Events
Events
Year-Long Guide to Nashville's Events
Nashville, Tennessee, affectionately known as Music City, offers far more than just a hub for country music lovers. It’s a dynamic city brimming with cultural, historical, and seasonal events that highlight the city’s rich heritage, vibrant arts scene, and Southern hospitality. Nashville’s event calendar is packed with festivals, concerts, food experiences, and more, making it a premier destination year-round for travelers looking to engage with local culture. Whether you’re attending a music festival, culinary experience, or a historical reenactment, Nashville provides an exciting and memorable experience for every type of traveler.
January
New Year's Eve "Music Note Drop"
- Date: December 31, 2024 – January 1, 2025
- Location: Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, 600 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN 37243
- Contact: (615) 741-5280
- Description: Nashville’s signature New Year’s Eve celebration features live performances from top artists, a massive fireworks show, and the iconic “Music Note Drop” at midnight.
- Highlights: Free concerts, food trucks, and one of the biggest fireworks displays in the South.
Music City Winterfest
- Date: January 5-7, 2025
- Location: Centennial Park, 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
- Contact: (615) 862-8431
- Description: A family-friendly winter festival offering ice skating, live entertainment, and food vendors.
- Highlights: Outdoor ice rink, artisan crafts, and winter-themed activities.
Antiques and Garden Show of Nashville
- Date: January 12-14, 2025
- Location: Music City Center, 201 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN 37203
- Contact: (615) 742-2000
- Description: One of the largest antiques shows in the country, featuring garden design, interior design, and fine antiques.
- Highlights: Lectures from renowned designers, antique dealers, and garden displays.
February
Nashville Wine and Food Festival
- Date: February 10, 2025
- Location: Omni Nashville Hotel, 250 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN 37203
- Contact: (615) 782-5300
- Description: A celebration of local cuisine paired with fine wines, featuring top chefs and wine experts from across the country.
- Highlights: Wine tastings, gourmet food pairings, and cooking demonstrations.
Black History Month Concert
- Date: February 18, 2025
- Location: Ryman Auditorium, 116 5th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219
- Contact: (615) 889-3060
- Description: A musical tribute celebrating the contributions of African American artists to country, jazz, and gospel music.
- Highlights: Performances by prominent African American musicians and emerging talent.
Nashville Fashion Week
- Date: February 26 – March 1, 2025
- Location: Various venues across Nashville
- Contact: (615) 416-1100
- Description: An annual event showcasing the latest trends in fashion, featuring runway shows, pop-up shops, and designer panels.
- Highlights: Exclusive runway shows and emerging designer showcases.
March
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
- Date: March 17, 2025
- Location: Broadway, Downtown Nashville
- Contact: (615) 862-6000
- Description: A lively parade through downtown Nashville celebrating Irish culture with marching bands, dancers, and colorful floats.
- Highlights: Irish dancing, live music, and plenty of green-themed fun.
Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival
- Date: March 23, 2025
- Location: Public Square Park, 1 Public Square, Nashville, TN 37201
- Contact: (615) 862-6000
- Description: A celebration of Japanese culture in Nashville with traditional food, crafts, and cultural performances.
- Highlights: Cherry blossom trees in bloom, martial arts demonstrations, and Japanese tea ceremonies.
Southern Women’s Show
- Date: March 28-30, 2025
- Location: Music City Center, 201 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN 37203
- Contact: (615) 742-2000
- Description: A weekend event featuring fashion shows, beauty tips, and cooking demonstrations tailored for women.
- Highlights: Shopping, health seminars, and food tastings.
April
Nashville Comedy Festival
- Date: April 3-7, 2025
- Location: Various venues including Ryman Auditorium, Zanies Comedy Club
- Contact: (615) 742-2000
- Description: A multi-day festival showcasing some of the biggest names in stand-up comedy, with shows at venues across the city.
- Highlights: Headliners from across the comedy world, special appearances, and local comedic talent.
Nashville Film Festival
- Date: April 17-24, 2025
- Location: Regal Hollywood Stadium 27, 719 Thompson Ln, Nashville, TN 37204
- Contact: (615) 742-2500
- Description: One of the longest-running film festivals in the U.S., featuring independent films, documentaries, and international features.
- Highlights: Film premieres, industry panels, and Q&A sessions with filmmakers.
Rock ’n’ Roll Nashville Marathon
- Date: April 27, 2025
- Location: Start and finish lines at Nissan Stadium, 1 Titans Way, Nashville, TN 37213
- Contact: (615) 921-5000
- Description: A marathon featuring live bands along the race route, drawing runners and spectators from around the world.
- Highlights: Live music every mile, post-race concert, and scenic route through Nashville’s landmarks.
May
Tennessee Craft Fair
- Date: May 3-5, 2025
- Location: Centennial Park, 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
- Contact: (615) 862-8431
- Description: A juried craft fair featuring the work of more than 200 artists from across Tennessee.
- Highlights: Handcrafted pottery, jewelry, woodworking, and glass art.
Iroquois Steeplechase
- Date: May 10, 2025
- Location: Percy Warner Park, 2500 Old Hickory Blvd, Nashville, TN 37221
- Contact: (615) 777-8790
- Description: Nashville’s premier horse racing event, the Iroquois Steeplechase is a beloved tradition featuring races, tailgating, and a festive atmosphere.
- Highlights: Horse racing, picnics, and stylish hats.
Nashville Music City Jamboree
- Date: May 20-23, 2025
- Location: Various venues, including Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium
- Contact: (615) 889-3060
- Description: A multi-day country music festival featuring performances from both established and up-and-coming artists.
- Highlights: Live performances, meet-and-greets, and workshops with country music stars.
June
CMA Fest (Country Music Association Festival)
- Date: June 5-8, 2025
- Location: Various venues across downtown Nashville, including Nissan Stadium and Ascend Amphitheater
- Contact: (615) 244-2840
- Description: The largest country music festival in the world, CMA Fest brings together country music’s biggest stars and fans for four days of live performances, fan meet-and-greets, and exclusive events.
- Highlights: Over 100 performances, meet-and-greets with country stars, and free daytime concerts at Riverfront Park.
Jefferson Street Jazz & Blues Festival
- Date: June 14-15, 2025
- Location: Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, 600 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN 37243
- Contact: (615) 726-5867
- Description: A celebration of Nashville’s rich jazz and blues heritage, this festival showcases local and national artists.
- Highlights: Live jazz and blues performances, food vendors, and cultural exhibits.
Full Moon Pickin’ Party
- Date: June 21, 2025
- Location: Percy Warner Park, 7311 Hwy 100, Nashville, TN 37221
- Contact: (615) 370-8053
- Description: A unique outdoor event featuring bluegrass music under the full moon, where musicians and fans gather to play and listen to live acoustic music.
- Highlights: Bluegrass bands, jam sessions, and food trucks.
July
Fourth of July Celebration – Let Freedom Sing
- Date: July 4, 2025
- Location: Downtown Nashville, along the Cumberland Riverfront
- Contact: (615) 259-4700
- Description: Nashville’s Fourth of July celebration is one of the biggest in the country, with live music, fireworks, and food vendors lining the riverfront.
- Highlights: A massive fireworks display set to live music from the Nashville Symphony, free concerts, and family-friendly activities.
Music City Brewers Festival
- Date: July 20, 2025
- Location: Walk of Fame Park, 121 4th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
- Contact: (615) 321-0240
- Description: One of Nashville’s top craft beer festivals, featuring over 40 local and regional breweries.
- Highlights: Unlimited beer tastings, live music, and food trucks.
Tomato Art Fest
- Date: July 27-28, 2025
- Location: Five Points, East Nashville
- Contact: (615) 226-2288
- Description: A quirky and fun celebration of all things tomato, this event includes art exhibits, a tomato parade, and live music.
- Highlights: Tomato-themed art and crafts, food contests, and street performanc
August
Nashville Shakespeare Festival
- Date: August 1-25, 2025
- Location: Centennial Park, 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
- Contact: (615) 255-2273
- Description: An annual outdoor festival featuring live performances of Shakespeare’s works.
- Highlights: Free performances of classic plays, food trucks, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Tomato Fest Parade
- Date: August 10, 2025
- Location: Five Points, East Nashville
- Contact: (615) 226-2288
- Description: A quirky, tomato-themed parade featuring elaborate floats and costumes.
- Highlights: Fun for all ages, with food vendors, live music, and plenty of tomato-themed activities.
Music City Hot Chicken Festival
- Date: August 25, 2025
- Location: East Park, 700 Woodland St, Nashville, TN 37206
- Contact: (615) 862-8400
- Description: A spicy tribute to Nashville’s signature dish, the Hot Chicken Festival features local vendors serving up their best takes on this fiery favorite.
- Highlights: Hot chicken tastings, a parade, and live music.
September
Americana Music Festival & Conference
- Date: September 17-21, 2025
- Location: Various venues across Nashville
- Contact: (615) 386-6936
- Description: A gathering of musicians, fans, and industry professionals celebrating the best in Americana music.
- Highlights: Over 200 live performances, workshops, and panel discussions.
Tennessee State Fair
- Date: September 6-15, 2025
- Location: The Fairgrounds Nashville, 500 Wedgewood Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
- Contact: (615) 862-8980
- Description: A classic state fair featuring carnival rides, agricultural exhibits, and live entertainment.
- Highlights: Animal shows, blue-ribbon contests, and local food.
Fall Craft Fair at Centennial Park
- Date: September 22-24, 2025
- Location: Centennial Park, 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
- Contact: (615) 862-8431
- Description: A celebration of local artisans, featuring handcrafted pottery, jewelry, and art.
- Highlights: Local craft vendors, live demonstrations, and food trucks.
October
Nashville Oktoberfest
- Date: October 10-13, 2024
- Location: Germantown, Nashville
- Contact: (615) 686-2867
- Description: Nashville’s oldest beer festival, celebrating German culture with food, beer, and live music.
- Highlights: Traditional German fare, polka bands, and the popular dachshund derby.
Southern Festival of Books
- Date: October 11-13, 2024
- Location: War Memorial Plaza, 301 6th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37243
- Contact: (615) 936-3863
- Description: A literary festival celebrating authors and readers with panel discussions, book signings, and storytelling events.
- Highlights: Appearances by well-known authors, book readings, and kids’ activities.
Full Moon Tattoo & Horror Festival
- Date: October 18-20, 2024
- Location: Nashville Airport Marriott, 600 Marriott Dr, Nashville, TN 37214
- Contact: (615) 889-9300
- Description: A festival for tattoo enthusiasts and horror fans featuring tattoo artists, horror memorabilia, and celebrity guests.
- Highlights: Live tattooing, horror film screenings, and costume contests.
November
Christmas Village
- Date: November 15-17, 2024
- Location: The Fairgrounds Nashville, 500 Wedgewood Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
- Contact: (615) 460-7047
- Description: One of Nashville’s oldest holiday markets, featuring over 250 vendors selling holiday gifts, crafts, and decorations.
- Highlights: Handmade gifts, holiday decor, and visits with Santa.
Veterans Day Parade
- Date: November 11, 2024
- Location: Downtown Nashville
- Contact: (615) 862-6000
- Description: A parade honoring veterans and military service members, featuring marching bands, veterans groups, and military vehicles.
- Highlights: Patriotic performances and military tributes.
Nashville International Auto Show
- Date: November 28-30, 2024
- Location: Music City Center, 201 Rep. John Lewis Way S, Nashville, TN 37203
- Contact: (615) 742-2000
- Description: The latest cars, trucks, and SUVs from top manufacturers, with interactive exhibits and test drives.
- Highlights: New vehicle debuts, test-driving opportunities, and classic car displays.
December
Gaylord Opryland’s “A Country Christmas”
- Date: December 1-31, 2024
- Location: Gaylord Opryland Resort, 2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214
- Contact: (615) 889-1000
- Description: A month-long celebration featuring over three million Christmas lights, ice sculptures, and live holiday performances.
- Highlights: ICE! exhibit, nightly tree lighting ceremonies, and holiday boat rides along the indoor river.
Dickens of a Christmas
- Date: December 7-8, 2024
- Location: Downtown Franklin, 230 Franklin Rd, Franklin, TN 37064
- Contact: (615) 591-8500
- Description: Step back in time with this Victorian-themed Christmas festival, featuring characters from Charles Dickens’ novels, carolers, and period-appropriate street performances.
- Highlights: Costumed actors, carriage rides, and festive food.
Franklin Christmas Parade
- Date: December 21, 2024
- Location: Downtown Franklin
- Contact: (615) 791-3217
- Description: A beloved tradition, the Franklin Christmas Parade features floats, marching bands, and, of course, Santa Claus.
- Highlights: Festive holiday floats, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities.
Insider Tips
Practical Information
For most events, tickets can be purchased online or at the venue, with early bookings highly recommended for festivals and concerts. Ticketmaster and event websites are great resources for purchasing tickets. Public transport options like WeGo Public Transit are available, and Nashville offers rideshare services like Uber and Lyft for convenient transportation.
During major festivals and holiday events, hotels near downtown Nashville fill up quickly. Consider staying at The Hermitage Hotel, Omni Nashville Hotel, or Holiday Inn Express for easy access to event venues.
Insider Tips
- Best Time to Attend: Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially for major events like CMA Fest and Fourth of July celebrations. Mornings and weekday visits are generally less crowded for shopping festivals and markets.
- Local Customs: Nashville locals are welcoming, and while casual attire is accepted at most events, upscale gatherings like the Iroquois Steeplechase encourage attendees to dress in Southern-style elegance.
- Nearby Attractions: While in Nashville, don’t miss the Country Music Hall of Fame, Johnny Cash Museum, and the Parthenon for a full Music City experience.
Safety and Comfort
Nashville is a safe city, but during large events, it’s important to be mindful of your belongings and stay hydrated, particularly at outdoor festivals. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Many events provide on-site security, and family-friendly events offer designated areas for children’s activities.
Planning Your Visit
Nashville’s vibrant calendar of events makes it a fantastic year-round destination for visitors. Whether you’re attending a world-renowned festival, exploring the city’s historic neighborhoods, or indulging in its culinary and musical heritage, Nashville offers something for everyone. Planning your trip around these events will enhance your travel experience and provide a deeper connection to Music City’s culture, history, and hospitality.
