McMinn County only gets more beautiful as the seasons change. Spring buds give way to long summer days, which fade into crisp fall mornings and cozy winter nights. Each season (and each month) in McMinn County, has something to offer, with events and activities for families.
In the warm months, the local parks are packed with sports tournaments, as families travel from across the region to see their kids play. Holidays and events are packed with festivities that accommodate different budgets and traditions. Here are a few annual events to look out for and build your vacation around.
Mark your calendars for the first weekend in June to celebrate MooFest, McMinn County’s dairy festival. This festival occurs in downtown Athens and features a variety of dairy-themed contests for all ages. Attendees can enjoy live music, delicious food (with plenty of cheese, ice cream, and dairy options), and local vendors.
MooFest is a must-attend event for anyone planning a visit to McMinn County
Visitors to the City of Calhoun during the summer might be lucky enough to attend the River Town Festival. In past years, there have been rubber duck races for charity, along with live music, vendors, and plenty of events for kids. Enjoy this quintessential summer festival with the wonderful residents of McMinn County.
This is another popular summer festival that has been part of McMinn County for 40 years. It continues to grow with more community members helping residents celebrate. Just a few years ago, there were more than 75 total food trucks and vendors excited to participate. Mark your calendar for late June to attend this festival.
Saturday nights are for music in Athens, Tennessee. The Sounds of Summer Music Festival features local bands on Saturday nights from June through August. Visitors can bring chairs or a blanket, and hear what’s playing in the Market Park Pavilion in downtown Athens. These free concerts pair perfectly with picnic dinners made at home or bought from local restaurants
Mark your calendars for the Best Old-Fashioned 4th Celebration in the South. Etowah puts up a beautiful 4th of July festival with music, food vendors, and (of course) fireworks. The display is right in front of the L&N Depot Museum, creating a wonderfully historic feel. There’s also plenty of space to spread out and relax while you wait for the sun to set
There’s always something fresh from the farm for visitors to buy in McMinn County. From Athens to Etowah, plan your visit around the six different farmers markets that occur regularly throughout the summer. Pick up healthy snacks for your kids or buy locally-made goods to bring up. Learn more about local farmer’s markets in McMinn County.
Visit Athens in August to attend the Battle of Athens Commemoration Festival. Talk to expert historians, enjoy guided tours where this event took place, and grab a snack from local food trucks. This event is entering its fifth year in 2025, and only grows more successful each time.
Visitors to McMinn County in September can attend the Fried Green Tomato Festival. Enjoy these delicious snacks with various sauces, pairings, and sandwich options. The mouth-watering smells from participating food trucks will greet you as you approach the grounds. This festival is usually paired with a 5k, so you can start your day with a run, and end it with live music, delicious food, and wonderful memories.
If you are planning to visit McMinn County in the fall, stop by Guthrie Farms. In addition to picking out pumpkins for Halloween, you can enjoy a corn maze, wagon rides, an animal petting barn, and super slides. This is an incredibly fun way to get your family outside while learning about farm life.
Pumpkintown has been a staple of Athens for more than two decades. It attracts 16,000 attendees annually and is one of the largest festivals in McMinn County. Enjoy the Mutt Strut by the local humane society and play Pumpkin Plinko. Enjoy local walking tours and eat various fall treats. Kids can run around safely while parents relax and welcome the cool autumn temperatures.
McMinn County knows how to ring in the holidays! There is always something to do throughout the months of November and December to celebrate Santa’s arrival, and the coming winter months. Here are a few highlights to build your calendar around:
Several holiday markets pop up around town, making it easier to do your Christmas shopping. If you want to connect with the McMinn community, meet local crafters or set up your own vendor booth.
The experts at Discover McMinn are always searching for seasonal events and activities. Find out what’s in season, to see what’s coming up, or check the events calendar for local postings and activities. These pages can help you plan your exact trip dates and build itineraries based on your interests
