As spring stretches into long summer days, Nashville comes alive with a range of music events and festivals. From block parties to multi-day camping fests, Nashville’s summer lineup offers endless opportunities for music lovers. If you’re a music lover and are looking for an excuse to visit Nashville, here are the top summer music festivals and events to draw you into Music City’s rhythm.
Nashville Summer Music Festivals
CMA Fest – June
The iconic CMA Fest kicks off Nashville’s summer music calendar with a celebration of the best in country music. Held annually in June, this four-day extravaganza transforms downtown Nashville into a mecca for country music lovers, with performances on multiple stages.
The main draw of CMA Fest is the nightly concerts at Nissan Stadium, where fans can catch incredible sets from country music’s top acts. There are also free shows and activities scattered throughout downtown Nashville, allowing music lovers of all ages to soak up the electric atmosphere. With performances by chart-topping artists, meet-and-greets, and fan experiences, CMA Fest is a must for any country music fan visiting Nashville in the summer. GoodNight Stay is joining in on the festivities with a special CMA Fest sale, so if you have tickets to the CMA Fest, make sure to secure your Nashville accommodation for CMA fest with us!
Bonnaroo – June
Venture just an hour outside of Nashville to Manchester, Tennessee, and you’ll find yourself immersed in the eclectic vibe of Bonnaroo. This legendary music and arts festival is held over 4 days in June and boasts a lineup that spans genres from indie rock to hip-hop to electronic dance music. From national headliners to up-and-coming artists, the diverse musical acts at Bonnaroo cater to music fans of all tastes.
Beyond the music, the 700-acre festival site offers art installations, interactive experiences, and a spirit of community. This vibrant and colorful event truly embraces the creative musical spirit and has become one of the country’s most anticipated festivals. Plan a stay at one of GoodNight Stay’s Nashville vacation rentals before or after Bonnaroo to extend your visit to Tennessee.
Musician’s Corner – May-June
While the big-name festivals draw crowds from around the country, Nashville also prides itself on a thriving local music scene that shines during the summer months. One of the best ways to experience this is at Musicians Corner, a free outdoor concert series held in picturesque Centennial Park.
Through May and June, Musicians Corner hosts a diverse lineup of Nashville-based artists, showcasing the talent of the city’s homegrown musicians in genres ranging from folk to blues and rock. Spread out on the lawn, soak up the sun, and enjoy the laid-back, community atmosphere as you discover new local acts. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the authentic spirit of Nashville’s music culture.
Nashville Pride Festival – June
In June, Nashville proudly hosts its annual Pride Festival, a celebration of love, equality, and diversity. In addition to the colorful parade and vibrant street fair, you’ll find stages showcasing LGBTQ+ musicians and performers spreading joy and acceptance with their music.
Music City Hot Chicken Festival – July 4
Join the local community in July for a celebration of Nashville’s most iconic dish, Hot Chicken! The Music City Hot Chicken Festival is a one-day free event where attendees can enjoy the offerings from Nashville’s best Hot Chicken establishments, local vendors, as well as an amateur cooking competition with new takes on the spicy classic. While you may not think of this as a music festival, the centerpiece of this event is a stage where local music acts keep the Nashville vibe going all day long. Hot chicken and music – a match made in heaven!
Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival – September
Just a short drive from downtown Nashville in Franklin, Tennessee, the Pilgrimage Music and Cultural Festival offers a unique blend of music, art, and Southern hospitality. Held over a September weekend, this festival celebrates the Americana genre, with 3 stages featuring both established and newer artists. Festival attendees can look forward to hearing different facets of Americana, from folk and country to rock and soul.
Pilgrimage also features a curated selection of local food vendors, artisanal crafts, and interactive experiences that immerse visitors in the culture of Tennessee. It’s a festival that truly captures the essence of the South and the heart of Americana music.
Nashville Summer Music Events
In addition to the large music festivals, Nashville has live music any day of the week and plenty of special events all summer long.
Every Thursday night in June and July, Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium hosts Bluegrass Nights, a summer concert series that pays homage to the roots of American music. Enjoy the timeless appeal of bluegrass music and soak in the sounds of banjos, fiddles, and harmonies.
Nashville’s July 4th Celebration includes live music performances at a stage on First and Broadway, followed by a spectacular fireworks display accompanied by the Nashville Symphony. This exciting event highlights the musical spirit that makes Music City a special place.
Of course, no visit to Nashville during the summer would be complete without exploring the city’s legendary Honky-Tonk Highway along Lower Broadway. During those warm summer nights, the iconic honky-tonk bars on Broadway are alive with the sound of country, blues, and rock music. Grab a cold beer and kick up your heels on Nashville’s most famous street. View our guide to Nashville’s Honky Tonks here.
Plan Your Nashville Stay
With so many music festivals and events to choose from, you can make the most of your Nashville experience by staying in a vacation rental through GoodNight Stay. From cozy downtown lofts to spacious neighborhood homes, our Nashville vacation rentals offer the comforts of home with the convenience of being close to the action. You’ll have the flexibility to cook your own meals, relax in a private space, maybe enjoy the fresh air from a rooftop patio, and truly immerse yourself in the local culture.
Don’t miss out on the vibrant Nashville music scene this summer! With events and music festivals throughout the warmer months, you will have no problem finding the music that moves you. Don’t forget to check out our specials section when you are planning your Nashville visit for an opportunity to stay at one of our homes for a discounted price! So pack your bags, grab your tickets, and book your vacation rental today for a summer you’ll never forget in Nashville.
