Tennessee Sets Tourism Record with 147 Million Visitors in 2024

Issue #546

September 04, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌤️ Columbia’s Weather - Partly cloudy w/ High of 88, low of 67

📰 Tennessee Sets Tourism Record with 147 Million Visitors in 2024

👻 Millers Thrillers Hosting Auditions Sept. 6 – Join the Cast Behind the Scares

👉 9/6: Operation Smoke Signal Veterans BBQ Fundraiser

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Tennessee Sets Tourism Record with 147 Million Visitors in 2024

Tennessee set a new tourism record in 2024, welcoming 147 million visitors and generating $31.66 billion in direct spending. It marked the fourth straight year of growth, underscoring the state’s position as a leading travel destination.

Nashville once again led the way. Davidson County accounted for $11.2 billion in visitor spending, averaging more than $30 million spent in the city every single day, according to data from Tourism Economics and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.

Labor Day weekend highlighted the momentum, with travelers from across the globe choosing Tennessee over a quiet holiday at home. Some came for major sporting events, like the women’s volleyball tournament at Bridgestone Arena, while others returned simply because Nashville always offers something new to experience.

Tourism continues to play a major role in the state’s economy. In Davidson County alone, visitor spending produced over $1 billion in state and local tax revenue. Without this impact, households in Nashville would face nearly $3,700 more in yearly taxes.

Across the state, from Mountain City to Memphis, Tennessee’s tourism industry is supporting local businesses, creating jobs, and strengthening one of the state’s most celebrated industries—hospitality.

Millers Thrillers Hosting Auditions Sept. 6 – Join the Cast Behind the Scares

Millers Thrillers is now ready for the actors, management, and behind the scenes staff to bring the venue to life!

We are a fun energetic group of people who like those that are committed, responsible, personable, & ready to rock the show with us this season!

We seek hard workers that are trustworthy, dependable, energetic, & loyal with a strong work ethic!

We have slots for actors, zombies, parking attendants, ticket takers, rule givers, entertainers, special talents, photographers, carpenters, army truck drivers, MC hype men, and anything else that you think would be a good fit!

Our auditions and information briefings for these roles will be held on Saturday September 6th at 4:00pm to 7:00pm. It is a must that you bring your calendar for what days you can and can't work for weekends in October. We use your calendars to make the staff schedule for the whole season.

We are open Sept 27th and then every Friday and Saturday night in October except the first Friday. Also open Saturday Nov. 1st We have 2 training days (Sept 13th or 20th depending on your role).

Compensation ranges from minimum range and up depending on experience and skill sets.

IF cast... You will be given a character or multiple characters/stations to learn. Although there are some specific character demands (tickets, clown town, chainsaw, redneck etc), you will have some responsibility in developing how you interact with our guests. As we develop these interactions we will be guiding you through specific scripts that are appropriate to use. Your zone leader will also be your acting coach!

You are not required to have prior acting experience. If you are open to learn then we are open to teach and guide you into becoming a performer!

You must be willing to arrive at least 1 hour before we open. We typically are able to leave by midnight although some nights, later in the season, go a bit longer. Please be sure you have very reliable transportation.

There are a limited number of positions and all others are welcome to be volunteers.

The age requirement to try for a paid position is 16 in the woods and 14 for the hayride. If you are 14 or 15 you are welcome to volunteer in the woods. Some 15 year olds with special talents may still be considered for the woods. If you are 13 and want to volunteer then you must have a parent or adult come and be responsible for you at all times and pass our interviews!

Feel free to start spreading the word to your friends about auditions being Sept 6th, and bring those friends with you!

9/6: Operation Smoke Signal Veterans BBQ Fundraiser

Veterans BBQ Fundraiser Day – Presented by Burning Acre & Hearty Hogs

Saturday, September 6th
12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
1040 N James Campbell Blvd, Columbia, TN

Join us for a day full of food, fun, and community as we come together to raise funds for Veterans BBQ Camp, a nonprofit that supports and uplifts our local veterans through community, cooking, and camaraderie.

This family-friendly outdoor event will feature:

Mouthwatering BBQ & local food trucks
Live music and local bands
Face painting & balloon art
Exotic petting zoo
Raffles, vendors, and more!

Hosted by Burning Acre – all cannabis products will remain indoors and the retail space will be 21+ only, but the outdoor event is open to all ages!

All proceeds from vendor fees and donations will go directly to Veterans BBQ Camp to help them continue their mission. Bring your family, bring your friends, and help us celebrate and support the heroes in our community!

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Thursday, September 4th

  • Video Game Open Play at Aquatics & Rec Center - 2:00 - 5:00 PM

Friday, September 5th

Saturday, September 6th

Sunday, September 7th

More Events Coming Soon!!

📌 Mark Your Calendars…

Sept 5-14: Nashville Fair 
Sept 9-13: Americana Fest (Nashville)
Sept 16: Breakfast with the Mayors
Sept 27 - 28: Pilgrimage Music & Heritage Festival
Oct 11: Columbia Fall Fest

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, September 4th

Matt Marinchick, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Todd Ciprian, Tito’s Spring Hill, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Gwynne Alden, Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30 - 9:00 PM

Friday, September 5th

TBA, The Spot: Burgers & Beers, 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Golden Soul Revue, Grinder’s Switch Winery, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Larkin & Leigh, McCreary’s, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Open Mic Night w/ Rett Stocstill and The Ministry of Fun!, Twisted Copper Brewing Company, 7:00 PM
Calamity Jane, Puckett’s, 7:30 - 9:00 PM
Vinyl Radio, The Mulehouse, 8:00 PM
Escape, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM

Saturday, September 6th

Crossbridges, Amber Falls Winery, 3:00 - 7:00 PM
Tom Saffell & Robert Johnson, McCreary’s, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Peedy Chavis, Puckett’s, 7:30 - 9:00 PM
Rubiks Groove, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM

Sunday, September 7th

The Cliftones, Amber Falls Winery, 1:00 - 5:00 PM

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