No other state can offer you a slice of humble pie as impressive as Tennessee. Experience live music and all things authentic at one of the best 2024 music festivals in Tennessee!
It is no secret that the capital city, Nashville, is the home of country music. But, make no mistake, Tennessee has much more to offer. Here you can stomp to electronic dance music, groove to jazz, let loose to rock ‘n’ roll, or sway to blues.
Apart from the music, enjoy the food, whiskey, culture and history to embrace the ways of the South. Try out Tennessee treasures like the Moon Pie, Meat and Three, Fried Pickles, Country Ham or Fried Pies while visiting Tennessee music festivals. Furthermore, stop by the Country Music Hall Of Fame in Nashville to discover more about the deep-rooted history of country music.
Top 21 Music Festivals in Tennessee
Tennessee Music Festivals 2024
We tried to compile a diverse list with so many genres and themes to consider. Hopefully, one of these festivals has your name written on it. These festivities are in no particular order as we know there are festivalists (someone who enjoys festivals) of all types out there. If you identify as a festivalist, be sure to check out our bucket list for the top music festivals in the USA, and be sure to read my guides on Festival Hydration Backpacks, Festival Camping Packing List, Festival Shoes, and Festival Gadgets to help you make the most of your time!
“MANY CITIES MAKE MUSIC, BUT NO CITY BREATHES MUSIC QUITE LIKE MEMPHIS. THE SONGS AND SOUNDS THAT COME FROM HERE ARE UNIQUELY AMERICAN.” – SHAWN AMOS.
See more Tennessee quotes & Tennessee Glamping if you are interested in visiting this vibrant state. Without further ado, here are the top 21 unmissable music festivals in Tennessee!
1) Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival 2024
When: June 13-16, 2024
Where: Manchester, Tennessee
“Thousands Of Happy Campers. Hundreds Acres of Tennessee Nature. 150+ Epic Performances. 10+ Stages of Music. 4 Days of Adventure & Human Connection.”
“The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival is an American annual four-day music festival developed and founded by Superfly Presents and AC Entertainment. Since its first year in 2002, it has been held at what is now Great Stage Park on a 700-acre farm in Manchester, Tennessee.”
2) Big Ears Festival 2024
Big Ears Festival Tennessee | Credit: Billie Wheeler
When: March 21-24, 2024
Where: Knoxville, Tennessee
https://www.facebook.com/BigEarsFestival/events
“Big Ears provides innovative, enriching & transformative experiences of music, art & culture for all.”
When we hear the words music festival, we think of neon lights, a huge stage and an open field of stompers. Well, the Big Ears Festival will change your perspective. Expect the Downtown Knoxville area to swarm with acclaimed musicians.
The sound of enchanting instruments echoes from all over the town, clubs, historical buildings and galleries. The love of music will enthrall you at the Big Ears Festival.
Stroll through bars, restaurants and shops to meet even more music enthusiasts. The combination of food and drink, live music performances and interactive workshops allows for an excellent cultural exchange amongst visitors and locals alike, which is essentially the driving force of the Big Ears festival.
3) Bigfoot Electro Festival
When: May, 2024 (TBC)
Where: Tracy City, Tennessee
http://bigfootelectro.com/2022/
https://www.facebook.com/BigfootElectro/
From Big Ears to Big Foot, it seems that all things big do come with a bang in Tennessee. Space out to mind-altering electronic beats at the Bigfoot festival.
The Bigfoot Festival was only established in 2020 but already boasts an impressive list of headliners such as The Widdler, Yheti, Levitation Jones, and Toadface. If you are familiar with any of these artists, you know what to expect– the antithesis of normality.
Stomp your feet, eat some bigfoot BBQ, drink craft bigfoot beer, all in honor of the infamous Sasquatch. Also, check out some artwork or showcase your artistic skills at the art center— the perfect way to let your inner child come out and to embrace the weirder side of life.
4) Americanafest
When: September 17-21, 2024
Where: Nashville, Tennessee
https://americanamusic.org/special-events
“AMERICANAFEST brings together the Americana music community from around the world including artists, music industry professionals, tastemakers and die-hard music fans to Nashville, TN, for multiple days of discovery showcases, panels and special events. One of the best ways to become a part of the community during our festival week is by hosting an official event to invite attendees into your world. Whether it’s a rowdy rock ‘n’ roll shindig or a networking-focused BBQ, you can get creative from breakfast time until 7pm during our event week and engage attendees who are looking for a place to connect over good music and good times.”
5) CMA Music Festival 2024
When: June 6-9, 2024
Where: Nashville, Tennessee
https://visitcmafest.com/cmafest-packages/
CMA Music Festival is the biggest and best Country Music Festival in the world! There are more stars, more stages, more special appearances, more surprises than you can imagine all in the city of Nashville, Tennessee.
“City Lights got nothin’ on country nights”. Country music emerged in the 1920s and can humble the soul and captivate your deepest emotions. Show appreciation to what was once known as Mountain Ballads or Hillbilly music at its birthplace.
At Nashville’s CMAfest, you can expect the greatest of country music like Billy Ray Cyrus, Carrie Underwood ,Keith Urban and much more. We suggest the full package to get the most out of the CMA Festival.
6) Sound Haven Festival 2024
Credit: Sound Haven Festival
When: July 18-21, 2024
Where: Whitwell, Tennessee
https://soundhavenfestival.com/
https://www.facebook.com/SoundHavenFestival/
Party with aliens at the interdimensional festival of Sound Haven. One of the few Tennessee festivities to deviate from earth-bound country music, the Sound Haven offers four days of an unearthly electronic and bass sound.
A 2003 study suggests that EDM (electronic dance music) lovers are enthusiastic and full of confidence. Also, they consider themselves better looking than lovers of any other genre. What we’re trying to say is, if you found yourself drawn to the Sound Haven festival– chances are you’re a knockout.
On a serious note, not many details are revealed about the festival on its website, but we suggest you subscribe to Sound Haven to find out more. Previous include Desert Dwellers, Angelic Root, Space Wizard and many more.
7) Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival 2024
Credit: Pilgrimage Festival
When: September 21-22, 2024
Where: Franklin, Tennessee
https://pilgrimagefestival.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pilgrimagefest
The Pilgrimage Festival is all about authenticity and allowing Tennesseans to showcase their musical talents. The festival hosts over sixty musicians, some of the past headliners were the Foo Fighters, Lionel Richie, Keith Urban, and Cage the Elephant.
The Pilgrimage festival celebrates diversity and a sense of home-grown talent by looking at the past headliners. In fact, authenticity, diversity and Tennessean pride is what the founders of this festival strived for. At the Pilgrimage fest, you have access to six stages with a range of performances from jazz, rock, blues, indie, country and other genres.
8) The Birthplace of Country Music Festival
Credit: The Birthplace of Country Music Festival
When: September, 2024
Where: Bristol, Tennessee
https://birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/festival/
Tennessee residents can’t get enough of country music, so there are many ways to commemorate the birthplace of the genre. Furthermore, this Tennessee festival takes you back to traditional Appalachian sound — the roots of country music.
The three-day festival takes place in Downtown Bristol where festival-goers can visit restaurants, art galleries and more. What’s more, you won’t run out of entertainment at the Bristol as there are 13 stages to pick from and a whopping lineup of over 100 bands.
9) Mempho Music Festival 2024
Credit: Mempho Music Festival
When: September 27-29, 2024
Where: Memphis, Tennessee
The Memphofest has it all, mind-blowing stages, a fantastic VIP section and an excellent culinary experience from exotic food trucks to gourmet meals. The VIP area boasts comfy couches, modern décor and a private bar so that you can lounge with a drink and some snacks – total bliss.
Other unique Memphofest features that draw crowds are the Incendia Dome and the Radians Amphitheatre. The Incendia dome is a “modular artistic installation” that creates the sense of dancing underneath a burning tent. The Memphofest takes place at the Memphis Botanic Garden, also known as the Radians Amphitheatre – making it one of the best venues to see live music performances.
10) Nashville Pride Festival and Parade 2024
When: June 22-23, 2024
Where: Nashville, Tennessee
https://www.nashvillepride.org/
https://www.facebook.com/NashvillePride/
The Nashville Pride is a family-friendly festival that showcases music and art. Be entertained by over 250 acts; lookout for this year’s lineup, which will be announced in April. While adults enjoy the music from three stages, the kids can have fun and play games at the kids & family zone.
Foodies can indulge their culinary senses at some of the 225 plus vendors that include food trucks. And if you find yourself with an urge to be creative, express yourself through art at the Installation Art area. Finally, this Nashville music festival welcomes diversity and celebrates the LGBTQ+ community. The Festival and Parade aim to help these minor communities and hopes to spread love and awareness by bringing together people of all kinds.
11) Jefferson Street Jazz & Blues Fest 2024
Credit: Jefferson Street Jazz & Blues Fest
When: July 20, 2024
Where: Nashville, Tennessee
https://www.nashvillejazzandbluesfest.com/
https://www.facebook.com/jeffersonstreetjazzandbluesfestival
Get ready to groove at the Nashville Jazz and Blues fest. The history of Jefferson Street is deeply rooted in African American culture and tells an inspiring story of restoration and growth. And a time during the 1940s and 1960s when jazz, blues, and rhythm and blues were the heart of this community. The famous street hosted fantastic live bands and legendary performers such as Tina Turner, Jimmi Hendrix, Little Richard and Ray Charles.
Today the Jefferson street festival aims to commemorate that same groovy feeling during its glory days while uplifting the current African American community. Show support to the talented local artists, small businesses and restaurants at the historic Jefferson Street. One of the unmissable festivals in Nashville.
12) Nashville Music City – 4th of July Festival
When: July 4, 2024
Where: Nashville, Tennessee
https://www.visitmusiccity.com/july4th
Last but not least on our list is the electrifying July 4th festival. Celebrate this year’s independence day in the music city. Be entertained by live bands, enjoy the best of Tennessean cuisine and end it all off with a bang. Furthermore, this music city event claims to have the largest fireworks show in the history of Nashville.
The July 4th fest will be free and open for the public to attend. Come solo or with your family and explore the charming city, see nearby museums, art galleries and more –all the while listening to top-notch musicians like Gramps Morgan and Cassadee Pope.
13) Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion 2024
When: September 13-15, 2024
Where: Bristol, Tennessee
“Established in 2001, the annual Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion music festival celebrates Bristol, Tennessee-Virginia’s music heritage as the birthplace of country music. Showcasing the very best in Appalachian roots music and beyond, the event honors the legacy of the 1927 Bristol Sessions and their far-reaching influence on the soundtrack of today.”
14) Beale Street Music Festival
Image: Memphis Flyer
When: TBC (hiatus in 2024, returning in 2025)
Where: Memphis, Tennessee
www.memphisinmay.org/events/beale-street-music-festival-13/
“The Beale Street Music Festival is a three-day music festival that has both a mix of big-name stars and local musical acts. Held during the first weekend of May in the city’s Tom Lee Park at the foot of Beale Street, it is considered to be the kick-off event of the entire Memphis in May International Festival celebration. It typically hosts over 100,000 people during the weekend. The Beale Street Music Festival is the only program that has been held every year since the inception of Memphis in May in 1977. Its history can be traced back to the 1800s, when African-American musicians throughout the South would come to Beale Street and perform.”
15) Riverbend Festival
When: On hiatus in 2024, returning 2025.
Where: Chattanooga, Tennessee
Riverbend Festival is on hiatus for 2024.
“Like other independently owned and operated music festivals across the nation that are going on a temporary pause, Riverbend is reevaluating and restructuring in order to be successful in the future. We are so incredibly thankful for 40 amazing years of Riverbend and for the unwavering support from our community. The future holds lots of possibilities, and we hope to return stronger than ever! We’ll see you soon.”
16) Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival
When: April 2-6, 2024
Where: Nashville, Tennessee
Tin Pan South is the world’s largest songwriter festival and happens each year in Nashville!
“The Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival is an annual festival of songwriters in Nashville, Tennessee. It was established by the 4,000-member Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) in 1993. The festival is typically a five-day session for songwriters including nights of “songwriter in the round” shows, held at 10 or so venues around the city, usually Nashville’s top singer/songwriter hotspots.”
17) Sevier Park Fest
When: May, 2024
Where: Nashville, Tennessee
https://www.sevierparkfest.com
“A local group of residences and businesses gathered in the fall of 2013 with the idea to get a festival and fundraiser for Sevier Park together. The first festival took place on a sunny Saturday afternoon in May 2014. The Sevier Park Fest celebrates the Belmont/Hillsboro and 12South neighborhoods. The annual festival features an impressive entertainment lineup, a wide range of activities, plus local makers and artisans. A percentage of proceeds benefit the Friends of Sevier Park. ”
18) Blue Plum Festival
When: June 1-2, 2024
Where: Johnson City, Tennessee
https://www.blueplum.org/festival
“Up-and-coming performers, established local groups and regional favorites are among the headliners of the summer’s go-to music event! With two full days of experiences, our wellness team makes sure you stay active! Blue Plum is a kid-friendly event, so bring the family!”
19) White Pines Music Festival 2024
When: May 24-25, 2024
Where: Monterey, Tennessee
“Taking place at The Old Gray open-air amphitheater in Monterey, Tennessee May 24-25, 2024, White Pines Music Fest will bring you weekend of live country fun! Enjoy the jam packed weekend of Country Music, bringing you an abundance of both new and legendary country music artists.
Don’t want to drive? No problem! Make a whole weekend of it by staying in either our GA or VIP campgrounds! There will also be a variety of food & craft vendors available to shop at all weekend long, as well as a variety of on-site activations to try. Our inaugural White Pines Music Festival is going to be one to remember, so get your tickets today!”
20) Deep Tropics 2024
When: August 16-17, 2024
Where: Nashville, Tennessee
“At Deep Tropics, our purpose is to create immersive and unforgettable experiences where music, art, style and sustainability converge. We are dedicated to celebrating the vibrant and diverse world of electronic dance music, fostering a strong sense of community, and nurturing a profound connection between people and the environment.
Nashville, often hailed as the ‘Music City,’ offers a unique and dynamic backdrop for our vision. This vibrant city has long been a hub for creativity and musical innovation, making it the ideal setting to showcase a diverse range of artists and in various sub-genres of electronic music. Deep Tropics is booked & produced by forward-thinking, dance music enthusiasts at Full Circle Presents. In 2023 it featured artists from six continents.”
21) Nashville Oktoberfest
When: October 3-6, 2024
Where: Nashville, Tennessee
www.thenashvilleoktoberfest.com
“Oktoberfest has something for EVERYONE! Delicious German foods from dozens of restaurants & vendors, world-class beer, tons of events, Arts & Crafts vendors, live German music, the Dachshund Derby, and the 2nd largest 5K Race & Run in Tennessee – plus so much more!”
Am I missing a top Tennessee music festival off my list?
Festivals in Tennessee are heavily dominated by country, jazz, and blues, making them unique. You won’t regret visiting Tennessee if you look for a more mature and authentic vibe. Feed your soul with humbling music and home-cooked cuisine. Furthermore, Nashville is known as the city of music for a reason, a place where stars are born.
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