25+ Things to Do in Nashville in Spring (2026 Guide to Events, Festivals, & More)

Spring is one of the best times of year to be in Nashville! The weather finally starts to warm up, patios come back to life, and the city is packed with festivals, live music, and outdoor events.

Whether you’re a local looking for something new to do or visiting for the first time, there’s no shortage of options, from beloved seasonal events like Cheekwood in Bloom to casual afternoons spent day drinking or exploring local neighborhoods.

If you’re wondering what to do in Nashville in March, April, or May, this guide covers the best things to do in Nashville in spring, including events, activities, and a few of my favorite go-to spots.

Nashville Spring Events You Can’t Miss (2026)

March 28 – Two Rivers Mansion: Whiskey & Wags dog-friendly whiskey festival with mansion tour in Donelson
April 9 – Bridgestone Arena: Predators Wine Festival Downtown
April 9-19 – Nashville Comedy Festival at venues all over the city (lots of really big names!)
April 11 – Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival Downtown (free!)
April 11 – East Nashville Beer Festival
April 18 – Williamson Family Farm: Butterfly Festival with Fireworks in Murfreesboro
April 18 – Steeplechase Grandstand: Bourbon & Bubbles Festival in Belle Meade
April 19 – Bringle’s Smoking Oasis: Crawfish Festival with Modern South in the Nations
April 24-26 – Music City Food & Wine Festival
April 25 – The Nations: Neighborhood Yard Sale throughout the Nations
April 28 – Schermerhorn: Symphony Fashion Show Featuring Lainey Wilson Downtown
May 9 – Steeplechase, Nashville’s derby, in Belle Meade
May 14 – OneC1ty: Battle of the Burger with Nashville Lifestyles in West Nashville
May 16 – Nashville Rosé Festival: Festival Benefitting Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition in East
May 16 – Walk Bike Nashville: Tour De Nash Bike Ride for All Levels
May 28-30 – Bridgestone Arena: Music City Rodeo with Miranda Lambert, Charley Crockett and Jon Pardi Downtown

Outdoor Things to Do in Nashville in Spring

Stop and smell the tulips at Cheekwood in Belle Meade. This year’s theme is Red, White, & Bloom honoring the United States’ 250th Birthday (thru April 12).
Explore the Tennessee State Parks (especially the ones with waterfalls!)
Check out one of Nashville’s many farmers markets (every day of the week in season!)
Support Shelby Park with East Nash Beer Works’ Fridays by the River in East
Take a stroll at Centennial Park, and take a selfie at the Taylor Swift bench, of course in West End
Cheer on the Nashville Sounds in Germantown!
Cheer on the Nashville Soccer Club in South Nash!
Visit Lucky Ladd Farms for the flowers, the petting zoo, activities for the kids, and so much more in Eagleville
Take a color walk – focus on one color as you walk around one of Nashville’s great neighborhoods (I recommend 12 South, East, or Sylvan Park) as a way of practicing mindfulness!

Best Bars & Restaurants to Visit in Spring

Taste test all the matcha flavors at Eat Bubbles in L&L in Sylvan Park
Get into one of the hottest restaurants without a resy by sitting on the Noko patio in East
Sip on a marg on Dos Santos’ patio (two for one on Tuesdays!) in WeHo
Indulge in a bottomless mimosa/bloody/frose brunch at several places around town.
For even more outdoor dining options, check out my list of the best patios in Nashville!
Let the kids run around while everyone is a kid again at Wanna Spoon Cereal Bar in 12 South
Enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine at the aesthetic Pont Neuf in L&L in Sylvan Park
Check out the least touristy rooftop at Mercado in WeHo
Enjoy a gorgeous brunch at 60 Vines Downtown
Be inspired by the beautiful decor (and amazing patio!) and Mediterranean cuisine at Sadie’s in Edgehill
Sip a cold beer at Living Waters: the Garden, the brewery and coffee shop’s location in the Nations
Fries and ice cream are the ultimate warm weather treat at Fryce in 12 South
Step into the Secret Garden downtown with Hidden Bar’s spring pop-up
Blue Aster Mad Hatter Tea Party at the Conrad in Midtown

Free Things to Do in Nashville in Spring

April 11 – Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival Downtown
Explore the Tennessee State Parks (especially the ones with waterfalls!)
Check out one of Nashville’s many farmers markets (every day of the week in season!)
Take a color walk – focus on one color as you walk around one of Nashville’s great neighborhoods (I recommend 12 South, East, or Sylvan Park) as a way of practicing mindfulness!
Check out one of Nashville’s many farmers markets (every day of the week in season!)
Support Shelby Park with East Nash Beer Works’ Fridays by the River in East
Take a stroll at Centennial Park, and take a selfie at the Taylor Swift bench, of course in West End
Musician’s Corner, the free weekend music festival in Centennial Park, kicks off May 15 and runs through June 13.

Spring Date Ideas in Nashville

Explore the Tennessee State Parks (especially the ones with waterfalls!)
Support Shelby Park with East Nash Beer Works’ Fridays by the River in East
Check out the least touristy rooftop at Mercado in WeHo
Fries and ice cream are the ultimate warm weather treat at Fryce in 12 South
Cheer on the Nashville Sounds in Germantown!
Cheer on the Nashville Soccer Club in South Nash!
Paddle around Old Hickory Lake with a Glow in the Dark kayak tour! (use code tipjarnash10 for 10% off your first visit).

Live Music & Seasonal Experiences

Make a bouquet at Amelia’s in L&L and in East
Support Shelby Park with East Nash Beer Works’ Fridays by the River in East
Check out my guide to all of the Easter brunches, crafts, and egg hunts around town!
Musician’s Corner, the free weekend music festival in Centennial Park, kicks off May 15 and runs through June 13.
Get a color analysis with the Color Edit of Franklin!

If that’s not enough outdoor-ness for you, check out my lists of coffee shops with patios, as well as outdoor bars! Nashville comes alive in the spring, so enjoy!