There’s nothing quite like enjoying live music on a beautiful evening and Fall is the perfect season to get throw a blanket out on the grass and capture the unique artistic environment that is Nashville. Whether you’re a local looking for fresh events or a visitor interested in more off the beaten path venues than Broadway, here are a few go-to’s for Nashville’s outdoor live music scene. 

1. Musician’s Corner 

Each Spring and Fall, Musician’s Corner hosts evening events featuring a variety of live musicians, vendors, food trucks and even a kid’s zone in Centennial Park. The scene is laid back, un-crowded, and makes for a low-key after work event whether with friends or family. 

2. Live on the Green 

Located in Public Square Park in downtown Nashville, Live on the Green is not to be missed. Though the event is more crowded than others on our list, it accordingly attracts larger talent. Past artists include those like Gary Clark Jr, Grace Potter, Beck, Amos Lee, and many, many more. Most years, the event is held Thursdays in August in addition to Labor Day weekend. Live on the Green is scheduled to resume beginning Labor Day weekend 2022. 

3. Arrington Vineyards 

Co-owned by country artist Kicks Brooks, Arrington Vineyards just outside of Nashville, is not to be missed if you’re looking for an outdoor event. April - November, the winery features live music weekends and food trucks every-other Friday. Pick up a charcuterie board, buy a bottle of wine, breathe in some fresh country air and throw down your picnic blanket for a casual, low-key event perfect for the whole family. 

4. Cumberland Caverns 

Technically this live music venue is a cave, but it’s outdoor enough to make our list. Cumberland Caverns’ Volcano Room is a unique space 333’ underground in McMinnville, TN. We assure you, seeing a concert in a cave is a once in a lifetime experience! 

5. Pilgrimage Music Festival

Annually in September, the Pilgrimage Music Festival in Franklin has a rockstar lineup with far fewer attendees than would be expected for the crowd that the event draws. Even better, most headliners are locals like Keith Urban and Justin Timberlake who play the event as a nod to the Nashville and Franklin communities. 

6. Bluebird on the Mountain 

A longstanding Nashville favorite, Bluebird on the Mountain, hosted at Dyer Observatory,  admits concert-goers by the carload. Once inside, lawn chairs, blankets, tables, and coolers come out as guests make themselves at home for an evening of live music with a view. Note that space is limited and tickets can be difficult to get. 

7. Full Moon Pickin’ Parties 

May through September, Warner Parks brings Bluegrass Music to Percy Warner Park’s Equestrian Center. BYO meal, or purchase eats from local vendor booths and food trucks at the event. As an added bonus, water, soft drinks and up to three beers per adult are included in the purchase price of a ticket. Full Moon Pickin’ Parties are family and even pet friendly. 

8. Cheekwood Thursday Night Out 

Enjoy Cheekwood’s beautiful grounds in addition to some tunes on Thursday evenings May - October. Food trucks and bars are available for guests looking to take the edge off a long week as they enjoy the outdoor experience. 

9. Ascend Amphitheater

Ascend isn’t as off the beaten path as our other picks, but the relatively new downtown venue definitely deserves some recognition. The open air venue attracts top talent. Concert goers may purchase tickets in fixed seats or for the open lawn. 

Where is your favorite place to go for outdoor live music in Nashville?