May 21st - May 28th, 2026

May 21, 2026

Cookeville’s kicking off summer mode a little early ☀️🎶

Live music’s filling the parks, festivals are popping up everywhere, and families have plenty to keep the weekend busy. Good food, hometown talent, spring sunsets, and a few excuses to stay out past bedtime, it’s looking like a fun one around the Upper Cumberland. 🌸🎡✨

Food Around the World Dinner – Spain
Friday, May 22nd | 6 PM - 8 PM | $67
50 W Broad Street, Cookeville

A cozy evening built around Spanish flavors, good conversation, and sharing a meal together. Feels a little like traveling without leaving town.

Element 44 Neil Pritchard Memorial ATV EDT National
Saturday, May 23rd | 7:30 AM | Varies
254 Genetta Ln, Sparta

Fast turns, flying dirt, and serious ATV action all weekend long. Riders from across the country are heading to Sparta for one of the most exciting race weekends of the season.

27th Annual Heritage Day
Saturday, May 23rd | 9 AM - 5 PM | FREE
169 Clover St, Granville

Granville turns into a living history book for the day: music, tractors, storytelling, bluegrass, old-fashioned crafts, and plenty of small-town charm around every corner.

Arts & Craft Festival
Saturday, May 23rd | 10 AM- 4 PM | FREE
Putnam County Fairgrounds, Cookeville

A fun local festival packed with handmade goods, kids’ activities, games, and creative vendors. Feels like one of those easygoing community days where you end up staying longer than expected.

FOR LITTLE BEES:

Teen Video Game Tournament: Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Friday, May 2nd | 4 PM - 5:30 PM | FREE
Putnam County Library, Cookeville

Plenty of friendly competition. A solid afternoon for gamers ready to test their skills on the big screen.

Spring Farm Adventure & Baby Animals
Saturday, May 23rd | 10 AM - 3 PM | $13
McCulleys Amazin' Acres, Sparta

Baby animals, spring drinks, and nonstop farm fun make this one hard to beat for families. Expect muddy shoes, lots of laughs, and very happy kids.

The Buzzworthy Lineup

Third Thursday Live at Dogwood Park: Kentucky Just Us
Thursday, May 21st | 7:30 PM | FREE
Dogwood Park, Cookeville

Bluegrass, folk, and country under the evening sky at Dogwood Park. Bring a lawn chair and settle in for one of Cookeville’s favorite summer traditions.

Jake Hoot – Trackside Summer Kickoff
Thusday, May 28th | 6 PM - 8 PM | FREE
Trackside, Cookeville

Big hometown energy, live music, food trucks, and a crowd ready for summer. One of those nights downtown that’ll probably have everyone talking afterward.

Livingston Dance Recital
Thursday, May 28th | 6 PM | $15
Cookeville Performing Arts Center, Cookeville

A sweet evening celebrating months of hard work from local dancers. Plenty of performances that always get the crowd cheering.

Have a great week,
The Cookeville Buzz 🐝