Ascend Amphitheater Celebrates 2026 Kick Off

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Pictured (L-R): Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell, Metro Parks Director Monique Horton Odom, Executive Chairman of Ryman Hospitality Properties Colin Reed and CEO of Ascend Federal Credit Union Matt Jernigan

Representatives from Opry Entertainment Group, Ascend Federal Credit Union and Metro Nashville Government joined Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell on Friday (May 1) to kick off the 2026 Ascend Federal Credit Union Amphitheater season before the venue’s inaugural show under its new OEG’s 10-year management contract.

The event brought the unveiling of a new bridge connector for the Riverfront Park Greenway, which runs alongside the amphitheater. The $1 million investment, funded as part of OEG’s more than $12 million capital improvement pledge, will allow access to a stretch of the greenway that was previously closed to the public.

“We’ve long dreamed of activating the riverfront instead of just driving over it,” says Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell. “We’re taking a big step forward here today. One of the best settings for a live music venue anywhere is now even better, thanks to new operator Opry Entertainment, and the beautiful greenway connection which will allow continuous access to a key stretch that was previously closed to the public.”

“Ascend Federal Credit Union Amphitheater is a crown jewel asset for the Nashville community that will soon be regarded as one of the best outdoor music venues in the country,” adds Colin Reed, Executive Chairman of Ryman Hospitality Properties. “As longtime caretakers of some of the world’s most beloved music venues, we will steward this facility in the same manner as our owned assets, with the guest and artist experience guiding every decision we make. Every improvement made to prepare for the season, including this important greenway connector, was designed with fans, artists and the community in mind.”

Additional venue enhancements include new permanent seats complete with the installation of new artificial turf, enhanced VIP boxes with new furniture, dedicated servers, elevated food menus and elevated drink offerings, a redesigned and enhanced VIP lounge, new artist friends and family viewing decks and newly remodeled artist dressing rooms, the all-new “Gearstand” fan zone, where ticket holders can purchase merchandise and buy or rent lawn chairs and blankets, the all-new “Tennessee Tailgate,” where ticketholders can enjoy picnic tables and lawn games before or during shows, three refurbished concessions stands with brand new kitchen equipment to provide enhanced menu options, new bar kiosks throughout the venue, and new retail items including a limited edition Ascend Federal Credit Union Amphitheater poster.

OEG plans to hold up to 35 concert events annually at Ascend Amphitheater with a portion of each ticket sold benefiting Nashville Parks Foundation.

Ascend Amphitheater 2026 Schedule:
Russell Dickerson – Friday, May 8
An Evening with David Byrne – Saturday, May 9
Yellowcard – Monday, June 8
Charlie Puth – Tuesday, June 9
Yacht Rock Symphony in Concert – Tuesday, June 23
Young The Giant – Saturday, June 27
Lindsey Stirling – Wednesday, July 22
Turnpike Troubadors – Friday, July 24
Zeds Dead – Saturday, July 25
The Pussycat Dolls – Wednesday, July 29
Hilary Duff – Thursday, July 30
Train – Friday, July 31
Bob Dylan – Saturday, August 1
Tape B x Levity – Saturday, August 8
Jack Johnson – Tuesday, August 25
Bert Kreischer – Saturday, September 12
Shaboozey – Friday, September 18
Dermot Kennedy – Sunday, October 11

Madison Hahnen
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