As Nashville continues to blossom into an internationally recognized city, the events get better and more plentiful each spring. Luckily, a lot of these options are free to attend. To help you sift through the fun and free options in 2024, here are Nashville Guru’s top picks for free spring events in Nashville in chronological order.
TOP FREE SPRING EVENTS IN NASHVILLE
Fridays by the River
Fridays by the River will take place on select Fridays in April and May of 2024 from 3:00pm to 8:00pm at Shelby Park near the Riverview Pavillion. Expect a pop-up beer garden series by East Nashville Beer Works, food trucks, yard games, live music, and more. Admission is free and open to all ages.
Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival
The annual Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival is on Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Public Square Park. This festival is held every spring and is a family-friendly celebration of Japanese culture in Nashville, featuring demonstrations, activities, vendors, and more. Admission is free.
Earth Day Festival
The Nashville Earth Day Festival is on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Centennial Park. The annual festival features vendors, educational booths, workshops, live music, and more. This event is free admission, pet-friendly, and family-friendly.
Record Store Day
Record Store Day, an international celebration of independent record stores, will take place on Saturday, April 20, 2024. Expect celebrations at a variety of record stores in Music City including free concerts and discounts on vinyl.
Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair
The spring edition of Crafty Bastards Arts & Crafts Fair is Saturday and Sunday, April 20-21, 2024, at oneC1ty. Expect over 70 curated craft vendors, food trucks, drinks, and more. Admission is free and open to all ages.
Franklin Main Street Festival
Over 120,000 visitors will make their way to the Franklin Main Street Festival on Saturday and Sunday, April 27-28, 2024, in Historic Downtown Franklin. The weekend will be full of music, arts and crafts, food, drinks, children’s activities, and more. Admission is free and open to all ages.
Spring Tennessee Craft Fair
The Spring Tennessee Craft Fair will take place Friday through Sunday, May 3-5, 2024, at Centennial Park. Expect local vendors, live demonstrations, kids’ activities, and delicious food. Admission and parking are free.
Nashville Health & Wellness Fest
The Nashville Health & Wellness Fest is Saturday, May 4, 2024, at the Fairgrounds Nashville. This family-friendly event will include over 100 vendors, wellness workshops, and fitness demonstrations. There is a limited supply of free early bird tickets but after that admission is $10 per person (free for seniors and children 16 and under).
W Nashville Screenings on the Steps
W Nashville is hosting Screenings on the Steps, a free outdoor movie series featuring films that celebrate API voices and stories. The movie setup is amphitheater style with an oversized screen at the front—therefore, no bad seats in the house. These screenings will take place throughout May 2024, at 7:00pm. Specialty cocktails will be served all month and a portion of proceeds will give back to API Middle Tennessee.
Dates and Details
- Sunday, May 5, 2024: Past Lives
- Sunday, May 12, 2024: Samoan Wedding
- Sunday, May 19, 2024: Everything Everywhere All at Once
- Sunday, May 26, 2024: Shang-Chi
Musicians Corner
Musicians Corner is an annual free concert series that will take place on select dates in May and June at Centennial Park. Attendees can expect live music, food vendors, local artisans, a kids’ area, and a Musicians Corner Pub featuring beer, wine, and cocktails for purchase. This event is free, family-friendly, dog-friendly, and open to the public.
CMA Fest
CMA Fest is Thursday through Sunday, June 6-9, 2024, in Downtown Nashville, and attracts more than 80,000 locals and tourists every year. There will be free concerts and activities each day throughout the downtown neighborhood. Each show at Nissan Stadium is ticketed.
What To Expect
Did we leave off your favorite free spring event? Let us know in the comments!
Historic Edgefield Craft Show and Flea Market, Saturday May 14th 8-3 corner of 7th and Fatherland in East Nashville (one block from East Park). Cool artists and craftspeople displaying g and selling their wares in the middle of hip East Nashville. (Vendor space still available)
I love how you guys send out free events an have us plan out days of fun for kids.. Thanks
My favorite is the Master Gardeners of Davidson County- Free- Urban Gardening Festival on May 19.