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Rock Out in the Great Outdoors: Discover Tennessee’s 2026 Outdoor Summer Music Festivals
Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion. Photos for media use courtesy Tennessee Tourism unless otherwise noted in copyright.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 26, 2026) – Say hello to the soundtrack of the summer. Tennessee’s rich musical heritage takes center stage all summer long, thanks to an exciting lineup of outdoor music festivals and concert series happening statewide. From intimate waterfront performances and free community concerts to star-studded festivals attracting fans from around the world, Tennessee offers live music experiences for every type of traveler.
Clarksville: Outdoor Concerts All Summer and Fall
Clarksville’s outdoor music scene comes alive with free concerts and live performances happening throughout the season.
- Downtown @ Sundown: Beginning May 15, Downtown @ Sundown returns to Downtown Commons every first and third Friday through October 2.
- Silo Park at Old Glory Distilling Co.: Throughout the summer, Silo Park features weekly live music alongside night markets, food, drinks, and outdoor games.
- Live Music at Beachaven Winery: Beachaven Winery hosts live performances every weekend featuring regional singer-songwriters and crowd-favorite performers paired with local wine and food trucks.
Clifton: Weekends on the River
Enjoy performances in a laid-back waterfront atmosphere while taking in beautiful river views. All summer long, Clifton Marina & RV Park hosts Weekends on the River, featuring live local music along the scenic Tennessee River.
Pelham: Cavefest
Set against the backdrop of The Caverns, CaveFest offers one of the most unique festival settings in the country, October 10-11. Returning for its fifth year, the festival blends Americana and bluegrass performances at its outdoor amphitheater with underground cave concerts, late-night jam sessions, wellness experiences, workshops, and outdoor adventure. This year’s lineup includes Gillian Welch and David Rawlings alongside Rising Appalachia, Keller & The Keels, and more.
Union City: Rhythm on the Rails
From May 22 through July 3, Rhythm on the Rails returns to Discovery Park of America with free outdoor concerts near the historic Train Depot. The multi-genre lineup includes Lolo, Mo Pitney, Tennessee Backwater, The Grascals, and more. Families gather to eat, drink, fish in the lake and enjoy performances from their favorite bands while also discovering new ones.
Winchester: Drafts & Watercrafts Lake Idol
Who will be the next superstar of Tims Ford Lake? Beginning May 23, Winchester’s floating restaurant Drafts & Watercrafts at Twin Creeks Marina launches its weekly Lake Idol competition. Guests can enjoy food, drinks, and live performances while cheering on emerging Tennessee talent.
Lawrenceburg: Levitt AMP Concert Series
Through September 12, Lawrenceburg’s free Levitt AMP Concert Series brings live music to Veterans Park twice monthly. A wide range of nationally known artists including Jimmie Allen, The Band Feel, and After Grace headline performances alongside food trucks, games, and family-friendly activities.
Manchester: Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival
One of the nation’s most iconic music festivals returns June 11–14 as Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival makes its highly anticipated comeback to Manchester. The 700-acre Farm transforms into a vibrant temporary city filled with live music, art installations, wellness experiences, and immersive entertainment. The eclectic 2026 lineup includes Skrillex, Kesha, Noah Kahan, Rufus du Sol, The Strokes, Teddy Swims, Turnstile, Yungblud, Griz, Role Model, and The Neighbourhood.
Smithville: Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree
Held July 3–4, the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree continues its long-standing tradition as Tennessee’s official festival, celebrating its 55th year in 2026. Known for spotlighting Appalachian music and craftsmanship, the festival features bluegrass performances, dancing competitions, folk singing, instrumental contests, artisan vendors, and free concerts that attract visitors from around the world.
Jackson: AMP Summer Concert Series
Throughout the summer, downtown Jackson’s AMP Summer Concert Series delivers family-friendly outdoor entertainment near the West Tennessee Farmers Market.
Concerts begin at 6:45 p.m. and feature a variety of musical styles, making the series an easy addition to any Tennessee summer travel itinerary.
Kingsport: Fun Fest
Spanning nine action-packed days, Fun Fest celebrates its 40th anniversary July 17–25 with concerts, outdoor activities, and family entertainment in Kingsport. This year’s Sunset Concert Series features performances by Daughtry, Jeremy Camp, Brothers Osborne, and LeAnn Rimes. The music is just the beginning — festival activities also include fireworks, moonlight hikes, sporting events, food trucks, block parties, races, and hot air balloon experiences.
Bristol: Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion
The award-winning Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion returns Sept. 11–13, celebrating the city’s legacy as the birthplace of country music. The 2026 lineup includes Sierra Ferrell, St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Los Lobos, The War and Treaty, and Marty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives performing across more than a dozen downtown stages.
Memphis: Cooper-Young Festival
Closing out summer in style on Sept. 19, the Cooper-Young Festival transforms Memphis’ largest historic district into a vibrant celebration of music, art, and culture. The festival welcomes thousands of visitors and more than 400 artisans from across the country. Live performances span genres including R&B, reggae, gospel, and pop, creating one of the state’s most diverse — and most fun — music festival experiences.
Discover more summer events and experiences in Tennessee at tnvacation.com.
ABOUT TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF TOURIST DEVELOPMENT
The Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD) is dedicated to driving economic growth and tourism in all 95 counties. TDTD’s global marketing efforts increase visitation to Tennessee, which boosts tax revenue, creates jobs and attracts new investment across the state. Tennessee is a global destination of choice offering visitors world-class music, live entertainment, family-friendly experiences, charming communities, innovative and classic culinary creations, renowned scenic beauty and outdoor adventure—all centered at the crossroads of rich history and unrivaled hospitality. Vacations “sound perfect” in Tennessee. Visit TNvacation.com and follow @TNvacation on social media for travel inspiration.
Media Contacts:
Amanda Murphy
Jill Kilgore
Chelsea Trott
Shelby McAuley