CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Possumstock kicked off the celebration of its 10th anniversary at Canoe the Red River on Friday with dozens of local musicians and vendors. Possumstock is a weekend long DIY music festival that takes place once a year with local and regional bands.

In 2012, Clarksville’s music community took a hit when a popular local venue closed. Cody Parson, a regular performer there. “I was really worried that the community we had built up around that venue was going to evaporate,” Parson said.

Wily at the PossumStock music festival at Red River Canoe on September 6, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Hannah Wolfe at the PossumStock music festival at Red River Canoe on September 6, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Boy Clothes at the PossumStock music festival at Red River Canoe on September 6, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Wily at the PossumStock music festival at Red River Canoe on September 6, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Chef Bonez at the PossumStock music festival at Red River Canoe on September 6, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Boy Clothes at the PossumStock music festival at Red River Canoe on September 6, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
PossumStock music festival at Red River Canoe on September 6, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Wily at the PossumStock music festival at Red River Canoe on September 6, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
PossumStock music festival at Red River Canoe on September 6, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Boy Clothes at the PossumStock music festival at Red River Canoe on September 6, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Evan’s Kandi & Treats at the PossumStock music festival at Red River Canoe on September 6, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Boy Clothes at the PossumStock music festival at Red River Canoe on September 6, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Annie’s Candies at the PossumStock music festival at Red River Canoe on September 6, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Jon Vito and Brooklyn at the PossumStock music festival at Red River Canoe on September 6, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
PossumStock music festival at Red River Canoe on September 6, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Hannah Hill and Chef Bonez at the PossumStock music festival at Red River Canoe on September 6, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Boy Clothes at the PossumStock music festival at Red River Canoe on September 6, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
Brian Haley and Hannah Hill at the PossumStock music festival at Red River Canoe on September 6, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)
PossumStock music festival at Red River Canoe on September 6, 2024. (Wesley Irvin)

Instead of letting that happen, he and some friends came up with an idea: a weekend party where everyone could play music. “I had met some people that wanted to do it on land, so I was like, let’s throw this weekend party that everyone can play at,” Parson shared.

That gathering, which started as a small event, grew over time. By 2014, it had a name: Possumstock. Now, 10 years later, Possumstock is an annual music festival that brings bands together from all across Tennessee to perform at the weekend long event.

Reflecting on this year’s event, Cody Parson, the founder and managing director, said, “I’m feeling really good. For a 10-year anniversary show, this is a great turnout. I couldn’t ask for better.”

Possumstock continues through Sunday, Sept. 8., at Canoe the Red River, 8002 Highway 41 N. Adams, TN.

For more events like this, check out the Summer Fun Guide or the Clarksville Events calendar.