Nashville’s Top Summer Festivals
We’ve rounded up our collection 5 Best Nashville Summer Festivals to Visit in 2023
Nashville summers are one of a kind, and great festivals are a part of the culture. Families are welcome to come out and get together as they enjoy live musical entertainment, great local food, and interesting art with social-media-worthy photo ops.
Here’s our collection of the best summer festivals in Nashville you have to attend at least once.
1. Music City 4th of July — Let Freedom Sing!
Independence Day 2023 is a special occasion throughout the nation, and Nashville goes all-out for America’s birthday. Gather in the center of Music City with thousands of patriots decked out in red, white, and blue as they sing along to performances by Brad Paisley, The War and Treaty, Langhorne Slim, Tiera Kennedy, and more.
A live performance by the Grammy-award-winning Nashville Symphony Orchestra will compliment the country’s largest fireworks display. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind spectacular you don’t want to miss.
The best part? This star-studded celebration is completely free to attend!
2. Jefferson Street Jazz & Blues Festival
On July 22, 2023, the Jefferson Street Jazz & Blues Festival will return to Nashville for its 23rd anniversary. The festival will unfold at Cumberlands’ Fertile Shore on Dr. Walter S. Davis Boulevard. Guests will be able to spend an evening enjoying a delightful array of jazz and blues performances, great food, and shops from local vendors.
Performers include The Manhattans, Higher Ground, Bobby Rush, and Karlton Taylor. There are both general admission and VIP packages available with additional perks like VIP parking and shaded seating.
3. Tomato Art Festival
You might know that tomatoes are fruits and not vegetables, but did you know there is an entire festival dedicated to celebrating them through art? Only in Nashville.
The Tomato Art Festival honors this popular produce with an exhibition of paintings and works dedicated to the fruit; it also includes live musical performances, a variety of local vendors, and fun contests for attendees of all ages.
Costumes aren’t just welcomed but highly encouraged. In 2022, over 65,000 tomato lovers poured into the city to get a slice of the action. This year, expect an equally large crowd on Friday August 11, and Saturday, August 12, 2023 at Five Points in East Nashville.
4. AmericanaFest
From September 19-23, 2023, the 20th consecutive AmericanaFest will sweep through Nashville. Discover this exciting genre of folk-inspired music with performances by both industry legends and rising artists.
AmericanaFest Nashville 2023 will follow the tradition of being a multi-day event across different venues in the city. With a festival pass, you’ll be able to attend all of them without a problem. If you buy a conference pass, you’ll also be able to attend a variety of seminars, panels, and extra daytime performances by artists with an audience of hardcore fans and music professionals.
If you want to just attend the nighttime performances, that’s okay, too. Just be sure to line up early as passes do not guarantee entry once the venue reaches capacity.
5. Musicians Corner
If you’re on the search for free concerts in Nashville, look no further than Musicians Corner. The annual event attracts over 75,000 fans each year, and it’s a great family-friendly activity with all ages welcome.
The outdoor event is completely free for all ages and takes place in the beautiful Centennial Park. Artists like Lilly Hart, A Tribe of Horseman, Serotones, and many more will put on fantastic shows that illustrate Nashville’s incredible musical talent and diversity.
See the City With Tommy’s Tours!
Get ready to discover Nashville like a local with a three-hour fun ride on Tommy’s tour bus! You’ll be led by comedian Charmin’ Tommy Garmon across Music City, get the full-scoop on must-see downtown attractions and even get to learn about famous celebrity homes. We’ll pick you up at your hotel and drop you off when the tour is over.
