Rites of Spring
- Dates
- Expected April 2027
- Status
- Expected
- Venue
- Alumni Lawn, Vanderbilt University
- Price
- $35 to $45
- Camping
- None on site
- Last checked
- Oct 20, 2026
The last Rites of Spring was April 18, 2026, in Nashville, TN. Its 2027 dates haven't been announced yet. Froligo tracks ticket prices, attendee feedback and travel details.
The experience
What's special
Rites of Spring is Vanderbilt University's music festival, held on Alumni Lawn in Nashville, Tennessee, and first held in 1971 during a period of open-campus outreach to the Nashville community. It is organized as a committee of the Vanderbilt Programming Board, so students plan and run it. The 2026 edition was held on Saturday 18 April 2026.
How it works
The 2026 festival took place on Saturday 18 April 2026 on Alumni Lawn. Blankets were allowed, along with one clear plastic bag per person no larger than 12 by 6 by 12 inches or a one-gallon clear resealable bag. Backpacks, other bags, chairs, umbrellas, outside food and drinks other than factory-sealed water bottles, glass containers, professional photography equipment and pets were not allowed. Beer was sold by a designated vendor, with ID checked and a limit of three beers per attendee, and free bottled water was provided. Organizers encouraged Lyft or Uber because of heavy construction in the area.
Who it suits
Aimed at Vanderbilt students, alumni and the wider Nashville community, as a festival built to bring campus and city together through live music.
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Listen
No official playlist linked yet. Find Rites of Spring on Spotify.
Lineup
Getting there
Nearest airport BNA.
How do I get to Rites of Spring?
By car
Most people drive to Rites of Spring. The nearest major airport is BNA, and from there it is a straightforward drive to the venue. Check current road and traffic conditions before you set off, and see parking below.
By train
No direct passenger rail to the venue was found. Drive, fly in, or use a shuttle instead.
By bus & public transit
From BNA, Route 18 runs to the Elizabeth Duff Transit Center at WeGo Central downtown; transfer there to Route 3 (West End), which runs the length of West End Ave along the northern edge of Vanderbilt's campus with a stop at 21st Ave & West End, a short walk to Alumni Lawn. Vanderbilt students ride WeGo local buses free via the QuickTicket by WeGo app; the general public pays standard fare.
Book / infoTaxi & rideshare
The festival's own official festival-information page explicitly recommends this mode over parking: "We highly recommend using Lyft or Uber for transportation due to significant construction in the area."
Book / infoTaxis and rideshare such as Uber and Lyft can be limited near the venue, especially late at night or in rural areas. Agree a pickup point and time in advance and keep a backup plan.
Affiliate Flying in? You can book an airport transfer from BNA in advance rather than joining the taxi queue on arrival. Transfer links may earn Froligo a commission; they never change the price you pay.
🅿 Parking
No on site parking. Use nearby lots or transit.
🚙 Car hire
Compare car hire at BNA
There is no on site parking at the venue, so if you are hiring a car it is worth sorting nearby parking or a park and ride before you go.
Search car hireCar hire links may earn Froligo a commission; they never change the price you pay.
Where
Map shows the center of Nashville. The venue's exact point is not confirmed yet.
Venue
Alumni Lawn, Vanderbilt University
Camping & Accommodation
Where can I stay near Rites of Spring?
No on site camping. Here is where to stay nearby.
Budget stays 1
1919 Elliston Pl, Nashville, TN 37203
Typically $70-130 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates
Check ratesMid-range hotels 3
1919 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
Typically $120-220 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates
Check rates1800 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
Typically $120-220 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates
Check rates1810 Church St, Nashville, TN 37203
Typically $120-220 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates
Check ratesTreat yourself 1
2100 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
Typically $170-300 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates
Check ratesAirport hotels 2
1 International Plaza, Nashville, TN 37217
Typically $100-190 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates
Check rates590 Donelson Pike, Nashville, TN 37214
Typically $100-190 a night off-peak guide, higher on festival dates
Check ratesAirbnb & private camping
Nashville overall runs a busy, expensive STR market year-round given its concert/bachelorette-trip tourism base independent of this specific event.
Search AirbnbNot a practical fit for this event. Alumni Lawn is deep in Vanderbilt's dense midtown campus with no camping-relevant Hipcamp listings within the walkable/rideshare urban core; the nearest Hipcamp private-land camping sits well outside city limits and would require a car for a one-day event most attendees treat as a same-day or single-overnight trip.
Search HipcampSearch all hotels near Alumni Lawn, Vanderbilt University
Hotel links may earn Froligo a commission; they never change the price you pay.
Accessibility & comfort
The organizer does not publish accessibility details. Ask them directly before you travel about step-free access, accessible toilets, seating and anything else you need.
Pricing
Price history and tiers
While you're in Nashville
AffiliateTiqets sells timed entry to Nashville's museums, towers and tours, booked on your phone, worth a look if you have a spare day either side of the festival.
Browse Nashville attractionsWe may earn a commission if you book a ticket. It costs you nothing extra and never changes what we tell you about a festival.
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Quick answers
When is Rites of Spring 2027?
Not announced yet. The last festival was April 18, 2026. The next one is expected in April.
How much are Rites of Spring tickets?
$35 to $45 per person is the most recent price the organizer published. The next edition's prices will be confirmed when tickets go on sale.
Where is Rites of Spring held?
Alumni Lawn, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN.