Upcoming Events in Nashville
Nashville is becoming one of the biggest travel hubs in the country. Nashville’s most significant industry is music & entertainment, notably the highest concentration of music industry establishments in the nation. To put it plainly, there is never a shortage of activities, especially during the summer, to do in Nashville, Tennessee. Here are some events to attend in the upcoming weeks.
1. Music City Drum Show
The second annual Music City Drum Show takes place July 9-10 from 10 am to 5 pm. “Music City Drum Show exists to unite the drumming community in the Greater Nashville area and beyond,” they add, “The event is focused on drum displays, sales, networking, and clinics; with over 34,000 sq ft of drums, cymbals, hardware, sticks, and all kinds of drum accessories.” Located at the Fairgrounds Nashville, the Music City Drum Show is open to all ages. General admission is $10, admission for ages 5-12 is $5, VIP admission is $100, & 2-day passes are available (online only). General parking is $5 CASH. By visiting Music City Drum Show’s website, you can rent chairs, tables, and power outlets, buy various passes & purchase merch.
2. Dive-in Movies: Spiderman: No Way Home
Nashville Shores Lakeside Resort hosts “dive-in movies” on select Fridays in July, including July 15th. This would be a great activity for kids ages 5-12 or even adults! Next Friday they will be showing Spiderman: No Way Home in the wave pool beginning at 7:15 pm. In addition to the July 15th show, they will also be showing Encanto on July 22nd & Luca on July 29th. The dive-in movies are included in the general admission ticket that day & also season passes. General admission tickets on weekdays are $39.99+ tax. The wave pool will remain open throughout the movie, but not operating.
3. Lakefest at Percy Priest Lake
Lakefest at Percy Priest Lake takes place at the Sun Life Marina Elm Hill, with performances starting at 10:30 am & the last performance starting at 9 pm. Tickets to Lakefest are $50+ tax and an additional $45 if you want to have access to the open bar. In addition, there is a VIP after-party with a musician meet and greet and music by special guest Tim Charron. It is highly recommended to bring yourself a chair (& one for your friend if you want). The day consists of performances by Katrina Burgoyne, Kirstie Kraus, Mike Nash, Aubrey Wollett, Ray Boone, Steve Hopper, Beth Travers, and Dave Signs & Bang Bang Shrimp. Food & beverages will be available for purchase as well as information about hotel rooms & lodging on their website.
4. Showdown at the Southern Gates
If you have been looking for something outside of your comfort zone & you also have facial hair, the Showdown at the Southern Gates might be just what you are looking for. The mustache & beard competition is going on its 9th year here in Nashville, located at 2208 Elliston Place. The competition includes 12 categories, even ones women can perform in. “Beards and mustaches of all lengths and styles are represented and we strive in providing a category for all types of facial hair.” Showdown at the Southern gates is a charity event that supports the Tennessee Wildlife Federation’s Hunters for the Hungry Program. All of the money goes towards providing meals to those in need.
5. Cornelia Fort Pickin’ Party
The Cornelia Fort Pickin’ Party is a great place to listen to local music & drink craft beer, with an array of food vendors & family activities! The event takes place July 17th and helps protect the Cornelia Fort Airpark, one of the area’s most unique landmarks. “We encourage musicians to bring banjos, fiddles, guitars, dobros, and mandolins to gather in groups and play the night away. All proceeds from the event series go towards revitalization projects at the Shelby Park & Bottoms and Cornelia Fort Airpark.” The event is open to all ages, those 16 & older will have to purchase tickets upon arrival. Performances by Blue Cactus & The Woods will be sure to bring the musical magic of Nashville to your experience, rain or shine (no refunds).
6. Grand Ole Opry performances
In addition to the Cornelia Fort Pickin’ Party on the 17th, you can also go see country music performances at the Grand Ole Opry at 7 pm at the Opry House. There you can expect to see performances by Jake Hoot, Niko Moon, The Gatlin Brothers, Ricky Skaggs, Riders in the Sky, & more. “The Opry is never rehearsed, and never the same show twice. Be a part of the excitement live in person at the Opry House for a night of country music, performances, and a few surprises. We hope to see you there.” For more information on tickets & performances, visit the website Opry.com.
7. Red, White & Zoo
Red, White & Zoo is an annual wine tasting that takes place on July 29th from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm at the Nashville Zoo. You can enjoy unlimited samples from over 30 different vendors, ranging from wine & beer to ciders and spirits. In addition to the drinks, you can also expect to see various local food trucks & live music. As if the food & drinks are not enough, you will actually be able to see the animals in their exhibits! Tickets start at $75 for general admission and $95 for VIP which includes early entry at 6:30pm. Tickets increase by $10 after July 22, 2022. You must be 21.
If you could not tell by now, there is a lot to do in Nashville. If music is not your thing, Nashville might intimidate you- but don’t be fooled! Nashville may be the home of country music, but it is home to a lot of other things as well. Have fun!
