A who's who of music has lit up the stages, From hip hop to folk to country and blues, Bonnaroo is a place of all places, No worries, no problem, no shirt and no shoes. Written about the Bonnaroo festival in Manchester, Tennessee.

The Tennessee Music Festivals You Need to Attend in 2025

Make plans to attend these world-famous music festivals and events in Tennessee.

Travel Inspiration From Tennessee Vacation

Make this year the one you experience as many Tennessee music festivals as you can. Check out our list below for music festivals near Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville and Bristol as well as in small towns across the state that will host your favorite artists and music genres - from rock and EDM, country and bluegrass - you'll want to add to your playlist. Here are some of the big music festivals happening in Tennessee this year. 

*Dates reflect the 2025 calendar year

Music Festivals in and near Bristol, TN/VA

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Fun Fest

July 18-26, 2025, Kingsport, Tennessee
The loud swooshes of hot air, Like fire breathing dragons, Fill the air of a flock of balloons. You’ll feel the world below getting smaller and more distant, As you climb higher and higher, Reaching for the moon. Written about Fun Fest in Kingsport, Tennessee.
Hot air balloons at Kingsport Fun Fest in Kingsport, Tennessee.
Photo Credit: Kingsport Fun Fest

Celebrate the 40th anniversary of fun at the Fun Fest July 19-27, 2024 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 which will be announced soon. Additional event details and events are forthcoming.

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Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion

Sept. 19-21, 2025, Downtown Bristol, TN/VA
Crowd’s on their feet, Out of their chairs, The last song rings out, there’s hands in the air, The band takes a bow after kicking up boots, Bristol is rockin with rhythm and roots. Written about a band at Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion in Downtown Bristol, Tennessee.
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion 2017 in Bristol, Tennessee.
Photo Credit: Cora Wagoner

At this award-winning music festival, the roots of traditional Appalachian music are brought to life through talented musicians Sept. 19-21, 2025. Known as the birthplace of country music, Bristol's music history runs deep and have been celebrated by nationally-known artists. The 2025 lineup includes The Band Perry, The Teskey Brothers, Shane Smith & The Saints, Lukas Nelson, Joy Oladokun, Ashley Monroe, Sister Sadie and many more who will perform on more than a dozen stages during the three music-filled days.

Music Festivals in and near the Smokies

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Big Ears Festival

March 27-30, 2025, Downtown Knoxville
Stages and screens spread all over town, Finest of festivals that can be found, Come have a listen and bring your big ears, A Knoxville tradition for 15 plus years. Written about an artist at Big Ears Festival in Downtown Knoxville, Tennessee.
Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Photo Credit: Brock Caldwell/Big Ears Fest

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 March 27-30, 2025. It's a celebration of the arts, heralded by New York Times as "one of the world's greatest music bashes". The 2025 lineup includes Bela Fleck, Arooj Aftab, ANOHNI and the Johnsons, Explosions In the Sky, Taj Mahal, Steve Roach and more.

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Southern Skies Music & Whiskey Festival

May 10, 2025, World's Fair Park, Knoxville
Food trucks and music - whiskey and rye, A seat on the grass under Tennessee skies, Spotlights light up as the sun settles down, A taste of the south - a taste of the town. Written about a crowd at Southern Skies Music and Whiskey Festival in Knoxville, Tennessee
Photo Credit: @southerskiesfest

Southern Skies Music & Whiskey Festival returns May 10, 2025 to World's Fair Park in downtown Knoxville. The 2025 lineup includes headliners Charley Crockett along with The Dirty Guv'nahs, Willow Avalon, Devon Gilfillian, Southern Avenue, and Cruz Contreras & The Black Lillies. Additionally, there will be a Tennessee Whiskey Experience, a new collaboration with the Tennessee Distillers Guild, that will bring some of Tennessee's amazing distilleries to the festival to serve a wide variety of whiskey and spirits as well as bottle sales. Learn about their unique distilling process, barrel aging and the history of each distillery. Celebrate music and community at this homegrown Knoxville music festival.

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CaveJam

May 24-25, 2025, The Caverns, Pelham
Rock in the rocks, Down in the caverns, The kick drum, the bass, the screaming guitars, The Caveman showed up and put on a show, Under the ground not under the stars. Written about a band playing at the Caverns in Pelham, Tennessee.
Bluegrass Underground at the Caverns in Pelham, Tennessee.
Photo Credit: Aaron Lee Tasjan

The Caverns presents CaveJam May 24-25, 2025 with headlining group The String Cheese Incident, performing for two nights - three sets above ground and one special set in The Caverns' underground venue. Enjoy music at various stages, including in the subterranean venue. The new yurts will be available to rent for the weekend as well as other glamping options, food trucks, craft vendors and cave tours.

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IBMA World of Bluegrass

Sept. 16-20, 2025, Chattanooga, Tennessee
Fiddles and banjos and mandolin strings, Bluegrassin’ pickers and grinners, The good timing foot stomping songs that they sing, Down by the Tennessee River. Written about a band playing at the IBMA World of Bluegrass in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Photo Credit: Visit Chattanooga

The most important week of bluegrass happens in Chattanooga Sept. 16-20, 2025. The two-day 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. More details will be announced in the coming months.

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Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival

Sept. 18-20, 2025, Kodak, Tennessee

Mountain roots are honored as 15 regional and national bluegrass acts flock to the Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival Sept. 18-20, 2025 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.

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National Quartet Convention

Sept. 21-27, 2025, LeConte Center, Pigeon Forge

More than 40,000 music fans will head to Pigeon Forge's LeConte Center Sept. 21-27, 2025 for nightly concerts and showcases featuring some of the biggest quartet groups in Southern gospel. The National Quartet Convention is one of the biggest events for the genre. Tickets are now on sale.

Music Festivals in and near Nashville

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615 Indie Live

Feb. 1, 2025, Independent music venues in downtown Nashville

More than 50 local artists and bands from indie rock to hip-hop and jazz will perform as part of Nashville's new 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 are hosting. Purchase your $15 ticket to access all of the shows. Performances by Lillie Mae, Cole Ritter, Austin Grimm, BEAN., The Rusty Nails, Plainview Vibe and more are scheduled.

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Tin Pan South

March 25-29, 2025, Music venues in downtown Nashville
It all begins with a song - words from a songwriters pen, Hear how they wrote it, these musical poets, May Tin Pan go forever, amen. Written about a singer at Tin Pan South in Downtown Nashville, Tennessee.

The Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival takes place March 25-29, 2025 in music venues around Nashville. Organized by the Nashville Songwriters Association International in partnership with Regions Bank, the festival is the largest songwriters festival in the world. Every genre is represented, celebrating the many music styles that make Nashville Music City. 2025 lineup will be announced late February.

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Tennessee Motorcycles and Music Revival

May 15-18, 2025, Loretta Lynn's Ranch, Hurricane Mills
Indian scouts and big Harley hogs, Roar into Hurricane Mills, Dirt bikes and kick drums kick up the dust, in the springtime Tennessee hills. Written about a band playing at Tennessee Motorcycles and Music Revival at Loretta Lynn’s in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee
Photo Credit: Loretta Lynn's Ranch

If you love the motorcycle lifestyle, this festival is for you. Hang out and listen to music at the award-winning Tennessee Motorcycles and Music Revival May 15-18, 2025 at Loretta Lynn's Ranch in Hurricane Mills. Music will play from three stages. This year’s event features acts such as Paul Cauthen and Nashville favorite Hippies & Cowboys. Enjoy ADV trails, mini races, a hill climb, bars and food trucks, camping and more.

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CMA Fest

June 5-8, 2025, Downtown Nashville
People come from all over from near and from far, The streets and the sidewalks filled with stages and stars, Song from the heartland played on flat top guitars, If they make country music here’s where they are. Written about a singer performing at CMA Fest in Downtown Nashville, Tennessee.
Kelsea Ballerini performing at CMA Music Festival in Nashville, Tennessee.
Photo Credit: Journal Communications Inc.

CMA Music Festival comes back bigger and better than ever. Mark your calendar for June 5-8, 2025 where the brightest stars in country flock to Nashville for the biggest party in the city. You'll want access to Fain Fair X inside Music City Center which includes 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 continued updates on CMA Fest including the star-studded lineup, stages and more.

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Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival

June 12-15, 2025, Manchester, Tennessee
A who’s who of music has lit up the stages, From hip hop to folk to country and blues, Bonnaroo is a place of all places, No worries no problem no shirt no shoes. Written about a crowd at Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, Tennessee
Bubbles at Bonnaroo in Manchester, Tennessee.
Photo Credit: Alive Coverage/Jorgensen Photography

Music fans will once again flock to the 700-acre farm for Bonnaroo June 12-15, 2025 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 lineup includes Megan Thee Stallion, Pretty Lights, Fisher, Post Malone, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Fred Again.. and many more.

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Smithville Fiddlers' Jamboree

July 4-5, 2025, Downtown Smithville
The smell of pine rosin on the bow, He whines it across the tightly tuned strings, The fiddlers lead the jamboree show, The Masters make those fiddles ring. Written about a fiddler at Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree in Downtown Smithville, Tennessee.

Heralded as the official festival for the state of Tennessee, the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree July 4-5, 2025 draws musicians and crafters as well as fans of both from around the world to remember the ancestral music and crafts passed down over generations. Enjoy an array of crafts booths, some barbecue and one of the biggest free shows filled with toe-tappin’ music.

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James D. Vaughan Quartet Festival

July 23-26, 2025, Crockett Theatre, Lawrenceburg

The birthplace of Southern Gospel hosts well-known groups during the James D. Vaughan Quartet Festival July 23-26, 2025 at the Historic Crockett Theater in Lawrenceburg. Free shows fill the two days. The lineup will be announced soon.

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AmericanaFest - Nashville

Sept. 9-13, 2025, Music venues in downtown Nashville
Americana the beautiful, Voices across a great nation, Gather together in Music City, For a song celebration, Its rock its country its rhythm and blues, Americana the beautiful, How deep are your roots? Written about a band playing at Americanafest in Nashville, Tennessee.
See 500 performances during Nashville's Americana Music Festival
Photo Credit: Erika Goldring, Getty Images for Americana Music

Thousands of artists, fans and industry professionals will make their way to AmericanaFest Sept. 9-13, 2025 at various venues around Nashville. Jewel, The Vespers, Patty Griffin, and Parker Millsap are just some of the artists who have participated in the past. More than 165 showcases in venues around downtown Nashville give guests an insight on why Nashville truly is Music City. The 2025 lineup is currently being planned. Get your passes when they go on sale Spring 2025.

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Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival

September 2025, The Park at Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin
Shake out a blanket lay it down on the ground, Autumn air creeps in as the warm sun goes down, Performers and pilgrims come from all around, And warm up the nights in small Franklin town. Written about a crowd at Pilgrimage Music and Cultural Festival in Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin, Tennessee.
Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival at Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin, Tennessee.
Photo Credit: Journal Communications Inc/Jeff Adkins

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 lineup and dates will be announced soon.

Music Festivals and Events in and near Memphis

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Rhythm on the Rails

Evenings in May and June, Discovery Park of America, Union City
A crossing warning sounds there’s a train coming close, Climb up the caboose wonder where it will go, Hear the steam wine and the big whistle wail, Big Iron horses still alive on these rails. Written about the train at Rhythm on the Rails at Discovery Park of America in Union City, Tennessee.

Rhythm on the Rails returns to Discovery Park of America, an 8-week outdoor concert series taking place on the lawn near the Train Depot. The music series usually runs Friday evenings in May and June. 2025 dates and lineup will be announced soon. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. with music beginning at 6:30 p.m. The concerts are free and open to the public.

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Voices in the Vineyard

May through October, Century Farm Winery, Jackson
Voices in the vineyard shade trees along the drive, Blue bird on a white fence, full grapes on the vine, Bring your picnic basket and your favorite fold up chair, Voices in the vineyard music in the air. Written about the entrance to Voices in the Vineyard at Century Farm Winery in Jackson, Tennessee.
Photo Credit: @dirtysanchezcustoms

Sip Tennessee wine while enjoying music from a variety of local and regional artists starting May through October 2025 at Century Farm Winery. Voices in the Vineyard is a free event and starts at 7 p.m. Food trucks are on location if you want to get a taste of local cuisine. Bring a lawn chair or get there early to get one of the limited tables that are available. It's a great way to spend an evening in Century Farm Winery's vineyard.

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RiverBeat Festival

May 2-4, 2025, Tom Lee Park, Memphis
Light as helium, balloons floating in the sky, Feel the mighty Mississippi roll down by riverside, Rhythm moves through your soul defying gravity, Meet ya down at Tom Lee, you and me and riverbeat. Written about a crowd with balloons at Riverbeat Festival in Tom Lee Park in Memphis, Tennessee.
Photo Credit: Craig Thompson

With headliners like Missy Elliott, The Killers and Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals, Memphis' newest music festival, RiverBeat Music Festival at Tom Lee Park is sure to be a fun time May 2-4, 2025. Special Memphis elements include Boo Mitchell's Royal Studios Blues Jam, WYXR's Memphis Rap OGz lineup, and a Sunday Gospel Celebration. 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.

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Exit 56 Blues Fest

May 24-25, 2025, West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center, Brownsville
Off Exit 56 down around Brownsville, The blues is a bluesin’ up on sunny hill, Cool Cats on the stage smooth as a guitar slide, Let the soul and let the songs take you for a ride. Written about patrons at Exit 56 Blues Fest at West TN Delta Heritage Center in Brownsville, Tennessee.
Photo Credit: @miles2gobeforeisleep

This music festival commemorates the important music contributions of three blues pioneers who called Brownsville, Tennessee home: “Sleepy” John Estes, Hammie Nixon and Yank Rachell on May 24-25, 2025. 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.

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AMP Summer Concert Series

June to September 2025, West Tennessee Farmers Market, Jackson
Smoky stage, big brass tones, Solos from the saxophone, Move In close and have a dance, Raise a cold one to the band. Written about a band performing at AMP Summer Concert Series in West TN Farmers Market in Jackson, Tennessee.
Photo Credit: Jeremy Rasnic

Fill your summer with music 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. Concerts run from June to September 2025. The lineup will be announced soon.

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Cooper-Young Festival

September 2025, Cooper-Young Neighborhood, Memphis
Feels like more than a 3 man band, With every note that’s played and sung, The music’s putty in their hands, Down at Cooper Young. Written about 3 Man Band Playing at Cooper-Young Festival in Memphis, Tennessee
Photo Credit: @mikehewlettandtheracket

The city's largest historic district, Cooper-Young is Memphis' most anticipated outdoor celebration. The festival in September 2025 welcomes thousands and more than 400 artisans from around the U.S. to share their art. Music performances range in sound from R&B to reggae to pop and gospel.

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Mempho Music Festival

Oct. 3-5, 2025, Memphis Botanic Garden, Memphis
One hundred thousand watts of sound, Sizzle from the stage , It’s lighting in the garden - thunder when they play, Thirty thousand people moving to the beat, Soul shaking stimulation from your head down to your feet. Written about a crowd at Memphis Music Festival at Memphis Botanical Garden in Memphis, Tennessee.
Photo Credit: JoshuaTimmermans/Noble Visions

World-class musicians and artists from a wide range of genres will take the stage during Mempho Music Festival Oct. 3-5, 2025 at the beautiful 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 2025. 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.

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