights of thousands of lanterns reflect upon the water. Information here.