Music City Festival & BBQ Championship. Annual event features two of Nashville’s best talents, barbecue and music. Professional and backyard cook teams are invited to cook in the barbecue competition. The event is sanctioned by the Memphis BBQ Network and Kansas City Barbeque Society. A total of $20,000 in prizes and awards will be given to winners in various categories. Also featured: Classic cars, customs, motorcycles, sport trucks, and hot rods, Kids Zone, Music City Cornhole Tournament, and live music featuring The Fabulous Thunderbirds as Friday’s headliners and Grand Funk Railroad on Saturday. 4-11 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturday at Riverfront Park. Information: musiccitybbqfestival.com.

SUNDAY, AUG. 26

Battle of Franklin Trust 2012 Summer Concert Series

The Battle of Franklin Trust, which manages The Carter House and Carnton Plantation, will host the last of a three-part concert series at Carnton, 1345 Carnton Lane, Franklin, presented by BancorpSouth. The Greez Monkeez will play hits made famous in the 1980s. Advance tickets will be available at The Carter House, Carnton Plantation and BancorpSouth in Franklin, 914 Murfreesboro Road. Advance tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 6 to 12. General admission at the gate for adults is $12, children 6 to 12 are $5 and children 5 and under are free. 6 p.m.-8 p.m., with gates opening at 4:30 pm. Patrons are also encouraged to bring lounging items such as chairs or blankets. Information: battleoffranklintrust.org.

SUNDAY, AUG. 26

Williamson County Community Band

The Williamson County Community Band is going on the road for a 3 p.m. concert at the historic College Grove Artsitorium, 8601 Horton Highway. The concert marks the second appearance for the Williamson County Community Band in College Grove. Admission and parking are free. Concertgoers will enjoy an afternoon of music by the band’s dance ensemble along with the opportunity to see and enjoy the restored Artsitorium building. The 302-seat structure, built in 1957 as part of the old College Grove High School, was restored by Williamson County Parks and Recreation in 1999. Information: wcparksandrec.com, 790-5719, ext. 10.

THROUGH SEPT. 2

Treehouses: Great Works of Literature

Cheekwood has selected seven designers for its 2012 summer outdoor exhibition. Opening Memorial Day weekend, Treehouses focuses on great works of literature with whimsical and traditional Treehouses in the landscape at Cheekwood. This exhibition celebrates the 10-year anniversary of the first summer exhibition at Cheekwood, Terrific Treehouses. Previous exhibitions also include Playhouses and Forts, Big Bugs and, most recently, Happily Ever After. Information: Cheekwood.org.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 6

Live on the Green

Free concert series held in Public Square Park in front of the Metro Courthouse launches its fourth season with Jon Cleary, Moon Taxi and Dr. John. The six-week concert series, produced by Tuned In Broadcasting, Inc. in partnership with the Nashville Mayor’s Office, takes place Thursday nights through October 11. Shows start at 5:00 p.m. Additional shows include:

• Sept. 13: The Dunwells; Delta Spirit; The Wallflowers
• Sept. 20: Roots of a Rebellion; Missing Cats Featuring John “JoJo”
• Hermann and Sherman Ewing; North Mississippi Allstars
• Sept. 27: Fly Golden Eagle; The Apache Relay; Alabama Shakes
• Oct. 4: HoneyHoney; Trampled By Turtles
• Oct. 11: The Delta Saints; Yacht Rock Revue; Here Come the Mummies 

FRIDAY, SEPT. 7

Interactive Media Meet-up

Like-minded Nashville Area Chamber of Chamber members meet Friday to discuss trends, challenges, ideas and thoughts. These topic-driven meetings give members the opportunity to develop connections with colleagues while learning about trends and applications in web and mobile technology. 8:30- 9:30 a.m., Goodwill Industries of Middle TN, Inc., 937 Herman Street, Lifsey Building, Room 120, Nashville. Information: nashvillechamber.com, 743-3115.

Sept. 7-16

Tennessee State Fair

This year’s fair, themed "Pick Tennessee State Fair," will once again take place at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds. Cost is $8 for adults, $5 for children and seniors. Information: tnstatefair.org.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 8

Big Band Bash

The Moonlighters will perform for a dance to promote hunger-relief programs at Hermitage Presbyterian Church, 421 Highland View Drive in Hermitage, 7-10 p.m. Child care provided. Reservations and Information: 883-8944.

SEPT. 12-15

13th annual Americana Music Festival and Conference

A gathering of thousands of artists, fans and industry professionals from all over the world. Bonnie Raitt and National Public Radio’s Ann Powers will deliver the keynote artist interview on Wednesday. Other artists will be participating in the conference in both creative workshops and marketing discussions. Noted author Robert Gordon will interview Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Booker T. Jones. Richard Thompson and Tift Merritt also will be featured in Songwriter Sessions at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Live music will kick off at the 11th Annual Americana Honors and Awards ceremony on Wednesday at the Ryman Auditorium with Raitt, Jones and Thompson among the performers. Information: americanamusic.org.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 15

Day of Chinese Arts & Culture

The Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville (CAAN) is bringing its Dragon Tales Dance Theater to The Renaissance Center in Dickson, as well as offering an entire day of Chinese Arts and Culture Workshops. The programs are designed for all ages and levels, as well as whole families to enjoy. The workshops include art, dance, martial arts, paper folding, calligraphy, drumming, ancient Chinese exercise, mask making, yo-yo arts and dumpling making. Performance of Dragon Tales begins at 7 p.m. Information: 740-5600, rcenter.org.