The first week in June, you’re grabbing peaches from the Peach Truck for a snack on the way to CMA Fest. Maybe the next weekend, you catch Dolly Parton’s Threads at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, or check out her exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame. Then there are art crawls, festivals, farmers’ markets, dozens of summer concerts, the pickleball craze, or swimming pools. Maybe you just want to decide your plans in the moment? Regardless, Nashville has enough things to do to keep you busy all summer long. Here are many of our favorite ways to spend the long, hot summer days and nights.
JUNE
Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival
Great Stage Park, 1560 New Bushy Branch Road, Manchester
Scheduled June 11–14, with performers including Yungblud, Teddy Swims, Role Model, and Kesha. (bonnaroo.com)
Springer Mountain Farms Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman
Ryman Auditorium, 116 Rep. John Lewis Way N., Nashville
Tuesday nights, June 16–July 21. Performers include Dailey & Vincent, Sam Bush, Sierra Hull, and Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder. (ryman.com/bluegrass-nights-at-the-ryman)
Nashville Juneteenth Events
Centennial Park, 301 25th Ave. N., Nashville, Hadley Park, 1037 28th Ave. N., Nashville
Music City’s Juneteenth centerpiece is the citywide Juneteenth615 celebration beginning June 19, with large gatherings at places like Fort Negley and Centennial Park. Expect live music, food trucks, cultural performances, fireworks, and a strong emphasis on honoring Black history and freedom. Across the city, the celebration expands into a full week of events, including the Music City Freedom Festival at Hadley Park (June 20–21, 2026), with vendors, DJs, live bands, and community programming. There are also museum programs, speakers, concerts, and a Freedom Day 5K. (juneteenth615.com)
Nashville Pride Festival
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, 600 James Robertson Pkwy., Nashville
The festival features a mix of free and ticketed events, including live music across multiple stages, a lively vendor marketplace, food trucks, and family-friendly programming. The weekend culminates with the Nashville Pride Parade through downtown, drawing thousands in support. More than a party, Pride Fest honors LGBTQ+ voices while spotlighting the diversity and spirit that define Music City. June 27. (nashvillepride.org)
JULY
Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th
Downtown Nashville and Riverfront Park, 100 First Ave. N., Nashville
Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th is the city’s Independence Day celebration, held July 4, and one of the largest in the country. The free, family-friendly event blends live music across multiple stages with food, activities, and a fireworks finale synchronized to a performance by the Nashville Symphony. (visitmusiccity.com/july4th)
Music City Hot Chicken Festival
East Park, 600 Woodland St., Nashville
Held July 4, the Music City Hot Chicken Festival celebrates Nashville’s signature spicy dish. The free event features hot chicken vendors, live music, amateur cooking competitions, and a heated eating contest. (hotchickenfestival.com)
Nashville Wine Auction: l’Eté du Vin
Multiple Nashville locations
Get ready to pop the corks July 30–Aug. 1. The Nashville Wine Auction’s l’Eté du Vin is a signature summer soirée blending fine wine, gourmet cuisine, and philanthropy. Held annually to benefit local cancer charities, the event brings together top vintners, chefs, and collectors for tastings, auctions, and more. (nashvillewineauction.com)
AUGUST
Tomato Art Fest Five Points
1012 Woodland St., Nashville
Held Aug. 7–8 in East Nashville, Tomato Art Fest is a delightfully quirky August tradition celebrating all things tomato. The free festival features live music, local vendors, food, costumes, and the famous tomato-themed art contest. (tomatoartfest.com)
Music City Brewers Fest Walk of Fame Park
121 4th Ave. S., Nashville
Set for Aug. 22, Music City Brewers Fest brings together Nashville’s top breweries for a lively afternoon of craft beer, live music, and local flavor. The event features unlimited tastings, food trucks, and a relaxed, community vibe. (musiccitybrewersfestival.com)
ONGOING EVENTS
Musicians Corner Centennial Park
301 25th Ave. N., Nashville
The free music event runs select weekends in May, June, August, and September. (musicianscornernashville.com)
Full Moon Pickin’ Party Percy Warner Park
Belle Meade Blvd., Nashville
Full Moon Pickin’ Party is a bluegrass music series running monthly JuneSeptember. (warnerparks.org/events/category/benefit-events/full-moon-pickin-party/)