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Ready to enjoy live music by the Tennessee River once again? Riverfront Nights, a free outdoor concert series at Ross’s Landing, will kick off on Saturday, May 23 (Memorial Day weekend) and run through Saturday, Sept. 5 (Labor Day weekend).
This year’s lineup was recently released, so start making plans for those summer Saturday nights, rain or shine.
2026 lineup
While you can look at the full breakdown online, we’re sharing the tribute bands and local talents we don’t want to miss.
- May 23 | The headliner for opening night will be Purple Madness: A Tribute to Prince, with local act Le Gato kicking off the evening.
- June 6 | Rock the 90’s will be bringing lots of classic 1990s rock songs to the stage. Editor Sarah here: I may be showing my age, but I’m most excited about this one.
- July 4 | For Independence Day, Johnny Folsom 4: A Johnny Cash Tribute will hit the stage with Courtney Cowart & Bad Matador as its opener.
- Aug. 1 | Get ready for Kings of Queen: The Nation’s Top Queen Tribute. Lovelace will be warming up the crowd.
- Sept. 5 | Riverfront Nights will close out the series with the Earth, Wind & Fire tribute band Let’s Groove Tonight. As if that’s not cool enough, a Kool & The Gang tribute band will open on the final night.
Note: There are lots of great performers we didn’t mention here, so make sure to check out the full schedule.
Important times
- 6 p.m. | Concession and drink sales begin
- 7 p.m. | Live music starts
- 10 p.m. | Live music ends
To bring... or not to bring?
- Bring chairs, blankets, water bottles, and leashed pets
- Don’t bring glass containers, coolers, or any outside alcoholic beverages (they’ll be available for purchase)
Pro tips
- Arrive early for parking purposes; downtown street parking is free after 6 p.m.
- Expect Riverfront Parkway to be closed between Chestnut Street and Power Alley on Saturdays throughout the concert series.
- On extended evenings (May 23, June 6, June 27, July 4, July 18, Aug. 1, Aug. 29, and Sept. 5), Riverfront Parkway will also be shut down by Ross’s Landing to utilize both lawns.
- Plan on grabbing a bite to eat from one of several food trucks that’ll be on-site.
- Keep the kiddos entertained with cornhole, giant Jenga, and other yard games.
- If you don’t mind getting wet, cool off by walking through the sprinkler that’ll be on-site. There will also be doggy pools and water bowls for your furry friends.
Want to get involved? You can sign up to volunteer with setup, merchandise sales, breakdown, and more.