From Tulips to Tunes: Discovering Nashville’s Springtime Charm

Nashville, Tennessee is an amazing destination to visit all year round, but spring brings an irresistible touch of freshness that can’t be missed. Offering an abundance of outdoor activities, festivals and events, and culinary delights, Nashville has something for everyone – whether you’re a music lover, foodie, or just looking for some fresh air after a long winter. In this article, we'll highlight the best things to see and do in Nashville during the springtime. 

Attend the Cherry Blossom Festival  

The Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival is a popular event taking place in mid-April (April 13, 2024). This festival celebrates the Japanese culture, highlighting the blooming of cherry blossom trees. Visitors can enjoy Japanese music, arts and crafts, and food vendors at this festival. The festival also features a 2.5-mile Cherry Blossom Walk that begins and ends at Nashville Public Square. The festival is free and open to all, making it a great family-friendly attraction. 

Listen to a Show at the Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival  

The annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival is a five-day event (April 2-6, 2024) and the largest songwriters-only festival of its kind. Established by the 4,000-member Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), the festival brings together a diverse group of hundreds of talented songwriters who showcase their skills through captivating performances spanning 10 venues throughout town for a total of up to 100 shows over the five days. 

With its rich history and vibrant music scene, Nashville serves as the perfect backdrop for this event, attracting both aspiring and renowned songwriters from around the globe. From heartfelt ballads to songs you can’t get out of your head, the Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival offers a unique opportunity for music lovers to immerse themselves in the craft and creativity of songwriting.  

It's truly a music lover’s dream, with a lineup featuring nationally renowned country music singers and songwriters. This year’s festival lineup will be revealed on March 7 and ticket sales will begin on March 12. 

Participate in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series 

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series is one of Nashville’s most well-attended and popular events that attracts some of the best athletes in the world. This collection of running events is filled with authentic Nashville music at every turn and features courses that run through the streets of downtown Nashville hitting iconic landmarks along the way like Broadway, Music Row, the Gulch, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and more. Each edition of this event consists of a marathon, a half marathon, and a 5K run that closes with an evening country music concert. Register now for the April 27-28, 2024 springtime runs.  

Visit the Cheekwood Estate and Gardens  

Cheekwood Estate is a 55-acre property that offers a mix of art, nature, and history. The estate features a museum of art, botanical gardens, and a historic mansion. During the spring, the estate is blooming with over 250,000 bulbs in a variety of flowers, including tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths. Visitors can enjoy guided garden tours, art exhibitions, and family-friendly events throughout the season.  

Check out the Latest Trends at Nashville Fashion Week 

Attending Nashville's Fashion Week is an exciting experience that allows fashion enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the city's thriving fashion and retail community. This highly anticipated annual event showcases the creative talents of local, regional, and national designers, as well as industry professionals.  

Nashville Fashion Week offers a diverse range of events, including fashion shows, runway presentations, and creative workshops, providing attendees with the opportunity to witness the latest trends and innovative designs. With its unique blend of style, creativity, and innovation, Nashville Fashion Week is a must-attend celebration for anyone passionate about fashion.  

Indulge in Southern Cuisine 

Nashville is famous for its delicious Southern cuisine, offering a unique blend of flavors and spices. During the spring, many restaurants offer seasonal menus, featuring fresh produce from local farms. Visitors can indulge in the city's famous hot chicken, barbecue, biscuits, and more at popular restaurants like Hattie B’s, Loveless Cafe, Butcher & Bee, Biscuit Love, and Pinewood Social. 

In the springtime, visitors to the city can participate in several top culinary festivals and events that take place, including:  

• The Nashville Wine & Food Festival

  This delicious event is a great way to explore the culinary scene and try different foods from various prominent restaurants across the city. Taste wines from all over the world, snack on signature bites from Nashville’s best local restaurants, shop from local vendors, and enjoy live entertainment all on April 27, 2024.  

• East Nashville Beer Festival

  The annual East Nashville Beer Festival welcomes guests to sip from the best local craft breweries from all over the city. Nashville food trucks and restaurants provide food to pair along with the brews on April 13, 2024. The event also helps to raise funds for local Nashville non-profit organizations like the Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition and Oasis Bike Workshop.  

• Ragin’ Cajun Crawfish Festival

  The Ragin’ Cajun Crawfish Festival features all-you-can-eat crawfish, Louisiana-style sides, beer, and live music. Each year the Nashville Junior Chamber hosts over 2,000 people and consumes 4,000 pounds of fresh crawfish at this charitable riverfront event.

Jam out at the Rites of Spring Music Festival  

The Rites of Spring Music Festival is an event organized each year by Vanderbilt University students and brings together a range of talented musicians to perform. The festival is held on the university campus and also includes food booths and trucks, craft beer bars, and a VIP area near the stage to watch the show.  

While 2024’s April 20 lineup has yet to be announced, 2023 boasted an impressive lineup with artists like Sean Kingston, Maude Latour, and headliners Ferg and Dayglow. 

The Art of Spring in Nashville

Nashville, TN, is a fantastic destination to explore during the spring season. With beautiful gardens, an array of festivals, delicious cuisine, and live music performances, there's no shortage of things to see and do. Whether you're visiting with family or friends, or exploring the city solo, Nashville is sure to delight you with its Southern charm and hospitality. Plan your spring getaway to Nashville now and enjoy a fun-filled adventure in Music City.