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June 15, 2026

Where Every Family Matters

Gaylord Opryland to Debut All-American SummerFest

Starting May 22, Gaylord Opryland Resort marks America’s 250th birthday with music, food, and family-friendly traditions woven throughout its All-American Summerfest celebration.

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, Gaylord Opryland Resort is launching All-American Summerfest, a celebration of the traditions that make summer unforgettable. The family-friendly event takes place on select dates from May 22 through September 7, 2026.

Soak up the spirit of summer with poolside parties, interactive scavenger hunts, outdoor movie nights, dazzling fireworks shows, and more — all designed to create lasting family memories at one of the country’s most iconic destinations.

Several Summerfest activities are available as individually ticketed experiences and do not require an overnight stay at the resort, making it easy for local families and visitors alike to join in the fun. Other experiences and select amenities, however, will be exclusive to overnight resort guests.

Gaylord Opryland Resort

All-American SummerFest Activities

  • America’s Birthday Party & Fireworks
    Free

    (Select Saturdays, June 20 & 27; July 4, 11, 18 & 25; August 1; fireworks at 8:30p.m.) – Bring friends and family together on the Magnolia Lawn for summer fun to celebrate America’s 250th beneath a sky bursting with color. Live entertainment, activities, novelties, and food and beverage options complete this patriotic celebration for all ages.

  • The Great American Road Trip Scavenger Hunt
    Tickets: $14.99

    (Daily, 12 – 8 p.m.) – Take a cross-country journey without ever leaving the resort, exploring iconic American landmarks along the way.

  • Moonlight Music
    Food & drink for purchase

    (Select Saturday nights, May 23 & 30; June 6, 20 & 27; July 4, 11, 18 & 25; August 1, 8,15, 22 & 29; September 6; 5 – 9 p.m.) – Experience Nashville  musicians under the summer stars at the Foundry Fieldhouse Sports Bar & Taproom’s Beer Garden as country, bluegrass, and acoustic artists perform favorites and share the stories behind the songs.

  • Hot Summer Bites & Movies Nights
    Food & drink for purchase 

    (Friday Nights in June, 6 – 9 p.m.; movie begins at 8:30 p.m.) – Come hungry and enjoy stations featuring BBQ, pizza, and sweet treats, served up with cold brews and movies on the District Yard.

  • Festival Food Favorites

    (Friday Nights in July, 6 – 9 p.m.) Enjoy classic summer festival favorites like turkey legs, corndogs and kettle corn  rotating weekly in the District Yard.

  • Summer Craft Zone
    Tickets: $13.54

    (Friday & Saturday, 4 – 8 p.m., Sunday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) Paint by the numbers make creativity easy and fun.

  • Cascades Pool Party
    Overnight guests only

    (Fridays, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m., Saturdays, 1 – 5 p.m.; May 22 – September 5) – Overnight resort guests can soak up the sun, music, games, and poolside entertainment.

  • Sounds of America Light & Fountain Show
    Free

    (Nightly, 8 & 10 p.m.) – A music-driven light and fountain show that brings the rhythms shaping American story to life.

  • Hydro Beats Light & Fountain Show
    Free 

    (Nightly, 9 p.m.) – Water shows, complete with choreographed water, music, and lights.

  • Around We Glow Delta Riverboat Cruise
    Tickets: from $21.54

    (Friday & Saturday, 7 -10 p.m., Sunday – Thursday, 7 – 9 p.m.) – Take an indoor cruise where music, lights, and water come together.

General Jackson Showboat

 

To book an overnight stay during Gaylord Opryland’s All-American SummerFest, purchase individual tickets, or learn more, visit GaylordOpryland.com.

 

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About the Author

Michael Aldrich

Michael Aldrich is Nashville Parent's Managing Editor and a Middle Tennessee arts writer. He and his wife, Alison, are the proud parents of 6-year-old Ezra and 2-year-old Norah.