Scopes Festivites
Join us in Downtown Dayton the second weekend in July as we celebrate the trial that put Rhea County on the world’s map!
Inside the courthouse the Scopes Trial Players present a historically anchored dramatization of the 1925 Scopes Trial, while outside there is plenty of fun for the whole family.
Festivities start Saturday morning with crafts, games, and vendors beginning at 11 a.m., and wind up with a classic vehicle cruise-in around the courthouse square that evening. Vintage cars, trucks and motorcycles parked will delight the eye, and great live music on the courthouse stage from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. will have you tapping your toes.
Most activities are free – the cornhole tournament has an entry fee – but take aim with a BB gun or bow and arrow, dig for fossils, or check out some traditional crafts. There will be something to do for the whole family!
There’s no fee if you want to show your vehicle; just show up, register and encourage visitors to vote for your vehicle for the People’s Choice trophy.
Saturday is a big day at the historic Rhea County Courthouse, and you’ll want to check it out for yourself!
See John T Scopes as he would have appeared at the Scopes Trial in 1925. The Scopes Trial re-enactment will be performed on July 12 at 7:00pm and on July 13 at 2:00pm & 7:00pm. See the Scopes Play page for details.
