Whether you want to escape the heat or soak in the rays, Nashville has tons of summer activities for everyone at every age. Here are the City Cast Nashville team’s 18 favorites, from getting soaked at splash pads to finding some yummy food at the Farmers’ Market. And don’t forget to check out our July guide for even more ideas this month.
✅ Try Something New
The Nashville Farmers’ Market is a must in the summer. (John Cardasis / Getty Images)
On the first Friday of every month, the Nashville Black Market takes over the Farmers’ Market on Rosa Parks, bringing dozens of Black-owned vendors, food trucks, DJs, and performers to the space for an event that founder Carlos “Cashville” Partee describes as a “block party meets outdoor mall meets family reunion.”
— Whitney Pastorek
You’ve seen rolled ice cream on the internet, and now it’s time to make it yourself: The Roll Academy hosts classes for around $38 per person. It would make a great date night, or you can bring the family — but participants must be at least 7.
— Grace Fuisz
Metro Animal Care and Control is perpetually full of adorable dogs waiting for their furever homes. If you don’t have space to adopt, or time to foster, you’re sure to have a free weekend afternoon where you could bust a pup out of their cage and take them on a little adventure. Your Insta-worthy photos in the real world could help them find a family!
— Whitney Pastorek
I confess: I’m at my local library branch weekly regardless of the month. But it’s a great place to visit to cool off in the summer months. If you’ve never visited before, every branch has constant events, and most branches have excellent play areas for kids. You can also win prizes by participating in their all-ages summer reading challenge, like tickets to Wave Country and the Parthenon.
— Margaret Kingsbury
The best downtown haunt that everyone forgets about is Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar, tucked away in Printer’s Alley. No mainstream country covers here: the bands play some of the best blues, gospel, and soul north of NOLA. Grab a table in the moody main room — it’s always festooned for Mardi Gras — order an Abita and some etoufee ($15 for a bowl), and laissez les bons temps rouler.
— Whitney Pastorek
🎭 See A Show!
I love it when I go to see a movie and it’s empty like this. (kevinjeon00 / Getty Images)
Go to the Movies (Cheaply)
Now through August 7 Regal Summer Movie Express offers $1 family movies on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 11 a.m. We plan to go see "Paw Patrol: The Mighty Movie" this week. The Roxy in Dickson offers $5 tickets all day every Tuesday. And lots of parks show movies for free in the summer! I add them frequently to our events list.
— Margaret Kingsbury
Boyz II Men will be performing in Nashville on Friday, August 2, at the Ascend Amphitheater, with special guest Robin Thicke. The tour will feature Boyz II Men performing their classic hits and songs from their latest album. $63+
— Marie Cecile Anderson
Come watch your favorite monster trucks do what monster trucks do at Bridgestone on August 3 and 4. There will be lasers, dance parties, and Hot Wheels giveaways. Tickets are currently running around $34 for a single day pass. I would recommend bringing ear plugs.
— Grace Fuisz
We’re in the middle of the Studio Ghibli Fest right now, which means dubbed and subtitled versions of your favorite Studio Ghibli films are playing at local theaters. Tickets are standard movie prices, around $15 depending on which theater you choose. “Princess Mononoke” is coming up next July 13-17, followed by “Ponyo” playing August 3-7 and “Whisper of the Heart” on August 25 & 27.
— Grace Fuisz
Bring family, a date, or just yourself for some bluegrass music fun at Percy Warner Park. Definitely bring a chair or blanket, but no need to bring a picnic; there are always several food trucks to choose from. Tickets are $25 and the music starts at 6 p.m.
— Anthony Luciani
🌳 Get Outside!
Creeking is one of the best ways to keep cool outside, though the mosquitos can be fierce. (Margaret Kingsbury / City Cast Nashville)
Creek Hiking
Once the weather gets warm, my daughter and I head to the nearest creek for a hike. While we happen to have a creek that runs through our backyard, there are plenty of great, accessible creeks to explore around the city. Hit up the creek behind the Edwin Warner Park nature center or the lengthy one at Beaman Park.
— Margaret Kingsbury
For a unique time on the water plus excellent views of Downtown, check out the River Queen’s pedal pontoon — basically a floating pedal tavern — on the Cumberland River. Tickets start at $44.
— Anthony Luciani
Higher Pursuits is offering a guided sunset paddle on the Duck River on July 19. This trip begins a couple of hours before sunset, allowing participants to experience the river's transformation as the sun sets and the moon rises. With guides and boat lights provided, participants will enjoy a safe and memorable twilight paddling experience. $75
— Marie Cecile Anderson
Cheekwood hosts special events and exhibits every summer. This year, they invited artist Thomas Dambo to showcase some of his famous wooden troll sculptures. These things are huge, and so very magical! If you're bringing kids, make sure to check out the trains and the children's garden. The sculpture trail also rocks. $20+
— Margaret Kingsbury
This year's Spectrum Social: Sensory Friendly Pool Party will be on July 25 from 6-8 p.m. at Tommy Garrott Aquatics Facility, presented by ABS Kids. Register in advance for this free, private event, which offers a welcoming environment for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families: Lights and sounds will be adjusted for sensory comfort, and lifeguards will even minimize whistle use. — Marie Cecile Anderson
Splash Pads
Splash pads are a summer must for kids. We frequently go to the Kingston Springs splash pad at L.L. Burns Park, though there’s little shade, so it’s best to go in the morning. Brentwood Splash Park charges a small fee, but it’s worth it. Watkins Sprayground is fenced and really cute.
— Margaret Kingsbury
Pack a lunch, head down to the Hamilton Creek Recreation Area, rent a vessel and lifejacket from Nashville Paddle Co. (NPC), and enjoy a glorious float day surrounded by herons and overzealous jet skis. NPC even has SUP (stand-up paddleboard) yoga on the weekends. Boards and kayaks start around $30 for a one-hour rental.
— Whitney Pastorek
Fruit Picking
A lot of farms in and around Nashville let guests pick seasonal fresh fruit, berries, and fresh-cut flowers. Last year, we went to Circle S. Farms, brought home a bucket full of blueberries and blackberries and had a blast. Bring a picnic and enjoy the day!
— Margaret Kingsbury
