Across the country, music festivals are normally relegated to the warmest summer months. However, in Tennessee, that is definitely not the case! Here in the birthplace of country music and the home of Honky Tonk, festivals are part of our year-round celebration of song. After all, music is arguably the heart of our great state. Whether you’re here for a visit or recently moved to the area, a world-famous festival is likely in your near future.
In 2020, the following events are expected to be the hottest tickets of the year, so as we welcome this new year, be sure to mark your calendar early with every festival you can.
Big Ears Festival
March 26 - 29, 2020 | Knoxville, TN
bigearsfestival.org
Even against the backdrop of Tennessee’s rich musical heritage, Big Ears Festival is a truly unique experience. Part music festival, part visual art exhibition, part interactive experience, this avant-garde, artist-centered 3-day event offers festivalgoers the opportunity to attend over one hundred shows in all. Attendees can also join interactive workshops, enjoy film screenings, and take part in organized discussions, all while experiencing collaborations and fresh surprises from beloved artists.
The 2020 lineup has been expanded to include Patti Smith and her band, who will play alongside past favorites Kronos Quartet, Jason Moran, Annette Peacock, Anthony Braxton, and many more. Tickets are available now.
Beale Street Music Festival
May 1 - 3, 2020 | Memphis, TN
memphisinmay.org/beale-street-music-festival
Beale Street Music Festival is a nonprofit music festival held over three days, marking the beginning of the broader Memphis in May International Festival. Serving as a tangible representation of the power of a community gathering unified around music, the festival raises funds for a different cause every year. In 2020, profits will benefit the people of the country of Ghana.
Each year, Beale Street Music Festival gathers a widely-varied mix of performers and bands to create nonstop outstanding concerts across all four festival stages. The 2020 lineup includes The Lumineers, Mavis Staples, Taj Majal, Leon Bridges, Lindsey Buckingham, Lil Wayne, Three 6 Mafia, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Portugal, and many more.
The full lineup is expected in February, but even the preliminary list of performers guarantees an unforgettable festival experience! This event is expected to sell out, so get your tickets early.
Riverbend Festival
May 27 - 30, 2020 | Chattanooga, TN
riverbendfestival.com
Every summer for the past four decades, Riverbend Festival has brought more than half a million people to the streets of downtown Chattanooga. Festivalgoers gather at the beautiful waterfront venue to enjoy more than 100 music acts across 5 stages, visit dozens of food and beverage vendors (cashless RFID payments required). A stunning fireworks display will light up the sky over the water on May 30th at 11 p.m. as the festival draws to a close.
Musical acts performing at Riverbend in 2020 include Ashley McBride, Mavis Staples, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Samantha Fish, The Cadillac Three, and Todd Snider. Tickets are on sale now.
CMA Music Fest
June 4 - 7, 2020 | Nashville, TN
cmafest.com
CMA Fest is a free, four-day country music bonanza held at the Riverfront Park right in downtown Nashville. More than 300 musical acts perform across about 10 stages and outdoor venues; if you’ve heard a country musician in the past year, odds are, they’ll be performing at CMA Fest!
While there are evening performances at Nissan Stadium that are available to ticket holders only, the Riverfront stage hosts such acts as Cam, Kane Brown, and Ricky Skaggs. The honkytonks surrounding the venues host beloved Nashville artists all day and night during the festival, so anytime you’d like to escape the heat, duck into one of these welcoming spots for a refreshing drink and a song.
If you are planning to travel to Nashville for CMA Fest, it’s a good idea to book accommodations as far in advance as possible; as one of the most popular country music festivals in the world, this great event is just as packed as you’d expect. Passes and wristbands for paid concerts are on sale now!
Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival
June 11 - June 14, 2020 | Manchester, TN
bonnaroo.com
Bonnaroo may be the ultimate Tennessee music festival for anyone who wishes they could have attended Woodstock. This four-day outdoor festival showcases the best musical acts of today, drawing from a wide range of genres. Whether you’re into country, rock, metal, pop, or R&B artists, you’ll find your groove at Bonnaroo’s 700-acre festival farm.
Festivalgoers can camp in tents or RVs, and staying to enjoy the pop-up Bonnaroo “city” is a highly recommended part of the experience. Enjoy hundreds of festival food options at Centeroo, take a few yoga classes, and learn about the newest sustainability practices in between events.
The 2020 lineup is coming soon, but if last year’s lineup (including Post Malone, The Lumineers, Childish Gambino, and Cardi B) is any indication, Bonnaroo will undoubtedly be unforgettable once again this summer! Tickets are on sale now.
Bristol Rhythm & Roots
September 11 - 13, 2020 | Bristol, TN/VA
birthplaceofcountrymusic.org/festival
Bristol Rhythm and Roots is an award-winning festival that aims to recognize the traditional Appalachian music that has inspired musicians around the world. Bristol is recognized as the birthplace of country music, so it’s no surprise that artists like Moon Taxi, Old Crow Medicine Show, and Dr. Dog have performed here in years past.
Festivalgoers will be able to enjoy more than 130 bands performing on 20 stages right in Downtown Bristol. The lineup for 2020 is still being planned, but snag tickets for this 3-day festival – they’re on sale now.
Americanafest
September 15 - 20, 2020 | Nashville, TN
americanafest.com
Due to its unusual configuration and egalitarian goal of providing a space for musicians of all abilities to interact, Americanafest is truly unlike any other music festival in the country. Every year, Americanafest showcases more than 165 musical acts across 70 beloved Nashville music venues. Highlights of the festival include special events, spotlight showcases every evening, industry panels (open to all), and a grand awards ceremony at the Ryman.
The lineup for 2020 is still being planned, but 2019’s lineup, which included Jewel, Buddy Miller, The Vespers, Nathaniel Rateliff, and Glen Hansard, was phenomenal, so expect a huge turnout again this year. Get your passes now!
Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival
*September 2020 - Dates TBA* | Franklin, TN
pilgrimagefestival.com
Pilgrimage Festival was created to offer meaningful music experiences alongside the best food and drink in Middle Tennessee. There’s not a bad seat in the house, so bring a chair, then kick back on the lawn and enjoy the concerts.
Past performers have included Justin Timberlake, Foo Fighters, Beck, The Killers, Shooter Jennings, and Willie Nelson, so keep an eye out for the upcoming 2020 lineup. Tickets have not yet gone on sale.
Moon River Festival
*September 2020 - Dates TBA* | Chattanooga, TN
Moon River Festival is a 2-day event celebrating Americana, bluegrass, folk, country, and blues alongside selections from soul, R&B, and even indie rock on two main stages. In 2019, the lineup included such stars as Brandi Carlisle, Birdtalker, Drew and Ellie Holcomb, Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds, and Lady Wray, so plan to join the community of Chattanooga on the river this September for what will undoubtedly be an equally stellar lineup! Tickets have not yet gone on sale.
Wherever you decide to celebrate music this year, we at Parks Realty look forward to working with all of you to continue to build our community connections throughout Tennessee. We treasure the art, food, and music that make this region one of the best places to work and play.
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