Music is a year-round event in Tennessee, but there’s something about the leaves changing colors and the air getting cooler that cultivates lots of music festivals around the state. Any and all types of music are represented from Americana to rock n’ roll. Make sure to add these festivals to your calendar and the artists to your Tennessee playlist.
Thousands of artists, fans and industry professionals will make their way to Americana Music Festival Sept.
15-20 at various venues around Nashville. Jewel, The Vespers, Patty Griffin, Glen Hansard, Buddy Miller, and Parker Millsap are just some of the artists attendees will be able to see. More than 170 showcases at more than a dozen venues will give guests an insight on why Nashville truly is Music City.
The roots of traditional Appalachian music are brought to life through the performers on tap for the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion Sept. 18-20 in Bristol, TN/VA. Known as the birthplace of country music, Bristol’s music history runs deep and will be celebrated this year through artists like Moon Taxi, Mike Farris & The Roseland Rhythm Revue, Dr. Dog, Steve Earle & The Dukes, Delbert McClinton, The Black Lillies, Balsam Range, The Steeldrivers, Tauk and many more.
The eclectic, artistic and talented celebrate Memphis heritage, arts and culture during the Cooper Young Festival Sept. 19 in Memphis. The city’s largest historic district, Cooper-Young welcomes thousands and more than 435 artisans from around the U.S. to share their art. Music performances from Deering Down, Fast Mothers, Will Graves and Soul and others will range in sound from R&B to reggae to pop and gospel.
World icon and Nutbush, Tennessee native, Tina Turner is celebrated for her music accomplishments and contributions during Tina Turner Heritage Days Sept. 25-27 at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center in Brownsville. Turner’s former backup dancer, Ferly Prado will offer a luncheon and discussion and Donovan Marcelle, the only Tina Turner fan invited to perform with her onstage, will perform for audiences Sept. 26. Live music, tours of Nutbush and the Tina Turner Museum at Flagg Grove School, food and fan gatherings will also take place.
Be there for the inaugural Pilgrimage Festival Sept. 26-27 at The Park at Harlinsdale in Franklin. The lineup has big names like Willie Nelson, Weezer, Wilco, Cage the Elephant, Steven Tyler, The Decemberists, and Sheryl Crow and rising stars like St. Paul & The Broken Bones, Will Hoge, Kingfish, John & Jacob and more. The festival was created to bring a meaningful, music experience to its attendees. The region’s best food and drink will be available and merchants selling art and crafts round out the festival’s offerings.
The Tennessee Fall Homecoming, one of the nation’s largest and most authentic Appalachian celebrations with music, demonstrations and crafts will take place Oct. 9-11 at The Museum of Appalachia. Connect with the past in interactive, fun ways while taking in a weaving, ironwork, or woodcutting demonstration. Enjoy music throughout the day featuring The Del McCoury Band, The Gibson Brothers, Larry Sparks, The Boxcars, Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver, Old Time Strings and many more.