Fridays by the River

Shelby Park

Held at the Riverview Pavilion, festivities include yard games, a food truck, beer garden, and music. Hours: 3pm-8pm.

September 26
October 3, 10, 17

Musicians Corner

Centennial Park
They love mixing up genres at this free outdoor concert series, now entering its 15^th year. Food trucks, a beer garden, and Kidsville activity area.

Spring: See you in 2026
Fall:  September 26

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.

Church Street Concerts

Jazz concerts held every Monday, 5-6pm in the park directly across the street from the marvelous Downtown Library.

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. 

Oct 4
(Oct 18 – rain date)

Music in the Vines

Arrington Vineyards
Its “Jazz on the Hillside” concerts are held every Saturday at 3pm and Sunday at 1pm. Other live music events haven’t been released yet. Arrington is about 30 miles south of downtown. 

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.

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. FREE.

See you next summer

Jazz on the Cumberland

Wasioto Park (formerly Cumberland. Park)
A free concert series with local jazz groups held 5:30-8pm on Sunday evenings. (Photo at top is from one of its events.)

September 28
October 26 (3:30-6pm)

Full Moon Pickin’ Party

Percy Warner Park, 6-10pm.
An annual fundraising series for the park that’s particularly popular with locals. Bring your instrument and circle up with a few pickers. Held on these Fridays.

See you in 2026

Cornelia Fort Pickin’ Party

Cornelia Fort Airpark, 5:30-9:00pm
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.

See you in 2026

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And although it’s not outdoors, it fits the vibe of this post:

Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman

Ryman Auditorium, 7:30pm
An annual six-week celebration spotlighting top names in bluegrass.

See you Summer 2026