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, Pinewood Social is serving up BBQ with live music and lawn games, the Adventure Science Center is a great place to bring the kids, and check out these rooftop celebrations that still have tickets: COA, The Hampton Social, and the WET Deck at W Nashville.
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, check out this roundup!
🚶 Take a Tour of Nashville
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.
- The Nashville Historical Foundation has partnered with local historians to create a variety of themed walking, driving, and virtual tours. Learn more about Nashville’s Civil Rights sit-ins, LGBTQ+ history, and our Indigenous peoples and archaeology.
- 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 Ryman Auditorium tour or RCA Studio B tour.
- Take an e-bike or a foodie tour.
🎲 Play Some Board Games
It’s hot! To escape the summer heat, why not head inside and play some board games with friends? Game Point Café at Bongo East is the place to go, with heaps of games to choose from. Gramps Garage Bar (also in East) has lots of games, plus a massive craft station with friendship bracelet supplies. Game among greenery at Honeytree Meadery, or among cats at Crossroads Cat Café on Buchanan. Eat Bubbles inside L&L Market, Jackalope Brewing Co., and Stoke Haus also have board games stocked.
🚸 Summer Family Fun
Kids are back to school in August. Here are some ideas for enjoying the last full month of summer break:
- 🦕 Last call for visiting the Nashville Zoo’s DinoTrek, which closes on July 26. If you go on a Saturday, kids can get some water play in at the zoo’s Summer Splash parties in the big field. Dinosaur Adventure is stomping into The Fairgrounds Nashville on July 11-12, and the Adventure Science Center just welcomed a giant T. Rex to complete its Fossils Frontier exhibit. Here are some more ideas for dino-loving kids!
- 🎭 TPAC’s Family Day 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: Metro Parks Theater Academy, Keeton Kids, and Nashville Repertory Theatre.
- 🚗 For vehicle kids, the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire is coming to Bridgestone Arena for three nights this month. And don’t sleep on the Lane Motor Museum!
- 🎨 More ideas: Take kids to the Frist Arts Fest on July 12, the “I Survived” historic celebration at Parnassus Books on July 17, and always keep an eye on the Nashville Public Library events page.
