Tomato Art Fest
A beloved August tradition in East Nashville, Tomato Art Fest brings plenty of color and creativity to the neighborhood with a lively parade, costume contests, local artwork, and all things tomato. It’s a fun, one-of-a-kind Nashville tradition with something for the whole family.
Tennessee State Fair
Taking place in mid-August, the Tennessee State Fair packs 10 days of classic fair fun with carnival rides, livestock shows, live music, motorsports, and agricultural exhibits. There’s plenty to see and do for all ages, making it a favorite summer tradition in Middle Tennessee.
Music City Brewer's Fest
Sip, sample, and take in live music at Nashville Brew Fest, featuring breweries from Nashville and beyond. With DJs, games, and interactive entertainment at Walk of Fame Park, the event offers a lively downtown outing in late August.
AMERICANAFEST
Held annually in September, AMERICANAFEST celebrates Americana, folk, country, and roots music with performances, showcases, artist talks, and industry panels. Fans can catch artists from across the genre while getting a closer look at Nashville’s thriving music scene.
Nashville Film Festival
The Nashville Film Festival brings film, music, and culture to venues across the city each September, featuring nearly 150 films from around the world. The festival also includes filmmaker Q&As, industry panels, parties, and opportunities to connect with fellow film fans and creatives.
Nashville Oktoberfest
Get a taste of Germany in Nashville with four days of German food, beer, live music, arts and crafts, and family-friendly activities. Taking place in October, this long-running fall festival spans ten blocks in Germantown and has something for all ages.
Jack Daniel's New Year's Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash
Ring in the new year in downtown Nashville with major live performances, fireworks, and an unforgettable night of music and festivities. The celebration welcomes January with a spectacular night in the heart of Music City.
SEC Men's Basketball Tournament
Some of the nation’s top college basketball teams compete at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena during the SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament. Expect high-energy matchups, passionate fans, and plenty of March basketball excitement.
Tin Pan South
Celebrate Nashville’s songwriting tradition at Tin Pan South, an annual festival held in late March and early April featuring talented songwriters performing intimate sets at venues across the city. It’s a chance to hear the stories and songs behind some of Nashville’s biggest hits.
Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival
Welcome spring at the Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival each April, a free, family-friendly event featuring Japanese music, dance, food, martial arts, and a traditional 2.5-mile walk. Enjoy the colorful festivities at Nashville Public Square Park while experiencing a taste of Japanese culture in the heart of Music City.
The Iroquois Steeplechase
A Nashville spring tradition since 1941, the Iroquois Steeplechase features top horses and riders racing across a three-mile turf course. Held each May, the event brings an afternoon of horse racing, Southern style, and time-honored traditions.
Full Moon Pickin' Party
This recurring concert series runs during the summer months (June through September), bringing bluegrass and Americana music under the full moon at Percy Warner Park in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
Music City Rodeo
Music City Rodeo combines professional PRCA rodeo action with live concerts each night. Held in late May, the three-day event also features pre-show activities, making it a fun weekend for rodeo fans and live music lovers alike.
CMA Fest
Taking place every year in early June, CMA Fest is a four-day country music festival featuring world-famous artists, fan experiences, and nonstop live performances throughout downtown Nashville.
Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival
Head to Manchester, Tennessee, for Bonnaroo, a four-day festival packed with live music, art, food, and activities. The annual June festival features a massive lineup of artists and a one-of-a-kind camping experience, making it one of the biggest music festivals in the region.
Nashville Pride Festival
Nashville Pride features a colorful parade, live entertainment, music, and activities throughout the festival. As a late-June celebration, it brings the community together for a fun-filled weekend centered on LGBTQIA+ pride, diversity, inclusion, and community.
Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th
Nashville’s downtown Fourth of July celebration features live music, food, and one of the largest fireworks displays in the country. It’s a can’t-miss summer tradition in Music City.
Music City Hot Chicken Festival
East Park comes alive each July with Nashville’s famous hot chicken, live music, a lively fire truck parade, and cooking competitions. This local tradition brings together food lovers, families, and hot chicken fans for a fun-filled day.
Music City Grand Prix
Rev up for a weekend of world-class open-wheel racing at Nashville Superspeedway. The Music City Grand Prix brings high-speed action to the track in late July and early August, capping off the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and INDY NXT seasons.
