| | What Nashville's Talking About |
| | 🏫 It’s Back-to-School Time! | Kids start school tomorrow, August 5! On today’s City Cast Nashville podcast, we’re chatting with Nashville’s Teacher of the Year, Natalie Williams, about what we can expect this coming school year, how schools are dealing with funding changes, and ways parents can help. [🎧 City Cast Nashville] | | 🎵 Proposed Act Provides Tax Relief for Musicians | Senators Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee and Raphael Warnock of Georgia have proposed the bipartisan Creative Relief and Expensing for Audio and Television Enterprises Act to provide tax relief for singers, songwriters, and other entertainers, allowing them to write off production expenses. [The Tennessean] | | 🏗️ Nissan Stadium Construction Vandalized, Again | Racist graffiti has been discovered at the construction site of the new Nissan Stadium, only weeks after a noose was found. An investigation into both is ongoing. [WKRN] | | ‼️ Environmental Concerns Boil Over | Murfreesboro councilmembers voted unanimously to reject a proposed settlement with Middle Point Landfill and instead continue a lawsuit against the facility, arguing that the landfill needs to be held accountable for failing to follow through on previous environmental protection agreements. [NewsChannel 5] | - In Williamson County, cleanup is now complete after the Limestone Water Treatment Plant leaked raw sewage into the Harpeth River. However, state documents reveal the plant has a long history of violations. [NewsChannel 5]
- Antioch residents are concerned about a proposal to build a massive industrial warehouse that would allow 800+ heavy trucks to drive through neighborhood streets daily, worsening air quality and increasing flood risks. [The Tennessean]
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| | Your Guide to Nashville Area Fairs |
|  | Riding flying elephants at The Nashville Fair. (Margaret Kingsbury / City Cast Nashville) |
| August and September are the biggest months for fairs in Tennessee. If you’re feeling nostalgic for funnel cakes, pig races, Ferris wheels, and dubiously maintained fair rides, then here are five of the best fairs in the Nashville area. | | | When: Aug. 7-15 | Where: Williamson County Agricultural EXPO Park, Franklin | Cost: $14 for adults, $7 for kids, free for ages 5 and under, ride wristbands $25-35 | Details: In addition to all the classic fair rides and games, check out the birthing pigs exhibit, come face to face with dragons, enjoy historic reenactments, and stay late for fireworks on Friday and Saturday night. | | | When: Aug. 13-22 | Where: James E. Ward Agricultural Center, Lebanon | Cost: $14+ for adults, $5+ for kids, free for ages 5 and under, ride wristbands $25-30 | Details: This is the largest local fair, and considered one of the best in the country. Prepare yourself for crowds; over 700,000 people attend every year. I recommend taking advantage of their satellite parking and riding a shuttle over (pulled by a tractor!). This year’s theme, “Tennessee Voices and Volunteers Celebrating America 250!,” honors the nation’s 250th anniversary, while the fair also celebrates 2026 as the Year of Forestry. | | | | | When: Sept. 3-7 | Where: Dickson County Fairgrounds | Cost: $25+, includes unlimited ride armband | Details: This small-town favorite features one-of-a-kind rides like the iconic Giant Astro Wheel and the Python Roller Coaster. Head over to the barn for a “Small Town Throwdown” featuring a range of poultry exhibits and an ugly chicken contest. | | | When: Sept. 3-7 | Where: Maury County Park, Columbia | Cost: $15+, kids 12 and under are free, ride armbands $25+ | Details: This year’s theme is “Starry Nights & Midway Lights,” and as the theme suggests, the Midway schedule is booming, with a rodeo, tractor pull, motocross, and more. A livestock show runs alongside the fair. | | | When: Sept. 11-20 | Where: The Fairgrounds Nashville | Cost: $10 for adults, $8 for kids and seniors, free for ages 5 and under, ride wristbands $35 | Details: This is the least crowded fair, and therefore my favorite. It doesn’t have quite the level of fair food and unique performances as the state fair, but it does have all the classics, and it’s right in our own backyard. My favorite part is the arts and crafts exhibits. There’s still time to enter all the competitive events! | | |
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| | ⭐ My event pick of the week: The Tomato Art Fest on August 8-9! Go dress like a tomato and have some fun. Make sure to be there for the parade Saturday morning 🍅 |
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