Outdoor Concert Series: So Many Great Options
Think of them as mini-festivals. Some are free; others charge but the money often benefits non-profit organizations. Great fun when the weather’s friendly.
Downtown
As a lead-up to ticketed concerts in the Ryman, this courtyard stage welcomes rising artists for free showcases. Click “Shows>PNC Plaza Events” for details.
- April 8, 5:30pm
- April 21, 5pm
- April 29, 6pm
- May 6, 5:30pm
- May 15, 6pm
- May 22, 6pm
- May 29, 5:30
Church Street Concerts
Downtown
Jazz concerts held Mondays, 5-6pm in the park directly across the street from the marvelous Downtown Library.
- April 13
- April 20
- April 27
- May 4
- May 11
- May 18
- May 25
- June 1
- June 8
- June 15
- June 22
- June 29
Fridays by the River
Shelby Park
Held at the Riverview Pavilion, festivities include yard games, a food truck, beer garden, and music in the spring and fall. Hours: 3pm-8pm.
Spring 2026
- April 10
- April 17
- April 24
- May 1
- May 8
Musicians Corner
Centennial Park
They love mixing up genres at this free outdoor concert series, now entering its 17th year. Food trucks, a beer garden, and Kidsville activity area.
Spring 2026
- May 15-16
- May 22-24
- May 29-30
- June 5-6
- June 12-13
Fall 2026
- August 27
- September 4-6
- September 11
- September 18
- September 25
Cheekwood
Cheekwood Estate and Gardens
They maintain a busy schedule of live music spring-fall. Awaiting release of full list but the website has some upcoming events.
Music in the Vines
Arrington Vineyards (Arrington is about 25 miles south of downtown)
Their season runs from April through October with live music every Saturday, 3-7pm and every Sunday, 2-6 with live bluegrass and jazz on the lawn. On Food Truck Thursdays, live music happens 5:30-8:30pm starting in May.
Live Music in the Wine Garden
Belle Meade Winery
Adjacent to the historic Belle Meade Mansion, it offers live acoustic music every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 12:30-3:00pm.
Bluebird on the Mountain
Dyer Observatory
Vanderbilt’s astronomy facility is located about 6 miles south of downtown . The series features some of Nashville’s top songwriters.
Awaiting 2026 schedule
Big Band Dances
Centennial Park
Big fun at these free weekly Saturday night dances open to all. Free dance lessons at 7pm before the band kicks in at 7:30pm. Even if you’re not “in the mood” to cut a rug, it’s a ton of fun just watching people having a great time. Due to construction, it’s moving to various locations within the park. FREE.
- June 13
- June 20
- June 27
- July 11
- July 18
- July 25
- August 1
- August 8
- August 15
Jazz on the Cumberland
Wasioto Park (formerly Cumberland. Park)
A free concert series with local jazz groups held 5:30-8pm on Sunday evenings.
- May 10
- Additional dates TBA
Awaiting 2026 schedule
Full Moon Pickin’ Party
Percy Warner Park
An annual fundraising series for the park that’s particularly popular with locals. Bring your instrument and circle up with a few pickers. Hours: 6-10pm.
- May 29
- June 26
- July 24
- August 14
- September 25
Cornelia Fort Pickin’ Party
Cornelia Fort Airpark
Bring a blanket or lawn chair for this downhome pet-friendly monthly festival. Food vendors, beer and wine available, kids’ activities. Under 15 admitted free with an adult.
- May 23
- June 20
- July 25
- August 22
And although it’s not outdoors, it fits the vibe of this post:
Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman
Ryman Auditorium
An annual six-week celebration spotlighting top names in bluegrass.
- June 16 – Dailey & Vincent
- June 23 – Watkins Family Hour
- June 30 – Sam Bush
- July 7 – Sierra Hull
- July 14 – The Infamous Stringdusters
- June 21 – Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder
