Nashville Festivals: A Year-Round Guide

What are the best festivals in Nashville?
Nashville's biggest annual festivals include CMA Fest in June, Let Freedom Sing on the Fourth of July, Tomato Art Fest in East Nashville in summer, and AmericanaFest in September.

Music City celebrates all year long. From massive downtown concerts to quirky neighborhood street festivals, there's almost always something happening in Nashville.

This guide organizes Nashville's annual festivals by season. Dates change every year, so check each event's official site before you make plans.

Spring Festivals

• Iroquois Steeplechase (May): a long-running steeplechase horse race at Percy Warner Park.
• Musicians Corner: free outdoor concerts in Centennial Park during spring and fall seasons.

Summer Festivals

• CMA Fest (June): days of country music concerts and fan events downtown.
• Nashville Pride (June): a parade and festival celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.
• Let Freedom Sing (July 4): Nashville's free Independence Day celebration downtown, with live music and one of the country's biggest fireworks shows.
• Music City Hot Chicken Festival (July 4): a celebration of Nashville hot chicken in East Park.
• Tomato Art Fest (August): a free, quirky East Nashville festival with art, music, costumes, and a parade.

Fall Festivals

• AmericanaFest (September): hundreds of shows at venues across the city.
• Nashville Brew Festival: craft beer from dozens of breweries.
• Celebrate Nashville Cultural Festival: music, food, and art from cultures around the world.
• Southern Festival of Books (October): a free literary festival with author talks and book signings.
• Nashville Film Festival: film screenings and events each fall.

Winter Events

The Nashville Christmas Parade rolls through downtown each December, and the holiday season brings light displays and seasonal shows across the city. For a summer-specific list, see our guide to summer in Nashville. For festivals beyond the city, see the best festivals in Middle Tennessee.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the biggest festival in Nashville?
CMA Fest in June is one of Nashville's largest events, with days of country music concerts downtown. Let Freedom Sing on the Fourth of July also draws huge crowds to the riverfront.

When is Tomato Art Fest in Nashville?
Tomato Art Fest is a free summer festival in East Nashville, usually held in August. Check the festival's website for this year's dates.

Are there free festivals in Nashville?
Yes. Let Freedom Sing, Tomato Art Fest, and the Nashville Christmas Parade are free to attend, along with many smaller neighborhood events.

Living Close to the Action

Want to live near the festivals you love? Nik Shewmaker, Nashville's Nik with Real Broker, helps buyers find the right Nashville neighborhood. Read our guide to things to do in Nashville or call (615) 585-0022.