Nashville, renowned as Music City, offers a rich tapestry of arts and music festivals throughout the year, celebrating its diverse cultural heritage. Here’s a guide to some of the city’s most anticipated events:
CMA Fest
For over 50 years, the CMA Fest has united the country music community, bringing fans, artists, and industry professionals together for four unforgettable days in the heart of Nashville. Hosted by the Country Music Association, the festival features performances from the genre’s biggest stars and breakout talent. Beyond the music, a portion of the proceeds supports the CMA Foundation’s music education initiatives nationwide. The festival is typically held in early June, with nightly concerts at Nissan Stadium. For more details, visit the official CMA Fest website.
Make Music Nashville
Celebrated annually on June 21, Make Music Nashville is a free, city-wide festival that encourages musicians of all ages, genres, and abilities to perform in public spaces. From indie rock to bluegrass, the event transforms streets, sidewalks, and parks into stages, fostering a sense of community through music. Participation is open to everyone, and performances are free for all to enjoy. More information can be found on the Make Music Nashville website.
Tomato Art Fest
Since its inception in 2003, the Tomato Art Fest has been uniting fruits and vegetables—and people—in a fun-filled celebration of art, music, and community. Held in East Nashville’s Five Points area, the festival features tomato-themed art, live music, delicious food, wacky contests, and a vibrant parade. The event is free to attend and encourages attendees to don their best tomato-inspired attire. The festival typically takes place in early August. For the latest updates, visit the Tomato Art Fest website.
Artville and the American Artisan Festival
Artville is Nashville’s premier annual public arts festival dedicated to highlighting the city’s creative culture through site-specific art installations, immersive experiences, and art collecting opportunities—all free to the public. A key component of Artville is the American Artisan Festival, a juried show showcasing over 75 local and national contemporary craft and fine artists. The festival also features live music, a variety of food trucks, and family-friendly activities. Artville is typically held in late September at Walk of Fame Park in downtown Nashville. For more information, visit the Artville website.
These festivals, among others, highlight Nashville’s commitment to celebrating and nurturing its rich arts and music scene. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a visitor, there’s always an event that offers a glimpse into the city’s vibrant cultural landscape.