For an exhaustive list of events, check Nashville’s official tourism website: www.visitmusiccity.com.
JANUARY
Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville. Experts exhibit antiques, decorative arts, and landscape designs at the Nashville Convention Center. Features celebrity speakers such as Ina Garten. antiquesandgardenshow.com. Mid-January.
Nashville Auto Fest. This swap meet and car show at The Fairgrounds Nashville has been going strong since 1991 and includes a Sunday church service with the Christian Hot Rod Association. Third week of January.
Martin Luther King Day Celebration. The celebration of the civil rights leader includes speeches, community service opportunities, a youth rally, and a ceremonial march from Jefferson Street Missionary Baptist Church to Tennessee State University (TSU). Tel. 615/579-3300. www.mlkdaynashville.com. Third Monday in January.
Zoo Run Run. The winter 5K winds through Nashville Zoo property, including areas not generally open to the public. Tel. 615/833-1534. www.nashvillezoo.org. Late January.
FEBRUARY
Black History Month. Celebrate throughout the city with special events, scholarly speakers at local universities, and concerts by artists like Patti LaBelle. visitmusiccity.com/welcome/black/black-history-month. Monthlong.
Experience Oscar. Watch the awards show on the big screen at Belcourt Theatre, plus a red carpet party, silent auction, and glamorous VIP backstage lounge. Tel. 615/846-3150. www.belcourt.org. Late February.
Restaurant Week. Dozens of Nashville restaurants offer deals and prix-fixe menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. visitmusiccity.com. Late February.
Restaurant Week. Dozens of Nashville restaurants offer deals and prix-fixe menus for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. visitmusiccity.com. Late February.
Soup Sunday. Taste and vote on soups from 50 of Nashville’s best restaurants and enjoy kids’ activities like face painting and balloon animals at the Nissan Stadium. Proceeds support Our Kids (tel. 615/341-4911; www.ourkidscenter.com), a Nashville nonprofit that helps those affected by child sexual abuse. Late February.
MARCH
St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations. Riverfront Park and Franklin. Run or walk a half marathon, 10K, or 5K at the riverside St. Patrick's Music City Half Marathon and then enjoy Irish food and drink all over town via the Music City Irish Fest. www.team-magic.com; www.musiccityirishfest.com. Mid-March.
Wine, Women & Shoes. Come to Music City Center to sip wine, bid on auction items, and shop the boutique marketplace while raising funds for the YWCA’s Weaver Domestic Violence Center. winewomenandshoes.com. Mid-April.
Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival. This downtown festival features arts and crafts, Japanese food, Cherry Blossom Walk, cosplay contest, and a puppy parade. nashvillecherryblossomfestival.org. Mid-April.
Rock 'n' Roll Nashville Marathon. Formerly the Country Music Marathon, this annual downtown run begins on Broadway and continues past many Nashville sights, including the symphony, Music Row, and Tennessee State Capitol. runrocknroll.com. Late April.
APRIL
“Awesome April.” The month of April is chockablock with special events, many of which overlap, so the city branded it Awesome April. The Tin Pan South songwriters’ festival and the Music City Walk of Fame Induction Ceremony take place in this action-packed month, when Nashville weather is at its prettiest. Also on tap are crawfish boils, the Nashville Film Festival, Nashville Fashion Week, East Nashville Beer Festival, and the Country Music Marathon, where 50 bands play on 27 stages along the marathon route. Cheekwood in Bloom features special events throughout the month while the tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths bloom. For detailed information on April events visit www.styleblueprint.com or www.visitmusiccity.com/visitors/events/awesomeapril.
Nashville Wine and Food Festival. Tastings from dozens of wineries and local restaurants, plus live music, chef demos and a marketplace of local artisanal goods. nashvillewineandfoodfestival.com. Mid-April.Wine, Women & Shoes. Come to Music City Center to sip wine, bid on auction items, and shop the boutique marketplace while raising funds for the YWCA’s Weaver Domestic Violence Center. winewomenandshoes.com. Mid-April.
Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival. This downtown festival features arts and crafts, Japanese food, Cherry Blossom Walk, cosplay contest, and a puppy parade. nashvillecherryblossomfestival.org. Mid-April.
Rock 'n' Roll Nashville Marathon. Formerly the Country Music Marathon, this annual downtown run begins on Broadway and continues past many Nashville sights, including the symphony, Music Row, and Tennessee State Capitol. runrocknroll.com. Late April.
MAY
Tennessee Renaissance Festival. Maidens, knights, gypsies, jugglers, jousters, games, and food—including whole turkey legs, which you are required to eat like a barbarian—are all part of this medieval fair held about 40 miles south of Nashville in Arrington. Tel. 615/395-9950. www.tnrenfest.com. Weekends in May, including Memorial Day.
Tennessee Craft Fair. Held in Centennial Park, this is the largest display of Tennessee crafts with a sister event in September. The fair is rounded out by food, demonstrations, and children’s craft activities. Tel. 615/736-7600. www.tennesseecrafts.org. Early May.
Iroquois Steeplechase. This horse race at Percy Warner Park has been an annual Nashville ritual since 1941, with only two exceptions: 1945, due to World War II, and 2020, due to COVID-19. A benefit for Monroe Carrell Jr. Children’s Hospital, the event is accompanied by tailgates that range from debaucherous to ornate. tel. 615/591-2991. iroquoissteeplechase.org. Second Saturday in May.
JUNE
Full Moon Pickin’ Party. A unique and unexpected way to experience live music, people can walk right up and listen (or join!) bluegrass pickin’ parties scattered around Percy Warner Park. Anchored by a large, headlined concert on the grass under the stars, enjoy local food trucks, cold brews, and more, all summer long. warnerparks.org. Monthly on the full moon, May-September.
Full Moon Pickin’ Party. A unique and unexpected way to experience live music, people can walk right up and listen (or join!) bluegrass pickin’ parties scattered around Percy Warner Park. Anchored by a large, headlined concert on the grass under the stars, enjoy local food trucks, cold brews, and more, all summer long. warnerparks.org. Monthly on the full moon, May-September.
Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman. Thursday nights at the historic Ryman Auditorium (tel. 615/889-3060; www.ryman.com) play host to top-name bluegrass acts such as Alison Krauss and Ricky Skaggs. Thursdays June–July.
CMA (Country Music Association) Fest, downtown. This 4-day event includes music from hundreds of artists including concerts, meet-and-greets, autograph signings, celebrity sporting events, and more. If you like popular country music, this is your event. If you don’t, pick another weekend and avoid the hassle. www.cmafest.com. Early-June.
NASCAR at Nashville Superspeedway. Highlighted by the Ally 400 NASCAR Cup Series race, this racing weekend features multile events and has become a staple for racing enthusiasts. nashvillesuperspeedway.com. Last weekend in June.
NASCAR at Nashville Superspeedway. Highlighted by the Ally 400 NASCAR Cup Series race, this racing weekend features multile events and has become a staple for racing enthusiasts. nashvillesuperspeedway.com. Last weekend in June.
JULY
Let Freedom Sing! July 4th Concert & Fireworks. One of the biggest fireworks shows in the country, this downtown event grows larger every year, and features food, kids’ activities, and entertainment by acts such as Brad Paisley and Lady Antebellum. Music by the Nashville Symphony accompanies fireworks during the televised extravaganza. Tel. 800/657-6910. www.visitmusiccity.com. July 4.
Music City Hot Chicken Festival. This free East Park event includes a fire truck parade, food and beer for purchase, live music, and an amateur cooking competition. hot-chicken.com. July 4.
Music City Hot Chicken Festival. This free East Park event includes a fire truck parade, food and beer for purchase, live music, and an amateur cooking competition. hot-chicken.com. July 4.
Music City Brewers Festival. The event, held at Walk of Geodis Park, features dozens of brewers from around the country, live music, and food. www.musiccitybrewersfest.com. Late July.
AUGUST
Tomato Art Fest. Food, friendly competitions, parades, and lots of tomato-themed arts, crafts, and costumes are part of this annual event in East Nashville’s Five Points area. www.tomatoartfest.com. Second weekend of August.
Live on the Green. This free outdoor concert series in Public Square Park culminates in a 3-day festival Labor Day weekend. www.liveonthegreen.com. Weekends in August.
Music in the Vines. Enjoy live jazz in the Arrington Vineyard (tel. 615/395-0102; www.arringtonvineyards.com) courtyard, take part in a complimentary wine tasting, or pack a picnic. Weekends April through October.
Musicians Corner. This free festival in Centennial Park is a family-friendly way to hear local Nashville music while enjoying the outdoors, food trucks, beverages, and more. musicianscornernashville.com. Five weekends in the spring (May-June) and fall (August-September).
Musicians Corner. This free festival in Centennial Park is a family-friendly way to hear local Nashville music while enjoying the outdoors, food trucks, beverages, and more. musicianscornernashville.com. Five weekends in the spring (May-June) and fall (August-September).
SEPTEMBER
African Street Festival. Entertainment includes gospel, R&B, jazz, reggae music, and a Children’s Pavilion with storytelling, arts and crafts, drumming, and dance. At Hadley Park, Tennessee State University. africanstreetfestival.com. Mid-September.
Americana Music Festival. More than 1,000 musicians, fans, and industry professionals attend this multiday event, which includes more than 50 showcases featuring established and emerging artists. It culminates with the televised Americana Music Awards show at the Ryman. tel. 615/386-6936. americanamusic.org. Mid-September.
Big Machine Music City Grand Prix. This NTT INDYCAR SERIES and INDY NXT championship creates a temporary street circuit in downtown Nashville, thrilling spectators and infuriating locals with road closures and traffic jams. As of 2024, the race will (thankfully) be held at Nashville Superspeedway in Wilson County while the new Titans Stadium is being constructed but will likely return downtown upon completion. musiccitygp.com. Mid-September.
John Merritt Classic. Tennessee State University’s opening football game at Nissan Stadium (formerly LP Field) is celebrated with a charity golf tournament, concerts, and special activities. Tel. 615/963-5841. www.merrittclassic.com. Labor Day weekend.
Americana Music Festival. More than 1,000 musicians, fans, and industry professionals attend this multiday event, which includes more than 50 showcases featuring established and emerging artists. It culminates with the televised Americana Music Awards show at the Ryman. tel. 615/386-6936. americanamusic.org. Mid-September.
Big Machine Music City Grand Prix. This NTT INDYCAR SERIES and INDY NXT championship creates a temporary street circuit in downtown Nashville, thrilling spectators and infuriating locals with road closures and traffic jams. As of 2024, the race will (thankfully) be held at Nashville Superspeedway in Wilson County while the new Titans Stadium is being constructed but will likely return downtown upon completion. musiccitygp.com. Mid-September.
John Merritt Classic. Tennessee State University’s opening football game at Nissan Stadium (formerly LP Field) is celebrated with a charity golf tournament, concerts, and special activities. Tel. 615/963-5841. www.merrittclassic.com. Labor Day weekend.
TACA Fall Craft Fair. Upscale, fine-crafts market in Centennial Park, featuring Tennessee artisans. tel. 615/736-7600. www.tennesseecrafts.org. Late September.
Wine on the River. Enjoy live music as you sample wine, beer, and spirits from around the globe plus culturally themed menus, in Riverfront Park. Tel. 615/664-2484. www.wineontheriver.com. Late September.
OCTOBER
Artober. This celebration of the arts comprises hundreds of events throughout the city in visual and performing arts, music, theater, dance, craft, film, and more. Monthlong.
Cheekwood Harvest. See the renowned pumpkin house, 5,000 chrysanthemums, and scarecrows at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens. Tel. 615/356-8000; http://cheekwood.org. Enjoy beer and bluegrass each weekend and celebrate El Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) at the end of the month. Monthlong.
Cumberland River Dragon Boat Festival. The city gathers downtown to honor the age-old Chinese tradition by participating in dragon boat races and festive parades. dragonboatnashville.com. Early October
Fall Fest at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage. Art, music, and history converge at the Hermitage. Tel. 615/889-2941. thehermitage.com. Early October.
Halloween in Nashville. From Boo at the Zoo to pumpkin patches and haunted corn mazes, visit visitmusiccity.com/halloween for the most up-to-date events. Monthlong.
Fall Fest at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage. Art, music, and history converge at the Hermitage. Tel. 615/889-2941. thehermitage.com. Early October.
Halloween in Nashville. From Boo at the Zoo to pumpkin patches and haunted corn mazes, visit visitmusiccity.com/halloween for the most up-to-date events. Monthlong.
Oktoberfest. This crowded but still fun Germantown festival includes dancing, accordion players, authentic German food, beer, and more beer. Tel. 615/686-2867. www.thenashvilleoktoberfest.com. Mid-October.
Native American Indian Association Pow Wow. Native Americans from the United States and Canada gather at Long Hunter State Park for this powwow, sponsored by the Native American Indian Association (http://naiatn.org/powwow). Mid-October.
Southern Festival of Books. More than 200 authors gather at War Memorial Plaza and Main Public Library for a variety of free special events over 3 days. Tel. 615/770-0006. sofestofbooks.org. Second full weekend in October.
Southern Festival of Books. More than 200 authors gather at War Memorial Plaza and Main Public Library for a variety of free special events over 3 days. Tel. 615/770-0006. sofestofbooks.org. Second full weekend in October.
NOVEMBER
Christmas at Belmont. The annual Belmont University tradition shows off the School of Music with a concert featuring carols, classical works, and world music performed by roughly 600 students in addition to faculty. The opulent, antebellum Belmont Mansion at Belmont University is decked out in Victorian Christmas finery—and the gift shop is a great place to nab Christmassy Victorian reproductions. tel. 615/460-554559. thefishercenter.combelmontmansion.com. Late November to late December.
A Country Christmas. More than 2 million Christmas lights and 2 million pounds of ice adorn the grounds of the Opryland hotel (tel. 615/889-1000; gaylordhotels.com) and make the holidays a sound and sparkling time to visit Opryland. Musical revues change every few years, with headliners ranging from Pam Tillis and Louise Mandrell to “Charlie Brown” and the Radio City Music Hall RockettesGrab a complimentary parka and check out the “ICE!” artist-carved winter wonderland, go ice tubing or skating, visit gingerbread corner, and see special seasonal concerts. November 1 to December 25.
Holiday Lights LIGHTS at Cheekwood. Cheekwood Estate’s gardens and mansion are decorated with elegant displays and hundreds of thousands of festive lights. tel. 615/356-8000. http://cheekwood.org. Late November through December.
Zoolumination Chinese Festival of Lights. The country's largest Chinese lantern festival consists of more than 1,000 silk lanterns featuring everything from dragons to menorahs to mushrooms. Stop along the way to enjoy bars, ziplines, amd nightly performances by Chinese entertainers. tel. 615/833-1534. nashvillezoo.org/zoolumination. Mid-November to Early February.
DECEMBER
Porter Flea Holiday Market. Dozens of vendors descend upon The Fairgrounds Nashville to sell unique apparel, accessories, home goods, and more. www.porterflea.com. Early December.
12South Winter Warmup/Warmer. These 6K and 12K races, plus a 1K run for kids, serve as the Warmup to the 12South Winter Warmer beer festival that follows later in the day in Sevier Park. raceentry.com/12-south-winter-warmup/race-information; thewinterwarmer.com. Early December.
Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl. The rival football game between the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), at Nissan Stadium. Tel. 615/743-3130. www.musiccitybowl.com. Late December.
Nashville New Year’s Eve. This Lower-Broadway celebration includes fireworks, performances by artists like Keith Urban, Maren Morris, and Cheap Trick, and the Music Note Drop. Tel. 800/657-6910. www.visitmusiccity.com/newyearseve. December 31.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
