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City Cast Nashville

Find the best that Nashville has to offer.

Margaret Kingsbury

Whitney Pastorek

Marie Cecile Anderson

  Rachel Iacovone

August is coming in hot here in Nashville, with epic '90s parties, some of our favorite local festivals, and even romance. Here are some must-see events to check out this month, brought to you by the entire City Cast Nashville team.

This month, Brooklyn Bowl is hosting two nostalgic events: 

Club '90s Presents: Michael Jackson Night

 are also combining forces at FirstBank Amphitheater. Cannery Hall is throwing it back on Aug. 22 for 

, a '90s and early 2000s dance rave. That same night, you don’t want to miss 

 at The Basement East. Not in the mood(ring) to dance? Check out this 

 at Sonny’s in Germantown. Grab your slap bracelet and windbreaker and head out on the town!

, East Nashville’s celebration of the most vegetable fruit, takes over Five Points on Aug. 7-8 with vendors, bands, and Bloody Marys. Don’t miss the 

, who just made their Bonnaroo debut. And there’s still time to enter the 

! Meanwhile, there may be a few tix remaining for “

East Nashville Facebook Page: The Musical

,” a now-annual tradition playing at Eastside Bowl on Aug. 6-7. Check out 

 with director Emma Supica to learn more.

“Love looks not with the eyes but with the mind,” or both, if you find yourself seated at the Centennial Park Bandshell later this month. The annual 

 kicks off its rendition of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” on Aug. 20, and runs every weekend until Sept. 20. The pay-what-you-will performances include related lectures and a concert beforehand. Don’t forget a blanket or lawn chair, and while you’re welcome to bring a picnic, there will be plenty of food trucks. We’re a proud media sponsor of this year’s festival.

Raise a glass to two of our best local breweries this month: 

 are both celebrating anniversaries! ENBW kicks things off on Aug. 1 with 

, live music, Beer Olympics, and five new beer releases. On Aug. 29, Fat Bottom turns 14, and they’re throwing 

 at their taproom in The Nations. They’ll have adoptable dogs, flash tattoos, and even a limited-edition bottomless beer cup, while supplies last.

 on Aug. 15! The Bookshop will have stickers, totes, and deals, while Parnassus is planning bracelet stations, bouquet bars, and blind dates with a book. If you’re looking for a date that’s a little more tangible than a book, Birdie’s at Lost & Found is hosting a 

 where your friends pitch you to a room full of singles. Or audition for “Love Is Blind,” which is 

More August Activities

Here are some must-see events to check out this August in Nashville, from partying like its 1999 to our fave festivals.

The Best Events & Activities in Nashville for August 2026

Your Guide to Nashville in August 2026

Find the best of everything that Nashville has to offer.

Nashville’s Best

Nashville's Best

It’s hot, it’s sticky, it’s a Tennessee summer, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a great July! Here are some of the best happenings this month, from indoor board game fun to exploring Nashville’s history.

🎆 Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday

Nashville is going all out for America’s 250th birthday, with two full days of fireworks, activities, and live music. It’s going to be the 

largest fireworks and drone show in Nashville history

. The lineup includes Boyz II Men, The All-American Rejects, NE-YO, Nick Jonas, and Sublime, which makes for some interesting musical combos.

If you’d like to watch the downtown fireworks without fighting crowds, 

 is serving up BBQ with live music and lawn games, the 

 is a great place to bring the kids, and check out these rooftop celebrations that still have tickets: 

For free options, try St. Thomas Midtown garage rooftops, Skyline Medical Center or the Walmart across the street, East Park, and Douglas Park.

Or you can stay home and watch the fireworks on ABC, or stream it on Hulu or Disney+. For Fourth of July fireworks in surrounding areas, 

While we’re celebrating America’s birthday, why not learn more about Nashville’s history? Here are some fun (and fascinating) tours of our city that locals will enjoy.

 has partnered with local historians to create a variety of themed walking, driving, and virtual tours. Learn more about Nashville’s 

Jefferson Street Historical Society’s Summer Strolls

 take folks on a two-mile walk to explore this iconic street’s cultural history. Keep an eye on the society’s event page for upcoming tours.

Learn more about Nashville’s music history with a 

It’s hot! To escape the summer heat, why not head inside and play some board games with friends? 

 at Bongo East is the place to go, with heaps of games to choose from. 

 (also in East) has lots of games, plus a massive craft station with friendship bracelet supplies. Game among greenery at 

Kids are back to school in August. Here are some ideas for enjoying the last full month of summer break:

, which closes on July 26. If you go on a Saturday, kids can get some water play in at the zoo’s 

 is stomping into The Fairgrounds Nashville on July 11-12, and the Adventure Science Center just 

 to complete its Fossils Frontier exhibit. Here are some 

 on July 25 centers “The Wizard of Oz,” with live performances, snacks, and activities. And check out these theater camps and classes that still have openings in July: 

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire

 is coming to Bridgestone Arena for three nights this month. And don’t sleep on the 

 at Parnassus Books on July 17, and always keep an eye on the 

☀️ More July Activities

From Fourth of July parties to board game cafes, here are the best things to do this month in Nashville.

The Best Events and Activities in Nashville for July 2026

Your Guide to Nashville in July 2026

This year, Nashville is celebrating America’s 250th birthday with a 

. If you’re looking to celebrate the Fourth of July but don’t want to fight the downtown crowds, here are nine celebrations within an hour of Nashville. Make sure to pack picnic blankets or chairs.

Festivities run from 5-10 p.m., and include food trucks, family fun, live music, vendors, and more. This is Sumner County’s largest fireworks display.

Goodlettsville’s Independence Day Celebration

Goodlettsville also celebrates on July 3. Food vendors include Texas BBQ House, Bob’s Fish Fry, and Nashbowls Acai, with the party starting at 4 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m. Kids won’t want to miss the Fireman’s Foam at 5 p.m.

Nashville has more than one fireworks display. Head to Mill Ridge Park on July 3 for music, food trucks, and fireworks. Festivities begin at 7 p.m., and there’s overflow parking across the street at Cane Ridge High School.

Okay, this might be a smidge over an hour, but don’t you want to check out Dolly Parton’s new gas station in Pulaski? As part of its grand opening, the travel stop is throwing an Independence Day celebration on July 3, featuring a cornhole tournament, inflatables for kids, and food trucks.

Rubiks Groove is headlining Fairview’s Independence Day party on July 3, with festivities beginning at 2 p.m., and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. There will be lots of food trucks, kid activities, music, and giveaways.

Franklin’s Fourth of July celebration starts at 9 a.m. with a reading of the Declaration of Independence at Veterans Park. After that, head downtown for a patriotic pet parade, ice cream-eating contest, vintage car show, and more.

The Downtown Band will be headlining at Brentwood’s Fourth of July celebration, which starts at 5 p.m., with fireworks at 9 p.m. Drum and fife performers in Revolutionary War garb will perform first, and there will also be face painting and balloon animals for kids. Plus, Crockett Park has a really great playground.

Pegram’s 50th Annual Independence Day Celebration

This is one of my favorite nearby Fourth of July celebrations. It starts early in the morning with a pancake breakfast, followed by a parade, BBQ lunch, pickleball tournament, and watermelon-eating contest. Kids can enjoy bouncy houses, face painting, and two playgrounds. Fireworks are at 9:30 p.m.

Enjoy live music from Zone Status, food vendors like Kiwi Scoops and Ako’s, and family fun at La Vergne’s July Fourth fireworks festival. It starts at 6 p.m.

Fourth of July

🎆 How are you celebrating Independence Day?

Want to see fireworks without going downtown? Here are nine other Independence Day celebrations in the Nashville area.

Fourth of July Firework Celebrations in Middle Tennessee

The Best Fourth of July Celebrations in the Nashville Area

 kicks off today, June 11, and runs until July 19. Here are some of the best places to watch World Cup games in Nashville, from epic kick-off parties to rooftop bars.

Plaza Mariachi is encouraging everyone to bring their flags and wear jerseys to its epic 

 today, from 1:30 p.m. to midnight. There will be huge LED screens inside and outside, plus food trucks and special drink offerings. Plaza Mariachi is hosting a 

Join Nashville SC for free watch parties for the U.S. Men’s National Team’s group stage games on June 12, June 19, and June 25. You’ll find fan activities, food, drinks, and a live showing of the USA’s matches on the World Stage. June 19’s party will be at Centennial Park, so folks can head over to the 

 afterward. The other two matches will be at GEODIS Park’s Publix Plaza.

Both ENBW locations have watch parties for the U.S. game on June 12, starting at 8 p.m. Grab a pint and some snacks, and get there early to 

hang out with the City Cast Nashville team

Cheer on teams at Chapstick in East Nashville with the 

 on June 12. Chapstick will host watch parties for every World Cup game on the big screen, with sound.

On June 12, Brooklyn Bowl is hosting a free viewing party with drink and food specials. The game will be on 13 screens with full concert sound.

Head to The Nations to watch games from hundreds of TVs with sound on, while enjoying drink specials and shareable plates. There will also be giveaways! They’re expecting a 

, so get there early, and bring lawn chairs and blankets.

 at Music Row’s TailGate Brewery to watch every single World Cup game. I’ve heard TailGate’s new 

Downtown Nashville’s British premier soccer pub features a rooftop bar, lawn bowling, and a full restaurant, and will be showing all the World Cup games. If you want guaranteed pub space, 

, though the rooftop is first-come, first-served.

⚽ Nashville’s rich soccer history

Here are some of the best places to watch World Cup games in Nashville, from epic kick-off parties to rooftop bars.

Where To Watch the World Cup in Nashville

The Best World Cup Watch Parties in Nashville

June is possibly the busiest month in Nashville. There’s SO MUCH going on, from music festivals to movie ticket deals. Before you head outside for all these community celebrations and events, make sure you know 

Starting this Friday, June 5, the City Cast Nashville team will be holding 

 at East Nashville Beer Works. Come hang out with us while we work from 2-5 p.m. every Friday until Aug. 7. We’d love to see you! And if you become a 

Nashville has lots of ways to celebrate Freedom Day around town.

Head to Buchanan Street on June 13 for The Equity Alliance’s 

Feast at these Black-owned restaurants for 

4th Annual Music City Juneteenth Freedom Day 5K Run/Walk

 on June 19 will include craft activities, story times, musical guests, and historical speakers.

, is moving to Centennial Park this year. The party runs from 5-9:30 p.m. on June 19.

Keep the celebration going at historic Hadley Park for the 

🎶 Get Your Music on at These Festivals

 takes over the city June 4-7, so it’s time to brace for nightly fireworks. Happily, the festival comes with a healthy slate of free concerts every year. Head down to the Riverfront stage to catch Nashville faves Kaitlin Butts and Molly Tuttle, or hit the Dr Pepper stage at Ascend to throw it back with Melissa Etheridge and Pam Tillis. Save some energy to head down to Manchester the following weekend, where 

 will try to actually happen this year. Our fingers are crossed!

From family-friendly films to “Jaws,” here are the hottest local movie deals this June.

 deal on select dates this summer, where kid-friendly movie tickets are only $1. Or check out their $99 

, which gets you a bowling game, $100 arcade game card, movie ticket, and more.

 tickets for kids’ movies. Who wants to join me at the “K-Pop Demon Hunters Sing-Along Event?”

 promotion gets you discounted tickets to kids’ movies on Mondays and Wednesdays starting June 22.

Or head outside for free outdoor movie events at 

Father’s Day is Sunday, June 21. Here are some ideas for celebrating him this month.

Find the perfect gift at CoolSpring Galleria’s 

Does the dad in your life like cars? Cheekwood’s 

Exposition of Elegance: Classic Cars & Motorcycles

, where dads get in free on Father’s Day.

Toast Dad on the Cumberland River aboard a 

15th Annual Jazz on the Cumberland Concert Series

☀️ More June Activities

June is one of the busiest month's in Nashville. Here's your guide to all the fun stuff to do, from music festivals to Juneteenth celebrations.

Your Guide to Nashville in June 2026

Wondering what to read this spring and summer? Here are the newest book releases by Nashville authors, from local activity guides to weedy gardens.

This delightfully weird gothic novel reexamining the biblical figure through a modern feminist lens releases today! Celebrate with the author 

” by Rev. James Lawson Jr. & Emily Yellin

Before his death in 2024, Rev. James Lawson — a central player in 

 — collaborated on this memoir with journalist Emily Yellin. If you’ve been meaning to learn more about this pivotal figure in U.S. history, now’s the time. Also check out “

,” about Vanderbilt University’s decision to expel Lawson.

Looking for local summer adventure ideas? Check out this updated “Moon Tennessee” travel guide written by our very own City Cast Nashville contributor, Margaret Littman! From whitewater rafting to distillery tours, she’s got you covered.

” by Andrew Ho, Andrew Samia, & Sean Wen

If you can’t get enough of Curry Boys BBQ, then this cookbook is for you. The three chefs behind the popular Texas BBQ plus Thai curry chain are revealing their secrets in this photo-rich cookbook.

Retired Mt. Juliet astronaut Barry Wilmore shares his experiences as a NASA astronaut stranded aboard the International Space Station for nearly a year, and how his relationship with God helped him become who he is today. While you wait for the book to arrive, listen to 

Local music journalist Erin Osmon delves into the origins of heartland rock and its influence on musicians in the 1980s. From “American Girl” to “Born in the U.S.A.,” Osmon argues these rock classics played a vital role in opposing ’80s conservatism.

Follow college student Suzannah in the summer of 1969 when an illicit trip to Woodstock transforms her life. This is local author Lisa Patton’s fifth novel.

 account when she was just 13, and now she’s turned her Taylor Swift love into a book! “The Story of Us” celebrates the Swiftie fandom, from unexpected friendships to Ticketmaster drama.

How are the menfolk doing? That’s the central question in this sociological examination of what it means to be a man in America today through a deep dive into the lives of four men, and why so many people ask, “What’s wrong with men?”

Middle school and adult D&D gamers alike will enjoy this graphic novel series about anthropomorphized dogs enjoying their favorite tabletop game. This is the second book in the series; read “

Acclaimed local naturalist Margaret Renkl makes her children’s lit debut in this beautifully illustrated picture book about observing all the wondrous critters in a backyard garden. Adults can read this to the kiddos in their life, then listen to our episode with Margaret about 

Nashville-based author Rebecca Rose Mooradian bases this lyrical picture book on her great-grandmother’s escape from the Armenian Genocide in the early 1900s. Follow Dzovinar as she flees her home, makes her way to France, then finally settles in the United States.

📚 Nashville’s Best Indie Bookstores

Here are the newest book releases by Nashville authors, from local activity guides to weedy gardens.

New Books by Nashville Authors in 2026

The Best New Books by Nashville Authors in 2026

Amelia Edelman

Feeling stressed? I mean, aren’t we all. If you’re looking for a relaxation hack that goes well beyond a basic massage, Nashville’s got you covered. The city’s wellness scene does 

 shy away from the strange when it comes to spa treatments that alchemize, scrub, and just plain pour oil on your face. Here are some of Nashville’s most delightfully weird spa experiences worth booking.

Welp, I haven’t liked anything AI has done yet — but if anything might change my mind, it’s 

 on the west side. Their Aescape system uses AI and robotic arms to deliver a customized, full-body massage. Its 3D body scan maps your muscles, and you control everything (pressure, focus areas) via touchscreen — no small talk required. The future is now?!

What, you’ve never dreamed of climbing into a dark, silent tank filled with saltwater? Don’t knock it ‘til you try it. The goal of a float tank is to reduce sensory input, which can help with relaxation, sleep, and mental clarity. 

 at Float Nashville and take a tip from Modest Mouse: We’ll all float on.

 in East Nashville, olive oil is the star of the show — you can get it custom-blended for any massage. But the weirdest (and most fun) option here is the DIY mud lounge, where you literally smear herbal mud on your body, let it dry, and then scrub it off. It’s messy, good for your skin, and definitely reminded me of summer camp 1992 (apologies to those counselors).

Beware: Once you’ve experienced the scalp consultation at Germantown’s chic Poppy & Monroe, 

 next. During the consult, you’ll view your scalp under a microscope (terrifying!), flakes and all. Then, after the treatment — deep cleansing, exfoliation, and massage — you’ll get to see the “after” shot, where your scalp is fresh and clean and smooth as a baby’s butt.

At The Lotus Room over in Hillsboro Village, 

 is the spa’s strangest, most otherworldly treatment. Rooted in Ayurveda, it involves a steady stream of warm herbal oil poured across your forehead — the “third eye” area. The sensation is absurdly calming, supports circulation to the brain, and eases you into a meditative, blissed-out state.

If you’re stumped on where to start on your strange self-care journey, you can’t go wrong with just about any service at Sylvan Park’s 

, which offers “skin alchemy, nail divinity, and lash enchantments.” Sure, the treatments sound a little weird, but that’s exactly why they’re worth trying. Worst case? You get a great story. Best case? You accidentally fix your stress / heal the world / who knows. 

Studio Strange

💆 Even More Local Spa Options

Here are some of Nashville’s most delightfully weird spa experiences worth booking.

The Best Weird Spa Treatments in Nashville

Nashville’s Best Weird Spa Treatments

May is one of my favorite months of the year in Nashville. Whether you’re looking for ways to celebrate the moms in your life or local festivals, here are some of the best things to do this month.

Mother’s Day is May 10. My biggest suggestion every Mother’s Day is to know your mom! Not every mom wants cut flowers and 

. Bookish moms like me might like to check out Brentwood’s newest indie, 

, which is a cozy bookstore and bar. I like to pick out gifts and plants with my mom at 

 in Kingston Springs. Here are some more ideas:

! Tickets can be pricey here, so that’s a great deal.

Here’s your guide to all the fun stuff happening in Nashville in May, from ways to celebrate Mother’s Day to must-see concerts.

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Your Guide to Nashville in July 2026

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