Nashville celebrates music in June

Nashville celebrates music all year long, but the city goes especially wild in the month of June, when music is king and festivals flourish. Nashville is also affordable year-round, and June is no exception. Visitors can find discounted prices by researching package deals and budget accommodations, and although some music events might seem pricey, most are actually quite reasonable considering the amount of artists performing and the duration of the event. June brings ideal weather conditions, with temperatures averaging 85 degrees. With so many events and warm weather, Nashville is our pick as the destination to visit this June.

Why Nashville in June?

Heralded as the Country Music Capital of the World, the city celebrates its title with the CMA Country Music Festival June 8 through 11. More than 400 country singers and stars will peform, among them Martina McBride, Carrie Underwood, Trace Adkins, and Leann Rimes. Tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster or by calling the festival box office at 1-800-CMA-FEST (262-3378), and cost $125 to $260 for a four-day pass that includes all-day admission and evening activities and shows. Single-night tickets are also available for $30 per night, but do not include any of the daily activities.

For visitors wanting music that’s a little rougher around the edges, the Vans Warped Tour brings dozens of punk and pop-punk bands together to play multiple outdoor stages at the Starwood Amphitheatre on June 21 . Tickets are $23.75 for general admission through Ticketmaster.

Beginning June 16, visitors can spend three days camping and listening to a variety of music styles, including grassroots, rock, hip hop, electronica, and alternative, performed on multiple stages at the Bonnaroo Festival. Located in Manchester, about 60 miles outside of Nashville, the festival will feature more than 80 artists, including Radiohead, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, Death Cab for Cutie, and Bonnie Raitt. General admission tickets for the three-day weekend can be purchased online for $185, including camping and parking.

On June 3 and 4, the city will jump into action as the original cast members of the “Dukes of Hazzard” television show make their first appearance together for CMT Dukesfest 2006. During the two-day festival, fans will have an opportunity to meet the actors; see a parade of replicas of the Duke’s car, the General Lee; hear live music; and experience Hazzard County. Advance tickets cost $20 for one day and $30 for both days. Same-day tickets cost an extra $5. Hotel packages are also available, starting at $213 depending on hotel location, and include tickets for both days and a two-night stay at select properties.

During the same weekend, visitors will have the opportunity to meet the stars of various reality television shows at the world’s first-ever Reality TV Convention, at the Nashville Airport Marriott. More than 100 reality stars will make an appearance to sign autographs and share their TV experiences. Tickets cost $25 for both days, while single passes are $15 per day. Three American Idol finalists will also perform on June 3 for $22. Tickets are available online.

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On June 23, Nashville offers visitors the chance to sample local food and wine at A Taste of Music City, taking place at the Gateway Bridge. Many of the area’s best restaurants and breweries will provide samples, while local musicians will play live jazz music. The event lasts from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., and costs $35 for advance purchase and $45 for same-day tickets. An overnight package is available at the Doubletree Nashville that includes two tickets and a deluxe room for $169. Tickets and reservations can be purchased and booked through the Taste of Music City website.

Nashville June Savings

Nashville is an affordable destination year-round, but package deals make it even more attractive, especially those that incorporate lodging with the arts. Many specials are available through the Nashville Convention and Visitors Bureau. For instance, packages for the special exhibit, “I Can’t Stop Loving You: Ray Charles and Country Music” start at $139 and include a one-night stay at a select hotel, two tickets to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, a tour of historic RCA Studio B, and the Music City Hits Jazz and Blues CD. Prices vary depending on hotel property. Tickets to the museum and studio tour are regularly $23.95.

Another great way to save a little extra this June is the Music City Total Access Attraction Pass. For only $35, visitors can choose any four attractions from a list of 12, including the Adventure Science Center which costs $9 for adults; the Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art which costs $10 for adults; the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum which costs $19 for the smallest adult package; and the General Jackson Showboat, which starts at $16. The pass also includes free admission to the Parthenon. Tickets must be picked up in person at the 5th & Broadway Nashville Visitor Information Center.

Nashville International Airport is served by low-cost carrier Southwest, as well as many other major airlines.

With so many concerts, open-mike nights, and festivals, Nashville is a music lover’s dream destination. The city, however, is devoted to all aspects of the arts, and on any given day, visitors can find a new exhibit or a new club simply by wandering around aptly-named “Music City.”

For more information, visit the Nashville Travel Guide.