Local Festivals and Celebrations 

If you’re in Tennessee for music and culture, you are in the right place! Visitors come from across the country and even around the world to experience the sites and sounds of the area. 

Known for its friendly residents, beautiful scenery, and Nashville’s vibrant music scene, middle Tennessee offers activities for all ages. Even better, many are free or low cost. 

• CMA Music Fest: CMA Music Fest is one of the most popular music festivals in the United States and certainly in Tennessee. Fans from all over the world descend on Nashville each June to see their favorite country music artists perform or attend a meet and greet. While CMA Fest itself is not free and requires purchased tickets to attend, there are many free music stages and events through the area, at the Riverfront, Ascend Park and Walk of Fame Park. 
• RC Cola & Moon Pie Festival: Held annually on the third weekend each June in Bell Buckle, TN, this nostalgic festival celebrates a duo of quintessential Tennessee treats - an RC Cola and a Moon Pie. This festival also features a true Tennessee tradition - an authentic clogging performance - and includes food and arts & crafts vendors. 
• Let Freedom Sing! Music City - The annual Independence Day celebrations held in downtown Nashville each year is poised to have its biggest year yet! Beginning on July 3, to celebrate the country's 250th birthday celebrations, 2026 promises additional music stages for music of many genres. July 4th ends with the largest fireworks and ariel drone light display in the city's history and a performance by the Nashville Symphony. Get there early to grab a spot! 

Museums and Cultural Attractions 

Music is just one of the many arts celebrated in the mid-state area. From art to child-focused exhibits, these featured locations offer free or low-cost admission. It's also a great way to get out of the summer heat and cool off while perusing some great exhibits. 

• Frist Art Museum: The premier center for art in Nashville, guests 18 and younger are always FREE. Tickets include admission to the Martin ArtQuest Gallery, a modern art activity center designed with children in mind. The Frist Art Museum features changing exhibitions and artwork from other museums around the world. Admission for adults 18 and over is only $20. 
• Discovery Center at Murfree Spring: Opened in Murfreesboro, TN, in 1986, this center provides hands-on education for community children through fun, hands-on activities. Ages 1 and below receive free admission; otherwise, it is $15 per person. 
• Cheekwood Estate and Gardens: beloved by the local community for its beautiful gardens and changing exhibits, Cheekwood is a nearly century-old estate that has been converted to a lovely respite minutes from downtown. After your tour the house, take a walk down the Ann and Monroe Carell Jr Family Sculpture Trail. Admission starts at just $13 for youth 3 and older. 

Family-Friendly & Seasonal Events  

There are many great local summer activities which don't require extensive planning or travel. Be sure and make a note of these on your calendar since many of these are ongoing throughout the summer. 

• Movies in the Park (Elmington Park): Held every Thursday in June, this free Nashville event is great for a fun family night with food trucks, games and a movie to entertain all guests. This year's movies include Zootopia 2 and Back to the Future. 
• Musicians Corner, Centennial Park: this multi-week series of free live music is held in Centennial Park on Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons. Admission is free and also features "Kidsville" activities, food vendors, craft beer, wine and much more! 
• Regal Cinemas $1 Family Movies: Beginning June 1, Regal Cinemas across the United States are offering tickets for just $1. 2026 movies include "The Wild Robot" and "A Minecraft Movie." 

Whether you want to be indoors or outdoors, many local cities offer ongoing summer activities. Local libraries, churches and city governments work hard to prepare fun and exciting opportunities for kids of all ages. Check your local newspaper or city website for more information.