Memorial Day Weekend in Middle Tennessee

What’s better than kicking off the start of summer in Middle Tennessee with a long weekend? Not much other than basking in the endless activities that pop up for those three perfect days at the end of May. As things tend to go here in Nashville, there’s an endless list of possibilities so we’ve tried to narrow it down to some of our favorites.

Try a Little Something Different

First off, if you live close enough to work that you can participate, try something new the Friday of Memorial Day weekend by participating in the annual Bike to Work day. Not only do you get to know your neighbors by riding with your neighborhood, but you’re doing a little extra good for the environment, getting some time outside, and a little exercise. Plus there’s a breakfast in Public Square. It’s a win, win. Find out all the details at Walk Bike Nashville.

When’s the last time you played “pretend” and immersed yourself in a different time and place? The Tennessee Renaissance Festival is just one big fantasy land that you can dive into the weekend of Memorial day with jousting, castle tours, and fairies galore.

We all know what fairgrounds look like. But what about when they are transformed by a Chinese team with giant light-filled lanterns and sculptures, along with Asian art and culture? You’ve got a whole new Tennessee Fairground experience going on. The China Lights Festival is illuminating families all Memorial Day weekend!

When calling an adult event a “field day”, you can help but smile. Studio 615 is putting on “The 615 – Field Day” Sunday, May 28th with apparel pop-up shops, food trucks, a full-service bar and “dope vibes”. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday night into the early morning of your Monday off!

Classic Nashville

Nashville’s favorite free concert series is gracing our presence over Memorial Day weekend with “Acoustic Friday Night” and a full lineup starting Saturday at noon. Break out those lawn chairs and picnic blankets and be sure to check out the local artisans, food trucks, Kidsville area, and the Musicians Corner Pub. Check out the Musicians Corner schedule online to see who’s playing when.

With cheap tickets, your favorite drink in hand, and a fun stadium atmosphere, Nashville Sounds games are a fun way to spend time in the great outdoors with a great crowd. We’re in luck, the Sounds are home all weekend long.

What’s a long weekend without a picnic? May we suggest Arrington Vineyards? Arrington is a truly top notch picnic utopia. Popular for their impressive grounds with picnic tables scattered about, visitors not only sample wine, but often bring entire picnics and celebrations to enjoy on the beautiful hillside. As you sample their wine, you can snack on picnic treats from home or purchase them from the Vineyard. While Arrington makes for the perfect “adult” day out, kids are welcome and love running around the grounds with new friends!

Remember What the Holiday is all About

Each year Fort Negley does a program honoring those who sacrificed their lives for our country’s freedom. This year’s program will be Saturday, May 27th at 11 am. Keep checking their Facebook page for the latest details!

Get on that red, white and blue because the Memorial Day Dash is back for another year. The course begins in front of the Adventure Science Center, and loops around Historic Fort Negley and through Historic Nashville Cemetery. Refreshments, door prizes, and awards after the race! Also, we weren’t joking about the red, white and blue – there’s a prize for the best patriotic running attire.
Just about an hour north of Nashville, right on the border of Tennessee and Kentucky lies the 5th largest U.S. military community of Fort Campbell, home to thousands and thousands of military families. Each Memorial Day weekend, the local community of Oak Grove puts on their huge “Spring Into Summer – Salutes Fort Campbell” festival. Two days, no admission cost, headliner performances, fireworks, and carnival rides make this quite the all-American Memorial Day festival.