InUSA Calendar of Annual Events

APRIL

Polk County Ramp Festival, near Benton, is a tribute to the ramp, a wild onion-like plant which grows only in the Appalachian Mtns. Contests and feast of the ramps are held deep in the Cherokee National Forest, 423-338-4504.

MAY

Bessie Smith Traditional Jazz Festival in Chattanooga presents nationally acclaimed jazz bands, 423-266-0944.
Tennessee Strawberry Festival in Dayton has something for everyone, such as a Strawberry Ball, children's fair, 50s Be Bop Hop, parade, beauty contests, sporting events, senior events, World's Longest Strawberry Shortcake, antique cars and motorcycles, quilt show, storytelling, carnival, fishing tournament, music and more, 423-775-0361.

JUNE

Riverbend Festival in Chattanooga presents the arts, sporting events, children's activities, and musical events, 423-756-8687.

SEPTEMBER

African American Cultural Festival in Chattanooga showcases local dancers, choral, gospel and jazz music, poets and writers. Marketplace with clothing, food, jewelry, crafts, drama and other special attractions, 423-267-1076.

OCTOBER

Bethel Country Fair and Festival in Hixson celebrates autumn with plenty of arts and crafts, door prizes, entertainment, children's hayrides and games, 423-842-5757.
Folk Festival in Chattanooga is the country's oldest multi-ethnic festival of traditional folk culture, 423-756-2787.
Autumn Gold Festival in Coker Creek honors America's 1st gold strike with gold panning, turkey shoot, wagon rides, music, and over 100 arts and crafts exhibitors, 423-261-2242.
Fall Color Cruise and Folk Festival in Chattanooga is one of the largest boating events in the South, a major arts and crafts show, and a large folk festival. Come and enjoy the fall foliage by car, bus or the Southern Belle Riverboat, 423-756-8687.
Jack Daniel's Barbecue in Lynchburg is where 30 championship barbecue teams compete for a $13,000 purse in a family-oriented county fair atmosphere with arts and crafts, live music, games, tractor pull and more, 615-327-1551.

DECEMBER

Christmas on the River celebrates the season with the splendid colors of decorated boats as they cruise by Ross's Landing, Christmas carols performed by area groups, and a spectacular fireworks show, 423-756-2121.