nashville events

Nashville EventsIn addition to its many cultural and historic landmarks and fun places to go, this destination hosts a number of outstanding festivals and events that may coincide with your vacation.

Music celebrations abound in Music City, USA. During the CMA Music Festival in early June, barbecues, exhibits and general fanfare envelop downtown Nashville. But let's not forget the live music: Huge crowds of fans pack outdoor and arena concerts performed by country music's biggest celebrities.

Celebrate Music With These Things to Do in Nashville

The Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival , named after New York's Tin Pan Alley, attracts hundreds of songwriters who perform in venues throughout the city in early April. Catch the acts of both legendary and up-and-coming musicians.

Courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp
Each March 15th, The Hermitage celebrates the Anniversary of Andrew Jackson's Birthday with a grand display. Folks flock to the president's antebellum mansion for tours of the home and 1,120-acre grounds, where the president and his wife are buried.

Spring also welcomes the Nashville Film Festival in mid-April, during which well-known and promising film producers present their works. Cinemas host screenings, and festivalgoers can attend film-related seminars and forums.

One of Nashville's finest traditions is the running of the Iroquois Steeplechase . This classic event, held the second Saturday in May, has been a major festivity since 1941 and is said to be one of the longest-running steeplechases in the country. Attracting the city's elite, the steeplechase features seven races and is held in Percy Warner Park.

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If you're looking for fun things to do with friends, the Tennessee State Fair in September offers art exhibits, carnival rides, competitions, entertainment and pageants. In October, attend the Celebrate Nashville Cultural Festival , an ethnic festival with crafts, exhibits, food and more than 60 dance and music performances on seven different stages.

Nashville CVB/Nashville CVB
If your trip is at the end of the year, holiday events take place at Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art , the Belle Meade Plantation , the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum , and Loews Vanderbilt Hotel Nashville , but Gaylord Opryland's A Country Christmas , an event featuring the hotel and grounds draped in almost 2 million lights, is tough to top. The celebration runs from mid-November to early January and features horse-drawn carriage rides, children's activities and a craft and gift fair. ICE!, a frozen wonderland built around life-size ice sculptures, also is a cool part of the celebration.

The Franklin American Mortgage Company Music City Bowl is held in late December at Nissan Stadium.

See all the AAA recommended events and things to do for this destination.