Tennessee's 2023 music festivals: Where to catch vibes this fall
Bonnaroo and CMA Fest might be behind us, but that doesn't mean there aren't more opportunities to enjoy multiple days outdoors catching the sounds of our favorite bands, appreciating art and stuffing our faces at food trucks.
Music festivals are abundant across Tennessee, with three festivals taking place right in our backyard.
From parks, to caves, to multiple outdoor stages, whatever your vibe is, whatever your musical preference is, read ahead and plan your festival itinerary.
Deep Tropics
Location: Nashville.
Dates: Aug. 18-19.
Deep Tropics will take place at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park from 3-11 p.m. on Aug 18-19. Headliners include Troyboi and What So Not, with multiple after-party events to keep the energy going at Brooklyn Bowl, Eastside Bowl, and The Office. Besides being known as Nashville's "premiere house and bass music festival," Deep Tropics strives to be the most eco-friendly festival nationwide.
"These efforts are fueled by our non-profit organization Deep Culture Inc., which exists to curate experiences that activate transformation of self, community, and planet," their official website reads. "Deep Tropics has a zero waste initiative to ensure everything is either recyclable, compostable, or re-usable. Regenerative design is at the forefront of every aspect of the festival."
Tickets range from $180 to $400.
Muddy Roots
Location: Cookeville
Dates: Sept. 1-3
Muddy Roots has been celebrating hillbilly, bluegrass, and punk since 2010. This year's lineup includes performances by Gwar, Suicidal Tendencies, The Dead Milkmen, Amigo The Devil and more.
Weekend passes to the festival are $180 however it is recommended to buy them beforehand as prices at the gate increase. If you'd also like to attend the pre-party, tickets are available for $40 at the gate. Tickets for children age 7-17 are $50 and only available at the gate.
For more information on tickets or the festival, visit muddyroots.com.
Bristol Rhythm and Roots
Location: Bristol.
Dates: Sept. 8-10.
A festival located in the birthplace of country music, Bristol Rhythm, and Roots celebrates country and Appalachian roots music heritage. "The event honors the legacy of the 1927 Bristol Sessions and their far-reaching influence on the soundtrack of today," reads the official website. This year's headliners include Margot Price, Nickel Creek, Bruce Hornsby, and the Noisemakers.
The festival welcomes all ages, and tickets range from $45 to $140. Doors open at 1 p.m.
Moon River Festival
Location: Chattanooga.
Dates: Sept. 9-10.
Presented by Nashville's own Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors, Moon River Festival returns to Chattanooga's Coolidge Park on Sept. 9-10. This year's headliners include Caamp and Hozier, accompanied by Nickel Creek, Marcus King Band, Judah and the Lion, First Aid Kit, Noah Cyrus, and more.
One-day and two-day tickets are available, divided into general admission and VIP categories. VIP tickets include a premium festival entrance, VIP viewing areas at each stage, exclusive bar access, unlimited access to the VIP lounge with seating and air-conditioned bathrooms, a dedicated VIP concierge to assist with all festival needs, and a special commemorative poster. Tickets start at $110.
Americanafest
Location: Nashville.
Dates: Sept. 19-23.
Americanafest is unique in that the shows are not centered in one specific location, but rather at multiple venues across the city. Besides entertainment, Americanafest aims to offer education and awareness of the music industry, with forums, panels, and seminars. Best of all, Americanafest doesn't require fans to purchase a conference pass, everyone is welcome. For those looking to engage solely with the music, a festival pass is the way to go. But be warned: It is recommended to arrive early as passes do not guarantee entry to a venue at capacity.
Pilgrimage Music Festival
Location: Franklin.
Dates: Sept. 23-24.
Located just 30 minutes from Nashville awaits Pilgrimage Music Festival. A family friendly festival providing plentiful food trucks and activities, Pilgrimage will be celebrating it's ninth anniversary. Across six stages, attendees can enjoy a diverse lineup of rock 'n' roll, Americana, alt-country, bluegrass, jazz, indie, gospel, pop and blues. Headlining are the Lumineers and Zach Bryan with performances by the Head and the Heart, Yola, Ashley McBryde, Better than Ezra and more.
Tier 1 and Tier 2 tickets have sold out, but Tier 3 tickets are still available, starting at $259, and VIP tickets are going for $989.
Mempho Music Fest
Location: Memphis.
Dates: Sept. 30-Oct. 1.
Mempho Music Festival returns to Blues City for its sixth year, with performances by the Black Crowes, My Morning Jacket, Turnpike Troubadours, Band of Horses and dozens of other artists playing rock, country, blues and soul. Included in the Mempho experience is Incendia, an art installation and interactive event space complete with mesmerizing flame effects across its high ceilings. Here, attendees can participate in silent disco while vibing to Memphis DJ's.
Early bird tickets have already sold out, but there are still one-day, general admission passes available for $90, with three-day general admission starting at $170 and VIP tickets starting at $195.
Nashville Oktoberfest
Location: Nashville.
Dates: Oct. 5-8.
OK, Oktoberfest doesn't have a musical lineup near as long as the other festivals on this list, but live bands are scheduled to perform and it still offers a chance for collective effervescence, so we're listing it. The German festival has become a worldwide phenomenon. In Nashville, Oktoberfest is not just a chance to down fine draft beers, but also to participate in a 5K beer run, a beer stein holding competition, and watch dachshunds race their wiener-shaped bodies to the finish line. Live bands include LynnMarie and the Nashville Polka Guys, Good Bellows, Chill Pill, and Yacht Rock.
General admission is free, with VIP tickets available for purchase.
Cavefest
Location: Pelham.
Dates: Oct. 6-8.
Probably the most interesting concert venue on this list, Cavefest offers a truly one of a kind musical experience — three days of onsite camping, underground shows, local vendors and even cave tours for geology passionate festivalgoers. Above ground is the The Caverns Amphitheater, serving as the stage for the show's headliners — Sam Bush, Leftover Salmon, the Infamous Stringdusters and Peter Rowan, and the Travelin' McCourys — while the below ground concert hall will host the festival's additional performances. There will also be a chance for cave yoga.
Admission is free for children 12 and under, with early bird three-day tickets starting at $129. For more information regarding tickets, VIP and camping packages visit thecaverns.com.
Diana Leyva covers breaking and trending news for The Tennessean. Connect with her by email at [email protected] or follow her on twitter at @_leyvadiana
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Here's our list of 2023 fall music festivals across Tennessee