Although it feels like summer just began, fall is just around the corner. Don’t worry though, there are tons of events going on before then. Here’s a list of the top 12 events to attend before summer ends in chronological order.
1. Live on the Green
August 10, August 17, August 24, and August 31 – September 2
Live on the Green will kick off on Thursday, August 10, 2017 and conclude on Saturday, September 2, 2017. LOTG’s dates include three Thursday night shows and one full three-day music festival, for a total of six nights of live music. Head to Public Square Park in Downtown Nashville for this free, all ages, and public event. FREE!
2. SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK
August 10 – September 17
Shakespeare in the Park is Thursdays through Sundays and Labor Day from August 10, 2017 through September 17, 2017 at Centennial Park’s Bandshell. This season will feature the plays The Winter’s Tale and Antony and Cleopatra. Performances begin at 7:30pm. Food and drink vendors open at 6pm and pre-show entertainment begins at 6:30pm.
3. Nashville Sounds Games
August 11-14, August 19-22, and August 24-31
The 40th season for the Nashville Sounds is almost over. The last home game is on August 31st, but there are several games you can attend if you haven’t had a chance to attend one yet this season. Their remaining home games will take place August 11-14, August 19-22, and August 24-31.
4. Musicians Corner
August 12 – September 16
The summer season of Musicians Corner kicked off on Friday, August 4, 2017. If you aren’t familiar with this weekly music event, you’re missing out! Musicians Corner takes place during the months of May, June, August, and September at Centennial Park. It’s free, family-friendly, and open to the public. The Saturday activities start at noon, and the live music plays from 1:30pm to 5pm. The pre-show festivities on Saturdays usually consist of food trucks, beer and wine garden, and “Kidsville” activities. FREE!
5. Italian Lights Festival
August 18-21
The 8th annual Italian Lights Festival is August 18-21, 2017, at Bicentennial Mall State Park. Join in celebrating the Italian culture and cuisine over four full days. This is a family-friendly event that includes activities like a meatball eating contest, a bocce ball tournament, a grape stomping competition, kids activities, and wine tastings. FREE!
6. Solar Eclipse Viewing
August 21
Nashville is the largest city in the path of the 2017 total solar eclipse, occurring on Monday, August 21, 2017. It’s the first total solar eclipse to take place in the United States in 99 years. Thousands of people will make their way to Music City to see the spectacle in-person. To accommodate, many places are hosting special viewing parties for the once-in-a-lifetime event. There are over 25 eclipse viewing parties featured in our guide.
View Solar Eclipse Viewing Party guide.
7. Frist Fridays
August 25
Frist Fridays takes place the last Friday of June, July and August. Catch the last one on Friday, August 25, 2017. Enjoy live music, snacks, drinks, and the current Frist Center exhibitions. Nikki Lane & Devon Gilfillian will perform from 6pm to 9pm.
8. Tennessee State Fair
September 8-17
There is something nostalgic about a state fair. The 2017 Tennessee State Fair will take place from September 8-17, 2017, at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds. Get ready for rides, ice-cream-eating contests, cornhole, karaoke, and more. There’s really something for everyone. We’re especially excited for the ever-so-popular fair food and vendors.
9. Nashville Fall Wine Festival
September 9
The Nashville Fall Wine Festival is on Saturday, September 9, 2017, from noon to 4:00pm at City Winery. The event will feature over 50 wine samples as well as beer samples from Tennessee Brew Works. Beverage tastings are included in the ticket price. Food will be available for purchase. There will also be live music and a DJ to keep the party going.
10. PARK(ing) Day
September 15
Nashville will participate in PARK(ing) Day on Friday, September 15, 2017, from 10:00am to 4:00pm, turning 30+ metered parking spaces into little public parks. These temporary parks will be located throughout downtown Nashville, the Gulch, Germantown, and East Nashville. Nashvillians are encouraged to visit and relax in the elaborate, fun and creative mini parks.
11. Music City Food + Wine Festival
September 15-17
If you haven’t been to Music City Food & Wine Festival, you should consider attending from September 15-17, 2017, in Nashville at Bicentennial Park. The event features a weekend-long experience full of demonstrations, panels, sipping on fine drinks, and tasting amazing food. The festival not only features top chefs and restaurants, but also includes Harvest Night, which is an unforgettable evening of live music. New to the ticket line-up in 2017 is the Friday Night Grand Taste and Sunday Gospel Brunch. If you have to pick just one event to attend, the Sunday Gospel Brunch should be the one.
12. Nashville Brew Festival
September 22
Closing out the very last day of summer is the 3rd annual Nashville Brew Festival on Friday, September 22, 2017, from 8:00pm to 11:00pm at First Tennessee Park. There will be 50 breweries, food trucks, lawn games, and music. Advance tickets are $40 for general admission and $60 for VIP. Use promo code “GURU” for $5 OFF!
See more fun upcoming events ›
Did we leave off an awesome summer event? Let us know in the comments!
Don’t forget about Tomato Art Fest!