Best Things to Do in Nashville in August (Updated for 2026)
School has started back, but people are still soaking up the summer in Nashville in August. There are plenty of events happening around the city. Just be prepared to deal with the heat when you go out!
If you’re looking for even more to do, make sure to read my full guide to Nashville as well!
August Events in Nashville
Tomato Art Fest
2026 Event Dates: August 7 – 8
East Nashville hosts this unique annual art festival featuring one of summer’s favorite fruits. The 2-day event features lots of art, music, food, contests, kids’ activities, and shopping. One of the best parts of the festival is seeing everyone’s tomato-inspired costumes and outfits.
The Tomato Art Fest parade begins at 9 am on Saturday morning in Five Points.
Summer Shakespeare Festival
2026 Event Dates: Thursday-Sundays August 20 – September 20 and Labor Day Monday, September 7
See Shakespeare’s classic tale of magic, mischief, and love at this production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The program takes place at The Bandshell at Centennial Park.
Gates open at 5:15 pm with the performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at 7 pm. Before the show starts, you can listen to a lecture series and a pre-show concert series. Bring a blanket or lawn chair to sit on, and plan to stop at one of the food trucks for a bite to eat.
Admission is pay-what-you-will with a suggested $20 donation per person.
Nashville Shakespeare Festival Website
Wilson County Fair/Tennessee State Fair
2026 Event Dates: August 13 – 22
The Tennessee Fair was moved and combined with the Wilson County Fair in 2019. While it’s in Lebanon and not in Nashville, the event is worth a visit!
The event takes place at the Wilson County Fairgrounds and features all the county fair excitement that you’d expect to find – livestock shows, live entertainment, midway rides, concessions, and more.
Only clear bags are allowed in the fairgrounds (with a few exceptions), so make sure that you’re prepared.
Wilson County/Tennessee State Fair Website
Full Moon Pickin’ Party
2026 Event Dates: August 14
The Full Moon Pickin’ Party is a bluegrass music series that takes place once each month from May until September. The event is held in Percy Warner Park, and proceeds go to the Friends of Warner Parks which preserves and protects the parks.
The August lineup includes Back 80 Bluegrass, The Tennessee Warblers, and the Noelle Goodin Band. Food truck vendors will be on-site, and outside food is allowed as well (although outside alcohol is not allowed).
Admission is $25 per person and free for children under 12.
Full Moon Pickin’ Party Website
Nashville Sounds
2026 Event Dates: August 2, 11-16,
The Nashville Sounds are the city’s Minor League Baseball team. Home games take place at First Horizon Park, which features a scoreboard that’s shaped like a guitar.
Tickets start at $17 Monday-Wednesday and $24 Thursday through Friday. Tickets are cheaper if you buy them in advance. Highlights include Tito’s Tail Waggin’ Tuesdays where dogs are allowed into the park with special tickets, Friday Fireworks which take place post game every Friday, and Sunday Family Fun Days.
Big Band Dances
2026 Event Dates: August 1, 8, 16
Head to Centennial Park on Tuesday nights this summer for the free Big Band Dance Series. A swing dance lesson takes place at 7 pm with music and dancing beginning at 7:30 pm. The event is free.
Music is provided by different local bands each week, and food trucks are onsite as well.
The August 1st dance takes place at the Centennial Art Center, and August 8th and 16th dances take place at the Parthenon Eclipse.
Watermelon Fest
2026 Event Dates: August 15
After last year’s popular event, the Nashville Farmers Market is holding another Watermelon Fest this August.
Highlights of the festival include live music, watermelon drinks (for ages 21+), a fun zone for kids, crafts and yard games, and much more.
Admission and parking are free.
WNXP Summer Line Series
2026 Event Dates: August 22
The WNXP Summer Line Series is a free concert series hosted by one of Nashville’s local radio stations. The August concert takes place at Ascension Saint Thomas Landing at Nashville Yards, and the featured artists for the month are Bully and massie99.
Doors open at 6 pm, there’s an opener at 7 pm, and the main act begins at 8 pm. This is a new concert series that just started this year, so it will be fun to be part of the action.
Only clear bags are allowed at the concert series, so make sure that you are prepared.
WNXP Summer Line Series Website
Shows & Live Music
There is always music going on somewhere in the city. You can listen to live music at most of the bars in Downtown and other parts of Nashville.
I also recommend checking the lineup at different music venues around town including Nissan Stadium, Ascend Amphitheater, 5 Spot, Basement East, the Ryman, the Grand Ole Opry, and Bridgestone Arena.
A few bigger names that might be of interest (I’m very uncool and am just picking some artists I’ve heard of) are Barry Manilow at Bridgestone on August 1, The Black Keys at the Pinnacle on August 6 & 7, The Beach Boys at the Ryman on August 9, Foreigner at the Ryman on August 11, Gladys Knight at the Ryman on August 13, My Chemical Romance at Nissan Stadium on August 13, Foo Fighters at Nissan Stadium on August 19, and Brandi Carlile at Bridgestone on August 29.
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Thanks for reading my suggestions for things to do in Nashville in August! Hopefully, you found something to enjoy around the city during this month!
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