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Nashville activities to put on your end-of-summer bucket list

Have you made the most of this Music City summer? There are plenty ways to soak up the sun before a cool breeze fills the air and the leaves begin to change.

A hand holding up a waffle ice cream cone with two scoops of ice cream, one bright green (pistachio) and the other bright pink (watermelon).

Visit The Bee Ice Cream & Mini Donuts off Nolensville Pike for ice cream and other treats. | Photo by NASHtoday

We’re just one month (and some change) away from the start of fall — what are you doing to savor the last weeks of summer?

With Nashville’s abundant warm weather activities, you’ll want to put on some sunglasses and start crossing things off this end-of-summer bucket list.

1. Stop by one of Nashville’s ice cream shops for a scoop (or two).

2. Catch an outdoor movie or visit Watertown’s Stardust Drive-In Theatre. Pro tip: Arrive early to secure the best parking spots and avoid the crowds at the concessions stand.

A bunch of people sit on the steps at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park in front of a large outdoor movie screen.

Bonus: NightLight 615 continues into the fall. | Photo by NASHtoday

3. Whether you love a traditional hot dog or something more creative, enjoy the unofficial dish of summer at these local spots.

4. Shop local at one of the many seasonal farmers markets around the city.

5. Take a scenic stroll at your favorite local park, or uncover more options with our guide to Nashville’s green spaces.

A view of Otto's patio from the inside of the cocktail bar, showcasing the open door, picnic table seating, green barrel tables, and plants.

Otto’s Bar’s patio is calling our name. | Photo by NASHtoday

6. Soak up the rest of patio season before they start breaking out the space heaters. (We know, it’ll be a while before that happens.)

7. Soccer and minor league baseball seasons are winding down. Catch a Nashville SC match or Nashville Sounds game before the Titans and Preds take center stage.

Bonus points if you put these late-summer outdoor events on your calendar:

1. The aroma of barbecue will fill the air at the two-day Old School BBQ Festival (Aug. 31-Sept. 1).

2. Head to Wine on the River (Sept. 14) for samples from over 100 different wine, beer, and spirit vendors set up along the Cumberland River.

3. Enjoy an action-packed weekend under the sun at the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix (Sept. 14-15).

Ready to leave summer in the rear view? We’ll be sharing our fall events guide soon with 30+ seasonal happenings.

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