Nashville Calendar

Nashville Calendar of Events: Adding a Little Extra Excitement

Of course, we’re known for its vibrant live music scene with performances every day of the year. But run through this Nashville events calendar and you’ll see we embrace all sorts of festivities. With so much happening in Nashville beyond its legendary music scene, you’ll find something that captures your interest.

Monthly Art Crawls

They’re a great way to explore a little part of the city. Typical 8-15 galleries (or artists) participate. All crawls are conveniently near a number of neighborhood restaurants and bars. I haven’t listed these individually in the events calendar–I’ll let you do the math to discover if this an arts crawl weekend.

First Friday
Downtown Franklin

First Saturday
WeHo (Wedgewood/Houston)

Second Saturday
Downtown

Third Saturday
100 Taylor Street Arts Market (Germantown)

Art crawl

In addition to the special events listed below, use these links for other ideas: 

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August 20-September 20

Centennial Park 

Shakespeare in the Park: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

Have a lovely evening with the Bard Thursdays-Sundays. There’s also a performance on Labor Day. Nashville Shakes is known for inventive adaptations of Shakespeare’s greatest hits. FREE but a donation of $20 is suggested. Bleacher seating is available but many prefer to bring a blanket or lawn chair.

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August 25-29

Walk of Fame Park 

Artville

Across the street from the Country Music Hall of Fame, you’ll find this pop-up exhibition with 75 visual artists. Everything from quirky creations to fine art. Plus live music and food vendors. FREE.

August 26

Harken Hall 

Music City Roots

A wonderful concert series with a revolving roster. This edition features T. Graham Brown, Logan Mac, Nicki Bluhm, and Aaron Raitiere..

August 29

Bridgestone Arena 

Brandi Carlile: The Human Tour

Joined by special guest Gregory Alan Isakov.

September 1

Ryman Auditorium 

Rock the Ryman

The second annual concert celebrating the connection between country and rock. Scheduled to perform: John Oates, Wynonna, Sam Bush, YOLA, and others.

September 4-6

Various venues 

Nashville Dance Fest

Promoted as the “ultimate country dance and music festival,” it boasts workshops, competitions, and lots of floor time with all sorts of styles. Guest artists include Eric Paslay, Love and Theft, and Kaleb Sanders.

September 4-6

Bicentennial Mall State Park 

Music City Underground

Presented by Deep Tropics, this two-day festival features “a curated lineup of global electronic artists spanning house, techno, bass, and beyond. Each beat, each moment, and each interaction is designed to awaken the senses and cultivate a sense of unity.”

September 5

Walk of Fame Park

Nashville Symphony: An American Mosaic

A free outdoor concert featuring music that celebrates America’s 250th Anniversary including selections by Aaron Copeland and others along with 4K video from all 50 states and live narration by actor Gary Sinise. Bring a picnic and enjoy. The park is across the street from the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum.

September 12

Harken Hall 

Music City Roots: Grassroots and Nudie Suits

This month’s edition welcomes Oliver Wood, Carlene Carter, and Lola Lirke.

September 18-20

Ryman Auditorium 

Alison Krauss & Union Station

Three stellar nights in the residency with Jerry Douglas on board to provide his masterful touch on the resonator guitar.

September 19

Loveless Barn 

Jam Fest: Loveless 75th Birthday Bash

Made famous for its biscuits, the Loveless celebrates 75 years with live music and more.

September 24

City Winery 

Emmylou Harris & Tom Rush

Emmylou’s annual “Woofstock” concert benefits her dogcentric non-profit.

September 26

Harken Hall 

Asleep at the Wheel

When it comes to Texas swing, it doesn’t get much better than this. Joined by special guest Emily Nenni.

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October 3

Centennial Park 

Celebrate Nashville Cultural Festival

A fun free event as you explore Nashville’s cultural  diversity through music, dance, and art. Tons of food options so bring some money.

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October 3

Chief’s Neon Steeple 

Point of Grace

One of Contemporary Christian Music’s best-loved trio takes the stage at Chief’s downtown.

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October 10

Harken Hall 

Melissa Manchester

If you recall “Don’t Cry Out Loud” or “You Should Hear How He Talks About You,” this is a night for you.

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October 15-17 & 22-24

Ryman Auditorium 

Jason Isbell residency

One of Nashville’s favorite singer/songwriter/rockers returns to the Ryman for six nights. Different opening act each night.

October 17

Fisher Center for the Performing Arts 

C.S. Lewis on Stage

In a presentation entitled “Further Up and Further On,” actor Max McLean uses Lewis’s words to address a variety of topics.

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October 17-18

Bicentennial Mall State Park 

Southern Festival of Books

Book lovers, this is your weekend as the Mall, the Tennessee State Museum, and the Tennessee State Library & Archives join forces to offer author talks, vendors of all sorts, and activities for kids.

October 31

Nissan Stadium 

Bands of America Regional Championship

The best high school marching bands in the area will take the field to show their stuff. Always a wow experience. TIP: Grayline offers a shuttle from State Parking Lot 28 (near the State Capitol) to and from the stadium for $20 roundtrip.

November 4-5

Ryman Auditorium 

Dwight Yoakum 

Bringing decades of honky tonkin’ to the Mother Church of Country Music.

November 9

Ryman Auditorium 

Concert for Cumberland Heights 

Themed “Riding with the King: A Tribute to John Hiatt,” the event raises funds for this longstanding drug and alcohol rehab center featuring performances by Keith Urban, Roseanne Cash, Steve Earle, Rodney Crowell, Lilly Hiatt, Shawn Colvin, Robert Earl Keen, Pat McLaughlin with a special guest performance by John Hiatt.