Full list of events in Nashville in 2023 – Festivals, awards, marathons and more

20/03/2023

Nashville is a popular holiday destination for many people from across the world, including Ireland.

Music City, as it’s known, is the capital of the US State of Tennessee. Aside from being the home of country music, Nashville is also packed with cultural landmarks, outdoor activities, mouthwatering food and much more.

There is always something going on in Nashville – from professional sports to festivals, award shows to marathons – and most are set to the soundtrack of live Nashville music.

If you’re planning a visit in 2023, we have compiled a list of all the main events coming up later this year.

Nashville 2023 annual events

Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival (March/April)

Tin Pan South is an event dedicated to songs and those who write them. Fans have the unique opportunity to experience the music they love at various venues throughout Nashville.

St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series (April)

Each year runners, wheelchairs, and walkers attempt the annual Rock ‘N’ Roll Running Series Nashville through the streets of Music City.

Nashville Comedy Festival (April)

The annual Nashville Comedy Festival features some of the funniest comedians in the world. The comedians perform at various venues throughout Nashville.

Musician’s Corner (May–June, Sept)

Musicians Corner a free outdoor concert series showcasing local Nashville artists throughout the months of May and June. This free, family-friendly event is open to the public with musical performances and features a variety of food trucks, local artisans, and Kidsville activities.

Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival (June)

It’s four days of festivities with more than 150 musical performances, along with comedy, cinema, sustainability workshops, and more. It’s described as an adult wonderland of music and art and takes placel just down the street from Nashville in Manchester, TN.

Nashville Pride Festival (June)

Nashville is a proud home to an active LGBT Chamber of Commerce, a music-filled annual Pride festival, and a wide range of LGBTQ-owned businesses, from bakeries to hotels and everything in between.

CMA Fest (June)

CMA fest features amazing live performances, meet & greets, exclusive artist experiences, and more. Hundreds of artists perform for free to help fund the CMA Foundation’s mission of enriching music education programs across the country. By attending CMA Fest, you are helping the CMA Foundation work to ensure every child, no matter their situation, has an opportunity to participate in music education.

Ally 400 NASCAR Cup Series Race Weekend (June)

The Ally 400 is a NASCAR Cup Series race at Nashville Superspeedway in Gladeville, Tennessee. In 2023, possibly due to the popularity of the 2022’s event finishing under the lights, the event will become a night race.

Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th (July 4)

A description reads: “Here in Nashville we love to entertain. Add in our obvious love for music and our love for this great country and you’ve got one heck of a party that you won’t want to miss! Come see for yourself why our Music City July 4th event draws the largest crowd in the South to celebrate our country’s independence.”

Music City Grand Prix (Aug)

The NTT INDYCAR SERIES will return to Nashville in August 2023 for the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix, round 14 of the 17-race season. The three-day festival of racing and music also includes Indy Lights, GT America, Trans Am, Stadium SUPER Trucks and Vintage Indy. The musical entertainment is highlighted by nightly on-site concerts featuring prominent artists and the Grand Ole Prix Opry show on Sunday.

Live on the Green Music Festival (Aug–Sept)

Live On The Green is a free outdoor concert series, presented by Lightning 100, at Public Square Park in downtown Music City. The stage is always set up on the steps of the Plaza and the crowd gathers in the grassy area of Public Square Park to watch performances from local, regional, and national artists.

Americana Music Festival (Sept)

The annual AMERICANAFEST: The Americana Music Festival & Conference is one big event that joins legendary artists with upcoming stars, industry professionals, and fans. For five days, all of these people enjoy panels, seminars, showcases, parties, the Annual Americana Honors & Awards Show, and more

CMA Awards (Nov)

The Country Music Associated Awards, also known as the CMA Awards or CMA’s, are presented to country music artists and broadcasters to recognize outstanding achievement in the country music industry. This year is its 50th anniversary.

The televised annual presentation ceremony features performances and award presentations by popular country music artists. The Awards always make for a good time, between the lively performances, heartfelt acceptance speeches and diverse range of artists featured, the annual awards show, highlights the special bond between the country music community.

In past years an eclectic mix of hosts have been featured, ranging from country artists to actors and TV personalities, including Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Pamela Anderson, Kristen Bell and Nashville star Charles Esten.

TransPerfect Music City Bowl (Dec)

The Music City Bowl is a post-season American college football bowl game certified by the NCAA that has been played in Nashville, Tennessee, since 1998.

Jack Daniel’s New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash (Dec 31)

Spend New Year’s Eve in Nashville, where there will be live music, fireworks, and the city’s famous Music Note Drop at midnight.

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