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Sweet, sweet summertime is here, and there are plenty of events and activities around town to soak up all the fun (and the sun!) this season. To help you make the most of these beautiful Music City days, we’re bringing you some of our favorite local happenings to make this summer one for the books.
CMA Fest
It wouldn’t be summertime in Nashville without one of our city’s most iconic and beloved traditions, CMA Fest. Every year, music lovers from near and far flock downtown to experience the signature country music event with an alwaysexceptional lineup of talent. The 2025 CMA Fest runs June 5 through 8, featuring a multitude of performances spanning numerous stages, including four nightly concerts held at Nissan Stadium. Expect an impressive mix of performances from remarkable up-and-coming acts to some of country music’s biggest stars, including Riley Green, Darius Rucker, Shaboozey, Kelsea Ballerini, Parker McCollum, Jason Aldean, Keith Urban, Megan Moroney, Blake Shelton, Rascal Flatts, Ashley McBryde, Dierks Bentley, and many more. Fans can even get a more personal look into the lives of artists at Fan Fair X, located inside the Music City Center, with meet and greets, indoor performances, interviews, and more. There are also plenty of free offerings for the whole family to enjoy during the day, with a plethora of outdoor stages and activities open to the public all day long.
Cheekwood Community Celebration
There is so much to discover at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens all year long, but this summer marks an exciting new experience — the inaugural Cheekwood Community Celebration. Running June 3 through 7, the new celebration features five days of special events to help you soak up all the beauty of summertime at Cheekwood. Each day has its own theme and includes special day and night programming offering plenty for all ages to enjoy, including half-price admission, musical performances, a movie night in the gardens, and more. Some of Nashville’s most wellknown cultural institutions will also be on site providing entertaining activities, including The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum bringing its Musical Petting Zoo to Cheekwood along with a Taylor Swift-themed dance party and friendship bracelet-making station; the Nashville Zoo, which will bring three visiting animal ambassadors to the gardens; free wellness classes from Small World Yoga; and so much more. There are also food trucks, daily tours of the gardens and mansion, and classes from The Cheekwood Gardening School for just $5. Plus, don’t miss Cheekwood’s summer exhibition, Enchanted Castles, which will be on display through August 17, inviting guests to explore a fairytale come to life with five stunning, locally crafted playhouses nestled among lush summer blooms. Throughout the inaugural celebration, members receive free daytime admission and discounted evening special event tickets and non-members receive half-price admission.
The Gentle Barn
Two words: Cow. Hugs. Though that summarization barely scratches the surface. Take a horse on a walk, give pigs belly rubs, pet goats and sheep, cradle chickens, chat with turkeys, and so much more at The Gentle Barn in Christiana, Tennessee. Book a family, group, party, or even an all-day tour to soak in the barnyard cuteness in the sunshine. Though it is an animal sanctuary, in many ways The Gentle Barn is like a sanctuary for humans as well. Connecting with nature and animals can be an instant mood booster. Plus, the cost of your visit benefits this incredible nonprofit and all the work they’re doing to help both animals and people.
The Peach Truck
Peach season is upon us! And our local favorite, The Peach Truck, provides the ultimate fruity fix to satisfy your summer cravings. Anyone who has acquired one of The Peach Truck’s famous brown bags of goodness knows these are not your average grocery store peaches. Instead, they are thoughtfully grown, handpicked, perfectly ripe, and packed with delicious flavors and nutrients. Whether you’re incorporating peaches into your favorite seasonal dish, a refreshing summer cocktail, or sinking your teeth into one straight out of the bag, The Peach Truck embodies that sweet taste of summertime in every bite. The Peach Truck peaches are available at multiple locations around Nashville throughout the season with the complete booth schedule available online. And don’t forget, you can also order fresh peaches to be delivered right to your door.
Musicians Corner
Nashville’s beloved free concert series, Musicians Corner, makes its highly anticipated return to Centennial Park for its 16th season. With five weeks of free music spanning spring and early summer, the multi-genre series showcases a variety of incredible performers over 11 concert dates. Musicians Corner takes place every Friday from 5 – 9 p.m. and Saturday from noon – 6 p.m. running mid-May through June 14. The lineup showcases a variety of artists across all genres, including Valerie June, Brittney Spencer, Noah Gundersen & His Band, Cut Worms, and the Nashville Symphony, to name a few. Along with all the live music, guests can also enjoy artisan vendors, craft beer, wine, cocktails, a variety of local food trucks, Kidsville activities, and more.
Gaylord Opryland
An action-packed summer awaits at Gaylord Opryland with an allnew seasonal event featuring epic DC Universe-themed activities and attractions. DC Summer is a first-of-its-kind collaboration coming to the resort on weekends only through September 1. The partnership immerses guests into the world of iconic DC superheroes and notorious super villains through several themed experiences, including breathtaking atrium light shows, a superhero scavenger hunt, themed character dining, a superhero pool celebration, and so much more. In addition to all the DC fun, no summer in Music City is complete without a visit to Gaylord Opryland’s upscale water attractions. SoundWaves features a110,000-square-foot inside area, which is open year-round, as well as an outdoor area, open daily through September 1. The ultimate way to beat the heat, guests can enjoy a giant wave pool, multiple waterslides, a lazy and rapid river, an adult-only pool and bar, as well as plenty of play areas for the kids, and more.
Cornelia Airpark Concerts
There’s a reason we earned the name Music City, and there’s no shortage of live music and summer concert series to enjoy during these warm weather months. Celebrating 10 years of community, music, and memories in Shelby Park, the Cornelia Airpark Concerts returns featuring three local bands each night. Formerly Cornelia Fort Pickin’ Party, the concert series has brought together over 30,000 Nashville residents and visitors over the years, offering a unique blend of live music, local food, craft beers, and family-friendly activities set against the beautiful backdrop of the historic Cornelia Fort Airpark. Expect a diverse and talented mix of Americana, folk, country, bluegrass, and honky-tonk music, with 11 first-time artists taking the stage this year, as well as returning favorites JesseLee Jones and Brazilbilly, fronted by the owner of Robert’s Western World, who will close out the final show of the season on August 23. Concerts take place May 17, June 14, July 19, and August 23, and serve as a fun way for locals and visitors alike to connect through live music and good times, all while supporting the preservation and enhancement of Shelby Park and Bottoms. Tickets and the full series schedule are available online.
Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker at Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum
Opened May 20, Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker at Country Music Hall of Fame captures the grit, glitz, and glamour of the country music queen herself. Featuring her clothing, awards, handwritten lyrics, instruments, photographs, exclusive interview footage, and more, the exhibit focuses on turning points in Parton’s life and career through the decades, where she overcame obstacles and ignored naysayers to become one of the most beloved and widely recognized celebrities across the world. Visit and you’ll be asking yourself “What Would Dolly Do?” all summer long.
Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th
Nashvillians love a good party, and what better cause for celebration than July 4th in Music City? The annual Let Freedom Sing event is the ultimate Independence Day celebration, drawing thousands of attendees to downtown Nashville. The best part? It’s free and family-friendly, so everyone can join in the fun. Multi-platinum country star Dierks Bentley will headline this year’s event, along with other can’t-miss performances from Russell Dickerson, Niko Moon, and Grace Bowers. The night ends with a bang, concluding with one of the largest fireworks shows in the country synchronized to a live performance by the Grammy-winning Nashville Symphony.
Farmer's Markets
Celebrate the summer season by stepping into these farmers markets that are buzzing with vibrancy and community.
- 12 South Farmers Market
- East Nashville Farmers Market
- Factory Farmers Market
- Hip Donelson Farmers Market
- Nashville Farmers Market
- The Stand at Berry Farms
- Wedgewood Houston Farmers Market
Markets
Shop till you drop: local edition.
- Gulch Night Market
- Nashville Flea Market
- Nashville Black Market
Art Crawls
Bask in the talent of Nashville’s illustrious art scene.
- WeHo Arts Nashville (Every first Saturday of the month)
- For the Love of Art First Saturday Art Crawl
- First Friday Franklin Art Crawl