12 Summer Music Events

Sundays, Throughout 2025
Lightning 100 showcases critically acclaimed national, regional, and local artists at the legendary 3rd and Lindsley during Nashville Sunday Night. This legendary evening has become a staple in Nashville's vibrant music scene, attracting audiences eager to discover new talent and enjoy live music in one of the city's most beloved settings.

May 17-August 23, 2025
Come to East Nashville's Cornelia Fort Airpark once a month to help preserve one of the city's most unique landmarks. Enjoy great local music, craft beer, family activities, food vendors, and more!

May 29-31, 2025
The Music City Rodeo is coming to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena from May 29 to 31. The event will feature top-tier PRCA rodeo competitions, including bull riding, barrel racing, and team roping. Each night will conclude with a major concert, with Reba McEntire, Jelly Roll, and Tim McGraw headlining the weekend. Visitors can enjoy family-friendly activities, live music, and a full Western experience in the heart of downtown Nashville.

June 4 & August 22-23, 2025
Come to East Nashville's Cornelia Fort Airpark once a month to help preserve one of the city's most unique landmarks. Enjoy great local music, craft beer, family activities, food vendors, and more!

June 5-8, 2025
Every summer, thousands of country music fans from all over the world come to Nashville to experience the CMA Festival—four days of music from hundreds of artists, including live concerts, meet-and-greets, autograph signings, celebrity sporting events, and more. Multiple stages throughout Downtown Nashville will host FREE live music during the festival.

June 12-15, 2025
Join the 80,000 fans who flock to Manchester, TN, just down the road from Nashville, for the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival. Four days of festivities that will blow your mind—over 150 musical performances, along with comedy, cinema, sustainability workshops, and more.

June 17-July 22, 2025
Each summer, the best of bluegrass music plays in the Ryman Auditorium's summertime concert series Bluegrass Nights at The Ryman, presented by Springer Mountain Farms. Don't miss performances from Dan Tyminski Band, Rhonda Vincent, Mighty Poplar, Ricky Skaggs, and more. Before the show, everyone is welcome to participate in the FREE Pickin' on the Plaza concert, which will take place in the venue's plaza.

June 28, 2025
The Water Lantern Festival at Centennial Park, near the iconic Parthenon, offers a mesmerizing experience that brings the community together. It's a beautiful evening where friends, families, and neighbors gather to share the tradition of creating and releasing lanterns on the water. Complemented by music, a variety of food trucks, and the unique experience of designing your own lantern, this is the perfect occasion to enjoy the outdoors.

June 28-29, 2025
The Nashville Pride Festival is a vibrant and colorful event that brings the community together to celebrate love, diversity, and acceptance. Each year, the festival features various activities suitable for all ages, including thrilling live performances, interactive art projects, and engaging carnival games. The Kids & Family Zone is a highlight, offering a safe and fun environment for families to enjoy face painting, arts and crafts, and various prizes. Notable performers, such as Salt N Pepa, Andreas Moss, and Mike Maimone, have previously graced the stage, showcasing the event's commitment to delivering top-tier entertainment. The festival serves as a platform for celebration and fosters a sense of unity and support within the LGBTQ+ community and its allies.

July 4, 2025
What better way to celebrate our country's independence than with FREE live music in the heart of the city built on music? Add a full day of family fun and the largest fireworks show in the country, and you've got Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th.

August 8-9, 2025
The Tomato Art Fest is a vibrant celebration that pays homage to tomatoes in late summer. Situated in the bustling Five Points area of East Nashville, this free festival delights attendees with its multiple stages featuring live music, creating a lively atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.

August 15-16, 2025
Deep Tropics is a vibrant festival that brings together creative artists, musicians, muralists, and tastemakers from around the globe. It is set against the picturesque backdrop of Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park in Nashville. This event celebrates music, art, and style, inviting attendees to immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of cultural expressions and innovative performances.