Did you know that National Geographic just named Nashville as the top destination to visit in June? We love Music City year-round, but there is no other place we’d rather be when it comes to summertime! With endless events, new restaurants, festivals and entertainment everywhere, Nashville knows how to make the best of every season. There is always something going on in Nashville and summer is just getting started! Keep reading to learn more about some of the most anticipated events ahead.

Bonnaroo is back! This four-day long festival is jam packed with performances from iconic musicians and groups including Stevie Nicks, The Chicks, Ludacris, J. Cole and so many more! This event encompasses a lot more than music, throughout the festival, participants can enjoy parades, Yoga-Roo, the Broo’ers Festival, Planet Roo, Splash-A-Roo, and can even shop at Bonnaroo’s Village Market for locally made goods, art, crafts, and more. Additional details and tickets for this event are available on the Bonnaroo website: https://www.bonnaroo.com/ 

Make Music Nashville

June 21

Participating Locations

Make Music Nashville is a non-profit, day-long festival taking place all over the city! Filling the longest day of the year with music at every turn, this day is dedicated to community concerts utilizing parks, streets, and sidewalks as stages. Musicians of all ages, skills, and genres are encouraged to participate. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy Music City at every turn! https://www.makemusicnashville.org/ 

Nashville Pride

June 25-26

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

It’s time to show your Pride Nasvhille! This month, vendors, performers, tourists, and locals are gathering at Bicentennial Park to celebrate the LGBTQ community. The festival will include musical entertainment as well as a vendor market, kids and family zone, community art and of course a fabulous parade! What better opportunity to ‘Spread love the Nashville way’ than by showing your support at Pride? Find more information regarding this event here: https://www.nashvillepride.org/new-festival 

Ally 400 NASCAR Cup Series Race

June 26

Nashville Superspeedway

Racing fans get ready! Music City is welcoming some of the best to Nashville’s Super Speedway this month to participate in the Ally 400 NASCAR Cup Series. Spectators will be able to watch professionals speed around the largest concrete-only track in the sport, making this race even more challenging for drivers and teams. Leading up to Sunday’s race, the Nashville Superspeedway will be hosting the Rackley Roofing 200 and the Tennessee Lottery 250 Tickets and tailgate reservations are available now so claim yours using this link: https://www.nashvillesuperspeedway.com/ 

Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th

July 4

Downtown Nashville

If you’re not in Music City on the 4th of July, you’re doing it wrong. Downtown Nashville is gearing up to host one of the biggest bashes of the summer! With performances from Old Dominion, Gramps Morgan, Cassadee Pope, Levi Hummon and others, this concert is one you won’t want to miss. Additionally, the night will include an unforgettable show from the GRAMMY award-winning Nashville Symphony. This night is perfect for the whole family to enjoy, bring your kiddos to the Family Fun Zone and get ready to enjoy the biggest fireworks display in Nashville history! Find more details and package information here: https://reservations.visitmusiccity.com/package/info/8833/7284 

Music City Brewer’s Festival

July 23

Walk of Fame Park

Calling all beer lovers! The 21st Annual Music City Brewer’s Fest is back and better than ever! After over two decades celebrating the best local, regional, national, and imported brews, this year looks like it could be the best one yet. With live entertainment throughout the day and food from some of Nashville’s favorite spots, you’ll wish this day could go on forever. VIP, general admission, and designated driver tickets are available now: https://www.musiccitybrewersfest.com/tickets 

Tomato Art Festival

August 12-13

Five Points – East Nashville

This two-day free festival is ready to welcome all! The Tomato Art Fest began in 2004 and since then, locals and tourists have flocked to the festival to enjoy fun art pieces, yummy food from various vendors, contests, a parade, shopping, youth activities and more! With plenty of whacky fun to keep you entertained all weekend long, this event draws in tens of thousands of participants each year. Over the years, this event has been voted as “Best Festival” for the past fourteen years by the Nashville Scene, additionally, it has been nationally recognized by publications including Southern Living, Southwest Airlines, Travel and Leisure and more!

Follow @tomatoartfest on Instagram for updates or visit https://www.tomatoartfest.com/ for more information!

Defy Film Festival

August 19-20

East Nashville

Celebrating it’s seventh year is the Defy Film Festival. Turn off the Netflix for a night, and make your way to East Nashville to enjoy the cinematic creations of local film makers. The talented videographers participating are excited to share their stories through thoughtfully produced films. Come out to show your support for these brilliant artists!

https://www.defyfilmfestival.com/

Tennessee State Fair

August 18-27

James E. Ward Agricultural Center

This one needs little description! Mark your calendars for the Tennessee State Fair on August 18-27. With all-day entertainment coming from five different stages, competitions, games, rides, and endless food, this is one you may need to hit a couple of times while it’s here. This is the perfect way to spend the day with family or friends! Find more information on the Tennessee State Fair website: https://www.wilsoncountyfair.net/

These are just a few of what locals have to look forward to this summer! As always, Nashville hosts countless concerts, comedy shows, sporting events, and more all summer long in addition to these annual occurrences. That’s not all, Nashville’s convenient location means that you can easily make your way out to one of the surrounding state parks or lakes to enjoy the beautiful wide-open spaces that Tennessee is known for. There is always something fun to do during a Music City summer!