The 10 Best Music Festivals in Tennessee

One thing to show your love for music is to attend a festival. If you want to experience something different and fun, then you should go to the best music festivals in Tennessee. There are tons of festivals to choose from, so you’re sure to find something you like. Here are a few:

1. Muddy Roots

Cookeville, Tennessee

When: September (four days)

Set up camp and enjoy four days of music at Muddy Roots. This festival celebrates Americana and roots music with a lineup of over 100 artists.

Not only can you cook your own food at camp, but you can also hike and enjoy other fun activities. This is a great event for people who want to relax and enjoy the outdoors.

MUDDY ROOTS EUROPE FESTIVAL RELOADED II 2022MUDDY ROOTS EUROPE FESTIVAL RELOADED II 2022

2. Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival

Manchester, Tennessee

When: June (four days)

Bonnaroo is one of the most popular and well-known music festivals in the country. It features a wide variety of musical genres, as well as art, interactive activities, and other must-see performances.

Camping is available on-site and to make it more engaging, there are plazas on the campgrounds to allow for more fun activities and socializing.

THE BONNAROO EXPERIENCE: 2022THE BONNAROO EXPERIENCE: 2022

3. Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival

Franklin, Tennessee

When: September (two days)

Music is one thing that reflects culture, so it’s no surprise that the Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival celebrates both.

Tunes played in this event range from rock and roll to alt-country, so there’s something for everyone. People of all ages are welcome to experience different cultures and music genres.

Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Arts Festival - 2022Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Arts Festival – 2022

This festival has a lineup of diverse musicians, as well as food trucks, picnics, and other vendors offering favorite local dishes. It’s a fantastic way to experience the best of what Tennessee has to offer.

4. Big Ears Festival

Knoxville, Tennessee

When: March-April (four days)

Big Ear Festival is a Knoxville tradition that celebrates all things music. There are performances of all genres, with little to no sponsor announcements and downtime between sets. This makes for a more intimate and relaxed festival experience.

Highlights from Big Ears 2022Highlights from Big Ears 2022

5. CMA Music Festival

Nashville, Tennessee

When: June (four days)

CMA Fest is a festival dedicated to country music and all its fans. This festival includes performances by some of the biggest names in country music, as well as up-and-comers. 

Nashville CMA Festival 2022- Day 1Nashville CMA Festival 2022- Day 1

There are also fan meet and greets, autograph signings, and other fun activities. The festival takes place in Nissan Stadium, so there’s plenty of room for all the fans.

6. Beale Street Music Festival

Memphis, Tennessee

When: June (three days)

Music and jamming sessions are a staple in Memphis, and the Beale Street Music Festival celebrates this with three days of non-stop music.

There are also food booths, crafts, and other activities to enjoy between sets. This festival takes place in Tom Lee Park which overlooks the Mississippi River, giving attendees a scenic view to enjoy.

2022 Beale Street Music Festival - Memphis in May #BSMF222022 Beale Street Music Festival – Memphis in May #BSMF22

7. Moon River Music Festival

Coolidge Park, Chattanooga, Tennessee

When: September (two days)

Moon River Music Festival is a Chattanooga event that celebrates family bonding through music. With 20+ performers for two days, this is a great festival for people who want to support up-and-coming artists.

Zach Bryan- Something in the Orange live @ Moon River FestivalZach Bryan- Something in the Orange live @ Moon River Festival

The festival takes place in Coolidge Park which overlooks the Tennessee River and offers plenty of activities for everyone to enjoy, such as food trucks, football streaming, sports bars, carousels, and splash pads.

8. Americana Music Festival & Conference

Nashville, Tennessee

When: September (five days)

The Americana Music Festival & Conference celebrates all things Americana music. This five-day event features over 400 artists from different genres, such as folk, bluegrass, blues, soul, and country. 

The Eye - Brandi Carlile - Live from Americana Fest 2022 - City Winery NashvilleThe Eye – Brandi Carlile – Live from Americana Fest 2022 – City Winery Nashville

For those who want to dive deep into Americana music, this festival has workshops, panel discussions, and seminars. You’ll be able to interact with musicians and enjoy different activities.

9. Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival

Nashville, Tennessee

When: March-April (five days)

Songwriters are the highlight of this festival, with over 300 songwriters from different Nashville venues. This is great for musicians who want to network and be exposed to different songwriting styles. 

Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival returns to Nashville after 2 yearsTin Pan South Songwriters Festival returns to Nashville after 2 years

There are also workshops and panel discussions for performers to enjoy. This event is for music lovers who love discovering new talent.

10. Live on the Green Music Festival

Nashville, Tennessee

When: September (five days)

What a good way to spend Labor weekend with live music! Live on the Green Music Festival is a free concert series that happens over five days.

With past headliners like Metallica, Bruce Springsteen, and Beck David Hansen, this is a great event for people who want to enjoy live music without breaking the bank.

Live on The Green 2022 Recap: Featuring Colony HouseLive on The Green 2022 Recap: Featuring Colony House

Conclusion

Supporting local and live music is a great way to enjoy your weekends. These festivals give music lovers the opportunity to enjoy their favorite tunes while also supporting up-and-coming and famous artists.

So if you’re looking for a fun and unique festival experience, be sure to check out these remarkable Tennessee festivals.

Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival Featured Image by: CC BY-SA 2.5, Link