August is the last sweltering month of the year, so if you aren’t enjoying this heat, you’re almost in the clear! But if you still have some summer activities on your bucket list, now’s your last chance. Lots of big events happen in August, from festivals to the first day of school. Here’s our guide to Nashville in August.
🎡 Tour Local Fairs
You could easily go to one fair every week for the entire month. Before you head out, check the fair’s website to see which days have special promotions. Fairs can get expensive fast, so save money where you can!
Here’s a weekly guide to local fairs:
- Cheatham County Fair | July 31-Aug. 3 | Ashland City Fairgrounds. Tips: This is one of the few fairs that doesn’t charge extra for rides.
- Williamson County Fair | Aug. 2-10 | Williamson County Agricultural EXPO Park. Tips: Parking and shows are free with admission. Closed-toed shoes are required for rides.
- Tennessee State Fair | Aug. 15-24 | James E. Ward Agricultural Center in Lebanon. Tips: It’s cheaper to buy online tickets, but you have to do it before Aug. 15. Opening day is the least expensive.
- Dickson County Fair | Aug. 29-Sept. 2 | Dickson County Fairgrounds. Tips: Every year has lots of monster trucks and livestock shows.
🍅 Tomato Art Fest, Aug. 9-10
This is possibly Nashville’s quirkiest festival. It takes over East Nashville’s Five Points with tomato-themed art, music, culinary delights, and even a parade! This free event welcomes all, and has been a Nashville staple for 21 years. Wear a costume (or not), and come have some fun.
Here are some other food festivals to check out this month.
🎥 Let’s Go to the Movies
- CatVideoFest 2024 | Aug. 2-8 | The Belcourt | $15.50. Apurrable cat videos! Proceeds go to the Nashville Cat Rescue, whose Catmobile will be on site Saturday and Sunday.
- Defy Film Festival | Aug. 16-17 | Studio 615 | $30+. This nonprofit film festival celebrates underground cinema.
- 48 Hour Film Project | Aug. 16-18 | Vu Studios | $178. Teams have 48 hours to make an entire film!
- For outdoor movie experiences, NightLight is showing “Crazy Stupid Love” (Aug. 8) and “School of Rock” (Aug. 22).
🏫 Kids Go Back to School
Schools start back this month – the biggest event of the month for my family! Metro Nashville Public Schools begin Aug. 6., and most school districts in surrounding counties begin this month as well. It’s not too late to nab back-to-school supplies (teachers will appreciate it!), and if your kids still need school vaccinations, the Metro Health Department has extended its hours in multiple locations.
If your kid is riding the bus, make sure to check bus stop times and locations. My kid’s bus stop location is different this year. MNPS changed its fall calendar quite a bit, too. Kids now have a whole week off for fall break and Thanksgiving!
🌊 Last Chance for Pool Parties
Many pools, water parks, and splash pads close on Labor Day, so head to the pool this month before it’s too late!
