Throughout the year, Music City is highlighted with various festivals celebrating songwriters, music, authors, arts and crafts, food and wine, dance and holidays. Many of these festivals have received national media attention and attract large and diverse audiences. With so many options, there's something for everyone in Music City. Check out the most up-to-date event listings online at www.visitmusiccity.com. Click on "Events Calendar."

Nashville Auto Fest
This event features a swap meet, car show, car corral and a Sunday church service sponsored by the Christian Hot Rod Association. Trophies and prizes are awarded to car show entries.

Sprint Sound & Speed Presented by SunTrust
This fundraising event benefits the Victory Junction Gang Camp and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Charities. Top stars from NASCAR and country music appear for autograph signing, performances and interviews.

February

Antiques and Garden Show of Nashville
The Antiques and Garden Show of Nashville brings together nationally and internationally renowned experts and exhibitors in the fields of antiques, decorative arts and landscape design. The Antiques and Garden Show features 150 antique and horticultural booths and 10 innovative landscaped gardens. In addition, experts on the cutting edge of home and garden style offer special lectures.

Tailgate Antique Show
Located at the Fiddler's Inn Hotel in Music Valley, the annual Tailgate Antique Show offers an "early bird" viewing of period furniture, quilts, folk art, jewelry and pottery. Merchants, from 35 states representing 180 dealers, set up their goods in hotel rooms and in adjoining parking spaces outside the hotel.

March

Heart of Country Antiques Show
Located at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, the Heart of Country Antiques Show has over 200 dealers. See American master furniture, art, porcelain, quilts, wood and glass. Seminars, book signings and free personal appraisals are offered throughout the event.

Nashville Lawn & Garden Show
Find an acre of live gardens, 250 exhibit booths, series of free lectures and a floral gallery. The Lawn & Garden Show is held at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds.

April

Awesome April
Music City celebrates the month of April with Awesome April, a musical tribute to the city that promises a major event each weekend. Throughout the month visitors have the opportunity to be in the audience of a nationally-televised awards show, take in a potential Oscar-nominated documentary, run a marathon or relax to the sounds of acoustic guitars.

CMT Music Awards
As country music's first fan-voted awards show, the CMT Music Awards honors the best country music videos of the year. The awards show continues to gain in popularity among fans and in prominence among critics. The awards show airs live from Music City each year.

GMA Gospel Week
Features seminars, workshops and concerts designed to enrich gospel music industry professionals, artists and songwriters. Presented by the Gospel Music Association.

GMA Music Awards
Known as the Dove Awards, the GMA Music Awards are dedicated to exposing, promoting and celebrating the gospel through music. The GMA Music Awards represent all styles of gospel music including contemporary pop, rock, urban gospel, praise & worship, Southern gospel, country and children's gospel music. Past performers and hosts include Steven Curtis Chapman, CeCe Winans, Rebecca St. James and Kirk Franklin.

Nashville Chamber Orchestra's Guitar Gala
The Nashville Chamber Orchestra's Guitar Gala redefines musical collaborations. Each year, vastly talented guitarists converge in Music City for one extraordinary musical event.

Nashville Film Festival
Founded in 1969 as the Sinking Creek Film Celebration, the Nashville Film Festival is one of the longest-running film festivals in the country. Each year, the Film Festival receives submissions of nearly 1,500 features, documentaries, shorts, animated works, children's and experimental films from all over the world. After pre-screening and deliberating, over 200 top entries from all genres are selected for the competition.

Country Music Marathon & ½ Marathon
Fifty bands play live on 27 entertainment stages throughout the course while hundreds of high school cheerleaders cheer on participants. More music awaits at the post-race concert in downtown's Nashville Arena. Past performers include Brad Paisley, Martina McBride, Jo Dee Messina and Diamond Rio. A two-day expo precedes race day with over 60 exhibits featuring free samples, the latest running shoes, sports apparel, and health and nutrition products.

May

SummerFest^TM presented by Nissan
SummerFest^TM presented by Nissan returns to Gaylord Opryland® with celebrations of food, wine and music featuring "DiVine" character performer; "Cooking Under Glass" culinary classes; songwriter rounds; "Aqua" fountain show; Hotel and Garden Tours, and "HydroponiX" - live performers interacting with nature and water in our Cascades Atrium. We also have Celebrity Chef events featuring Alton Brown; Fiddlin' Brewin' Bar-B-Q'N Cook-Off with Iron Chef Bobby Flay; cooking classes; music festivals and more. With all this fun, there's sure to be something for everyone.

Running of the Iroquois Steeplechase
Bring a picnic or tailgate to the nation's oldest, continuously-run, weight-for-age steeplechase. The stylish event, a seven-race card with the featured Iroquois Memorial, benefits Vanderbilt Children's Hospital.

TACA Spring Crafts Fair
The Tennessee Association of Craft Artists (TACA) is best known for its free, juried craft fairs. The May annual crafts fair in Centennial Park has served not only as a market for fine crafts, but as a conduit for demonstration programs, hands-on opportunities and the chance to meet and talk with professional craft artists. The three-day crafts festival attracts over 45,000 people to view the craftsmanship of over 200 exhibitors.

Tennessee Jazz & Blues Society's Concerts on the Lawn
Every Sunday evening from May through October, the Tennessee Jazz & Blues Society performs on the lawns of historic homes. Rotating each month, the TJBS appears at Cheekwood and Belle Meade Plantation. Guests are encouraged to enjoy hot blues and cool jazz with picnic baskets and blankets.

Tennessee Renaissance Festival
Travel back to a time when the music of harps and lyres filled the air. Open every weekend in May, the annual Tennessee Renaissance Festival relives a time when jousting and jesters ruled the castle. The Tennessee Renaissance Festival is the only festival in the country that is held on the grounds of a castle residence. Castle Gwynn, a full-size replica of a 12th century border castle, is the centerpiece of the festivities. Tours of the castle and its displays of medieval weaponry are included in admission.

June

CMT DukesFest
CMT DukesFest is a "Dukes of Hazzard" annual reunion for fans of all ages. Members of the show's cast (including the General Lee) make appearances for autograph sessions, and visitors can enjoy food and listen to bluegrass and country music.

Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman
Every Thursday night from June through July, the Ryman Auditorium celebrates the sounds of Bill Monroe and Earl Scruggs with the ever-popular Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman. Each week a different bluegrass artist or group takes center stage for two hours of banjos, mandolins, fiddles and guitars. Past performers include Vince Gill, Alison Krauss & Union Station and Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder.

Celtic Music Festival
Each summer, Travellers Rest Plantation is transformed into a Celtic setting with the heritage of the Scots-Irish. Festivities include step dancers, bagpipe players, highland dancers and Celtic music. Admission to the home is included with the festival.

CMA Music Festival
The CMA Music Festival, formerly known as Fan Fair, is a four-day musical event in downtown Nashville. Throughout the week over 160,000 fans converge in Music City to hear approximately 200 artists perform over 40 hours of live music. Daytime concerts are held on the Riverfront Park stage while evening concerts are held across the river at LP Field. Daytime events include autograph signings, fishing and archery tournaments and artists' Q&A sessions.

Taste of Music City
Located on the beautiful Gateway Bridge, Taste of Music City provides an opportunity to enjoy food and wine from some of the area's best restaurants. Taste of Music City also features live jazz music from local musicians.

American Artisan Festival
Some 160 artists from around the country are carefully selected to represent their areas of expertise which include wood, blown glass, photography, metal, quilts, stained glass, jewelry and more.

July

Music City July 4th: Let Freedom Sing!
Each year, the city of Nashville opens its downtown Riverfront Park on the 4th of July to spectators wanting to enjoy free entertainment and fireworks for Nashville's biggest one-day event (drawing crowds in excess of 100,000). The celebration airs nationally on the Great American Country television channel. Country music artists perform while accompanied by the Grammy-winning Nashville Symphony. The Pyrotechnics Association of America named Nashville a Top Ten Best Fireworks Display for 2004 and 2005.

August

Annual Fiddlin' Brewin' Bar-B-Q'N Cook-Off
This event has finger-licking barbecue from all over the region and locally brewed beer from Yazoo Brewing. There's plenty to see and do with live music, entertainment, kid's activities, and don't forget the dessert competition! Held at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, the festival offers the nation's largest Kansas City Barbeque Society sanctioned grand prize for a barbecue.

American Quilters Society Expo
Each August, more than 500 quilts, a merchant mall and the AQS School of Quiltmaking are featured at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.

September

Fall Fest
This favorite family event has been a tradition at historic Belle Meade Plantation for years. Fall Fest features fine antiques, art, crafts, live music, food and children's activities.

Greek Festival
Experience Greek dance, music, food and culture at the annual Greek Festival at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. Tours of the cathedral are included with the admission cost.

John Merritt Classic
The John Merritt Classic, an annual Labor Day weekend event, sees over 20,000 fans gather for football and fun. Weekend-long festivities include Tennessee State University's season opening football game, a charity golf tournament, concerts and special activities. The Classic is named in honor of legendary former TSU collegiate Hall of Fame coach John Ayers Merritt.

Music City Jazz And More
Unofficially ending summer is the annual Music City Jazz And More. Hosted by Grammy-nominated jazz saxophonist Kirk Whalum, the two-day event is a reminder that Nashville is not just about country music. The festival merges local and national artists together for a buffet of jazz, blues, reggae, funk, gospel, soul and R&B. A portion of the proceeds benefits The Museum of African American Music, Art & Culture, and the Music City Foundation.

TACA Fall Crafts Fair
The Tennessee Association of Craft Artists (TACA) is best known for its free, juried craft fairs. The annual crafts fair in Centennial Park has served not only as a market for fine crafts, but as a conduit for demonstration programs, hands-on opportunities and the chance to meet and talk with professional craft artists. The three-day crafts festival attracts over 45,000 people to view the craftsmanship of 200 exhibitors.

Wine on the River
Wine on the River is an outdoor wine festival with live jazz music. Located on the downtown Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge overlooking the Cumberland River, the festival features more than 300 domestic and international wine selections for tasting.

African Street Festival
This is a three-day annual event embracing the culture of Africa. The festival features exotic food and daily stage shows showcasing poetry, rap, reggae, blues, jazz, gospel, R&B and drama.

October

Grand Ole Opry Birthday Bash
Thousands of Grand Ole Opry fans help celebrate the Opry's birthday each October. The signature event of the Opry features autograph and picture sessions with Opry members, Grand Ole Opry Birthday Bash shows, tours of the Opry House and more.

Heart of Country Antiques Show
Located at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, the Heart of Country Antiques Show has over 200 dealers. See American master furniture, art, porcelain, quilts, wood and glass. Seminars, book signings and free personal appraisals are offered throughout the event. The event is held twice a year in October and February.

Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue
Each year over 50 domestic and 18 international championship cook-off teams vie for the Jack Daniel's title of Grand Champion, and more than 25,000 people descend upon Lynchburg to bask in the aroma of award-winning barbecue and celebrate one of America's favorite pastimes.

Music Valley Antiques Market
The Music Valley Antiques Market is held across the street from the Radisson Hotel Opryland and features over 150 of America's finest antique dealers displaying a wide range of merchandise. The event is held twice a year in October and February.

NAIA Pow Wow
The NAIA Pow Wow brings together Native Americans from across the nation and Canada. Highlights of the festival include competitive dancing, storytelling, demonstrations, fine art displays and food booths with traditional dishes from different tribes.

Tailgate Antique Show
Located at the Fiddler's Inn Hotel in Music Valley, the annual Tailgate Antique Show offers an "early bird" viewing of period furniture, quilts, folk art, jewelry and pottery. Merchants, from 35 states representing 180 dealers, set up their goods in hotel rooms and in adjoining parking spaces outside the hotel. The event is held twice a year in October and February.

Celebration of Cultures
Each year the grounds of Scarritt-Bennett Center are filled with food, art and fun, from representatives of more than 50 cultures. Activities include music, dance, crafts and ethnic art.

Oktoberfest, Nashville's Original German Festival
Live German music, authentic polka dancing and strolling accordion players, and authentic German food and beverages bring the historic Germantown neighborhood to life.

November

Holiday Harmony
There's something for everyone during the holiday season. From costumed docents reenacting holiday life in the 1800s to stage performances bringing out the holiday spirit. Celebrate Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Posada Navidad and more. Enjoy history, arts, crafts, theater, dance and song in Music City during the holidays.

Christmas at Belmont
November though December, Belmont Mansion decorates for the holidays with yards of garland, fruit, dried flowers and traditional tussie-mussies. It's a beautiful time of year to take a tour!

A Country Christmas
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center hosts this annual Christmas celebration from November through December. A Country Christmas features ICE!, a chilly adventure through 1.5 million pounds of ice carved into holiday scenes and ice slides, and the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, starring The Radio City Rockettes. Enjoy a traditional holiday dinner with all the trimmings at Grammy Award winner Pam Tillis' Christmas Dinner Show. Other festivities include the lighting ceremony of two million twinkling lights, the World's Largest Nativity Scene, Treasures for the Holidays craft show, Uncle Scrooge's Christmas Banquet aboard the General Jackson Showboat and the Yule Log Ceremony.

Season of Celebration
November through December, guests enjoy the traditions of many cultures during Season of Celebration at Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art. Share the magic of the season with fabulous holiday decorations, Christmas trees, and multicultural exhibits.

Plantation Christmas
Each November through January, Travellers Rest Plantation decorates the plantation home in the style and tradition of a 1830s Christmas.

Christmas Village
The annual event at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds showcases holiday arts and crafts from over 260 merchants and benefits Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center.

Victorian Holiday Tours
See the 1853 Belle Meade Plantation lavishly adorned in Victorian splendor and learn about the family's traditions. Featured on "Southern Living Presents" on Turner South in 2005.

December

Gaylord Hotels Music City Bowl
Be a part of the excitement for the annual post-season college football game at LP Field. The bowl pits an SEC school against an ACC rival in a game broadcast nationwide on ESPN.

Annual Tribute to African-Americans in the Battle of Nashville
Tour the significant battle sites including Fort Negley and Shy's Hill. Pay tribute to the African Americans who fought in battle with a wreath-laying at the National Cemetery.