Welcome to Nashville, where the vibrant energy of springtime transforms the Music City into an unforgettable destination bursting with excitement! As the city awakens from winter, Nashville comes alive with a plethora of events, holidays, and outdoor activities that promise an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages. From iconic festivals celebrating the city’s rich cultural heritage to lively outdoor concerts under the warm sun, there’s no shortage of reasons to explore Nashville this spring. Our spring guide is here to help you maximize your spring break or spring vacation to Nashville.
Holiday Weekends in Spring
- St. Patrick’s Day
- Good Friday
- Easter
- Memorial Day
Nashville Spring Events:
- Predators Hockey (Oct– April, Bridgestone Arena)
- Get ready for some intense NHL action with the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena throughout the fall and winter.
- Cheekwood in Bloom (March 9 – April 14)
- There’s no place more beautiful than Cheekwood in the spring. As more than 250,000 blooming bulbs spill from our gardens, creating a color experience you won’t forget.
- St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations (March 15-17)
- Nashville hosts several St. Patrick’s Day events, including parades, pub crawls, and live music performances featuring Irish bands and traditional music.
- Easter Celebrations (March 30-31)
- Easter Brunch: Many restaurants in Nashville offer special Easter brunch menus- a great opportunity to indulge!
- Easter Egg Hunts: Several parks, community centers, and attractions in and around Nashville host Easter egg hunts for children.
- Easter Services: Attend Easter Sunday services at one of Nashville’s many churches or religious institutions. Many churches host special services, concerts, or events to celebrate the holiday, welcoming both locals and visitors to join in the festivities.
- Easter Events at Attractions: Many Nashville attractions host special Easter events and activities. For example, the Nashville Zoo hosts the Eggstravaganzoo, with Easter-themed animal encounters or egg hunts.
- Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival (April 2-6)
- This festival, usually held in March or April, showcases some of the best songwriting talent in the country. Songwriters from Nashville and beyond perform their original compositions at venues across the city.
- Cherry Blossom Festival (April 13)
- Held in April, the Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the blooming of the city’s cherry trees with cultural performances, food vendors, and family-friendly activities.
- Nashville Fashion Week (early- to mid- April)
- Fashion enthusiasts gather in Nashville in April for Nashville Fashion Week, featuring runway shows, designer showcases, and events highlighting the city’s emerging fashion scene.
- Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon (April 27-28)
- The Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon series typically stops in Nashville in April. Runners from around the world participate in races ranging from the full marathon to shorter distances, with live music performances along the course.
- Iroquois Steeplechase (May 11)
- Held annually in May (typically Mother’s Day weekend), the Iroquois Steeplechase is one of the premier horse racing events in the Southeast. Attendees dress in their finest attire for a day of horse racing, tailgating, and socializing.
- Memorial Day Celebrations (May 25-27)
- Memorial Day Observances: Attend Memorial Day ceremonies and observances to honor and remember the men and women who have served in the armed forces. Nashville often hosts events at various locations, including military memorials, cemeteries, and parks.
- Parades: Look out for Memorial Day parades in Nashville, which may feature marching bands, veterans groups, and community organizations.
- Live Music and Entertainment: Many venues host special Memorial Day weekend events featuring both local and touring artists.
More Happenings:
If you’re not here during one of the events, no worries! There is still plenty to do during spring in Nashville.
Listen to Live Music: Nashville’s music scene is legendary! Whether you’re strolling down Broadway, exploring cozy neighborhood venues, or stepping into iconic honky-tonks, the magic of live music fills the air year-round in Music City. From the twang of country classics to the rhythm of rock ‘n’ roll, the tunes are diverse and offer something for every music lover.
- Dive into our live music guide and discover the hottest gigs, upcoming performances, and hidden gems waiting to be explored.
Walk, Hike or Bike: The mild spring weather is a great season to go walking, hiking or biking and soak in the views of colorful blossoms happening all around. Some of the best views are:
- Warner Parks
- Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
- Radnor State Park
- Shelby Bottoms Nature Center
- Nashville Greenways
- Centennial Park (be sure to visit the Parthenon)
- Stroll through some of Nashville’s most popular neighborhoods and people watch: 12 South, East Nashville and Germantown are among our favorites
If you prefer a guided tour instead of venturing through these areas on your own, we suggest the Fat Tire Electric Bike tour.
Catch a Tour: Spring is an excellent time to explore Nashville’s rich history through guided tours of historic sites and neighborhoods before the summer crowds kick in. Visitors can learn about the city’s role in the Civil War, its musical heritage, and architectural landmarks like the Parthenon in Centennial Park.
- Check out our list of favorite tours in Nashville (and surrounding areas) over at our What to Do in Nashville page.
Graduations in Nashville: Nashville is home to several universities and colleges and spring marks the season of graduations and related celebrations. Some of Nashville’s most acclaimed universities are:
- Vanderbilt University
- Belmont University
- Lipscomb University
- Tennessee State University
- Fisk University
- Trevecca Nazarene University
If you’re coming for a graduation and need a place to stay, be sure to check out our Nashville Airbnb / vacation rentals.
Nashville’s spring season is brimming with exciting events and things to do that will create lasting memories for you and your friends and family. If you are still in the planning phases of booking your trip to Nashville, we would love the opportunity to host you at one of our Nashville Airbnb / vacation rentals. You can view our availability and book directly right here on our website.
PS: Nashville fun isn’t limited to spring! Be sure to check out our What to Do Nashville guide for year-round inspiration.
NOTE: Dates referenced are for the year 2024.