It’s June, which means it’s getting hot in here! Nashville is packed with fun activities in June, from two of our biggest music festivals to summer reading prizes and outdoor movies galore. Here’s your guide to having the best June in Nashville.
📖 Read & Earn Prizes
Start your summer with a book and win prizes and coupons for local businesses! The Nashville Public Library’s yearly summer reading challenge starts June 1, and it’s for everyone, no matter your age. In the past, I’ve won tickets to the Frist Art Museum, Wave Country, the Parthenon, and free ice cream at Jeni’s.
🎉 I Want To Go to the Festival
- Cheekwood’s inaugural Community Celebration runs June 3-7, and includes discounted tickets, themed days, live performances, and plenty of food trucks.
- CMA Fest runs June 5-8. While it’s a great way to listen to free concerts (some venues charge), you’ll want to avoid downtown that weekend if you’re not planning on attending.
- Bonnaroo in Manchester is June 12-15. Headliners include Avril Lavigne, Luke Combs, and Olivia Rodrigo.
- For Juneteenth, check out Black on Buchanan (June 14), Music City Freedom Festival (June 14-15), and Juneteenth615 (June 19).
- I’ll have a big list of Pride Month happenings in the newsletter soon, but make sure to attend the free Nashville Pride Parade on June 28. Bring water!
🧑🏼🍼 Celebrate Dad
Father’s Day is Sunday, June 15. If you have a dad to celebrate, here are some ideas!
- Take him out to eat.
- Go to a state park, or on a trek to a nearby waterfall.
- Treat him to live music and food trucks at Jazz on the Cumberland, which is free!
- If he loves cars, bring him to Cheekwood’s fancy car show.
- Maybe he’d enjoy a camping trip.
🍿 Let’s Go to the Movies, Outside
- Head to Elmington Park on Thursdays for Nashville’s longest-running outdoor movie series. This year’s films include “The Sandlot” and “The Goonies.”
- Watch “The Princess Bride” at Cheekwood on June 6.
- W Nashville has several free “Screenings on the Steps” throughout the month. Movies include “Grease” and “Wicked.”
- NightLight’s film series at the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park isn’t free, but this 21+ event is super fun. June movies include “Wedding Crashers” and “Mean Girls.” Tickets sell out fast, so buy early.
- Franklin’s Movies in the Park series is showing “Shrek 2” and “Toy Story 2” this June.
🎵 Other Cool Concerts & Events
- Musician’s Corner runs all month long, but come chat with us at our City Cast Nashville booth on June 7!
- Get your groove on at Centennial Park’s Big Band Dance, every Saturday.
- Garrison Keillor is gonna be at City Winery on June 10.
- Penn & Teller are performing magic tricks at the Ryman on June 11.
- Laugh with Kevin Hart at the Ryman on June 14.
- Pay homage to Whitney Houston at the Schmerhorn Symphony Center on June 25.
