September has become festival month in Nashville, Tennessee. Highlights include AmericanaFest, The Nashville Film Fest, the Pilgrimage Festival and now the popular Nashville Dance Fest which held the "Volume 3" of their undertaking from September 05 through 07, 2025, in and around the legendary Nashville Palace (2611 McGavock Pike). This venue in the heart of Music Valley was an ideal location as there are plenty of hotels including the upscale Gaylord Resort, restaurants, a mall and even a Cat Cafe (The Catio) nearby for all the folks who came in from out of town to enjoy in addition to dancing.

The Nashville Dance Fest was a blast in the Music Valley.

The Nashville Dance Fest a multi-day celebration of movement, music and community was filled with all-level instructions, dance workshops from nationally renowned teachers, open & pro competitions, a vendor village and lounge zones throughout the 90,000 sq ft outdoor space. Inside the Nashville Palace was the main floor where the contests took place.

On Saturday, we were impressed by the many complex well-coordinated routines in the Honky Tonk Showdown, Slotted Swing Strictly and Country Swing Strictly categories with the winners walking away with cash prizes. In addition to dance there was plenty of live music presented by Erin Kinsey, Kaleb Sanders, Sheyna Gee, Chase McDaniel, Teddy Robb, Myles Erlick, Annie Bosko and Justin Holmes over the course of the three days.

Partner pair-ups; Myles Erlick and band; and Tat's Corner reading room in Nashville.

In between events, and similar to our roller skating days - the space was cleared for open dancing where several hundred participants took to the floor in what was a truly impressive display that explained why so many folks and observers were gathered around the perimiter waiting for a chance to strut their own stuff to the appropriate music coming from the Nashville Palace's quality speaker system.

Adding to the fun vibe of this gathering were themes. On Saturday, it was Stars and Spurs and quite a few folks were sporting the stars & stripes paired with cowboy boots. Although country was well represented there were plenty of other musical styles, too. Throughout the event were classes for every level along with floors to dance upon. Those who were showing off their steps were all smiles and even those who were taking this Fest more seriously appeared joyously happy to be doing their thing in the Music Valley.

Scenes from the Nashville Dance Fest at the Nashville Palace.

Per their website you don't need a partner - (or any experience!) - to come learn everything from line dancing to partner dancing. Nashville Dance Fest is the perfect place for all country music lovers and more. As we took in all the action, we noticed a number of unique vendors including a lending library and another stall that encouraged people to share how dance has healed their lives.

Now in its third year, this singular three-day indoor/outdoor festival has become a top destination for country and swing dancers coming from across 48 U.S. states and seven countries. The Nashville Dance Fest represents more than just a weekend getaway — it's a thriving community celebration! So, start making plans now to attend in 2026.

More scenes from the Nashville Dance Fest at the Nashville Palace.

Related Links: For more information on the NASHVILLE DANCE FEST and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - Nashville Dance Fest | Nashville Palace