Riverfront Park sits along the banks of the Cumberland River and hosts open-air concerts and festivals year round. A redevelopment plan for the riverfront area is underway. On completion, the park will be ten times its current size. In the meantime, it’s still a pleasant place to take time out from Nashville’s downtown. If the weather isn’t too humid, pack a picnic, and watch the General Jackson Showboat cruise by.
If you’re in Nashville in June, grab your cowboy hat and a ticket to the CMA Music Festival, the city’s largest concert event. The festival is held by the Country Music Association and features free daily concerts at the park as well as ticketed events at the nearby LP Field. The entire area takes on a party atmosphere during the four-day festival. Numerous venders set up shop on the park grounds offering everything from craft beers, CDs and corn dogs.
Riverfront Park is also the center of the city's annual free Fourth of July celebration. Fireworks light up the Nashville skyline for miles and concerts are held over two days. Previous headliners have included Darius Rucker, Katy Perry and Kenny Chesney.
The Music City Festival & BBQ Championship draws food and music lovers from all over the South. Usually held in August, the event offers an array of vendors, demonstrations and food-themed games, while competing musicians literally sing for their suppers.
From the Pride Festival to dragon boat races and fun runs, the park is the outdoor heart and soul of Nashville. Check the event calendar on the park’s website, especially in summer when you’re sure to find something to do.
Riverfront Park is serviced by Music City Star buses and trains. There is a bike share kiosk near the train station.
Riverfront Park Tours and Activities
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Bluegreen Downtown Nashville
Reviewed on May 6, 2024
1 Hotel Nashville
Reviewed on May 3, 2024
Tours & day trips
See all 173 activitiesOpens in new tabNashville Old Town Trolley Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 51 activitiesOpens in new tabJack Daniel's Distillery Day Trip
Private & custom tours
See all 27 activitiesOpens in new tabJack Daniels Distillery Tour by Famous Vintage Tour Bus
Adventure & outdoor
See all 23 activitiesOpens in new tabExplore the City of Nashville Sightseeing Tour by Golf Cart
Classes & workshops
See all 18 activitiesOpens in new tab1-Hour Nashville Line Dancing Class
Reviews of Riverfront Park
5/5 - Excellent
Also saw the Predators practice here at the arena.
Popular places to visit
Johnny Cash Museum
Discover hundreds of original artifacts that retrace the life and career of one of the Music City’s most celebrated recording artists.
Cumberland Park
This pretty riverfront park has children’s play areas, an open-air amphitheater, a waterfront walkway and great views of Downtown Nashville’s skyline.
Schermerhorn Symphony Center
The home of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra is a master class in modern acoustical engineering, with a charm that harkens to the world’s best halls.
Fort Nashborough
Find out about the history of Nashville with a stop at Fort Nashborough. Discover the lively bars and acclaimed theater scene in this vibrant area.
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
You’re toes will be tappin’ in no time at this incredible country-music-history hoedown.
Broadway
When you visit Broadway, a favorite shopping spot in Nashville, you can browse for souvenirs. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the lively bars while you're in the area.
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