July Fourth parade, half-marathon, nighttime farmer’s markets, Mudfest coming to Clarksville

CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Several new City of Clarksville events are in the works for 2024, including an Independence Day parade, a half-marathon, nighttime farmer’s markets and Mudfest.

Clarksville Parks and Recreation announced the changes on Wednesday, following an extensive survey conducted at Riverfest 2023 and through social media channels for one month.

Live music with an emphasis on local entertainment emerged as a top priority, amassing 1,302 votes, according to a city news release. That was followed by food and beverage events with 788 votes. Holiday and seasonal-themed events (761 votes), Farmers’ Markets and local produce events (681 votes), cultural festivals (504 votes), and artisan events and craft fairs (429 votes) also captured attention.

Here is the new special events lineup for 2024, including new events and changes to some regular favorites.

Cookie Crawl

The first event of 2024 will be a brand-new experience. The Clarksville Cookie Crawl will take place at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center on Feb. 10. Attendees will get a taste of the best cookies from local vendors, learn the secrets behind the cookie, engage in interactive sessions, and support local bakers. An opportunity to learn from a professional cookie decorator is also available. For more information visit https://www.clarksvilletn.gov/1265/Clarksville-Cookie-Crawl.

Summer in the Park series

The Summer in the Park Series was a new event in 2023 that focused on art, dance and theater. In 2024, the event will be revamped with a new multi-concert music series, emphasizing only local musical talent in response to another popular demand from the community, the release said. The series will run from May to August, with each concert being at a different park. More details will be announced in the coming months.

Independence Day

Traditionally held at Liberty Park on July 3, the City of Clarksville’s Independence Day Celebration will become a two-day celebration. The City will maintain its July 3 celebration with some updates that will be announced in the spring.

New this year will be a July 4th Parade in downtown Clarksville. “The event will become an annual tradition in Clarksville to foster civic pride and unity in the community,” the release said.

Mudfest

2023 saw the end of Riverfest, Clarksville’s longest-running festival. In 2024, Clarksville Parks and Recreation will introduce Clarksville MudFest, a brand-new experience centered on nature, food and music, the release said. The event will take place in Spring 2024. It will feature mud-themed events such as mud pits, obstacle courses, mud art, mud spa and more. Exclusively local music will be highlighted alongside local cuisine.

Downtown Market

Back for another season in 2024, the Clarksville Downtown Market will return. This season, based on survey feedback, the Market will open each Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon from Mother’s Day weekend until October, the release said.

New this year will be a monthly Night Market. These events will take place on a weekday evening at the L&N Train Station and will focus on farm vendors. Live music and food concessionaires will be next door at Dixon Park.

Running events

The inaugural Clarksville Half Marathon will be Saturday, Nov. 2. The event will feature certified half marathon, 5K, and 1 mile courses. Half marathon participants can anticipate running through Liberty Park, along the Cumberland River in McGregor Park, through the campus of Austin Peay State University, and a sprint to the finish down Franklin Street.

Additionally, the Clarksville Greenway will host a new 5k and 1 mile race this spring, and a Clarksville Turkey Trot will be held on Thanksgiving Day 2024.

For more

More details on all of these events will be announced in the coming months.

“Once again our Parks and Recreation Department has created a lengthy list of events and activities for citizens of every age to enjoy,” Mayor Joe Pitts said in the release. “The MudFest promises to be an interesting and exciting new addition to the calendar, in addition to the tried and true popular events like our Downtown Market and a perennial favorite, the Independence Day Celebration.”

For questions about any event or sponsorships, email parksrec@cityofclarksville.com or call 931-645-7476.

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