This year, Labor Day falls on Monday, September 7, 2026, and what better place to spend your three-day holiday weekend than Music City? Whether you’re a local or a tourist, there are plenty of fun happenings taking place around town. Here is Nashville Guru’s guide to Labor Day Weekend in Nashville, including events, activities, food and drink specials, concerts, and helpful guides.
Events
Musicians Corner FREE FEST
- When: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, September 4-6, 2026
- Where: Centennial Park
- What: Outdoor music festival featuring local artists, food trucks, Kidsville, Musicians Corner Pub, and vendors
- Price: Free admission
Labor Day Weekend at The Pool Club
- When: Thursday to Tuesday, September 3-8, 2026
- Where: The Pool Club at Virgin Hotels Nashville
- What: Jam-packed weekend of poolside views, DJ beats, fresh bites, refreshing drinks, and hours spent lounging in the sun. Some events taking place during LDW include Boom Bap Live and Azure Day Party.
- Price: Admission costs vary based on event
Capricious: A Pop-Up Bar at Fairlane Hotel
- When: Thursday through Sunday, September 3-6, 2026
- Where: Fairlane Hotel (rooftop)
- What: Pop-up bar featuring sparkling spritzes, sun-soaked cocktails, coastal-inspired bites, and rooftop views above Downtown Nashville
- Price: Free admission (21 and over only)
Summer Shakespeare
- When: Thursday through Monday, September 3-7, 2026
- Where: The Bandshell at Centennial Park
- What: Summer production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, directed by Jason Spelbring
- Price: Admission is free, but a $20 donation is suggested
Whiskey River Labor Day Weekend
- When: Friday and Saturday, September 4-5, 2026
- Where: Whiskey River Saloon
- What: Back-to-back nights of live DJ energy with Cheat Codes and Beachcrimes
- Price: Admission is free, with VIP service available
Practical Magic Afternoon Tea Experience
- When: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, September 4-6, 2026
- Where: Blue Aster at Conrad Nashville
- What: Enchanting tea experience featuring an elegant spread of rare teas, savory bites, decadent sweets, and whimsical surprises
- Price: $85 per person
Nashville Dance Festival
- When: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, September 4-6, 2026
- Where: The Nashville Palace
- What: Multi-day celebration of country dance and music featuring workshops, competitions, live music, and more
- Price: Day Pass: $126 | Weekend Pass: $245
America the Beautiful: National Parks & Landmarks by Rail
- When: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, September 4-6, 2026
- Where: Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
- What: Elaborate model train exhibition featuring 10 running trains, more than 850 feet of track, and 25 detailed models of iconic landmarks and national parks
- Price: Reserve tickets here
Labor Day Backyard Blast at Play Playground
- When: Friday through Monday, September 4-7, 2026
- Where: Play Playground
- What: Classic backyard party vibes with cornhole tournaments, beer pong, team competitions, drink and bucket specials, and hot dogs
- Price: Free admission
9to5K Run & Walk
- When: Saturday, September 5, 2026
- Where: Downtown Nashville
- What: Dolly Parton-inspired running and walking event benefiting United Way of Greater Nashville and Imagination Library of Middle Tennessee
- Price: $20-$50
The Kickoff Social
- When: Saturday, September 5, 2026
- Where: Flamingo Cocktail Club
- What: An elevated Labor Day weekend social featuring live jazz, R&B, cocktails, and curated vibes
- Price: Free admission (premium cabanas for up to 8 people are available for purchase)
Zzzoofari Slumber
- When: Saturday, September 5, 2026
- Where: The Nashville Zoo
- What: Overnight camping event under the stars for families and escorted children (ages 4-12)
- Price: $25-$65 (depending on age and membership)
Broadway Block Party
- When: Sunday, September 6, 2026
- Where: Bridgestone Arena
- What: Women’s college volleyball tournament
- Price: Purchase tickets here
Music City Kickoff: Ole Miss vs. Louisville
- When: Sunday, September 6, 2026
- Where: Nissan Stadium
- What: Ole Miss and Louisville open their 2026 college football seasons in Nashville’s Inaugural Music City Kickoff
- Price: Purchase tickets here
Clock Out Labor Day Pool Party at White Limozeen
- When: Monday, September 7, 2026
- Where: White Limozeen
- What: End-of-summer pool party with live DJ sets and cocktail specials
- Price: Admission is free
Nashville Sounds Games
- When: Tuesday to Sunday, September 1-6, 2026
- Where:Â First Horizon Park
- What: The Nashville Sounds are having a homestand during Labor Day weekend—enjoy baseball, drinks, ballpark food, and family-friendly fun
- Price: $15+
Activities
Pontoon Saloon
The Pontoon Saloon is Nashville’s premier party pontoon boat that offers private and public river cruises. The 50-foot party barge is a great option for the holiday weekend. Enjoy hours of fun on the Cumberland River!
GURU DISCOUNT: Use promo code GURU10 to get 10% OFF Public and Private Cruises Sunday through Thursday (excludes BACH Party Cruises and Corporate Cruises). Redeem Discount!
SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland
Enjoy the long weekend at SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland. This upscale, four-acre, three-level aquatic experience features fun indoor and outdoor rides, immersive music, restaurants, bars, and good times for the whole family. The only guaranteed access to SoundWaves is by reserving the SoundWaves Experience overnight package. This includes room accommodations, passes to the water experience, and exclusive early arrival to SoundWaves.
Cheekwood
Take a drive eight miles southwest of Downtown Nashville and you’ll find Cheekwood. Expect a beautiful botanical garden, arboretum, museum, and more. Cheekwood was once listed as a USA Today Top 10 Botanical Garden and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. This popular attraction is closed on Mondays, but great to enjoy over the weekend.
Hiking and Kayaking
If you’re looking to get out in nature over the holiday weekend, why not try hiking or kayaking? There are a handful of state parks, lakes, and rivers that offer fun hiking and kayaking adventures around greater Nashville.
ResortPass
The temperatures for Labor Day weekend in Nashville are projected to be hot, so cool off in one of the many pools Nashville has to offer. Some of Music City’s most popular hotels offer day passes through ResortPass, including The Joseph, W Nashville, and Grand Hyatt Nashville. Day passes start at $50 per person.
Catering + Food & Drink Specials
- The Hampton Social (SoBro)
Date: Monday, September 7, 2026
Food: Mimosas, Monkey Bread, and Southwest Scramble
- The Pool Club (Midtown)
Date: Thursday, September 3, 2026
Drinks: $30 Margarita Pitchers
Concerts
The Pretty Reckless
- Thursday, September 3, 2026
- Ryman Auditorium
- Get Tickets
Ray LaMontagne
- Friday and Saturday, September 4-5, 2026
- Ryman Auditorium
- Get Tickets
Music City Kickoff Concert with Lee Brice, Gabby Barrett, and Payton Smith
- Saturday, September 5, 2026
- Ascend Amphitheater
- Get Tickets
Sports
Nashville Sounds vs. Louisville Bats
- Tuesday to Sunday, September 1-6, 2026
- First Horizon Park
- Get Tickets
HELPFUL GUIDES
Nashville during a holiday weekend can be overwhelming. To help navigate where to stay, what to do, and where to eat, here are a handful of helpful guides.
was surprised to see the John Merritt Classic missing from this year’s list of Labor Day activities. This game isn’t just football—it’s a Nashville tradition that honors Coach John Merritt’s legacy and brings together alumni, students, and fans from across the country.
The Classic celebrates the excellence of Tennessee State University and its HBCU opponents, making it one of the city’s most culturally significant events of the weekend. Beyond the game, it represents history, community pride, and a gathering point for thousands who contribute to the energy and economy of Nashville every Labor Day.
Leaving it off the list overlooks a cornerstone of our city’s culture. I hope future coverage gives this historic matchup the recognition it deserves.
Hi there!
Thank you for providing this information. We added the John Merritt Classic to the events section of the guide!
Best,
Nashville Guru Team