Top 4th of July Activities in Middle Tennessee

In a town like Nashville and an area like Middle Tennessee, the toughest thing about any holiday is deciding what to do. Add on no work, no school, sunny skies and one of the most festive areas of the country? You’ve got a dilemma on your hands. Luckily, this falls into the category of “no wrong answer” – and no matter what you chose, you’ll be beaming with not just American pride, but Middle Tennessee pride before the fifth of July even gets close.

Here are a few of our favorite ways to soak in the freedom of the fourth in Middle Tennessee:

Let Freedom Sing! – Fifth Avenue and Broadway

A yearly favorite – July 4th at Fifth Avenue and Broadway is bigger and bigger each year. Beginning at 5pm there is live music by Lady Antebellum, Chris Janson, Lucie Silvas and more!

Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m. Best place to watch? Scope out somewhere ahead of time on rooftops, the Pedestrian Bridge, the Cumberland River, Riverfront Park, and Cumberland Park.

Red, White and BOOM – Adventure Science Center 

For a price of admission, each year the Adventure Science Center offers their front lawn to firework viewers. On top of the hassle-free parking and good view, you get access to the science center before the fireworks along with science demonstrations, food trucks and a live sound feed of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra during the show.

Nashville Sounds – First Tenessee Park

We’re in luck that the Nashville Sounds are home on 4th of July! Get tickets to the 7:05pm game for the most American way to celebrate with baseball and fireworks! Fireworks first with the game against the Iowa Cubs following. (Hint: First 2,000 people get a free t-shirt!)

Music City Hot Chicken Festival – East Park 

This yearly free event features a fire truck parade at 10:30 am followed by hot chicken samples to the event’s first 500 guests. The city’s favorite hot chicken establishments will be serving up fare for purchase with live music. The event goes ‘til 3pm.

Brentwood’s Fourth of July – Crockett Park

Rumor has it this year will be the largest fireworks in Brentwood’s history with an upped budget. Food trucks start serving at 5 pm, music from The Kadillacs begins at 7 with fireworks at dusk.

4th of the July Rock the Pool – Murfreesboro Sports Com

Just $3 kid admission and $4 adult admission to Boro Beach’s outdoor pool party. Games and prizes 10 am to 4:30 pm.

Murfreesboro’s Celebration Under the Stars – McKnight Park

The second half of Murfreesboro celebration starts at McKnight Park with live music starting at 3:30pm, along with family activities running at 5pm until 8pm when the Murfreesboro symphony plays. The fireworks show begins at 9pm.

Franklin on the Fourth – The Park at Harlinsdale

Franklin on the Fourth fun starts at 10 a.m. with activities on the Public Square. Fireworks in the park start at 9 p.m.

Independence Day Celebration – Moss-Right Park, Goodlettsville

The celebration kicks off at 4 p.m. with the Activity Zone (armbands required: $7 in advance, $10 at the gate), including Fireman’s Foam, pony rides, face painting and more. Fireworks start at 9 pm.