Tennessee Unveils Exciting 2026 Lineup with its New Attractions, Hotels, Restaurants and Iconic Anniversaries to Boost the State Tourism Growth

Published on December 5, 2025

Get ready for a very exciting 2026 in Tennessee, where new attractions, exhibits, and immersive experiences will elevate the tourism appeal of the state. These additions promise local residents and international visitors alike a host of new activities that continue to establish Tennessee as the perfect, year-round destination for adventure, culture, and relaxation.

Gatlinburg – Anakeesta’s Multi-Year Expansion: A Next-Generation Experience

In Gatlinburg, the Anakeesta theme park is undergoing a multi-year expansion, launching in 2026 with a next-generation scenic lift, an overhauled Firefly Village, and an expanded Treetop Skywalk. Visitors can also enjoy the new nighttime Firefly Experience, offering breathtaking views of the Smoky Mountains after dark.

Smoky Mountains – Expanding Firefly and Wilderness Experiences for Nature Lovers

For nature lovers, A Walk in the Woods, a local outfitter, is expanding its Blue Ghost and Synchronous Firefly experiences in the Smoky Mountains for 2026. These immersive adventures, including guided wilderness tours and conservation-focused firefly tours, aim to deepen visitors’ connection to the area’s rich ecosystem.

Pigeon Forge – NightFlight Expedition: A Thrilling Adventure

In Pigeon Forge, Dollywood’s Wildwood Grove will introduce the NightFlight Expedition, a one-of-a-kind ride opening in spring 2026. The thrilling attraction will take visitors on a journey through the Smokies, navigating raging rapids, scaling mountain peaks, and gliding across shimmering lakes, making it a must-visit for adrenaline seekers.

Cornersville & Beyond – Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop and Southern Hospitality

In Cornersville, Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop will redefine Southern hospitality on the highway. The first rebranded location will open by early summer 2026, bringing jobs and a refreshed experience to travelers.

Knoxville – KnoxWalls Murals & Music Festival: Celebrating Art and Culture

In Knoxville, the KnoxWalls Murals & Music Festival will celebrate creativity and community on May 30, 2026, with live painting competitions and performances by local musicians. This festival is a perfect example of how Tennessee continues to foster arts and culture within its tourism offerings.

Chattanooga – Erlanger Park and the Riverfront District: A New Sporting and Entertainment Hub

In Chattanooga, visitors can explore America’s only National Park City, enjoy Bluegrass music, and hit a home run at the new baseball stadium, Erlanger Park, opening in spring 2026. The park will add green spaces, restaurants, and family-friendly energy to the walkable Riverfront District.

Delano – Whitewater Rafting at Ocoee River State Park

Visitors to Tennessee’s new Ocoee River State Park can look forward to whitewater rafting and immersive outdoor experiences that showcase the natural beauty of East Tennessee.

Jonesborough – Clydesdale Horses at St. Paddy’s Festival: A Cultural Celebration

Jonesborough will celebrate its famous St. Paddy’s Festival with the iconic Clydesdale Draft Horse Team in 2026. The event will feature Irish music, meet-and-greets with owls and Highland cows, highland games, a beer fun run, and a bustling handmade marketplace.

Granville – Touring the New Independence Hall with TN America 250 Exhibits

In Granville, visitors can experience the small-town charm of the historic community with a tour of the new Independence Hall, which will feature TN America 250 exhibits that preserve stories and artifacts significant to the community, state, and country.

Clarksville – Tennessee Wings of Liberty Museum: Honoring Military Heritage

The Tennessee Wings of Liberty Museum in Clarksville opens on March 29, 2026 and will become the second-largest museum in the nation’s Army-museum enterprise. The museum will feature exhibits and artifacts honoring the legacy of service members.

Memphis – Memphis Art Museum: A Creative Hub for the City

The new Memphis Art Museum, opening in December 2026, will be located in the heart of downtown Memphis. The museum will feature galleries, classrooms, a café, a theater, and an art park in the sky showcasing sculptures and native Tennessee plants, all with panoramic views of the city and the Mississippi River.

New Hotels, Restaurants, and Music Venues to Elevate Tennessee’s Tourism Scene

Tennessee’s tourism landscape will also be enriched with a variety of new hotels and restaurants that will enhance the visitor experience.

Nashville – Songteller Hotel: A Tribute to Dolly Parton

In Nashville, Songteller Hotel, opening in June 2026, will celebrate the life and legacy of Dolly Parton with the Life of Many Colors Museum, live entertainment, and immersive storytelling inspired by Dolly’s songs and journey.

Chattanooga – The Waymark Hotel: Blending Grandeur with Contemporary Spirit

In Chattanooga, The Waymark Hotel will be revitalized inside a historic 1927 bank building, blending timeless grandeur with a fresh, contemporary style. Guests will also enjoy the hotel’s subterranean speakeasy, The Vault, offering a touch of nostalgia with a modern twist.

Jefferson County – Wyldstay Smoky Mountains: A Luxury Retreat in Nature

For those seeking a more luxurious retreat, Wyldstay Smoky Mountains in Jefferson County will offer an exclusive luxury retreat overlooking Douglas Lake and the Smokies, providing visitors with a serene environment to unwind and reconnect with nature.

Gatlinburg – Scoundrel Hotel: A Boutique Stay with Appalachian Charm

In Gatlinburg, The Scoundrel Hotel, a boutique property inspired by Appalachian storytelling and regional crafts, will provide a unique, immersive stay for visitors. It is set to open across from the Gatlinburg Convention Center, providing a stylish new hideaway for guests.

New Restaurants, Breweries, and Distilleries to Fuel Tennessee’s Culinary Growth

Tennessee’s culinary scene will experience an exciting transformation in 2026 with the opening of several new restaurants, breweries, and distilleries.

Memphis – Briza: A Fusion of Bold Flavors and Memphis Hospitality

In Memphis, Briza, located inside Crosstown Concourse, will offer inventive sushi rolls, wood-fired seafood, and prime steaks, all with a focus on bold flavors and Memphis hospitality.

Nashville – Kuya: Asian-Inspired Flavors in the West End

In Nashville, the celebrated team behind Noko and Kase x Noko will open Kuya in 2026. Known for their inventive Asian-inspired menus, this new restaurant in the West End will continue to elevate Nashville’s culinary offerings.

Knoxville – Mōkumōku: A Modern Japanese Experience

In Knoxville, Mōkumōku, a modern Japanese restaurant, will feature an interactive sushi bar, plus an extensive menu of hot dishes, elevated entrees, sake, and cocktails. This new spot is set to open in late summer or early fall 2026.

Clarksville – Leatherwood Distillery: A Veteran-Owned Craft Distillery

In Clarksville, Leatherwood Distillery will move to a larger, state-of-the-art space in downtown in January 2026. The veteran-owned distillery will offer tours, tastings, and live music, contributing to the local craft spirits scene.

Gatlinburg – Alibi: The City’s First Speakeasy Experience

In Gatlinburg, Alibi, the city’s first speakeasy, will provide an immersive experience filled with Prohibition-era glamour and handcrafted cocktails.

Renovated and Reimagined Attractions to Celebrate Tennessee’s Legacy

2026 will also be a year of celebrating Tennessee’s rich history and cultural heritage. The National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis will unveil its new Legacy Building in spring 2026, taking visitors on an immersive journey through pivotal moments in the civil rights movement.

Iconic Anniversaries to Celebrate Tennessee’s Cultural Milestones

Tennessee will celebrate significant milestones in 2026, including Overton Park Shell in Memphis, marking 90 years of music and cultural programming, and Loveless Cafe in Nashville, which will celebrate 75 years of serving Southern comfort food.

Cruising Toward the Future: Tourism’s Expanding Impact on Tennessee’s Economy

In 2026, the continued tourism growth in Tennessee is expected to have a major economic impact, creating jobs, increasing visitor spending, and boosting key industry sectors like hospitality, arts and culture, and culinary tourism. New attractions, experiences, and accommodations on the horizon mean the state’s tourism infrastructure can look forward to an unbelievable year in growth.

Moreover, the development of new parks, wilderness experiences, and sustainable travel options in Tennessee will significantly contribute to attracting more eco-conscious travelers and extending the tourist visiting season to the whole year. These innovative attractions, together with unparalleled culinary experiences and renovated cultural landmarks, will place Tennessee right at the top of international visitors’ lists who travel to experience America. In the future, this will go a long way toward benefiting Tennessee’s economy, its cultural scene, and its standing as a global tourism player.