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 (Race cars! Museums! Bikinis!), we break down some mighty fun things to try over the long Fourth of July weekend.
Let’s Get Loud
Freedom Sing! Music City 2023 is an annual Nashville tradition and features great live music from huge headliners. This year, Brad Paisley, along with Ben Rector will be putting on a show, and the festival ends with one of the biggest firework displays in the country, synchronized to live music from the Grammy-winning Nashville Symphony. The best part? It’s free! (July 4)
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 1-3)
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 against the Columbus Clippers at First Horizon Park.
Let’s Go Fast & Furious
Come check out some epic and iconic cars during the Nashville Cars & Coffee event at Nashville SuperSpeedway (July 1). Pro tip: Show up in a Polaris Slingshot by renting one from RevRide.
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 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 17th 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 Boutiques 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.
The best part of the 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.
