Enjoy summer's warm breezes and great music that is performed at one of the many outdoor music venues in Tennessee. 

East Tennessee Outdoor Venues 

The Shed Smokehouse & Juke Joint – Maryville

The 16,000 sq. ft. mega-watt outdoor venue, The Shed Smokehouse & Juke Joint hosts music of all kinds. Every Thursday night is Bikes & Brews with food trucks, live music and specials. From Americana to Southern rock and country, music guests have included Blackberry Smoke, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Sturgill Simpson, Shooter Jennings and Jason Isbell.

Ross's Landing – Chattanooga

Ross's Landing gives its guests a beautiful view of the Tennessee River while hosting a plethora of events throughout the year. Plan your calendar around must-attend Chattanooga music festivals like Riverbend Music Festival each June, the free summer concert series Riverfront Nights starting July 15, 2023, 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival happening Oct. 6-7, 2023 and a variety of outdoor sport events as well.

World's Fair Park – Knoxville

Knoxville brings music and entertainment throughout the year to World's Fair Park. The iconic area is known for the Sunsphere, but also has an amphitheater open for concerts, special events and theatrical performances. It was constructed for the 1982 World's Fair and then was renovated in 2007. There's also a performance lawn and a festival lawn that hosts concerts and festivals as well.

AK Bissell Park - Oak Ridge

Check out bluegrass, symphonic music, country and more during the year-round events hosted at the pavilion at AK Bissell Park in Oak Ridge. Check out the free bluegrass concert series happening the second Saturday of each month during the summer. And, the 4th of July concert features The Community Band and fireworks. There's also a free Labor Day concert that is held each year to round out summer.

The BUS Bar and Grill

After your adventure on the Ocoee River and Cherokee National Forest, head to The BUS Bar and Grill for great food and live music, all centered around a classic yellow school bus. Permanently parked, the bus serves local craft beers, signature cocktails and a twist on traditional bar food. You'll love the relaxed atmosphere, complete with games like cornhole and foosball.

King Commons - Johnson City

King Commons is a 3-acre recreational and event space located in downtown Johnson City. The amphitheater and lawns host a number of concerts and festivals throughout the year. If you're headed to Northeast Tennessee this summer, be sure to attend the Fridays After 5 summer concert series. The free event includes local music, brews, food and more.

Outdoor Music Venues near Nashville 

Ascend Amphitheater – Nashville

Ascend Amphitheater in downtown Nashville is an open-air venue that has played host to a number of famous musicians and music groups. This year is no different. Check out their calendar for all the artists you can catch while in Nashville including Maggie Rogers, Louis Tomlinson, Big Time Rush, The National and many others. Located inside the Metro Riverfront Park, the amphitheater seats 2,300 in fixed seating and 4,500 on the lawn, giving you plenty of room to dance the night away.

Arrington Vineyards - Arrington

Jazz, bluegrass and country rise into the air at Arrington Vineyards. This Middle Tennessee vineyard, started by Kix Brooks of the country duo Brooks & Dunn, hosts the music series every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from April through November. Guests can enjoy the vineyard grounds, award-winning wines and music from local, rising stars.

Leiper's Fork Lawnchair Theatre - Leiper's Fork

The Lawnchair Theatre is located behind the Leiper's Creek Art Gallery. It's a rustic building and stage built with cedar logs and boards that contribute to the overall rustic charm of the town. Spend a summer night under the stars while soaking up the warm hospitality and community spirit of Leiper's Fork. Live music and movies are hosted at Lawnchair Theatre each Saturday night.

FirstBank Amphitheater - Thompson's Station

FirstBank Amphitheater hosts famous touring artists throughout the year. Surrounded by stone and wooded features, this world-class boutique venue should be at the top of every concert lover's list. Artists from a wide variety of music genres have performed here and many more are scheduled such as Jason Mraz, Goo Goo Dolls, The Doobie Brothers, Incubus and more.

Liberty Square Amphitheatre –  Sparta 

Beginning late spring to October, guests and hear the sound of bluegrass every third Friday of each month. The concerts are free and get folks outside, under the stars to enjoy traditional styles of music. Mark your calendar for Liberty Square: A Lester Flatt Celebration that happens each October (Oct. 14, 2023). This free event celebrates the rich bluegrass heritage of the area.

Outdoor Music Venues near Memphis

Overton Park Shell – Memphis

Beginning every March, the Overton Park Shell hosts more than 50 concerts, providing free music to their diverse audiences. From jazz to rock, soul and blues, the concerts emulate the "Soundtrack of America, Made in Tennessee." Located in the heart of Memphis, visitors are invited to bring a chair or blanket to enjoy the open-air facility. 

Railgarten - Memphis

If you want to hear a variety of music genres, pull up a chair at Railgarten. Cover bands, hip hop, jazz, folk, gospel and Americana legends and national touring acts rock the stage. Hungry? Grab one of the sandwiches offered from Sloppy Joe’s to burgers, Banh Mi and grilled chicken sandwiches as well as brisket nachos, chicken tostada and chicken tenders.

Germantown Performing Arts Center's The Grove - Memphis

Bring a lawn chair and blanket to the summer concert series, Concerts in Germantown Performing Arts Center's The Grove, a park-like setting with a giant lawn, on select Thursdays 6-8 p.m. in Memphis. Some of the area's best musicians perform onstage. Cocktails and drink specials, food trucks and corn hole round out the event. Check out GPAC's event calendar for more information.

Amphitheater at the Market (AMP) – Jackson

In the heart of Jackson, the Amphitheater at the Market (AMP) is an outdoor facility that hosts a range of music events. The venue connects locals and travelers alike to Memphis' Beale Street and Nashville's Music Row by providing an amazing concert experience. The 2023 AMP Concert Series runs through Sept. 8, 2023 and should not be missed. Bring a picnic, blankets and lawn chairs for nights filled with music.

Want more music? Check out these trip itineraries that will get you dancing: 

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