July Events in Middle Tennessee
Posted by Jenni Barnett on Tuesday, June 13th, 2017 at 8:15am.
No matter how you like to spend your summer weekends, Nashville has something going on this month that will keep everyone entertained. Hot weather and hot chicken can be remedied with cold drinks and cool pools, and add some favorite annual festivals and events to round out your July events calendar!
July 4: Music City Hot Chicken Festival
East Park, Nashville | 10:30 am
Before heading to the fireworks, test your taste buds at the Music City Hot Chicken Festival, a favorite annual Nashville event. Several favorite local restaurants and food trucks will be on site selling both hot chicken and other milder favorites plus beer and other cold beverages to quench your thirsts. The event begins with a firetruck parade at 10:30, followed by free hot chicken samples for the first 500 guests.
July 4: Let Freedom Sing!
Riverfront Park, Nashville | 6 pm
Nashville is fortunate to host the largest July 4th fireworks show in the country, so be sure to make plans to attend this fun annual event. In addition to a daytime kids area and live performances by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Jonny P, the Sisterhood, and headlined by Chris Young, the event’s fireworks display will be synchronized to music from the Nashville Symphony. If you’d rather see the show from somewhere else, check out our suggestions for other spots to see the fireworks.
July 7 & 8: Uncle Dave Macon Days
Cannonsburg Village, Murfreesboro | Times Vary
Step back in time as you enjoy down-home, old-time bluegrass music featuring nationally recognized bands. The event is also a dance festival and features several competitions, concessions, arts and crafts for sale, and black and white movies.
July 7, 14, 21, & 28: Dive In Movies
Nashville Shores Waterpark | 8:30 pm
After a day in the sun at Nashville Shores, enjoy a night under the stars as you enjoy a popular feature length movie from the wave pool. This year’s lineup includes “The Polar Express”, “Finding Dory”, “Star Wars: Rogue One”, “Moana”, and “Sing”.
July 8: Nashville Rollergirls
Nashville Fairgrounds | Time TBD
If you’ve never been to the roller derby, you’re missing out! Make plans to come to one or both of the games on July 8th to witness the hard-hitting local skaters take on two regional opponents.
July 15: Half Christmas Beer Fest
Marathon Music Works | 7 – 11 pm
Cut up a tacky sweater and beat the heat at Lightning 100’s Half Christmas Beer Fest. With 40 beers on tap, food trucks, a costume contest, and Santa Claus under a keg tree, it’s a brew lovers paradise. They suggest you drink responsibly but get Blitzened.
July 22: Watermelon Festival
Lucky Ladd Farms, Murfreesboro | 11 am
Lucky Ladd Farms is a great place to visit on nearly any day, but take advantage of the extra activities that come with their Watermelon Festival! In addition to their regular activities such as their petting zoo or pony rides, the event will feature watermelon inspired contests, a splash zone for the kids to cool off in, and of course, free watermelon!
July 29: International Champions Cup Soccer
Nissan Stadium, Nashville | 5 pm
Soccer is quickly becoming one of the most popular sports in Nashville and the crowds that show up to Nissan Stadium at these matches prove that it’s here to stay. Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur, both football teams from England, will be facing off in what’s sure to be the best soccer event in Nashville of the year.
July 29: Music City Brewer’s Festival
Walk of Fame Park, Nashville | 12 – 4 pm OR 6 – 10 pm
Fifty local breweries and local food vendors will take part in the 16th Annual Brewer’s Fest benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank. There is an afternoon and an evening session with separate tickets, or you can purchase an all-access pass to attend both. Local musicians will also be on hand to provide entertainment throughout each event.
