Clarksville’s stellar list of travel-worthy events for 2022 is in full swing. Throughout the year, Clarksville hosts a variety of community events and attractions that are both cost-effective and family-friendly. As the city continues to grow as a travel destination, the area makes large strides to ensure that those local and visiting are able to experience Clarksville’s diverse annual lineup. Mentioned below are some of the areas’ top “must-do” events in 2022.
Chocolate Affair
Visitors can dive into the magic of tantalizing desserts, at this year’s Chocolate Affair. Chocolate Affair takes place the first Saturday in February each year at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center. Local vendors come together for a friendly competition, where they will be judged based on taste, presentation, and creative use of chocolate.
Downtown Market
America’s top outdoor market will return for another year, starting in May. Clarksville’s downtown market is a weekly open-air gathering where visitors can experience Clarksville’s freshest produce and baked goods. The market typically runs 8 am-noon depending on the weather. Those attending can expect a variety of local vendors, food trucks, and live music. This is a family and pet-friendly event that brings hundreds to Public Square each Saturday. Wander the large outdoor space to find handcrafted jewelry, pottery, wood creations, and more.
Vintage Fair
This May, Beachaven Winery will host Clarksville’s Vintage Fair. Spend the day exploring antiques, upcycled furniture, local and handmade goods, and more. While at the fair, take advantage of Beachaven’s wine options and local food vendors. Admission is $5 for adults and is free for kids 16 and under.
Summer Music Possibilities
From May through October, Clarksville’s music scene comes to life. Visitors and locals can expect to hear every genre of music live under the stars. For those interested in these events, make sure to mark Downtown @ Sundown, Summer Music at Beachaven, and Friday Night Live at Old Glory Distillery on your calendars.
Independence Day Celebration
Each year, the City of Clarksville hosts an unforgettable Independence Day celebration. On July 3 thousands gather at Liberty Park to celebrate and honor the nation’s history. This patriotic occasion includes live music, local food, plus many family-friendly activities. The event takes place from 5:00 pm – 9:30 pm with an awe-inspiring firework show highlighting the occasion at about 9:15 pm. The Independence Day celebration is a summer highlight in the region and provides a spectacular firework display over the Cumberland River.
Riverfest
Riverfest is a weekend-long event filled full of community and concerts. From local bands to nationwide acts, Clarksville knows how to throw a party. This event brings more than 30,000 people to the Cumberland River shoreline, for music, art, local vendors, food, and much more.
Welcome Home Veterans
An event that Clarksville holds a dear to its heart is that of the Welcome Home Veterans Celebration. This five-day celebration is all about creating an environment for our country’s heroes, as they spend time together. The event honors and pays homage to the brave men and women within our community and across this nation with activities throughout the week. This year’s celebration will be headlined with the Veterans Day Parade as well as an intimate evening with Grammy Award-Winning artist Lee Greenwood.
Octoberfest
Clarksville has no shortage of breweries. These artisan shops help create Clarksville’s identity. That is why during the month of October, those traveling can expect to find a local event that features their crafty brews. Many of these businesses highlight their artistry with various celebrations. Stay on the lookout for upcoming dates, times, and information on how you can be a part of all that is going on in the area.
Handmade Holiday Craft Fair
Craft fairs, Christmas lights, and hot cocoa are all specialties of Clarksville around the holiday season. Kicking things off the right way is Clarksville’s Handmade Holidays Craft Fair. This fair is a collection of more than 50 local vendors, artists, designers, and crafters. The event takes place around the second weekend in November, so it is the perfect destination to kick off the season.
Christmas on the Cumberland
No one does Christmas like Clarksville. A Clarksville Christmas is a Hallmark-worthy experience. When the fall rolls around, Clarksville turns up the lights. Or rather, turns them on. This is the time of year when all of Clarksville glows. From the riverwalk, through the streets of downtown, you can experience the joy of Christmas throughout the city. Clarksville’s Christmas on the Cumberland is an event of high anticipation each year. Experience millions of dazzling lights, that span a half-mile of McGregor Park’s Riverwalk.
Drive-Thru Christmas Lights
Load up the car and head to the Clarksville Speedway. Each year their one-mile track is transformed into a magical drive-thru display complete with Christmas music and dazzling lights. Family and friends can enjoy the magic of this event all from the warmth of their own car.
The events listed above are some of Clarksville’s top travel-worthy events. Throughout the year, Clarksville is home to many other travel-worthy attractions and outdoor recreation options. To stay up to date on the latest travel options or to plan your next vacation to Clarksville visit www.visitclarksvilletn.com or download the VisitClarksvilleTN app.
Header Photo: David Smith
About Visit Clarksville
The Clarksville-Montgomery County Tourism Commission was established by the State of Tennessee in 1979 to positively influence tourism in the Clarksville-Montgomery County area by promoting tourist attractions, hosting conventions and group tours, and engaging in large-scale marketing efforts. In 2015, the organization adopted the Visit Clarksville brand. Visit Clarksville is governed by a nine-member board of directors and is funded by a portion of the local hotel-motel tax.
###