As well as its astounding scenic landscapes, the East Tennessee region is filled with a variety of  culture with art museums, theaters, civil war battlefields, Cherokee heritage and historical monuments. From Chattanooga to Knoxville, there are numerous fun, interesting and educational events taking place this summer to suit all age groups. Below are just a few interesting festivities for the month of June.

When it comes to entertaining the kids in the heat of the summer, there is nothing quite like Dollywood's "KidsFest" which begins June 12 to August 2 and considering all the fun and attractions there, it's not really that expensive. For more information, call 1-800-Dollywood.

For those interested in the art of pottery, head out to beautiful Townsend, TN, on June 05-06, for the Smoky Mountain Pottery Festival. Over 30 booths of pottery exhibited, including Cherokee potters. There will be wheel-throwing and hand building demonstrations, Raku firing. Also a children's tent, music and food. For more information, phone: 1-800-525-6834.

For an early Father's Day treat, Dad may enjoy the Secret City Festival in Oak Ridge, TN on June 19-20. A celebration featuring the largest multi-battle WWII re-enactment in the South. This unique festival will feature tours of the Manhattan Project sites. For the rest of the family there will be a children's festival area, Euro bungy, rock climbing wall, arts and crafts, antique dealers and much more, phone: 865-425-3610.

June is a great month for music festivals. The annual Riverbend Music Festival in Chattanooga will commence June 05-13. This season's top performers will include; The B-52s, The Commodores, the legendary Little Richard, Montgomery Gentry, Steven Curtis Chapman, Three Dog Night, Train, and Willie Nelson.

The annual Bessie Smith Strut, known as the largest block party in the South is usually celebrated on the first Monday of the Riverbend Festival (June 8). The strut follows along Martin Luther King Blvd, downtown Chattanooga. A crowd of over 40,000 usually  turn out  in celebration of "The Empress of the Blues" Bessie Smith.

Avid music lovers may wish to chance the possible I-24 traffic jams for the annual Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, June 11-14 in Manchester, TN. This year Bonnaroo will feature Bruce Springsteen and the E.Street Band, Phish, Beastie Boys, Nine Inch Nails, Snoop Dog, Elvis Costello, Merle Haggard, The Lovell Sisters and Alberta Cross. Also various artists in jazz, Americana, hip-hop, and electronica. The family can rock around the clock to the many attractions of the 100 acre entertainment village which include a classic rock arcade, cinema, silent disco, comedy club, theater performers and a music technology village. For more information, phone (931)728-7635.

Experience the African-American culture at Knoxville's 20th annual Kuumba Festival and Junkanu Parade. June 25- 28. This four day festival promises something for everyone. The Kuumba Festival will commence at 5:00pm at the Knoxville Museum of Art with "A Taste of Africa Buffet," live jazz band, Kuumba Watoto Drum and Dance Company, and plenty of arts and crafts. On Friday June 26 at 6:00 pm the "Junakanu Parade" will start on Gay Street.

This colorful parade, similar to that of the Junkanoo parades of the Bahamas, will feature the Free Spirit Stilt Walkers draped in elaborate masks and feathery headwear, and the Kuumba Watoto Dance and Drum Company will provide the rhythm and the music for the strut which will make it's way toward the Market Square live concert which will feature Jazz great Lonnie Liston Smith.

The Kuumba festival continues Saturday June 27-28 at Chilhowee Park  with African Market Place including traditional crafts, clothing and foods.The Children's World Village will feature the Knoxville Zoological Garden's Petting Zoo. On center stage at 7:00 pm Rhythm and Blues recording artist Jagged Edge will perform. The festival ends Sunday with the African Market Place and Gospel music in the park. For more information call (865) 546-9705.This summer there is fun to be had all around us, just check the event calendars or go to www.tnvacation.com. Have a fun summer!

.