11 Ways to Get Outside in Nashville this Summer
It’s beginning to sound like summer in Music City. Cicadas sing on sun-kissed afternoons and a symphony of crickets chirp through warm summer nights. It’s a wonderful time of year to get outside and enjoy a sun-soaked summer in the south. From Nashville’s deep roots in music and entertainment to a vibrant dining scene, the city is a cultural mecca with around-the-clock summer fun.
photo courtesy of @banditosband
MUSICIANS CORNER
Enjoy live music every weekend in June at Centennial Park, located steps from Loews Vanderbilt. This free concert series is great for all ages. It has showcased over 1,500 artists, including legends such as Emmylou Harris, Chris Stapleton, Vince Gil, The Blind Boys of Alabama, and Preservation Hall Jazz Band. 2019 Artist highlights include Longhorn Slim and the Law, John Paul White, Soccer Mommy and many more.
BONNAROO MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL
Join 80,000 of your closest friends June 13–16 in Manchester, TN. Packed with live music, comedy acts, film and more, this four-day festival brings together music lovers from across the country. 2019 headliners include Phish, Post Malone, The Lumineers, Childish Gambino, Odesza and Cardi B.
BLUEBIRD ON THE MOUNTAIN
The Bluebird Cafe is one of the world’s preeminent listening rooms and has gained worldwide recognition as a songwriter’s performance space. On select Saturday nights, The Bluebird Café travels to the hills of Nashville for a night of live music under the stars. Events are scheduled around the glorious sunsets on the portico of the Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory. (2019 dates include: 6/22; 6/27; 8/24; 9/21.)
photo courtesy of Visit Music City
LET FREEDOM SING
Experience why Music City is considered a top destination for July 4th at this popular family affair. Celebrate the holiday with family fun, live music and the country’s best firework display. This year’s line-up includes Brett Eldredge, Mac McAnally, Jessy Wilson and Dylan Scott.
MUSIC CITY HOT CHICKEN FESTIVAL
Taste the heat at the annual Music City Hot Chicken Festival on July 4 in East Park. Savor Nashville’s signature dish, with hot chicken offerings from local vendors before washing it down with an ice-cold beer. Get there early! The fire truck parade begins at 10:30 AM with hot chicken samples offered to the first 500 people in line.
TOMATO ARTS FEST
Celebrate the tomato in vibrant fashion at this family-friendly festival located in Historic East Nashville’s Five Points, August 9–10. This wacky day of art, music, food, costume contests, shopping and more is consistently voted “Best Festival” in Nashville Scene’s readers’ poll.
SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK
What better way to spend a starry night than with Shakespeare under a summer sky? Enjoy performances of The Tempest and Pericles at ONEC1TY, Thursday–Sunday nights, August 15– September 22. Pack a blanket or lawn chair or choose from available stadium seating for this beloved Nashville tradition. Event is complimentary, though a $10 donation is suggested.
LIVE ON THE GREEN
Looking for great live music without the high price tag? This free outdoor music series showcases national and local emerging talent in Public Square Park select dates in August. The official line-up will be announced on July 20, so be on the lookout! (2019 dates include: 8/15; 8/ 22; 8/29–9/1.)
NASHVILLE SOUNDS
Nothing says summertime like day out at a ball game, hot dog in-hand as you sip an ice-cold brew. Enjoy the thrill of a classic tradition at First Tennessee Park with Nashville’s Triple-A baseball team. With games almost daily, entertaining the family is an easy home-run.
WINE ON THE RIVER
Treat yourself to refreshing drinks, live jazz and picturesque views at the 17th Annual Wine on the River, held on September 7 in Riverfront Park. Travel different regions of the globe as you sample wine, beer and spirits. Enjoy soothing live music with picturesque views of the Cumberland River as your backdrop.
MUSIC CITY FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL
Bid summer adieu at this local favorite held September 20–22 in Bicentennial Park. Experience world-renowned chefs, beverage masters and music performances at this outstanding event created by Caleb and Nathan of Kings of Leon, Chef Jonathan Waxman, C3 Presents, Ken Levitan and Andy Mendelsohn.
