Festivals
Thanks to Nashville's eclectic and diverse culture, there are bound to be quite a few of these that you won't want to miss.
CMA Fest
Every June, this legendary country music festival hosts over 50,000 fans from around the world. With free concerts in addition to ticketed ones, fun events and a decked-out Broadway, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy this very Nashville experience.
Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival
Pilgrimage Fest is a ticketed music festival with a diverse lineup of more than 60 rock ‘n’ roll, Americana, Bluegrass, indie, jazz, alt-country, gospel, pop and blues musicians across six stages. There’s a “Farm to Turntable” food truck park, a Makers Village featuring area artisans and Millville Market, a village where people relax between sets.
Shakespeare in the Park
The Nashville Shakespeare Festival hosts productions in Nashville and Franklin every August and September. Established in 1988, Shakespeare in the Park offers family-friendly professional productions of Shakespeare’s plays. Admission is free, but donations are suggested.
Americana Fest
Every September, the Americana Music Association hosts this ticketed musical festival and conference. (The music genre Americana is created by the shared traditions that make up the music of America, specifically folk, country, blues, rhythm, blues, rock and roll, gospel, etc.)
Live on the Green
Free concerts presented by Lightning 100 in August and September at Public Square Park.
Musicians Corner
The Conservancy for the Parthenon and Centennial Park presents free live music from Nashville musicians in Centennial Park throughout the summer.
Celebrate Nashville Cultural Fest
In Nashville, one in six residents is foreign-born. Learn more about the culture neighboring you during this free special festival held every year in Centennial Park.
Tomato Art Fest
Certainly Nashville’s wackiest free art festival, Tomato Art Fest takes over East Nashville every summer to laud all things tomatoes.
Music City Hot Chicken Festival
Held on Independence Day every year, the Music City Hot Chicken Festival celebrates Nashville’s very own hot chicken with a fire truck parade, free hot chicken samples, music and more.
Tennessee Craft Fair
Every spring and fall, this Nashville tradition of celebrating American handmade craft takes place in Centennial Park. There’s fine artwork straight from juried, award-winning artists who you can meet and learn from.
Southern Festival of Books
Ascend into bibliophile heaven every fall for the Southern Festival of Books, with events taking place at Legislative Plaza in downtown Nashville.
Oktoberfest
Every October you’ll have the chance to enjoy German cuisine, parades, music, dancing, tours of historic Church of the Assumption and more.
African Street Festival
The African American Cultural Alliance hosts this free three-day cultural festival in Hadley Park every September.
Greek Festival
Dance, shop, eat and more during the Nashville Greek Festival.
Italian Lights Festival
Celebrate Italian heritage with a festival and street fair in the Downtown Nashville Bicentennial Mall.
Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival
Spring and Japanese culture are commemorated with a morning cherry blossom walk and free one-day festival in Nashville’s Public Square Park.
American Artisan Festival
Admire contemporary craft and fine art in Centennial Park. This festival has been part of the Nashville art community since 1971.
Franklin Main Street Festival
The Williamson County Heritage Foundation presents the Main Street Festival in Franklin for a weekend every spring. Along with the juried arts and crafts show comes the battle of the bands competition and food vendors galore.
Dickens of a Christmas
Dickens of a Christmas is an experience that Charles Dickens fans won’t want to miss. There will be dancers, musicians and characters filling the streets of Franklin’s historic downtown — and even snow.