Everyone knows the big Nashville festivals that date back decades, such as CMA Fest, Tomato Art Fest, and the Southern Festival of Books. These are some of the smaller, newer, or more niche ones coming up in 2026 that you might not already have on your radar.
Cheekwood in Bloom: Red, White & Blooms | March 7-April 12 | Cost of admission
Cheekwood’s annual festival of flowers isn’t a new event, but this year’s “Red, White, and Blooms” theme marks America’s 250th anniversary with 250,000 red and white tulips, plus purple-blue violas and hyacinths.
Deep Tropics Equinox | March 20-21 | Tickets: $64+
A spring spinoff of the late-summer Deep Tropics festival, this event brings the same electronic focus to a more intimate setup at Bicentennial Park with daytime performances and after-dark sets.
MNPS Book Fest | March 28 | Free with RSVP
Spend the day celebrating books and storytelling at this festival designed for middle grade and young adult readers. The event at James Lawson High School will have author panels, conversations, and book signings, with programming for students, families, and educators.
Nashville Full Moon Tattoo and Horror Festival | April 3-5 | Tickets: $27+
Now in its 23rd year, the festival has built a loyal following around tattoo culture and horror fandom. This year’s list of confirmed guests includes actors from “Twin Peaks,” “Songs of Anarchy,” and more.
Nashville Spring Festival | April 10-12 | Tickets: $11+
This three-day fest is a celebration of Nashville’s new Chinatown area and will feature food vendors, live performances, tea tastings, kite flying, and family-friendly activities throughout the weekend.
Nash Yarn Fest | April 17-18 | Tickets: $27+
The 2nd annual event at the Fairgrounds Nashville will boast 90+ vendors representing yarn makers, dyers, fiber artists, and more from across the US, Canada, and the UK. There’s also a new after-hours, ticketed party on Friday night with live music.
If you love crawfish boils, get ‘em while you can this season. | Photo by Logan Ellzey via Unsplash
Nashville Crawfish Festival | April 19 | Tickets: TBA
Crawfish season is around the corner, and Bringle’s Smoking Oasis is set to host the inaugural Nashville Crawfish Festival with fresh by-the-pound crawfish. Beyond crawfish, there will be bites from Bringle’s, Spicy Boy’s, The Gumbo Bros, and Beignets and Brews.
Nashville Mushroom Festival | May 2 | Free admission
Head to Bells Bend Park for food trucks serving mushroom-focused dishes, a vendor market, a 5K run/walk, and chances to learn about foraging, cooking, and mushroom cultivation.
Fervor Cigar Festival | June 13 | Tickets: $113
Tickets include a VIP cigar pack, hors d’oeuvres, and unlimited cocktail and spirit samples on the rooftop at Waymore’s Guest House.
Waterfest | June 26 | Free admission
Make a splash at this family-friendly celebration of local streams and rivers, hosted by the Cumberland River Compact. It’s happening at Peay Park in Goodlettsville with waterslides, a splash pad, snow cones, and hands-on learning from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Nashville Dance Fest | Sept. 4-6 | Tickets: $201
This country dance and music festival takes over the Nashville Palace with dance workshops, social dancing, competitions, and nightly concerts.
