The Tennessee Music Festivals You Need to Attend in 2026

July 17-25, 2026, Kingsport, Tennessee

Celebrate the 40th anniversary of fun at the Fun Fest July 17-25, 2026 in Kingsport. Family fun is abundant with festival events like a hot air balloon glow, block parties, parade, 8K races, movies, food trucks, moonlight hikes, sporting events, fireworks and more. The Sunset Concert Series presents different artists each night in concert including Daughtry, Jeremy Camp, Brothers Osborne and Leann Rimes. Additional event details and events are forthcoming.

Sept. 11-13, 2026, Downtown Bristol, TN/VA

At this award-winning summer music festival, the roots of traditional Appalachian music are brought to life through talented musicians Sept. 11-13, 2026. Known as the birthplace of country music, Bristol's music history runs deep and have been celebrated by nationally-known artists. The 2026 concerts include Sierra Ferrell, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Los Lobos, The War and Treaty, Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives and many more who will perform on more than a dozen stages during the three music-filled days.

May 30, 2026, Emory Place, Knoxville

Attend one of the new upcoming music festivals in Knoxville, KnoxWalls Murals & Music Festival May 30, 2026 at Emory Place in downtown Knoxville. It's a day bursting with color, creativity and community where 10 talented muralists will take part in a live painting competition, creating murals in real time. Watch the art unfold while dancing to regional and local musicians. Plus, explore the vibrant businesses in and around the Knoxville neighborhood. The 2026 concert lineup will be announced soon. 

Oct. 10-11, 2026, The Caverns, Pelham

The Caverns presents CaveFest Oct. 10-11, 2026. This upcoming music festival will feature 2026 concerts by Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, Peter Rowan & Sam Grisman Project, Rising Appalachia, Keller & The Keels and many more over two days during this boutique music festival rooted in Americana, bluegrass and roots music. The music festival weekend includes family-friendly activities like cave yoga, a sound bath, kids' activities, open jam sessions, late-night shows and local vendors. VIP packages and upgraded stay options are available for purchase. VIP packages include on-site yurt stays, hotel and transportation packages, large pre-pitched tent glamping and VIP camping if you bring your own gear. VIP guests enjoy private bars, climate-controlled restrooms and showers, charging stations and more.

Oct. 23-24, 2026, Chattanooga, Tennessee

The most important week of bluegrass happens in Chattanooga Oct. 23-24, 2026. The two-day 2026 IBMA World of Bluegrass live music festival will host some of the top bluegrass artists in the world. Additional events will include a convention, tradeshow, awards show and artist showcases across downtown Chattanooga. The 2026 festival lineup will be announced soon.

September 2026, Kodak, Tennessee

Mountain roots are honored as 15 regional and national bluegrass acts flock to the Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival each September in Kodak, Tennessee. Enjoy the views of the Great Smoky Mountains while hearing some of the best bluegrass talent. Past artists include The Gibson Brothers to Rhonda Vincent & The Rage. Picking and jam sessions, food and merchandise add to the fun.

Sept. 27-Oct. 3, 2026, LeConte Center, Pigeon Forge

The National Quartet Convention is one of the biggest events for Southern gospel music. More than 40,000 music fans will head to Pigeon Forge's LeConte Center for one of the largest Southern gospel music festivals Sept. 27-Oct.3, 2026. The largest quartet groups perform nightly concerts and showcases. The concerts 2026 include Anthem Edition, Chuck Wagon Gang, Griffith Family, Mylon Hayes Family, Dove Brothers, Michael Booth & Friends, Down East Boys and many more. Tickets are now on sale.

March 2027, Downtown Knoxville

Make plans for upcoming 2027 music festivals in Tennessee like Big Ears Festival. Nearly 200 performances at historic theaters, warehouse spaces, museums, galleries and clubs along with exhibitions, films literary readings and markets around Knoxville happen during Big Ears Festival in March 2027. It's a celebration of the arts, heralded by New York Times as "one of the world's greatest music bashes". 

May 14-17, 2026, Loretta Lynn's Ranch, Hurricane Mills

If you love the motorcycle lifestyle, this festival is for you. Hang out and listen to live music at the award-winning Tennessee Motorcycles and Music Revival May 14-17, 2026 at Loretta Lynn's Ranch in Hurricane Mills. The country music, bluegrass and rock music festival near Nashville hosts performances from three stages. This year’s music event concert lineup includes Hogslop String Band, Liam St. John, Rob Leines, Freedocs, Tayla Lynn, Tennessee Jet, Shelly Fairchild and many more. Additional activities include bike games, trail riding, racing, hill climbs, food trucks and drag races.

June 4-7, 2026, Downtown Nashville

CMA Fest 2026 comes back bigger and better than ever June 4-6, 2026 in downtown Nashville where the brightest stars in country put on the biggest party in the city. Check out the new Wrangler Remix Stage inside Fan Alley where live performances from country music rising artists happen throughout the day. Fan Fair X in the Music City Center Level 3 is full of artist meet-and-greets, access to CMA Close Up and Spotlight Stages, exclusive merchandise and more. Four-night passes are on sale now.

Check out the CMA Fest 2026 lineup categorized by day. Here is a sampling of some of the country music artists performing in Nashville June 4-7, 2026. Stages all around the city will host music festival performances. Each night of the summer music festival is capped with the biggest country music stars on the Nissan Stadium Main Stage. 

• Thursday, June 4, 2026
  Redferrin
  BODHI
  Ashley Cooke
  The Kruse Brothers
  Russell Dickerson
  Jason Aldean
  Gretchen Wilson
  Ella Langley
  ERNEST
   
• Friday, June 5, 2026
  Chase Beckham
  Dasha
  Dylan Marlowe
  Kameron Marlowe
  Raelynn
  Uncle Kracker
  Blake Shelton
  Shaboozey
  The Band Perry
  The Red Clay Strays
   
• Saturday, June 6, 2026
  Tyler Farr
  Midland
  Preston Cooper
  Hannah MacFarland
  Emily Ann Roberts
  Dax
  CeCe
  Carly Pearce
  Tim McGraw
   
• Sunday, June 7, 2026
  Canaan Smith
  Frankie Ballard
  Lauren Alaina
  Marcus King
  Molly Tuttle
  Pam Tillis
  Russell Dickerson
  Tigirlily Gold
  Luke Bryan 
  HARDY

June 11-14, 2026, Manchester, Tennessee

Music fans will once again flock to the 700-acre farm for one of the biggest summer music festivals, Bonnaroo June 11-14, 2026 in Manchester. The farm becomes a city with various events like yoga, Broo'ers Festival, sustainable fun at Planet Roo, the classic Ferris Wheel, Splash-A-Roo and a village market with curated crafts, art and experiences. This year's music festival 2026 lineup includes headliners Skrillex, Kesha, Noah Kahan, Role Model, Teddy Swims, The Neighbourhood, Rufus du sol, TurnStile, Yungblud, Griz, and The Strokes.

July 3-4, 2026, Downtown Smithville

Heralded as the official festival for the state of Tennessee, the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree July 3-4, 2026 is a bluegrass festival near Nashville, about 65 miles from downtown Nashville. One of the largest music festivals in July, Smithville Fiddlers' Jamboree draws musicians and crafters as well as fans of both from around the world to celebrate bluegrass music and crafts passed down over generations. There are even competitive events that  include Appalachian folksinging, square dancing, flatfoot dancing, clogging, mandolin playing, fiddle playing, bluegrass band performing and many more. Enjoy an array of crafts booths, some barbecue and the free concert in Tennessee.

July 29-Aug. 1, 2026, Crockett Theatre, Lawrenceburg

The birthplace of Southern Gospel hosts well-known groups during the James D. Vaughan Quartet Festival July 29-Aug. 1, 2026 at the Historic Crockett Theater in Lawrenceburg. Free shows fill the two days. The lineup will be announced soon.

Sept. 15-19, 2026, Music venues in downtown Nashville

Thousands of artists, fans and industry professionals will make their way to AmericanaFest Sept. 15-19, 2026 at various venues to celebrate Americana music in Nashville. Past concert lineups have included Jewel, Dawes, The Wood Brothers, The War and Treaty, Reckless Kelly and many more. More than 165 showcases in venues around downtown Nashville give guests an insight on why Nashville truly is Music City. The 2026 music festival lineup will be announced soon. Get your passes now.

September 2027, The Park at Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin

Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival was created to bring a meaningful, music experience to its attendees at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin. The region's best food and drink will be available and merchants selling art and crafts round out the festival's offerings. Everyone from Chris Stapleton to Willie Nelson and Beck have played at this festival. The plans for the 2027 Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival will be announced soon.

March 2027, Music venues in downtown Nashville

The Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival takes place each March in music venues around Nashville. Organized by the Nashville Songwriters Association International in partnership with Regions Bank, the music festival is the largest songwriters festival in the world. Every genre is represented, celebrating the many music styles that make Nashville Music City. The 2027 concert lineup will be announced late February.

Feb. 1, 2027, Independent music venues in downtown Nashville

More than 50 local artists and bands from indie rock to hip-hop and jazz perform as part of Nashville's newest music festival, 615 Indie Live at 14 independent venues throughout the city. Venues such as 3rd and Lindsley, Cannery Hall's the Mil, Eastside Bowl and Rudy's Jazz Room typically host. Past 2026 concerts include Lillie Mae, Cole Ritter, Austin Grimm, BEAN., The Rusty Nails and Plainview Vibe. Keep an eye out for the 2027 concert lineup.

May 22-July 3, 2026, Discovery Park of America, Union City

Rhythm on the Rails returns to Discovery Park of America, free summer concerts 2026 that take place on the lawn near the Train Depot. The concerts in Tennessee take place May 22-July 3, 2026. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. with music beginning at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy music from multi-genre concerts with a lineup that includes Lolo, Mo Pitney, Tennessee Backwater, The Grascals and many more.

April 24-26, 2026, Hub City Brewing and downtown Jackson

Put on your blue suede shoes for the memorable rockabilly music festival in Tennessee, Blue Suede Rockabilly Weekend April 24-26, 2026 in downtown Jackson. Visit Carl Perkins' hometown in downtown Jackson for concerts of rockabilly music, follow the Blue Suede Trail for themed eats and products, celebrate the 70th anniversary of "Blue Suede Shoes" and enjoy a car show, vintage vendors and much more. The 2026 music lineup includes Wyly Bigger, Kyle Lacy Band, The Mighty Flea Circus, and LOLO all at Hub City Brewing. The nighttime event also includes a pin-up contest, line dance class and artwork silent auction.

May 1-3, 2026, Tom Lee Park, Memphis

Memphis' newest music festival, RiverBeat Music Festival at Tom Lee Park is sure to be a fun time May 1-3, 2026. The 2026 concert lineup includes The Red Clay Strays, Lord Huron, Salt-N-Pepa, Wu-Tang Clan, Ice Cube, Marshmello, Dave Matthews Band, T-Pain, St. Vincent and many more. The riverfront is transformed into a vibrant celebration of art, creating an immersive and unforgettable experience. Live music performances, art installations and lighting activations create a dynamic atmosphere along the banks of the Mississippi River.

May 23-24, 2026, West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center, Brownsville

This blues music festival, about 64 miles near Memphis and 153 miles near Nashville, commemorates the important music contributions of three blues pioneers who called Brownsville, Tennessee home: “Sleepy” John Estes, Hammie Nixon and Yank Rachell on May 23-24, 2026. Live blues music, a cruise-in, deep-fried barbecue eating contest, arts and crafts and a corvette car show are all on tap at the Exit 56 Blues Fest. The 2026 music lineup will be announced soon.

May 8-Sept. 25, 2026, West Tennessee Farmers Market, Jackson

Fill your summer music festival calendar by attending one or several of the concerts part of the AMP Summer Concert Series by the West Tennessee Farmers Market in downtown Jackson. Music starts at 6:45 p.m. and all shows are family-friendly. The 2026 AMP at the Market concert lineup includes: 

• Jerome Chism - May 8
  Stacy Mitchhart - May 22
  Bryan Moffit - June 12
  Small Shack - June 26
  Tyler Kinchen & The Right Pieces - July 10
  Jimmy Church - July 24
  King Beez - Aug. 7
  Hope Macgregor - Aug. 21
  Smooth Jazz Progression - Sept. 4
  Music by Kota - Sept. 18
  LOLO - Sept. 25

Sept. 19, 2026, Cooper-Young Neighborhood, Memphis

The city's largest historic district, Cooper-Young Festival is Memphis' most anticipated summer festival. The 2026 summer festival is Sept. 19, 2026 and welcomes thousands. More than 400 artisans from around the U.S. come to share their art. Music performances range in sound from R&B to reggae to pop and gospel.

Oct. 9-11, 2026, Radians Amphitheater at Memphis Botanic Garden, Memphis

World-class musicians and artists from a wide range of genres will take the stage during Mempho Music Festival Oct. 9-11, 2026 at the beautiful Radians Amphitheater in Memphis Botanic Garden. Get ready for live music and a unique artistic experience in the Incendia Dome, an interactive event space in a geodesic structure with propane flame effects. Inside, the hottest DJs in Memphis bump music that'll get you dancing under the warm glow. The full lineup will be announced in early Spring 2026. Past Mempho Music Festival performers have included Cage the Elephant, Post Malone, The Avett Brothers, Bill Strings, Widespread Panic and more. 

Explore even more Tennessee music experiences and plan your trip today.