Festivals in Tennessee

Music is a year-round event in Tennessee, so here are some festivals throughout the year - the soundtrack to your Tennessee holiday!

The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, Manchester, Tennessee

The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival is a four-day, multi-stage camping festival held on a beautiful 700-acre farm in Manchester, Tennessee every June. Bonnaroo brings together some of the best performers in rock and roll, along with dozens of artists in complementary styles such as jazz, Americana, hip-hop, electronica, and just about any contemporary music you can think of. In addition to dozens of epic performances, the festival's 100-acre entertainment village buzzes around the clock with attractions and activities including a classic arcade, on-site cinema, silent disco, comedy club, theater performers, a beer festival, and a music technology village. For its peaceful vibe, near-flawless logistics, and unrivaled entertainment options, Rolling Stone magazine named this revolutionary entertainment experience one of the 50 moments that changed the history of rock and roll. Click here for further information.

Elvis Birthday Celebration

Celebrate Elvis' Birthday with four days of events for an unforgettable fan experience. It is a special time to be in Memphis as Graceland will still be decorated for the holidays and there is always an epic birthday cake on display. Tickets for all activities are available online at Graceland.com.

Mempho, Memphis

Taking place in October, Mempho music festival returns to the urban oasis that is the Radians Amphitheatre, tucked inside the 96-acre Memphis Botanic Garden. Spanning multiple musical genres, Mempho promises an unbeatable few days under the stars, and has been voted the best place to see live music in the heart of Memphis. Standout features include the Incendia Dome whose flames illuminate, or the night sky as feverish festivalgoers pulsate to the music amidst the heat and light. With a mix of natural beauty and dazzling performances, Mempho does a great job of capturing the city’s soulful energy.

Cooper-Young Festival, Memphis

Memphis’ largest historic district, Cooper-Young, welcomes thousands of visitors and more than 400 artists from around the US during September to share their art. Music performances range from R&B to reggae to pop and gospel.

Elvis Week, Memphis

Each August, Elvis fans from around the world gather for Elvis Week. Memphis sees an influx of Elvis fans for a celebrations of the music, films and the legacy of Elvis Presley. Elvis Week includes traditional events such as the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest and an Elvis candlelight vigil plus special concerts, discussions, dances and more. The cornerstone event of Elvis Week every year is always the Candlelight Vigil, which begins in the evening and lasts well in to the morning of the next day as fans walk up the driveway to Meditation Garden holding a candle in quiet remembrance of Elvis. It's a wonderful sight to see and experience. Photos from previous events and further information is available on graceland.com. 

CMA Music Festival, Nashville

The CMA Music Festival is held every year in mid-June in downtown Nashville. Over four jam-packed days, Nashville's signature music event features concerts, autograph signings, family activities, and more. For 38 years, the event has been an unparalleled celebration of America's music, drawing thousands of fans and media from all corners of the globe to Nashville. CMA Music Festival was dubbed the "crown jewel of Country Music Festivals" by USA Today. Click here for further information.

Americana Music Festival, Nashville

Thousands of artists, fans and industry professionals make their way during September to various venues around Nashville. Jewel, The Vespers, Patty Griffin, Glen Hansard, Buddy Miller and Parker Millsap are just some of the artists who have previously participated. With more than 165 showcases in venues around downtown Nashville it gives visitors an insight on why Nashville truly is Music City.

Music City Jazz Festival, Nashville

The Music City Jazz Festival every July in downtown Nashville's Public Square Park is more than an outdoor concert. It's an event of eating, drinking, mingling, relaxing, soaking in the rays and amazing music performed by national recording smooth jazz artists.

Big Ear Festival, Knoxville

Musicians and artists come together to hold one of the most "earth-shattering, subtly luminous festivals the world over," as described by The Oxford American Magazine. It's part interactive experience / part music festival / part artistic performance with film and visual arts that all comes together into a very unique festival. Taking place during March in a variety of venues around Knoxville which includes the Historic Tennessee Theatre, The Mill & Mine, The Standard and Knoxville Museum of Art. 

Rhythm & Blooms Music Festival, Knoxville

Thousands of fans are drawn to this festival, set in Knoxville's Historic Old City. Eight stages are filled with musicians as a homage to the culture of Knoxville.

Memphis Music & Heritage Festival

Keep your eyes and ears on five stages over two days in early September for some of the best in Memphis' music and culture.

Fire on the Water Music Festival, Gallatin

If you like a laid back festival, this is it! Enjoy two stages of more than 10 acts, craft brews from local breweries, bonfires, fire entertainers, food trucks and more early August on the banks of Old Hickory Lake. You can listen while floating on a boat or lounging on land as the festival celebrates Sumner County as the home of Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Roy Orbison.

Christmas Holiday Events in Memphis

Here are some of the holiday events that take place over Nov/Dec/Jan: Zoo Lights and Zoo On Ice, Starry Nights, Christmas at Graceland and Snowy Nights at My Big Backyard.

Feel the Music in Tennessee - visit tnvacation.com for all the latest festival news...