🎆 All the Nashville happenings in July

🇺🇸 Our Favorite July Events & Activities in Nashville

Whether you’re looking for the best place to see fireworks or the coolest indoor activities, we’ve got you covered for the month ahead. The City Cast Nashville team previews their can’t-miss picks — from art walks to punk rock — on today’s podcast. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

🏛️ Abrego Garcia Release Delayed Again

A federal judge ruled Monday that Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the wrongly-deported man now accused of human smuggling, will remain in a Nashville jail until his criminal case hearing on July 16. Abrego Garcia’s attorneys requested the delay due to fear that the Department of Homeland Security would deport him before he has a chance to defend himself in court. [Associated Press]

🎒 Lawmakers Scrutinize School Voucher Transparency

Nashville-area legislators from both parties are asking for data on students’ previous school enrollment and financial status to better manage Gov. Lee’s signature voucher program, information they say they’ve been unable to acquire because it is not an application requirement. The governor’s office defended the $146 million program, but lawmakers are concerned that benefits are going to students who already attend private school. [Tennessee Outlook]

🏗️ East Bank Affordable Housing Takes Shape

Official renderings are out for East Bank Flats, a 323-unit affordable residential building planned for the neighborhood around the new Titans stadium. The current iteration of the building includes a large day care facility, along with restaurant and retail space. The development group will present the concept to the Metro Development and Housing Agency for approval tonight. [Nashville Scene]

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.