Fall festivities continue across Johnson County this weekend with a celebration in Shady Valley, two days of World War II living history at the Museum of Butler, local music, art, fresh produce and more.
The Shady Valley Cranberry Festival returns Friday and Saturday at Shady Rock School. Friday’s activities include the traditional bean supper and auctions, while Saturday brings a parade, vendors, food, music and family activities. Admission is free.
Meanwhile, the Museum of Butler will step back into the 1940s for two special programs exploring military service and life on the home front during World War II.
Here’s what’s happening around Johnson County from Friday, Oct. 9, through Sunday, Oct. 11.
Friday, October 9
Walk in Their Boots: World War II Education Day
9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Museum of Butler, 123 Selma Curtis Road, Butler
Students will rotate through educational stations featuring period clothing, military equipment, artifacts, demonstrations and first-person interpretation.
The morning session is reserved for registered school groups. Homeschool students and families may attend from 1–3 p.m. Advance registration is required. Admission is free for participating students, educators and chaperones. Call 803-524-5671 for registration information.
Meet the Author: Deena Madonna
3:30 p.m.
Johnson County Center for the Arts — Gallery on Main
Meet local author Deena Madonna for a book signing and talk about her debut novel, The Bloodhound Trials. Madonna will discuss the personal journey behind the novel, her creative process and what she is working on next.
Read more about Deena and other regional authors featured at the Center for the Arts:
https://thejohnsoncountyline.com/2026/10/06/the-stories-behind-the-stories/
Wellness Collective Meeting
1–2 p.m.
Local wellness professionals and interested community members are invited to connect, share resources and explore opportunities for collaboration.
Check the Johnson County community calendar for the meeting location and additional information.
Shady Valley Cranberry Festival
Friday and Saturday
Shady Rock School, 423 Highway 133, Shady Valley
The annual festival opens Friday with its traditional bean supper and auctions before returning Saturday with a full day of festivities.
Visit the Mountain City and Johnson County festival page for updates.
Live Music with Ed Main
5–8 p.m.
Villa Nove Farm & Vineyard, 1877 Dry Hill Road, Butler
Settle in for a fall evening of live music, wine, pizza, cicchetti and mountain views. Villa Nove is open Friday from 4–9 p.m.
Saturday, October 10
Johnson County Farmers Market
9 a.m.–Noon
Ralph Stout Park, Mountain City
Start Saturday by shopping for locally grown produce, baked goods, handcrafted items and other products from area farmers and makers.
Shady Valley Cranberry Festival
Shady Rock School, 423 Highway 133, Shady Valley
Saturday’s festival activities include a parade, craft and food vendors, live music and family fun. Admission is free.
Life on the Home Front: A 1940s Living History Event
11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Museum of Butler, 123 Selma Curtis Road, Butler
The Museum of Butler’s final Living History Saturday of the season will explore how Americans supported the war effort at home. Living historians will share displays and demonstrations covering Victory Gardens, scrap drives, civilian defense, war bonds, military communications, women’s factory work and daily life during the 1940s.
Admission is $5, and children under 12 are admitted free. Parking is free.
This project is funded under an agreement with the State of Tennessee administered by the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial.
Centering Saturdays with Tara Belk
Johnson County Center for the Arts Education Center
127 College Street, Mountain City
Slow down and reconnect through creativity during this relaxing clay series led by artist and instructor Tara Belk. Participants will work with their hands, explore clay and enjoy the meditative process of creating something of their own.
No previous experience is necessary. The class is open to ages 16 through adult. Senior discounts and scholarships are available; use coupon code ARTFORALL when registering for a scholarship.
Visit the Center for the Arts classes page for the session time, price and registration.
Live Music with Tim Nave
5–8 p.m.
Villa Nove Farm & Vineyard, 1877 Dry Hill Road, Butler
Tim Nave provides the Saturday evening soundtrack at Villa Nove. Grab a glass, order something to eat and enjoy an autumn evening overlooking the vines. The vineyard is open Saturday from 1–9 p.m.
Mountain City Weekly Cruise-In
5–9 p.m.
Downtown Mountain City
Cars, food and an evening downtown are on tap for the weekly cruise-in. All makes and models are welcome. The event is weather permitting.
Sunday, October 11
Explore the Town That Wouldn’t Drown
1–4 p.m.
Museum of Butler, 123 Selma Curtis Road, Butler
Explore the history of Old Butler and learn how the community was relocated before the creation of Watauga Lake.
Admission is $5, and children under 12 are admitted free.
A Relaxing Sunday at Villa Nove
1–6 p.m.
Villa Nove Farm & Vineyard, 1877 Dry Hill Road, Butler
Wrap up the weekend with wine, food and mountain views at Villa Nove during its new seasonal Sunday hours.
From Shady Valley traditions and World War II history to clay, classic cars and live music, there are plenty of ways to enjoy an October weekend right here in Johnson County.
Schedules may change, so check with event organizers before heading out. Find additional community listings at JohnsonCountyTN.gov.
Know of an upcoming Johnson County event? Send the details to The Johnson County Line for consideration in a future Around the County roundup.
