The heart and soul of Nashville's outdoor music and festival scene is also a great place to hang out and watch the Cumberland River flow by.

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.