Events & Experiences
Monthly barn dances, jam sessions, workshops, and the Little River Music Festival
Every 3rd Saturday at Country Manor Acres, Townsend, Tennessee
Old Time Barn Dance
at Country Manor Acres
A monthly celebration of live Appalachian music featuring local and regional artists, food vendors, craft beer and beverages, artisan makers, and family-friendly activities in the beautiful setting of Country Manor Acres. Come for the music, stay for the food, enjoy the community.
Monthly Event Schedule
Every barn dance follows this format — different featured artist and theme each month
5:00 - 6:00 PM
Gates Open & Opening Act
- Doors open, guests arrive and explore
- Local opening artist performs (acoustic set)
- Food vendors open for early dinner
- Craft beer and beverage service begins
- Artisan vendor market open
- Kids' activity area operational
6:00 - 7:30 PM
Featured Artist Set 1
- Headlining bluegrass/Americana/roots artist
- Professional sound and lighting
- Lawn chairs and blankets welcome
- Food and beverage service continues
7:30 - 8:00 PM
Vendor & Social Time
- Browse artisan market (handmade crafts, local goods)
- Enjoy food from multiple vendors
- Kids' activities continue
- Informal jam sessions in designated area
- Artist merchandise available
8:00 - 9:30 PM
Featured Artist Set 2
- Headlining artist returns
- Special songs, audience interaction
- Dancing encouraged (but optional!)
- Occasional square dance segment with instruction
9:30 - 10:00 PM
Closing Jam Session
- Open stage for local musicians
- Featured artist may join
- Community finale
- Guests depart
BYOI Encouraged!
Bring Your Own Instrument for the jam sessions. All skill levels welcome. The closing jam is one of the best parts of the evening.
What to Expect at the Barn Dance
Live Music
- Professional bluegrass, Americana, old-time, and roots artists
- Different headliner every month
- Local opening acts showcasing regional talent
- Multiple genres: traditional bluegrass, newgrass, folk, mountain music
- Optional jam sessions for musicians (BYOI)
Food & Beverage
- Rotating food vendors each month — BBQ, wood-fired pizza, tacos, southern comfort food
- Craft beer from local breweries
- Wine, local cider, and specialty drinks
- Dessert trucks — ice cream, funnel cakes, local baked goods
- Soft drinks, lemonade, sweet tea, and coffee bar
Artisan Vendor Market
- 10-15 local vendors each month
- Handmade jewelry and accessories
- Local art, photography, and pottery
- Woodworking, candles, and soaps
- Appalachian crafts and vintage finds
- Artist merchandise (CDs, vinyl, posters)
Family Activities
- Face painting
- Instrument petting zoo — try banjo, fiddle, guitar!
- Arts and crafts station
- Lawn games (cornhole, giant Jenga, horseshoes)
- Coloring books with Appalachian themes
Optional Dancing
- Dancing is encouraged but never required!
- Open dance floor area
- Some months feature a 15-20 min square dance segment with instruction
- Mostly freeform — dance however you like
- No pressure, all skill levels welcome
The Venue
- Beautiful outdoor/indoor space at Country Manor Acres
- Mountain views
- Professional stage and sound system
- Ample free parking
- Covered areas for weather protection
- String lighting and ambiance
- Bring lawn chairs and blankets!
Ticket Pricing
Free parking. Free admission for kids 5 and under.
$15 advance / $20 at gate
Free for kids 5 and under
2 adults + up to 4 kids
- Early entry (4:30 PM)
- Reserved seating area
- Complimentary beverage ticket
- Meet & greet with artist
- VIP parking
Best value! 10 events for the price of 8.
- Admit one adult to 10 barn dance festivals
- Transferable — share with friends and family
- Skip the line entry
- Exclusive season pass holder perks
2026 Monthly Themes
Every month brings a different theme, featured artist, and food experience
Foundation launch celebration with raffle prizes and the first-ever Old Time Barn Dance.
Love songs and ballads from the mountains. Date night packages with local restaurants.
Celebrate spring in the Smokies with lively music and dancing.
Peak bloom season meets mountain music. Traditional clawhammer banjo and old-time tunes.
A showcase of the Nashville-Appalachian connection featuring a touring artist.
Longest day of the year celebration with extended hours and a sunset performance.
Classic American music for the whole family under the stars.
Stories and songs from the mountains as summer winds down.
Sacred and secular mountain music under the harvest moon.
A showcase of the best regional talent with autumn festivities.
Native American Heritage Month — honoring Cherokee musical traditions with special cultural programming.
Mountain-style holiday cheer with bluegrass carols and seasonal favorites.
Little River Music Festival
"Where the Mountains Meet the Music"
An intimate, non-commercialized celebration of authentic Appalachian musical heritage. Unlike massive festivals or tourist-trap experiences, the Little River Music Festival honors the region's cultural traditions while showcasing both legendary artists and emerging talent.
Main Stage
Heritage Headliners — Billy Strings, Tyler Childers tier acts. Evening performances.
Little River Stage
Emerging artists, Compass Records showcase, regional touring acts.
Barn Stage
Traditional old-time musicians, instrument workshops, intimate performances.
Cherokee Heritage Tent
Indigenous cultural programming, Cherokee artists, educational exhibits.
Oral History Tent
Recording booth, storytelling sessions, listening library.
Kids' Area
Instrument petting zoo, music games, family jam sessions, arts & crafts.
Vendor & Partnership Opportunities
We're seeking quality food, beverage, and artisan vendors for our monthly events
Food & Beverage Vendors
- Exposure to a growing audience of music-loving attendees
- Family demographic — parents, grandparents, kids
- 5-hour event window
- Exclusive category protection (only 1 BBQ vendor, 1 pizza vendor, etc.)
- Social media promotion to our audience
- Listed on event website and marketing materials
- Opportunity for 12-month recurring bookings
Categories needed: BBQ, gourmet burgers, wood-fired pizza, tacos, southern comfort food, vegetarian/vegan, desserts, craft beer, wine, cider, coffee bar.
Artisan Vendors
- 10-15 vendor spaces available each month
- Perfect for handmade crafts, local art, and Appalachian goods
- Engaged, art-loving customer base
- Indoor and outdoor display options
- Cross-promotion on social media and email list
Categories welcome: Jewelry, pottery, woodworking, candles & soaps, photography, painting, textile arts, vintage finds, Appalachian folk crafts.
Interested in becoming a vendor?
Apply to Be a VendorQuestions About Events?
Reach out to learn more about our programming, vendor opportunities, or how to get involved.
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