In small towns across southern Middle Tennessee, fall isn’t just a season – it’s a gathering place. From Lynchburg to neighboring communities, local festivals, football games, and pumpkin patches knit us together while also drawing visitors who fuel our Main Streets and small businesses. Every ticket sold, every meal shared, and every photo snapped under turning leaves helps keep our region vibrant. That’s why each week this fall, The Lynchburg Times will highlight what stands out – so you don’t miss a chance to celebrate, connect, and support the place we all call home.

Here are five “don’t miss” things happening in our communities this weekend:

LYNCHBURG — We’re not sure if you remember or not, but two former MCHS Raiderette standouts, Katy Fletcher and Emma Sazanov, now proudly wear Motlow State Bucks uniforms. You can help support them with a season kickoff event, Basketball Moonlight Madness, at the Nisbett Center on the Moore County campus on Saturday at 7 p.m. Organizers will formerly introduce the team, host a dunk context and shooting competition AND the first 100 people get free pizza. Learn more by clicking here.

MANCHESTER – A small town Bluegrass Banjo Championship is cool, but one judged by 10-time IBMA award-winning bluegrass artist Becky Buller is just next level. On Saturday, Common John Brewery in Manchester will host their first annual Southeast Bluegrass Banjo Championship. You can compete in banjo, dobro, guitar, mandolin, and fiddle alongside some of the region’s most talented musicians or just listen. It’s the brainchild of Joey Gibson – the grandson of Joe and Joyce McCullough, who ran the bluegrass competition and the Coffee County Fairgrounds for years – and includes a $1,000 cash prize for the banjo category. Grand Ole Opry performer Larry Gunn with emcee and it Buller, National Bluegrass Banjo Championship winner Jonathon Jones, and Weston Clark, a musician who once performed with the late Tom T. Hall. It a family-friendly event for all ages. Click here for competition guidelines or more information.

LEBANNON — Okay, yes, Lebanon is an hour and a half away but where else can you eat a roasted Hatch green chile pepper all the way from New Mexico just days after they’ve been picked? The third annual Middle Tennessee Hatch Green Chile Roast will take place this Friday and Saturday at the Wilson County Fairgrounds. You can bite into a Green Chile Cheeseburger, buy a jar of Hatch Chile Jam, or even try fiery-sweet Hatch Chile Candy. Plus there will be artisans, festival vendors, and live music. To learn more about the event, click here.

SHELBYVILLE — We’re big fans of a small town art festival and on Saturday from 3 to 8 p.m. the historic Shelbyville Square will host an Art & White Wine Festival. In addition to numerous arts and crafts vendors, there will be a spoken work performance by Aaron White and a live music by The Retreats. The unique boutiques around the square will stay open late and offer white wine tastings at each stop. It’s all a part of the revitalization of Historic Uptown Shelbyville. Let’s go support them.

While you happen to be in Shelbyville, don’t forget about the American Mule and Bluegrass Festival at the Tennessee Walking Horse Celebration. It celebrates The South’s rich mule heritage and the soulful spirit of bluegrass music in Tennessee. There will be a mule and donkey show, cast iron cook-off, heritage demonstrations, local food trucks and vendors, and, of course, live bluegrass music by some of the region’s most talented musicians. It kicks off on Thursday with a free fish fry dinner at 6 p.m. For more info and a full schedule of events, click here.

A few honorable mentions include the third annual Crossway Youth Cruise-In in Wiseman Park on Saturday, Alpaca Farm Days in Manchester, and a Autumn Glass Coasters art class at the Artisan Depot Gallery & Gift Shop in Cowan