Noa Nashville

Noa’s East Nashville Itinerary for Festival & Event Fanatics

Noa’s East Nashville Itinerary for Festival & Event Fanatics

Apr 9, 2026

If you have an insatiable desire to build exciting getaways around festivals and events happening at cool and unique places in the world, you’re what’s known as an ‘experiential traveler.’ The biggest problem travelers of your type face is determining not only where to go, but when to go. One solution: pick a place that’s filled with festivals, events, and other to-dos. This way, you’ll always have a reason to visit, and you’ll never be bored.

You may be wondering: “Is East Nashville worth visiting?” For festival and event fanatics, the answer to this question is a resounding yes! East Nashville is a neighborhood where the streets fill with festivalists in tomato-themed costumes celebrating the Tomato Arts Festival every August, where a beloved craft beer celebration draws thousands of devoted fans to East Park every spring, and where the energy of a city that lives for shared experiences charges the ambiance with every event. Plus, an East Nashville stay puts you close to everything else Nashville has to offer (the music, the food, the nightlife, and the vibes).

For you, we’ve built an itinerary around a magical three days in April; Friday, April 10, to Sunday, April 12 (2026), to be exact. This is one of the most event-dense stretches on East Nashville's calendar, no matter the year.

Your itinerary includes three anchor festival events woven into a full three days of neighborhood adventuring, dining, and welcome relaxation. And when you’ve booked Noa Nashville for your stay, you’re treating yourself to an exclusive urban resort located in the center of the city’s festival scene (so you won’t have to go far to get your fill).

Modern, chic, and setting the tone for what will become a one-of-a-kind vacation, Noa Nashville raises the hospitality bar with sixteen spacious homes featuring stunning amenities and meticulous attention to detail. One of the city’s most intimate resort properties, each home’s quarters were mindfully curated to deliver a refined, peaceful retreat from the rigors of your everyday routines and, of course, place you minutes from the pulsating excitement reverberating beyond its gates.

The property’s courtyard, pool, cedar hot tub, and shimmering fire pit will make coming home after an immersive day of festivities feel as though you’re stepping into a sumptuous and restorative cocooning sanctuary.

In addition to your three-day itinerary, we’ve also compiled a year-round, month-by-month guide to East Nashville events and festivals, because the best time to visit East Nashville is whenever you can get here! It doesn’t matter if you’re on your own, with friends, traveling with family, or on a work trip; there’s always something happening here.

So, whether you're planning to attend the East Nashville tomato festival in August, the no-holds-barred Bavarian celebration of beer, culture, and royal matrimony during Oktoberfest, or the Cheekwood Holiday Lights in November and December, your guide to the full year's calendar awaits.

But first, we welcome you to Noa Nashville with an agenda that transforms a few days in April into a one-of-a-kind getaway.

Friday, April 10, 2026: Welcome to Noa Nashville

4:30 PM — Get Settled

Settle in, explore your quarters, feel your stress melt away, and let the excitement build. This incredible property, and its luxurious home interiors, are all yours for the next few days. With your kitchen already stocked according to your booking request, the wine, along with locally sourced cheeses, cured meats, fresh fruits, and fig spread, are all at your fingertips, ready to become the ultimate charcuterie board.

Deposit your luggage in the room of your choice, set yourself up on the patio overlooking the pool, and toast to the best decision you’ve made in a while. A holiday defined by all your favorite things.

6:00 PM — Nashville Comedy Festival (~10–15-min drive from Noa, taking place April 9–19 at various venues, $–$$)

Now in its 12th year, the Nashville Comedy Festival runs across Music City's venues, including the iconic Ryman Auditorium, one of the most celebrated rooms in America. The 2026 lineup brings Heather McMahan, David Spade, Kevin James, Nate Jackson, Sal Vulcano, Jeff Arcuri, and more. Free showcases take place alongside ticketed headliner nights, so there's an entry point for every budget. Check the schedule and pick your favorite comedian, but book early; slots go fast.

Evening: Return to Noa

Relax by the fire or rest up in the quiet warmth of your vacation home, because a crisp and sudsy Beer Festival is on tomorrow’s roster.

Saturday, April 11, 2026: Bread, Beer, and a Farm-to-Fork Dinner

Morning — Breakfast at Mama Bread Bakery & Market at 1600 Woodland Street (~15-minute walk from Noa, $$)

Mama Bread Bakery & Market was founded by Jennifer Latham, former head baker at San Francisco's legendary Tartine. Look forward to house-made bread, extraordinary croissants, local market provisions, and excellent coffee, and fuel up before a day of exploring.

Afternoon — East Nashville Beer Festival at 700 Woodland St. (~10-min walk from Noa, 21+ only, $$)

This one's practically in your backyard. Now in its 15th year, the East Nashville Beer Festival is one of the longest-running and most beloved events on the city's calendar. From noon to 5:00 PM, expect more than 40 breweries pouring samples of at least 120 different craft brews, with brewery representatives on hand to answer your questions. Eight of Nashville's best food trucks will be parked on site, there's a vendor village, live music, and the Lucha Libre wrestlers returning once again this year for a full day of matches.

Alternative Option — Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival, Nashville Public Square Park (~10 min drive from Noa, FREE)

If beer isn’t your thing, or you simply want to take in Nashville’s blooming season, consider a short drive to Nashville Public Square Park on April 11, 2026, for the annual Cherry Blossom Festival (from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM). The pink, white, and red blossoms are the main event, but you’ll get swept up in the music, vendors, cultural performances, and more.

7:30 PM — Dinner at Butcher & Bee, 902 Main St. ~10-min walk from Noa, $$$)

A James Beard finalist, this highly acclaimed restaurant is known for its farm-forward cuisine and some of Nashville's most inventive vegetarian dishes and cocktails. One of the city's largest buyers of local Tennessee produce, they join Smith & Lentz Brewery and Pizza, and other independent restaurants in their commitment to sourcing local.

Late Night: The Speakeasies of Five Points (~5–10 min walk, $)

Ask the Noa Nashville team for their current recommendations on a rotating collection of hidden bars behind bookshelves and other inconspicuous doors throughout Five Points, and then thrill in finding and experiencing them. Definitely something to write home about. One of our favorites now is Attaboy, just a block from Butcher & Bee!

Sunday April 12: Endless Exploration Meets Luxurious Comfort

You’re going to want to make the very most of this day. Start things at a leisurely pace, perhaps with a morning swim or a stroll around the neighborhood. Feel the embrace of this final morning, securing you in a world where the ultimate in elegant living extinguished your every concern and your every possible stressor. You feel centered, and with that, only positive, soul-soothing influences will be part of this day.

Morning — Brew something rich and assemble a tray of your favorites.

Spend this time on your private rooftop patio, looking out over the courtyard and letting thoughts on this extraordinary week fuel the final day of your vacation.  

Afternoon — Nashville Spring Festival at China Town Plaza (~15-min drive from Noa, $)

The closing day of the Nashville Spring Festival is just right for a delicious stroll among a collection of unique market booths. Linger over milk tea, pick up a few handcrafted pieces, and take in the festival’s special closing celebrations. This event takes place from noon to 8:00 PM.

8:00 PM — Farewell Dinner at Folk, 823 Meridian St. (~10-min drive from Noa, $$$)

Another James Beard semi-finalist, recognized by the Michelin Guide and Bon Appétit's 50 Best, Chef Philip Krajeck's seasonally driven masterpiece is an absolute must. Enjoy naturally leavened pizzas, produce-forward small plates, and an exceptional wine list. Reserve well in advance for a send-off dinner that caps off an incredible three days.

Late Night — Noa, One More Time

If you’re not ready to call it a night just yet, treat yourself to one last soak in Noa’s cedar hot tub or one last look at the East Nashville skyline from around the property’s fire pit. Three incredible days, three scintillating festivals, and a neighborhood that’s earned its fantastic reputation among festivalists many times over.

The Complete Year-Round Guide to Must-Experience Festivals In East Nashville

Our three-day itinerary is just the beginning. Below is the most comprehensive guide to East Nashville event venues, annual festivals, and one-of-a-kind experiences across the calendar year. Everything is organized so you can mix, match, and build the perfect East Nashville getaway around what's happening during your stay (events, times, details, and locations are subject to change year after year).

January

Jack Daniel's New Year's Eve Live / Nashville's Big Bash, Lower Broadway (~15-min drive from Noa, FREE–$$)

Nashville's official New Year's celebration rolls straight into January. Enjoy live music across multiple downtown stages and a midnight countdown unlike any other among a massive crowd of partiers.

Dine Nashville: The Music City Way, Citywide ($+)  

Running through February, Nashville's month-long culinary celebration features prix-fixe menus, special tastings, and chef-driven events. An ideal reason to make an early-year reservation at some of East Nashville's finest tables.

February

Dine Nashville: The Music City Way, Citywide ($)

February is Nashville's official foodie month, where East Nashville's dining scene really shines.

March

Cheekwood in Bloom: Red, White & Blooms, Cheekwood Botanical Garden, March 7-April 12, 2026 (~20-min drive from Noa, $$)

Cheekwood's annual festival of flowers honors America's 250th anniversary with a spectacular display of 250,000 red and white tulips, purple-blue violas, hyacinths, and daffodils. Live jazz from Vanderbilt Blair School of Music students will also take place on select weekends.

Official Nashville St. Patrick's Day Parade & Festival, Five Points, East Nashville (steps from Noa, FREE)

The celebration starts off at 10:00 AM in Five Points. Featuring Grand Marshal and Michelin Star recipient Trevor Moran, you’ll enjoy soul-stirring Irish dance along with Pipe and Drums across a one-mile route. Roam around vendors and food trucks, enjoy live music performances, and cheer on the Irish Soda Bread Competition. Family-friendly, free, and steps from Noa's front door, this is an all-day event (so wear your comfiest shoes).

Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival, Nashville (~10–15-min drive from Noa, pricing varies)

Taking place from March 24 to March 28, 2026, this is the world's largest songwriter festival that includes such venerated venues as The Bluebird Cafe, Station Inn, and 3rd and Lindsley. Enjoy five nights of intimate performances from various artists.

April

Cheekwood in Bloom — Cheekwood Botanical Garden $$ ~20-min drive

A premier spring festival running through April 12, 2023, this event carries on from its March launch date.

East Nashville Beer Festival, East Park (~10-min walk from Noa, $$)

A 21+ event in its 15th year, the festival takes place at East Park and features dozens of breweries, unique beers, food trucks, a vendor village, live music, and live wrestling. This is one of Nashville's longest-running and most popular beer festivals.

Nashville Spring Festival, Chinatown Area (~15-min drive, $)

Taking place April 10–12, 2026, this celebration marks Nashville's new Chinatown. The event features food vendors, live performances, tea tastings, and family-friendly activities throughout the weekend.

Nashville Comedy Festival, Multiple Venues (~10–15-min drive, FREE–$$)

Taking place April 9–19, 2026, The Nashville Comedy Festival showcases some of the world's most talented comedians. 2026 performances will include Heather McMahan, David Spade, Kevin James, Nate Jackson, and more.

Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival, Public Square Park (Downtown) (~12-min drive, FREE)

On April 11, 2026, Nashville's annual celebration of these gorgeous trees, Japanese culture, and international friendship will feature a Cherry Blossom Walk followed by festivities at Public Square Park. Look forward to cultural performances, children's activities, and live entertainment.

Earth Day Festival, Centennial Park (~15-min drive, FREE)

This is a free festival on April 18, 2026, featuring live music, family-friendly activities, and interactive exhibits featuring local growers, environmental nonprofits, and more.

Record Store Day, Five Points Record Stores & Citywide (~5–10-min walk, $–$$$)

This is where independently owned record stores across East Nashville and the city release exclusive vinyl and special editions. Happening within the Five Points corridor, this is an ideal way to sort through must-have albums and search for your ‘gotta have’ treasures.

Music City Food & Wine Festival, Centennial Park (~15-min drive, $$$–$$$$)

This festival takes place between April 24–26, 2026, giving you two days to experience Nashville's award-winning chefs and world-class wine and spirits for an unforgettable weekend of tastings, chef-driven dinners, live music, and immersive experiences.

Nash Yarn Fest, Fairgrounds Nashville (~15-min drive, $)

Taking place April 17–18, 2026, this 2nd annual event will feature over 90 vendors representing yarn makers, dyers, fiber artists, and more from across the US, Canada, and the UK. This event is already known as an exceptionally creative, genuinely community gathering festival.

May

Nashville Rosé Festival, East Park (up to $55+) (~10-min walk from Noa, $$)

This will be the 7th annual outdoor festival. Rosé from around the world will be showcased, along with cocktails, craft beer, DJs, live performance art, food trucks, and vendors. Use code GURU for $10 off.

NASCAR Cracker Barrel 400, Nashville Superspeedway (~30-min drive, $$–$$$)

The ultimate NASCAR race weekend, this event offers tons of family-friendly activities and plenty of opportunities to upgrade the experience.

June

CMA Fest, Nissan Stadium + Multiple Venues (~15-min drive, $$–$$$$)

Taking place June 4–7, 2026, this is country music's biggest four-day event. Expect hundreds of artists across multiple stages to perform, and book early! Book Noa early, as demand is extreme during CMA Fest weekend, and staying in East Nashville puts you in the midst of all of it without any of the downtown chaos.

Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, Manchester, TN (~1-hr drive from Noa, $$$$)

From June 11–14, 2026, 150+ performances, including comedy, cinema, and sustainability workshops take place. Stay at Noa, drive to Manchester for a day or two, and return to the luxury of Five Points each night.

Nashville Pride Festival & Parade, Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park (~15-min drive, FREE–$$)

Nashville's annual celebration recognizing the LGBTQ+ community features live performances, vendors, food trucks, and the Pride Parade, which winds through downtown Nashville. This is one of the city's largest and most vibrant annual gatherings, and if you’re a RuPaul’s Drag Race OG, you won’t want to miss it.

July

Music City Hot Chicken Festival, East Park (~10-min walk from Noa, FREE–$$)

Part of Nashville's iconic Fourth of July celebration featuring one of its most famous dishes. Enjoy hot chicken from the city's best establishments, cold beer, live music, and a cooking competition. There’s chicken. And then there’s chicken done right.

August

Tomato Art Fest, Five Points (Steps from Noa, FREE–$ for select ticketed events)

Taking place August 7–8, 2026, the Tomato Art Fest is voted one of Nashville Scene's Best Festivals for 19 consecutive years. Wander between two live music stages as well as 225+ local vendors and a tomato art gallery. There are parades, costume contests, a Bloody Mary Garden Party, and the Beautiful Tomato pageant. This is the most joyfully distinctive festival in East Nashville's calendar.

Pro tip: It’s cashless, so plan for digital payment.

September

Cheekwood Harvest, Cheekwood Botanical Garden (~20-min drive, $$)

From September–October 2026 (dates to be confirmed), this fall festival continues after dusk with Harvest NIGHTS on Thursdays, pumpkin painting, and salsa night.

Fall Ball, Y'all, Nashville Farmers Market (~12-min drive, FREE)

In late September, the Nashville Farmers Market's autumn harvest party features live bluegrass, a pumpkin patch, vendor specials, and fall produce; a perfect low-key Saturday morning outing.

October

Nashville Oktoberfest, Germantown  (~12-min drive from Noa, FREE–$$) 

Happening from October 1 to 4, 2026 (exact dates TBC), this is where sausages, brats, schnitzel, strudel, and funnel cakes are nothing without a refreshing beer accompaniment. Stay for the 5K Bier Run, Dachshund Derby, and stein-holding competitions!

Tennessee Craft Fair (Fall), Centennial Park (~15-min drive, $)

Scheduled for October 10–12, 2026 (dates TBC), at this beloved fair, you can shop for fine crafts such as jewelry, clay, leather, wood, glass, and paintings from hundreds of Tennessee artists. Treat yourself to a beautiful fall weekend outing.

Southern Festival of Books, Bicentennial Capitol Mall, Tennessee State Museum (~15-min drive, FREE)

This is among the oldest literary festivals in the country, welcoming hundreds of authors and thousands of visitors to downtown Nashville annually. The festival (dates TBC) includes performance stages, food trucks, publishers, and booksellers.

November

CMA Awards, Bridgestone Arena (~15-min drive, $$$–$$$$)

In November 2026 (dates TBC), you can’t miss country music's biggest night! The Bridgestone Arena rolls out the red carpet for one of Nashville's most electric annual events.

Cheekwood Holiday LIGHTS, Cheekwood Botanical Garden (~20-min drive, $$) Through November and December 2026, Cheekwood's estate transforms into a glittering holiday light display. Another one of Nashville's most beloved seasonal traditions.

December

Cheekwood Holiday LIGHTS continues through the month.

Jack Daniel's New Year's Eve Live / Nashville's Big Bash, Lower Broadway (~15-min drive, FREE–$$) 

At Nashville's legendary New Year's Eve celebration, you’ll dance to live music across multiple stages and participate in the midnight countdown. Go all-in on sending out the old year and ushering in 2027.

Making Your Festival Getaway the Ultimate East Nashville Vacation

Whether you're planning a trip around a specific festival weekend, a winter getaway, or a stretch of beautiful Tennessee summer weather, there are countless reasons to make East Nashville your target destination. Plan ahead for popular ticketed events and prepare for all the unforgettable moments.

With a full year of festivals, cultural events, culinary celebrations, and neighborhood traditions stretching from January 1st through New Year's Eve, there is no wrong time to travel to East Nashville and stay with us at Noa.

Our stylish boutique resort is like no other, offering something no hotel can: the luxury of an elegant home base nestled within a lush, breathtaking property. Skip the check-in lines, busy corridors, and cookie-cutter guestrooms. This is what defines a genuine retreat, tailored to transform a festival weekend into memories of a lifetime.

A recent guest says, “Beautiful place to stay. Very close to many restaurants in East Nashville. Just a short Uber ride away from downtown Nashville. The sauna and ice plunge were great, and the hosts were incredibly responsive and helpful. Five stars.”

Discover Noa Nashville. Search our availability and book your eventful stay today.

(615) 258-7699

info@noanashville.com

© 2026 noa nashville. All rights reserved.

(615) 258-7699

info@noanashville.com

© 2026 noa nashville. All rights reserved.

(615) 258-7699

info@noanashville.com

© 2025 Richland Building Partners.
All rights reserved.