Nashville in the summer is jam-packed with outdoor activities, festivals and events that make every day full of endless options for fun. We’ve put together a lengthy list of the top outdoor things to do during the summer in Nashville, as well as a few options to escape the heat and humidity. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, we promise you won’t waste a precious day of summer in the busy, bustling city of Nashville!

 

 

NASHVILLE PEDAL TAVERN

Being consistently rated as one of the top 10 things to do in Nashville by TripAdvisor, we’d be remiss if we didn’t put the Nashville Pedal Tavern on this list of summer must-dos. Whether you’re traveling with a group or just another pal, pedaling this party bus down Broadway is an iconic summertime activity that combines sightseeing, drinking and sunshine.

Hop on. Pedal. Sip. Wooden Nashville Pedal Tavern bike

NASHVILLE TOONS

Trade in the sounds of Music City for lake life on an oversized double-decker pontoon with Nashville Toons. No need to deal with sourcing the right boat and delegating who has to be captain; Nashville Toons makes everything hassle-free. In addition to a dedicated host/hostess to ensure the safety of guests and an experienced driver to navigate around the lake. The custom-built boats were meticulously designed to maximize guests’ experience and convenience; amenities include built-in coolers, wood bars, fresh ice, a state-of-the-art sound system, water slides, floaties, a lily pad and a fully-stocked on-board private bathroom.

aerial view of nashville toons pontoon on percy priest reservoir

 

OUTDOOR MOVIES

  • Kid-friendly:

    • Movies in the Park is hosted by Amazon at Elmington Park on Thursdays. Free to the public, there are games and giveaways hosted before the movie and food trucks to grab snacks and dinner
    • Dive-in Movies: Watch a movie at the wave pool at the Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort

  • 21+ Crowd:

    • NightLight 615 hosts an outdoor movie series that includes craft beer, food trucks and a pre-movie DJ against the Nashville skyline.
    • Friday Night Flicks is hosted outdoors at Diskin Cider every Friday from June-August. 

 

CMA FEST

This four day-and-night music festival is hosted in Nashville each June and brings in the biggest names in country music. Live performances in Nissan Stadium, meet-and-greets and exclusive artist experiences draw crowds for the longest-running music festival in the world. Hundreds of musicians and artists perform for free; ticket revenue goes toward charities in the CMA Foundation and the advancement of country music. The 2024 line-up includes Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce, Cody Johnson and Colbie Caillat.

CHEEKWOOD SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 

Cheekwood hosts a series of concerts under the stars in their lush gardens with the backdrop of the mansion. Food trucks offer nosh and local vendors sell wine and craft beer. Past concerts have included Bluegrass, Jazz and a songwriters showcase. Beautiful southern landscape 

cheekwood estate where the cheekwood summer concert series is held

 

NASHVILLE SOUNDS BASEBALL GAMES

This minor league team, the triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers, plays about 75 games at their home stadium, First Horizon Park. Come for the baseball and stay for the cracker jacks, home runs and peanuts! Young and old, an old ball game is always a great way to pass a summer day in Nashville.

BEVĒ BOUTIQUES SHOPPING TOUR

How about hitting all of Nashville’s best boutiques in an airconditioned luxury bus as opposed to sweating profusely in the Nashville heat? Curated to reflect the personality, interest and budgets of your group, Bevē will coordinate the perfect shopping itinerary and extend exclusively negotiated discounts to your party.

group of women on a beve boutiques experience during summer in nashville

 

PHOTOWALK

A fun, local photographer will take you to the most photogenic places around Nashville and pose you to capture iconic photos of your crew. The best part? They get all the right angles for killer social media pics. Packages include options for bachelorette parties, couples, individuals and groups of friends. Let these professional photographers capture the most insta-worthy pics at Nashville’s most insta-worthy spots.

group of women posing in front of an iconic nashville mural on a photowalk tour

RIVER QUEEN VOYAGES

Enjoy the famous Nashville Skyline from a different viewpoint: on the water! River Queen Voyages offers a slew of fun water-based adventures. Located right by Nissan Stadium, this female-owned company offers excursions like kayak rentals, a river scavenger hunt with a certified river guide, a 4-person pedal kayak and Nashville’s only pedal pontoon! 

ARRINGTON VINEYARD

If you’re a wine-o then you’re going to love this Nashville wine country experience. A lovely summer day getaway to the Nashville countryside among the rolling hills of middle Tennessee.

NASHVILLE SHORES

This family fun park is a destination for all during summer in Nashville. Stay cool in the sun in the water park, or soar above on a zipline through the treetops. The water park includes an enormous wave pool, several thrilling waterslides, a water treehouse and spraygrounds; all ages of the family will delight in all the watery attractions.

CENTENNIAL PARK

The park hosts a variety of cultural festivals throughout the year, but is a great place to spend the day at. Pack a picnic and enjoy the parkgrounds. Be sure to check out the Nashville Parthenon. Nearby is Vanderbilt University and Union Station.

summer day near the pantheon replica in centennial park in nashville

MUSICIANS CORNER

Centennial Park hosts a free concert series during weekends in May, June, August and September. Since 2010, over 1,500 musicians have graced the Musicians Corner stage, a picturesque permanent outdoor venue where the audience can unwind on blankets and lawn chairs. Past artists include Emmylou Harris, Chris Stapleton and Vince Gill; this year’s lineup will be announced on the website soon. Guests can pack a picnic or order food and alcohol from an array of gourmet food trucks.

TAILGATE BREWERY

This brewery, located in Music Row, is Nashville’s first craft cidery. Tastings include 3-5 of their small-batch ciders, which are exclusive to Music Row, or check out their draft wall with over 30 of their house beers, ciders and seltzers.

 

FAQ’S ABOUT SUMMER IN NASHVILLE

Is Summer a good time to visit Nashville? Is Nashville busy in the summer?

  • Summer is peak tourist season in Nashville due to its warm weather and abundance of outdoor events and activities. In general, expect larger crowds at popular attractions and higher prices for accommodations and activities.
  • While Nashville offers plenty of outdoor activities during the summer, such as outdoor tours, rooftops and patios, and exploring parks, it’s also home to many indoor attractions, including museums, galleries, and historic sites. These indoor options can provide a welcome break from the heat if you visit during the summer months.

Summer Weather 

  • Does it get humid during the summer? 
    • Nashville summers can be hot and humid, with temperatures often reaching into the 90’s. 
    • Summer in Nashville brings the possibility of afternoon thunderstorms or showers. These storms can bring heavy rain, lightning, and gusty winds, but they are typically short-lived.

How to dress and what to pack:

  • Lightweight Clothing: Pack breathable and lightweight clothing to stay comfortable in the heat. Cotton and linen materials are excellent choices as they allow for airflow and moisture-wicking.
  • Shorts and T-shirts: Bring a variety of shorts and T-shirts to stay cool during the day. Opt for light colors to reflect sunlight and minimize heat absorption.
  • Sundresses or Casual Dresses: Sundresses or casual dresses are perfect for staying cool while exploring the city during the day. They are versatile and can easily transition from daytime sightseeing to evening dining.
  • Comfortable Shoes: Nashville is a walkable city, so comfortable shoes are essential. Consider packing sneakers, sandals, or breathable walking shoes for exploring the city’s attractions and neighborhoods.
  • Sun Protection: Don’t forget to pack sun protection essentials such as sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen with a high SPF to shield yourself from the sun’s rays.
  • Swimwear: If your accommodations have a pool or if you plan to visit nearby lakes or water parks, pack swimwear to cool off and enjoy aquatic activities.
  • Rain Gear: Summer in Nashville can bring occasional thunderstorms or showers. Pack a lightweight waterproof jacket or umbrella to stay dry if you encounter rain.

Tips for getting around Music City

  • Take advantage of Nashville’s air-conditioned and affordable city bus system.
  • Ridesharing services like Lyft and Uber are easily accessible and efficient.
  • There are ample bike-sharing lanes and B-Cycle is the city’s bike-sharing program, offering short-term rentals from various stations throughout the city.
  • Electric scooters, offered by companies like Bird and Lime, are available for rent throughout Nashville. 

 

Whether you’re a music lover, a foodie, an outdoor enthusiast, or a history buff, there’s always an outdoor event, festival or activity happening in Nashville during the summer months. Good thing the days are the longest of the year–plenty of time to check off all the exciting things to do!