It’s July, which means fireworks, summer vacations, and sizzling temperatures. Here’s your guide to having an amazing July in Nashville, from Fourth of July tips to road trip ideas and escaping the heat by going to concerts and antique stores.It’s July, which means fireworks, summer vacations, and sizzling temperatures. Here’s your guide to having an amazing July in Nashville, from Fourth of July tips to road trip ideas and escaping the heat by going to concerts and antique stores.
🎆 Where To See Fireworks
- Nashville’s free downtown fireworks extravaganza is one of the largest shows in the country, so be prepared for big crowds! Have children? Start early and head over to the kid zone at Music City Walk of Fame Park. The main show kicks off at 5 p.m. on Lower Broadway. Don’t forget to bring water. Rideshare if you can, or ride the WeGo Star Fireworks Express.
- Alternative locations to watch the fireworks: The rooftops at Acme Feed & Seed, PROOF, or Skydeck on Broadway; the Adventure Science Center with kids; Bring picnic blankets or lawn chairs to Skyline Medical Center, the Dickerson Pike Walmart, East Park (which is hosting a hot chicken festival earlier in the day), Love Circle Park, or a parking garage roof near downtown. Both Love Circle and nearby garages can get packed, so go early!
- See fireworks at the Sounds game on July 3, or Nashville SC’s game on July 5.
🚗 Take a Road Trip
- Love beaches? Here are 10 of the closest beaches to Nashville.
- Looking for a road trip a bit closer to home? Try the Tennessee Aquarium in Chattanooga, the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, or the National Quilt Museum in Paducah.
- St. Louis is perfect for a long weekend getaway. Visit Gateway Arch National Park, the St. Louis Zoo, which is free, and Forest Park, where the 1904 World’s Fair was held.
- Enjoy the Smoky Mountains with a trip to Gatlinburg.
🛍️ Go Antiquing
- The Nashville Flea Market is July 25-27 at The Fairgrounds Nashville. It’s $10 for parking, but admission is free. I like to go early and start outside, then head to the inside vendors in the afternoon, when it gets too hot.
- Plaza Mariachi has a flea market every Saturday and Sunday. Afterward, grab some international cuisine inside, shop for fresh produce at Mazfresco Market, and play arcade games at Tito’s Playground.
- The Nashville Punk Rock Flea Market takes place on July 19-20 at Eastside Bowl, featuring live music. Bring new, unopened cereal boxes for Second Harvest Food Bank.
- Our favorite local antique stores: Goodlettsville Antique Mall, GasLamp Antiques in Berry Hill, Dashwood Vintage and Music Valley Antiques & Marketplace close to Gaylord Opryland, and East Nashville Antiques.
🎵 Can’t-Miss Concerts & Events
- DOLLY: A True Original Musical at The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are selling out fast, but there are still some available in July!
- Nashville Scene’s Burger Week from July 7-13
- Ryman Haunted History Tour on July 12
- “The Goonies” at Schermerhorn Symphony Center on July 17-18
- Yeah Yeah Yeahs with Jack Lawrence at Ryman Auditorium on July 18-19
- Goo Goo Dolls with Dashboard Confessional at Ascend Amphitheater on July 20
- Cold Play at Nissan Stadium on July 22
- Kindling Arts Festival from July 24-27
- Alabama Shakes at Ascend Amphitheater on July 25
- Drum Corps International Marching Music’s Major League at Nissan Stadium on July 25
