Music’s a great way to connect with others, including your own kids! Lots of great music will fill the air during these outdoor concerts. So, gather those blankets, chairs (and maybe even a picnic!) and mark your calendars to unwind at one of these fun musical outings for Middle Tennessee families.
2026 OUTDOOR CONCERTS:
An aerial view of Bicentennial Park in Franklin. PHOTO: Courtesy City of Franklin.
FRANKLIN SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
The City of Frankin Parks and Recreation Department’s Summer Concert Series comes to Bicentennial Park (400 5th Ave. N, Franklin) on Thursday evenings in August from 6 – 9 p.m. Join the community with live music and social dancing. Each evening features a different type of music to enjoy.
Schedule:
- TBR Line Dancing | Thursday August 6
- 5 Points Swing | Thursday August 20
- Williamson County Community Band | Thursday August 27
Full Moon Pickin’ Parties in Nashville’s Percy Warner Park
FULL MOON PICKIN’ PARTIES
This unique bluegrass music series has been a beloved Nashville tradition for over 25 years, attracting families and friends from all over to hear bluegrass under the stars in Percy Warner Park from 6 – 10 p.m. With events running thru September, you can enjoy live bluegrass, local food trucks, cold brews and more, all summer long!
2026 dates include:
- August 14
- September 25
Big Band Dances at Nashville’s Centennial Park
BIG BAND DANCES
Big Band Dances take place every Saturday, through August 15 in Centennial Park, 2500 West End Avenue. A live big band provides the music while you and your kids learn a different dance style. Food trucks are on site, or you can bring a cooler. If you’re new to the swing-era dance steps or just need to knock the dust off your dancing shoes, there’s always a free lesson for everyone at 7 p.m. and the evening’s big band takes over at 7:30.
Bluebird on the Mountain Concerts at Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory
BLUEBIRD ON THE MOUNTAIN
The concert series — presented with the world famous Bluebird Cafe — happens monthly through October at the Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory. Much sought-after tickets-by-the-carload are released on specific dates one month prior to each event. They sell out quickly and are currently showing approximately $206 on Eventbrite for a carload of eight. To score tickets, keep refreshing the page when attempting to purchase. Tickets are not officially sold out until the words “sold out” appear.
Upcoming 2026 monthly dates are:
- Saturday, August 15 at 8 p.m.
- Saturday, September 19 at 7 p.m.
- Saturday, October 17 at 7 p.m.
Jazz on the Cumberland at Nashville’s Cumberland Park
JAZZ ON THE CUMBERLAND
The popular — and FREE — Jazz On The Cumberland concert series is held on the third Sunday of the month through October from 5:30 – 8 p.m. The venue’s located at Wasioto Park (formerly Cumberland Park) at 592 S. First St., Nashville. Bring your favorite blanket or lawn chair to enjoy some of the best local, regional and national jazz artists performing live at this family- and pet-friendly event. Enjoy a variety of food trucks, concessions, vendors and even a “Kid’s Fun Play Zone.” (No alcohol, tents, umbrellas, or soliciting allowed).
Upcoming dates include:
- August 16
- September TBA
- October TBA
Friday Night Live in Murfreesboro
FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE CONCERT SERIES
Main Street Murfreesboro throws a musical party on the courthouse square from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. There’s always room in front of the stage to cut a rug or bring a chair and enjoy the music sitting down. Come early to have dinner at one of the locally owned downtown restaurants and do a little shopping around the square before the music begins.
The 2026 dates are:
- August 7 Third Party Thieves
- Sept. 25 Mixtape 80’s Band
Third Thursday on Main in Gallatin
THIRD THURSDAYS ON MAIN
Get your boogie on in downtown Gallatin with free concerts held on the third Thursday of each month from June through September from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
The 2026 dates are:
- Aug. 20: Caroline Owens headlining Country Night on the Square
- Sept. 17: Gypsy Outfit
Thursday Night Out at Cheekwood
THURSDAY NIGHT OUT
Kick off the weekend at Cheekwood’s Thursday Night Out, happening every Thursday evening from 5:30 – 9 p.m., May through October. In addition, the evenings feature regionally-sourced food and spirits, lawn games, wellness classes and more. Tickets are $10 for members and $22 for non members. Advanced reservation required.
The 2026 lineup includes:
- August 6: Justyna Kelley
- August 13: Eliza Thorn
- August 20: Kyshona
- August 27: Satin Dolls
Pickin’ in the Park at Spring Hill’s Harvey Park
PICKIN’ IN THE PARK
The 14th annual Pickin’ in the Park concert series at Harvey Park (4001 Miles Johnson Parkway, Spring Hill) is a family-friendly event features local musicians and songwriters. Bring chairs and blankets, and enjoy an evening of music! Food trucks will be on site.
The dates and lineups for the 2026 season are:
- Aug. 15:TBA
- Sept. 19: TBA
- Oct. 10:TBA
Cornelia Airpark Concert Series at Nashville’s Shelby Park
CORNELIA AIRPARK CONCERTS
Cornelia Airpark Concerts are back at Nashville’s Shelby Park (1199 Shadow Lane, Nashville). The unique concert experience features live music, dancing, craft beers, wine, local food trucks, activities and “Instaworthy” moments (including photos with a vintage plane!). Bring blankets and lawn chairs to enjoy an evening at the historic venue. Doors open at 5:30 p.m for each event with music starting at 5:45 p.m. Cost is $20 and includes beer/wine ticket for ages 21 and older. Ages 15 and younger are admitted free.
The 2026 dates include:
- Aug. 22
Arrington Vineyards
ARRINGTON VINEYARDS
Come out to Arrington Vineyards (6211 Patton Road, Arrington) for free live jazz and bluegrass bands Saturdays and Sundays on the Hillside stage from 3 – 7 p.m. Food will be available. No reservations required.
Summer Concert Series at Hendersonville’s Streets at Indian Lake
HENDERSONVILLE SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
Bring lawn chairs, blankets or enjoy ample seating throughout the plaza for this summer concert series live under the stars on Thursdays, June 5 – Sept. 4, at the Streets of Indian Lake (300 Indian Lake Blvd., Hendersonville).
The 2026 dates include:
- Aug. 6
- Aug. 13
- Aug. 20
- Aug. 27
Summer Songwriter Series at Historic Rock Castle.
ROCK CASTLE SUMMER SONGWRITER SERIES
The Summer Songwriter Series at Rock Castle (39 Rockcastle Lane, Hendersonville) features food trucks, inflatables, yard games and original music from Nashville’s brightest rising stars! The series features four single-day mini-festivals from 5 – 9 p.m. spread out over the summer months of May through August. Adults are $10 and children are free.
2026 dates include:
- Aug. 15: Harper O’Neill, J & The Causeways
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