With a city steeped in history – both American and music – there is no shortage of things to do on the Fourth of July in Nashville. From the traditional (Fireworks! Live music! Beer!) to the unexpected (Shopping! Museums! Bikinis!), we break down some mighty fun things to try over the long Fourth of July weekend. To make it even easier to plan your perfect trip, we’ve highlighted some fantastic tours and experiences you can book through Nashville Tourbase.
Let’s Get Loud
Let Freedom Sing! Music City is an annual Nashville tradition that features a massive free concert and one of the country’s largest fireworks displays. This year, multi-platinum country superstar Dierks Bentley will be headlining the July 4th event, along with performances from Russell Dickerson, Niko Moon, Grace Bowers, and more. The main concert stage will be at First and Broadway, with an additional stage in the free Amazon Family Fun Zone at Music City Walk of Fame Park, which features family-friendly activities, games, and live music throughout the day. The grand finale is a spectacular fireworks show synchronized to a live performance by the Grammy-winning Nashville Symphony at the Ascend Amphitheater.
Let’s Pedal
Kick off your Fourth of July celly by navigating the crowds on the Honky Tonk Highway by bike…the Nashville Pedal Tavern bike, that is! Grab some good beer, great friends and wildly patriotic outfits for a July joyride. We promise the people watching around Broadway will be as outrageous as the fireworks! (July 1-2)
Let’s Get Historical
Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum provides insights into American history through the lens of country music. The museum features exhibits that trace the evolution of country music from its roots to the present day. An untraditional yet appropriate way to celebrate America’s birthday.
Let’s Play Ball
Root for the home team! Nashville’s minor league baseball team, the Nashville Sounds, will head off at First Horizon Park. Bonus: Stick around for postgame fireworks! Most Friday home games feature a spectacular fireworks display. You can also catch postgame fireworks on July 4th and other special event nights.
- July 1-3: vs. Memphis Redbirds
- July 18-20: vs. Indianapolis Indians
- July 22-27: vs. Charlotte Knights
- July 29-31: vs. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders
Let’s Learn
Discover Nashville’s rich history by visiting the Tennessee State Museum, where fascinating exhibits chronicle the state’s role in the American Revolution and highlight notable figures and events from the nation’s past.
Let’s Get a Better View
Many downtown hotels and venues offer ticketed events with fantastic views of the fireworks. These are a great option for people who want a more exclusive, less crowded experience.
- Skydeck on Broadway: “Music City’s July 4th Celebration at Skydeck” event features live music and unobstructed views of the fireworks.
- Chief’s on Broadway: They are hosting a “Red White & Q July 4th Celebration” with a BBQ buffet, open bar, and rooftop views.
- Bobby Hotel Rooftop Lounge: They often have a “Rooftop Lounge 4th of July BBQ” event boasting a full hog roast, refreshing cocktails, high-energy DJ sets and a front row view of Nashville’s unforgettable fireworks.
Let’s Cruise
The Fourth of July is made for celebrating on the lake! Rent an oversized, double-decker pontoon (complete with experienced captain and hostess with the most-ess) through Nashville Toons. BYO red, white and blue swimsuits but Nashville Toons will supply the Lilypad, floaties, waterslide, and sound system for all those patriotic jams!
Let’s Heat it Up
The Annual Music City Hot Chicken Festival celebrates the uniquely Nashville dish, Hot Chicken, and is free! Hosted annually on the Fourth of July in Nashville’s East Park, expect cold beer, live music and hot chicken from a variety of acclaimed Nashville restaurants.
Let’s Shop
Nothing says ‘America’ like a wardrobe of screaming eagle oversized tees, denim cutoffs and cowboy boots. Let Bevē Curated do the driving and go on a shopping tour to stock up on Fourth of July must-have staples.
Let’s Be Civil
Join a guided tour of the Belle Meade Plantation, a historic landmark known for its significant role in the American Civil War. After, check out the Belle Meade Winery, which offers a variety of wine, food pairings, and bourbon tastings while preserving the art of Southern hospitality.
Let’s Get Nautical
Nothing says Fourth of July in Nashville like the Fireworks Cruise aboard the General Jackson Showboat. Along with a spectacular view of the Nashville fireworks, the ride on the famous paddle boat includes a live band and a delicious meal. Don’t miss this experience – buy your tickets ahead of time!
Let’s Reflect
Tour the historic grounds of Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, one of the largest, most well-preserved presidential homes in the U.S. Witness a captivating reenactment of the Revolutionary War, tour over 20 historic buildings and follow historical markers through restored slave cabins, a church and gardens.
Let’s Use Nashville Tourbase!
Planning your holiday just got easier! Nashville Tourbase is your one-stop shop for booking the best local tours and activities. We’ve hand-picked a few of our favorites that you can book directly through their platform:
- Downtown Nashville Food Tour: Take a guided tour to sample the city’s culinary scene, from classic Nashville hot chicken to Southern comfort food.
- Guided Brewery Walking Tour: Discover Nashville’s thriving craft beer scene with a local expert.
- The Ultimate Double Decker Pontoon Experience: Book a party pontoon with a licensed captain for you and 13 of your besties over the fourth of July weekend!
The best part of this list? You can celebrate America all year long with many of the ideas above. So whether it’s the Fourth of July or the Fifth, it’s always a good day to pedal your heart out to Dolly Parton, buy some peanuts and cracker jacks at a baseball game or cannonball into a nearby lake.
