Things To Do In Nashville in June (2023) | Tips for Tourists and Locals

This post covers the top things to do in Nashville in June (updated for 2023), including nighttime activities, free things to do, and family-friendly options.

Be sure to read our master post on things to do in Nashville for even more ideas.

Disclosure: While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the full text.

TOP THINGS TO DO IN JUNE

Below we list the top has concerts, events, attractions, and festivals to check out during June. Don't forget to check out our popular Nashville posts:

1. See a Concert

If you’re looking for a concert, Music City is the place to find it. You can always go to the famed Grand Ole Opry!

Below we list other highlights of the month. For more concerts, look at StubHub's June concert calendar.

Concerts in June

Dermot Kennedy | June 6th
Shania Twain | June 7th
Duran Duran | June 13th
Bryan Adams | June 17th
Styx | June 17th
Tori Amos | June 24th
Garbage/Noel Gallagher | June 25th
Ben Folds | June 27th

Check out all the Nashville events here, or see what other nightlife you can find on our full post.

2. Attend a Music Festival or Music Event

In June there are a number of music festivals and events in Music City.

Musicians Corner | May & June

Head to Centennial Park to enjoy the free concert series. It takes place every Friday and Saturday night in May and June. There is live music covering a number of genres, craft vendors, food trucks, and family-friendly activities. There's also Kidsville, an area with activities and music lessons justfor kids.

Nashville R&B Fest | June 4th

This music fest brings in some of the biggest names in rhythm and blues. In 2023 artists such as Keith Sweat, Tevin Campbell, Tamar Braxton and more play at the Bridgestone Arena.

Bluebird On the Mountain | June 3rd & 24th

This live music event takes place in Brentwood, TN, at the Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory. While you sit in an outdoor amphitheater with a fantastic view of the Nashville Skyline, you'll take in performances and story-tellings by singers and songwriters. Guests can bring lawn chairs, blankets, and a picnic. After the show, they can look through the telescope.

CMA Festival | June 8th-11th

This annual four-day country music festival features some of the biggest names in country music, as well as up-and-coming artists. There are autograph signings, meet-and-greet sessions, merchandise booths, food vendors, and so much more.

Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival | June 15th-18th

Every year 80,000 music lovers flock to Manchester, Tennessee just outside of Nashville. Bonnaroo is one of the nation's most popular multiple-day festivals. There is music, of course, poetry, interactive installations, performance art, yoga, circus acts, and workshops. Note: we don't recommend this 'adult wonderland' of sorts for families with children.

There's also comedy, movies, rides, dancing, and plenty of food and beer.

Make Music Day | June 21st

Every June 21st Make Music Day is celebrated around the world. Nashville hosts dozens of free events where people of all ages and all musical skill levels can come out and make music!

Re:SET | June 23rd-25th

This traveling music festival has full sets on a single stage from every musical artist in their line-up. They call it "an artist and fan-friendly affair" where you don't have to shuttle around to multiple stages and various times to catch everyone you want to see.

Lightning 100's Nashville Sunday Nights | throughout the year

This weekly concert series features location and national bands. It's broadcast live from 3rd & Lindsley Bar and Grill, from 7 pm to 9 pm each Sunday.

In addition, a few places that host free music-making events are the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Nashville Zoo.

There are free lessons, workshops, and music jams. At some locations, instruments will be provided or given away for free!

Old Town Trolleys also has instrument giveaways at various trolley stops.

3. Go to a Sporting Event

Nashville is a competitive city that loves its sports! June has a number of sporting related events to be enjoyed.

4. Enjoy a Night of Theater or Comedy

Music City isn’t just all concerts. You can find the theatre and ballet too! Many top-billed comedians come through town as well.

Some shows taking place in June are:

Musicals

1776 The Musical | June 20th-25th
The Sound of Music | June 27th-29th

Comedy

Leanne Morgan | June 15th

Family

Blueys Big Play | June 3rd, 4th

Take a look at all the theater and comedy events in Nashville this month on StubHub.

5. Take a Sightseeing Tour

June is a really nice time to explore the city on foot. Walking tours get you close to the local action and let you take in the local vibe.

You can move at your own pace with our self-guided tour of Downtown Nashville or our GPS-enabled audio tour.

When you need a break, relax on a hop-on hop-off bus tour! Some bus tours are included in a few of the different tourist attraction discount passes. Read more just below.

6. See More for Less with a Nashville Tourist Discount Pass

Tourist attraction discount passes can save you up to 55% off retail prices for many popular attractions, tours, and activities in Nashville.

Here are some of the attractions included in at least one of Nashville's tourist passes:

7. Take a Food Tour

Consider taking the Nashville Secret Food Tour where a guide will take you to the best Nashville spots to try foods like mouthwatering barbecue, pulled pork tacos, heavenly hot chicken, plus a 'Secret Dish' you'd never find without a guide.

The Nashville Secret Food Tour is 3 to 3 1/2 hours long and introduces you to some of the best foods in the authentic area of 12South/Midtown.

Read more about food tour options from our post on various types of tours of Nashville.

8. Go to the Free American Artisan Festival

Over 150 artists will gather in Centennial Park for the annual American Artisan Festival. It's free to attend!

There will be plenty to do besides browsing crafts. The atmosphere is light and lively, with free music and food for purchase.

Artists have been specially selected to represent their areas of expertise, so you'll be seeing some incredible products.

From blown glass to furniture, instruments, jewelry, and more, you'll be able to purchase some unique original pieces.

The dates for the 2034 festival haven't been released as of February, but they are likely to be around mid-June as they were last year.

For more budget-friendly ideas, check out our post on free things to do in Nashville.

9. Be Part of the Nashville Pride Festival

The annual Nashville Pride Festival is the largest LGBTQ festival in Tennessee. In 2023, it is on June 24th and 25th.

Events center around Public Square Park in Downtown Nashville and include a Pride Parade that kicks it all off on Saturday.

On the main stage, there is a wide array of live entertainment suitable for all ages. There's also a Kids and Family Zone.

In the spirit of Pride Day, there will be a dedicated drag stage as well!

Entry is $5 per day and kids 10 and under are free. All the details are on the festival's website.

10. Porter Flea Summer Market

This semi-annual market is on June 16th and 17th, 2023, and takes place at the Nashville Fairgrounds.

On Friday, June 16th, there is a ticketed preview giving attendees a chance to shop early. This runs from 6 pm - 9 pm.

The free Main Market runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 17th.

Hunt for treasures in this event that attracts thousands of shoppers. See their website for more details.

11. Visit Brew at the Zoo

This annual beer and food-tasting event takes place at the Nashville Zoo.

Nashville restaurants and food trucks, as well as local and national craft breweries, bring their food and drink to the zoo.

Those attending get to sample these amazing these while visiting animal exhibits.

The event takes place on June 2nd, at 7 pm. Tickets can be found here.

If you are looking for more free entertainment, see our post on free things to do in Nashville year-round.

For other activities in the evenings read our post on Things to Do at Night.

12. Listen to The Nashville Symphony Orchestra

This orchestra has been performing classical, contemporary, and popular music since 1946, and is considered one of the best orchestras in the United States.

The Schermerhorn Symphony Center, where they perform, is known for having fantastic acoustics and a beautiful concert hall

There will be a number of concerts in June. One fun event will be their performing in concert with Marvel Studios Black Panther on June 15th, 16th, 17th, and 18th.

Tickets to their June performances can be found here.

13. Attend the Father’s Day Classic Car Show at Cheekwood

On June 17th-18th, the Father's Day Classic Car Show takes place at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens in Nashville.

There will be more than 40 classic cars on display, all from the early to mid-twentieth century.

Cheekwood is a 55-acre property centered on a stunning limestone mansion built in 1929 as the home of Leslie and Mabel Cheek.

The grounds surrounding the mansion are filled with different gardens sprawling throughout the property. There is also a botanical garden and art museum located on the estate.

TIP: Cheekwood Estates is just one of the popular Nashville attractions included free with some of the Nashville tourist discount passes.

RELATED POSTS:

Things To Do In Nashville in June