Nashville Annual September Event Guide

Courtyard Concert Series

Every summer beginning in September and running into October, the Nashville Public Library hosts a series of free Courtyard Concerts. These concerts usually take place once a week during lunch hours at the Nashville Public Library. In 2020, these concerts will be broadcast virtually from September 8 to October 13.

International Black Film Festival of Nashville

The Annual International Black Film Festival of Nashville (IBFFN) is a culturally diverse, community-inclusive, and family-friendly celebration of independent film that offers education and entertainment to all. In addition to film screenings, there will also be seminars and workshops, plus live music. In 2020, the festival will take place from September 30 to October 4.

Live on the Green

In 2020, Live on the Green—an environmentally-friendly concert series that takes place on the Public Square Plaza—will be streamed online over Labor Day weekend, September 3 to 6. Past artists at this event have included Gary Clark Jr., Jimmy Eat World, Sheryl Crow, and Cage The Elephant.

Nashville Flea Market

Held at the ​Tennessee State Fairgrounds, the Nashville Flea Market is known as one of the best Flea Markets in Tennessee and offers a relaxing day of wandering and discovery for the entire family. Nashville Flea Market is open on the fourth weekend of every month, except for December when it's usually held a week earlier. In 2020, the Fairgrounds closed for in-person events, but the flea market went online to connect customers with vendors.

Clarksville Riverfest

Riverfest is usually held the weekend after Labor Day at RiverWalk & McGregor Park in Clarksville. It features an art show, a talent competition, cardboard boat regatta, a 5K race, educational exhibits, youth arts and crafts, ethnic foods, and local artists performing across four stages. Usually a three-day celebration of the arts within the community and the entire state of Tennessee, the festival will take place from September 1 to 12, 2020, with a mixture of in-person and virtual events.

Shakespeare Allowed

Once a month, the Nashville Shakespeare Festival gathers to read one of the works of William Shakespeare. Typically the readings are held at the Nashville Public Library on the first Saturday of the month and readings at the Brentwood Library are generally held on the third Saturday. In 2020, these readings are being held virtually.

Opry Country Classics

Typically, every Thursday night from March through October, Opry Country Classics highlights classic country music and memories through music, storytelling, and film clips of country’s all-time legends. In 2020, the Opry will still host performances, but without the in-house audiences. Instead, you can stream the concerts live every Saturday.

African American Street Festival

This event has not been rescheduled for 2020.

The annual African American Street festival is generally held in the third week of September at Hadley Park. Sponsored by the African American Cultural Alliance (AACA), this phenomenal festival has grown now attracts more than 100,000 people interested in African and African American culture.

Dragon Boat & River Festival

The 14th annual Cumberland River Dragon Boat Festival has been canceled for 2020.

The Cumberland River Compact and Tennessee Scenic Rivers Association host their Annual Dragon Boat & River Festival at Riverfront Park, in Downtown Nashville. Grab your paddles to raise awareness of these great organizations and promote the health of the Cumberland River during this 250-meter race.

Fairview Nature Fest

This event has not been rescheduled for 2020.

The Fairview Nature Fest is usually held the second week of September in Bowie Nature Park, hosted by the Fairview Area Chamber of Commerce. The Nature Fest offers live entertainment, arts, crafts, nature-related exhibits, hayrides, children's activities, great food, and a living history village.

Franklin Tour of the Arts

These events are currently postponed for 2020.

On the first Friday of every month in and around downtown Franklin, 30 minutes south of Nashville, you can tour the downtown Franklin art scene with their Franklin Tour of the Arts. This free art crawl will take you through the historic buildings of downtown Franklin to peruse the work of the local talents. You'll find everything from hand-blown glass to turned wood.

Full Moon Pickin' Parties

The September date of this event has been canceled for 2020.

Some of Middle Tennessee's finest bluegrass musicians perform every month under the light of a full moon. True to bluegrass tradition they will also have numerous jam sessions taking place at any given time in addition to performances on the main stage. Full Moon Pickin' Parties run annually from May through October.

Nashville Farmers Night Market

The farmers market re-opened in 2020, but events including the Night Market have been canceled.

Every third Friday of the month, the Nashville Farmers Market holds the special Night Market event. The night market is typically open evenings from 5 to 8 p.m. on the third Friday evenings of each month from June through October. The event includes lots of opportunities to experience many of the flavors of Tennessee and have great fun for the whole family.

Nashville Greek Festival

The festival has been officially postponed to September 10 to 12, 2021.

The annual Nashville Greek Festival highlights the cuisine, music, and culture of Greece and is typically held the weekend following Labor Day at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. It's a great chance to fill up on your favorite Greek treats like the savory spanakopita spinach pastry or honey-filled baklava.

WilCo Pow Wow

This event has been canceled for 2020.

In Native American culture, Pow Wows are not just meetings, they're large celebrations of culture and community gatherings. The WilCo Pow Wow, formerly the Mt. Juliet Pow Wow, is an annual event held at the Wilson County Fairgrounds during the fourth weekend in September. There is plenty to see and do with food and art booths on-site. The mission of the Pow Wow is to educate the community about Native American culture and is open to all.

Tennessee State Fair

The state fair has been postponed to September 10 to 19, 2021.

Held on the Nashville Fairgrounds every September, the Tennessee State Fair has been entertaining locals for decades. Here, you'll find plenty of entertainment for the whole family with music, carnival rides, monster trucks, beauty pageants, pig racing, wrestling, balloon art, and a delicious international food court.

Wine on the River

The 2020 festival has been canceled.

At Wine on the River, you have the opportunity to taste wine from all over the world, while enjoying live music, right in downtown Nashville. Several area restaurants have food on-site at the festival held in Riverfront Park.