Nashville, a premier destination for visitors to enjoy a summer holiday with live music events, cultural festivals, world-class exhibitions, and professional sporting events, kicks off summer in Music City for Memorial Day Weekend.
Nashville has several trip ideas for everyone to create memorable moments throughout the holiday weekend. Travellers can experience a show at the Grand Ole Opry as it celebrates 100 years or see country superstar Eric Church at the brand-new The Pinnacle. Families can enjoy Nashville Sounds home games all weekend long at First Horizon Park, with food and fun beyond the right field wall at The Band Box, a fireworks show on Friday, live music at Hit City Saturday, and Sunday Family Fun Day featuring player autographs and postgame Kids Round the Bases.
They can also celebrate Independence Day in Music City style at Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th, presented by Dr. Pepper. The free downtown event is open to everyone and family-friendly, with activities throughout the day, including the Amazon Family Fun Zone featuring inflatables, arts and crafts, and local food trucks. Multi-platinum Country superstar Dierks Bentley headlines the event and is joined by Russell Dickerson, Niko Moon, and Grace Bowers. The evening concludes with one of the country’s largest 4th of July fireworks and drone shows synchronised to live music from the GRAMMY-winning Nashville Symphony.
Before heading downtown for Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th, travellers can get a true taste of Nashville at the 19th Annual Music City Hot Chicken Festival in East Nashville, kicking off with the Fire Truck Parade. Visitors can enjoy free samples, cold drinks and other delicious bites, cooking competitions, and live music from local bands.
There’s more than one way to escape the summer heat in Nashville, home to more music museums than anywhere else in the world. On 20 May, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum debuts the Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker, a new exhibition honoring Parton’s remarkable six-decade career in music, film, business, philanthropy and beyond. The exhibition runs until 30 September 2026.
Nashville’s music museums also include the historic Ryman Auditorium, National Museum of African American Music, Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum, Historic RCA Studio B and Johnny Cash Museum.
The Dolly Parton celebration continues this summer in Nashville as DOLLY: An Original Musical makes its world premiere at The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. Before heading to Broadway in 2026, Parton’s life story will come to life on stage – featuring some of her biggest hits and brand-new songs – during its limited debut, 17 July to 17 August.
CMA Fest returns to downtown Nashville 5 to 8 June, celebrating 52 years as the longest-running Country Music festival in the world. Music fans from around the globe can enjoy four days of meet-and-greats, autograph signings and live performances from hundreds of Country Music acts. Fans can purchase tickets to see global talent at Nissan Stadium and Ascend Amphitheater or enjoy free live performances at multiple outdoor stages in downtown Nashville. Visitors can purchase 2025 CMA Fest Bundles and Packages to book lodging and receive Festival Fun Packs.
For the first time ever, the FIFA Club World Cup is coming to Nashville in 2025. As one of only 10 host cities across the United States, Music City welcomes football fans from around the world to GEODIS Park for three premier international football matches on 20, 24, and 26 June.
The Nashville Pride Festival returns to Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park on 28-29 June for a two-day celebration of diversity, inclusivity and community. The weekend kicks off with the free Nashville Pride Parade on Lower Broadway, followed by a vibrant festival featuring live entertainment from top headliners, local food and drinks, unique art vendors and installations, and family-friendly activities.
Summer fun continues with the 16th year of the Musicians Corner Spring Series at Centennial Park. The free, family-friendly outdoor concert series kicks off 16 May and features live music performances by local Nashville artists every Friday and Saturday evening ends 14 June. Visitors can also enjoy educational activities, Musical Meet & Greets and local food trucks while taking in the live music.
Visitors can enjoy even more outdoor live music with bluegrass under the stars at the Full Moon Pickin’ Party music series. From May until September, families, friends and even pets can head to Percy Warner Park for this beloved Nashville tradition of nearly 30 years, featuring live bluegrass, local food trucks, sweet treats and more.
One of Nashville’s most unique events, Tomato Arts Fest, returns 8 to 9 August to East Nashville’s Five Points for its 22nd year. The free, family-friendly festival begins with a colorful parade of decorated floats and costumed characters, followed by a full lineup of tomato-themed fun, including costume contests, art shows, kids’ activities, shopping, local food and live music.
As summer comes to a close, the 25th annual AMERICANAFEST returns to Nashville 9 to 13 September, gathering thousands of artists, fans and industry professionals from around the world. The festival features hundreds of live performances across the city, celebrating American roots music – from folk and country to blues, soul and rock. Fans can also attend conference panels, industry seminars and the Americana Honors & Awards at the historic Ryman Auditorium.
For the art lover, experience the work of Nashville’s most prominent sculptor at Alan LeQuire – Monumental Figures, on display at The Parthenon from 13 June to 2 September. Known for creating the 42-foot Athena Parthenos – celebrating its 35th anniversary this year – LeQuire’s new monumental sculptures celebrate everyday heroes, including activists, musicians and athletes. This solo exhibition marks the first time an artist has been invited to exhibit throughout the entire Nashville Parthenon.
There is no shortage of Nashville activities for the entire family to enjoy this summer. Seek a wild adventure at the Nashville Zoo or the Adventure Park for ropes courses and ziplining. Spark curiosity and enjoy interactive exhibits and science activities at the Adventure Science Center. Visit the Frist Art Museum’s Martin ArtQuest Gallery, where children can get creative with hands-on activities inspired by gallery exhibitions. Make a splash at Nashville’s water parks, such as the Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort or SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland.
