Tennessee Hosts Over a Dozen Music Festivals in 2026

From Bonnaroo to Bristol Rhythm and Roots, the Volunteer State is a hub for live music this year.

Mar. 27, 2026 at 9:04am

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Tennessee is home to more than just the famous Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival. In 2026, the state will host 15 different music festivals across cities like Nashville, Knoxville, Memphis, and Bristol, catering to a wide range of musical tastes from country and bluegrass to indie and electronic dance music.

Why it matters

Tennessee's thriving music festival scene reflects the state's deep musical heritage and its status as a premier destination for live entertainment. These festivals not only draw thousands of visitors to local communities, but also showcase the diversity and creativity of the state's vibrant music industry.

The details

The festival season kicks off in March with the indie-focused Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, followed by major events like CMA Fest in Nashville, Bonnaroo in Manchester, and the Mempho Fest in Memphis. Other notable festivals include the rock-oriented Gatlinburg Gathering, the electronic-leaning Middle Tennessee Music Festival, and the acclaimed Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion celebrating the birthplace of country music.

  • Big Ears Festival takes place in Knoxville from March 26-29.
  • CMA Fest is scheduled for June 4-7 in downtown Nashville.
  • Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival runs for four days in Manchester in June.
  • Shell Daze and RiverBeat Fest, both presented by Mempho, will be held in Memphis in the fall.
  • Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion is a three-day festival in September.

The players

Big Ears Festival

An indie music festival that celebrates lesser-known and musically creative acts, held annually in Knoxville.

CMA Fest

One of Tennessee's most popular music events, a country music festival that takes place in downtown Nashville.

Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival

Perhaps the most renowned Tennessee festival, attracting major music acts to the town of Manchester.

Mempho Fest

A diverse, three-day music festival hosted in the Memphis Botanic Garden, featuring a range of genres.

Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion

A country-focused festival that celebrates the East Tennessee town's legacy as the birthplace of country music.

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What they’re saying

“Tennessee is home to more than just Bonnaroo, CMA Fest or RiverBeat Fest. In fact, there are 15 music festivals happening across the state in 2026, from Bristol to Memphis.”

— Allison Kiehl, Author

“No matter your music taste, there is a Tennessee music festival for you.”

— Allison Kiehl, Author

The takeaway

Tennessee's thriving music festival scene showcases the state's deep musical heritage and its status as a premier destination for live entertainment, drawing thousands of visitors to communities across the state and highlighting the diversity and creativity of its vibrant music industry.