Uncle Dave Macon Days returns to Murfreesboro this weekend, Here’s a look at who Uncle Dave Macon was and a breakdown of the event.
Who Was Uncle Dave Macon?
Uncle Dave Macon was a businessman and an entertainer. Born in Smartt, Tn.in 1870, this son of a Confederate 
Captain would eventually become one of the most well known entertainers of his time. His family moved to Nashville where they managed the Old Broadway Hotel until Macon’s father was murdered. His mom moved the family to Readyville and opened a stagecoach inn. It was here that Uncle Dave Macon began entertaining folks with his open backed Gibson banjo.
Around 1900, Macon opened a freight line between Murfreesboro and Woodbury, Tennessee. It was called The Macon Midway Mule and Mitchell Wagon Transportation Company. But by 1920, automobiles had forced it’s close.
After 5 years performing around the South to growing crowds, Uncle Dave got his biggest break. On November 6, 1925, Macon and Harkreader performed at the Ryman Auditorium—the future home of the Grand Ole Opry— in a benefit for the Nashville police force. The show was just three weeks before the WSM Grand Ole Opry was founded. Macon was one of the first performers at the new WSM radio station. On December 26, 1925, Macon and fiddler Uncle Jimmy Thompson appeared together on the WSM Saturday night program. The rest, as they say was history.
Macon went on to perform his unique style of banjo playing, comedy, cloggin’, and storytelling until March of 1952, when he took ill. Uncle Dave Macon would die 3 weeks later at Rutherford County Hospital in Murfreesboro. 5,000 people showed up to his funeral at Coleman Cemetery.
Uncle Dave Macon Days Celebrated This Weekend
Uncle Dave Macon Days will be held July 7th through the 9th . On the 8th and 9th all events will be held at Cannonsburgh Village and admission is $10. Children 12 and under are free. Seniors 65 and up are $5. All ticket pricing is per day. You can purchase a 2 Day pass online for $17.
July 7th- World’s Largest Square Dance
On the 7th on the Square in Murfreesboro, there will be an attempt to break the Guinness Book of World Records for largest square dance. Those participating, and yes it’s free, will need to be downtown by 6:00 p.m. for registration and practice. Those wanting to just watch, the event starts at 7:00 at the Courthouse. Music will continue free to the public afterwards. For full details Click Here.
July 8th- Gates Open At 11:30
Gates Open
Jul 8 @ 11:30 am Cannonsburgh Village
Registration
Jul 8 @ 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Main Stage
Competition Begins
Jul 8 @ 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm Main Stage
Various Artist
Jul 8 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Dixie Dew Drop Stage
Old Time Singing
Jul 8 @ 2:00 pm – 3:15 pm Dixie Dew Drop Stage
Tommy Jackson
Jul 8 @ 3:00 pm – 3:45 pm Main Stage
Blues Singing
Jul 8 @ 3:30 pm – 4:15 pm Dixie Dew Drop Stage
Jug Band (2 tunes)
Jul 8 @ 4:00 pm – 5:15 pm Main Stage
UDM Free Wheeling
Jul 8 @ 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm Dixie Dew Drop Stage
Uncle Shufflo
Jul 8 @ 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm Main Stage
Robyn Taylor
Jul 8 @ 5:45 pm – 6:45 pm Dixe Dew Drop Stage
Flat Lonesome
Jul 8 @ 7:00 pm – 8:15 pm Main Stage
People On The Porch
Jul 8 @ 7:45 pm – 8:45 pm Dixie Dew Drop Stage
Boxcars
Jul 8 @ 8:30 pm – 9:45 pm Main Stage
Robert Eskew
Jul 8 @ 8:45 pm – 9:45 pm Dixie Dew Drop Stage
Greg Reish
Jul 8 @ 9:45 pm – 10:45 pm Dixie Dew Drop Stage
Grascals
Jul 8 @ 10:00 pm – 11:15 pm Main Stage
Michael Sessoms
Jul 8 @ 10:45 pm – 11:45 pm Dixie Dew Drop Stage
Showcase Of Champions
Jul 8 @ 11:15 pm Main Stage
July 9th
Gates Open
Jul 9 @ 9:00 am Cannonsburg Village
Registration Opens
Jul 9 @ 9:30 am Main Stage
Parade
Jul 9 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am Main Stage
Rocky Top Review – Tommy Jackson
Jul 9 @ 10:00 am – 10:45 am Macon Manor Stage
Competition Begins
Jul 9 @ 11:00 am Main Stage
Dance Opens
Jul 9 @ 11:00 am – 1:00 pm Dixie Dew Drop Stage
Competition Continues
Jul 9 @ 12:00 pm Main Stage
Grasstime
Jul 9 @ 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Dixie Dew Drop Stage
Dance Finals
Jul 9 @ 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm Dixie Dew Drop Stage
Carolina Express
Jul 9 @ 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm Dixie Dew Drop Stage
The Bluegrass Sweethearts
Jul 9 @ 4:45 pm – 5:45 pm Dixie Dew Drop Stage
Parking and Camping
