6 Fun Festivals You Must Visit in the Greater Nashville Area
There is always something going on in the Nashville area and these festivals are sure to be fun for the whole family.
You don’t have to be a fan of country music to find something to celebrate in the Nashville Region (though you can at the four-day CMA Music Festival, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in June 2022). The region offers all sorts of events to keep you entertained. Here’s just a sample:
The Nashville Pride Festival (Nashville)
Tennessee’s largest LGBTQ+ event occurs in September at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. Enjoy vendors, multiple stages with local and national touring acts, a kids and family zone, a youth area, a dance tent and a parade.
Southern Festival of Books (Nashville)
Book lovers young and old have celebrated this free feast of the written word on Legislative Plaza every October, including live events with favorite authors over two days.
Mule Day (Columbia)
Kick up your heels at Mule Day, a Columbia tradition for 170 years, beginning as a mule market day on the first Monday in April. A weeklong festival that draws thousands of attendees, the event includes mule shows, arts & crafts and the famous mule parade.
Celebrate Nashville Cultural Festival (Nashville)
Many cultures that call Nashville home gather in Centennial Park every October to showcase their many flavors of music and dance performances, authentic food vendors, hands-on children’s activities, a marketplace and more.
JazzFest (Murfreesboro)
JazzFest is the hip place to be the first weekend of May on the historic downtown square. Enjoy dancing and performances by local schools’ jazz bands, plus three professional bands from Middle Tennessee. In addition to music, eventgoers can find food trucks, games and family-friendly events.
St. Jude Rock ’n’ Roll Nashville Marathon (Nashville)
Thousands of participants run a marathon, half-marathon or 5K course that provides a tour of iconic Music City landmarks, with live entertainment along the way. The annual event also includes a health and fitness expo and a major concert to close out the festivities.
