Long days, hot weather and no school…
These things can have only one meaning – it's summertime in Hendersonville.
Fortunately, there are plenty of fun activities happening all summer long across the city to keep boredom at bay. From outdoor concerts to fireworks to hot air balloons, Hendersonville locals are sure to find plenty of fun things to do to make this summer the best ever for you and your family.
This month, your Hendersonville Lifestyle team takes a look at three of the major events that will be happening across the city that need to be on everyone’s “must do” list.
Freedom Festival – July 3, 2023 – 5:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m.
Drakes Creek Park
The Hendersonville Freedom Festival is held annually on July 3 at Drakes Creek Park. Attracting thousands of visitors each year, the event is one of the largest and most popular activities held in the city thanks to the generosity of the Hendersonville Area Chamber of Commerce, the Hendersonville Parks & Recreation Department and multiple sponsors.
Each year, the Freedom Festival features a family-friendly environment that offers an evening filled with music, food and fun, topped off by one of the Midstate’s best fireworks shows.
Visitors are treated to a variety of musical performances from area entertainers who set the tempo from the festival’s main stage. In addition, the celebration also includes “Hendersonville’s Got Talent”, a competition in which local performers vie for a cash prize and an opportunity to further their performing careers.
All proceeds from the event go to the Hendersonville Chamber Foundation, which uses the revenue to fund grants for area teachers.
Admission to Freedom Festival is free.
Rock Castle Songwriters Night Series – July 15 and August 12, 2023 – 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
Rock Castle State Historic Site
There is a reason that Rock Castle State Historic Site has been voted the Best Outdoor Music Venue and Best Historic Site in Sumner County. No other location combines the beauty of a historic residence with some of the best music around.
The Rock Castle Songwriters Night series consists of monthly concerts featuring established and up-and-coming performers and songwriters. The musical genre is varied, including country, rock, folk, bluegrass and blues, and the slate of performers is always changing.
During each event, there are numerous food and drink vendors on hand to keep guests refreshed with their favorite foods, frozen treats and adult libations. There is also a large play area filled with multiple inflatables and games to keep younger visitors entertained.
Admission to each Songwriters Night concert is only $10 for adults, with children under 16 admitted free.
SumnerFest – August 5, 2023 – 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.
Sanders Ferry Park
The SumnerFest celebration is held each year at Sanders Ferry Park in Hendersonville. Hosted by the Hendersonville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Hendersonville Department of Parks and Recreation, Sumner Fest features an evening filled with music, food, drink and fun.
The highlight of the festival is the presence of multiple hot air balloons, with some of them offering tethered rides to festival goers. Other balloons remain on the ground to entertain the crowd with an after dark “glow” show. Other balloons may also be on hand, including free-flying craft and “retired” balloons available for touring.
In addition to the balloons, the festival also offers many other activities including food trucks, vendor booths and a large children’s play area. Live musical performances featuring your favorite artists will be performed throughout the afternoon and evening.
Admission to SumnerFest is free.
