Best Things to Do in Nashville in July (Updated for 2026)
Nashville is in full swing for the summer in July. By now the weather is pretty hot, but that doesn’t stop anyone from coming out and having fun!
Events during July include everything from the city’s 4th of July celebrations to bluegrass nights at the Ryman to outdoor movies. Read on for my top picks for what to do in Nashville in July.
If you’re looking for even more to do, make sure to read my full guide to Nashville as well!
July Events in Nashville
Music City Hot Chicken Festival
2026 Event Dates: July 4
If you can’t get enough of Nashville hot chicken, then the Music City Hot Chicken Festival is for you! This free event takes place every year in East Park and features some of Nashville’s best hot chicken spots.
Hattie B’s, Hurt’s, Chicken Shack, Party Fowl, Prince’s, Mama Joy’s, Chicken and Waffles, Bill’s Hot Fish and Chicken, and Eugene’s will all be there with hot chicken. Other local food vendors will also have options available.
Proceeds from the event benefit Metro Parks & Recreation.
Music City Hot Chicken Festival Website
Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th
2026 Event Dates: July 3-4
Nashville has a huge 4th of July celebration in Downtown every year. This family-friendly event includes free live music at five different stages. Headliners include The All-American Rejects, Boyz II Men, Brothers Osborn, Clint Black, Lauren Daigle, NE-YO, Nick Jonas, and Sublime.
There is a fireworks show over the Cumberland River to end the day as well!
While the event is free, you can buy tickets to reserve a spot in an exclusive area to view the fireworks. However, there are plenty of public viewing spots to see the fireworks from, too.
Let Freedom Sing July 4th Website
Nashville Wine Auction l’Eté du Vin
2026 Event Dates: July 3 – August 1
L’Eté du Vin is a three-night event that raises money for cancer research. Events include a seated wine tasting, a gourmet dinner, and a wine auction. Ticket prices for the different activities vary.
Full Moon Pickin’ Party
2026 Event Dates: July 24
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 July lineup includes The Grasskickers, Tennessee WoodPile, Gene Duggan and Familiar Faces. 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. Entrance is free for children under 12.
Full Moon Pickin’ Party Website
Nashville Sounds
2026 Event Dates: July 1 – 5, 17 – 19, 28 – 31
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.
Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman
2026 Event Dates: July 7, 14, 21
Bluegrass fans will not want to miss Springer Mountain Farms Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman. The six-show series takes place on Tuesday nights beginning in June and ending in July.
The shows begin with a free showcase outside the Ryman called Pickin’ on the Plaza. Sierra Hull plays on July 7, The Infamous Stringdusters play on July 14, Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder play on July 21.
Ticket prices vary. You can also buy a pass to attend all six shows in the series.
Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman Website
Big Band Dances
2026 Event Dates: July 11, 18, 25
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 series is not at the bandshell this year. Instead, the dance takes place at Parthenon Ellipse on July 11 & 25 and is at the Centennial Art Center on July 18.
Cornelia Fort Airpark Concert
2026 Event Dates: July 25
Cornelia Fort Airpark Concerts are a summer concert series happening each month in the summer at the Cornelia Fort Airpark. The event is family-friendly and features live music, local food vendors, and activities for the whole family. July’s music line-up is Sweet Magnolia, Mudbug Stompers, and Forever King Clark.
The event supports Shelby Bottoms and Shelby Park. Tickets are $25/person. Ages 15 & under do not need a ticket when accompanied by an adult.
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 Lindsey Stirling Ascend on July 22, Hillary Duff at Ascend on July 30, and Train at Ascend on July 31.
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Thanks for reading my suggestions for things to do in Nashville in July! Hopefully, you found something to enjoy around the city during this month!
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