06.28.2024

Today’s Forecast

92º | 20% chance of precipitation | Sunrise 5:32 a.m. | Sunset 8:08 p.m.

🔥 Which is hotter, the temps or the chicken?

Music City Hot Chicken Festival is bringing the heat

A food basket lined with red and white checkered paper with a piece of hot chicken, star-shaped bread, pickles, and an American flag pick.

The hot chicken fest is an Independence Day tradition. | Photo via Music City Hot Chicken Festival

The Music City Hot Chicken Festival is almost here, and this year’s lineup is looking extra hot.

Hosted annually on the Fourth of July, the free-to-attend celebration kicks off with a parade before taking over East Park (700 Woodland St.) with hot chicken, live entertainment, and an amateur cooking competition. Let’s get a taste of the fiery festivities.

Fire truck parade

The festival’s signature kickoff event is led by former Mayor Bill Purcell, followed by vintage fire trucks (plus a few modern ones), marching bands, mascots throwing beads, and more. The parade departs Woodland Street and 9th Street at 10:30 a.m.

Four people lined up behind a table placing hot chicken in baskets to be served. — Already have your preferred spice level in mind? | Photo via Music City Hot Chicken Festival

The main attraction

The 18th annual Hot Chicken Festival Amateur Cooking Competition makes a spicy comeback to the festival site after a stint at the Nashville Farmers Market. Watch five teams battle it out at 11:30 a.m., followed by judging at 12:30 p.m. and the winner announcement at 1:30 p.m. Aside from the hot chicken showdown, attendees can purchase hot chicken from the following vendors.

Chicken Shack Express
Eugene’s Hot Chicken
Hattie B’s
Hurt’s Hot Chicken
Momma Joy’s Hot Chicken + More
Nashville Chicken & Waffles
Party Fowl
Prince’s Hot Chicken
Slow Burn

Plus, order drinks and snacks from Yazoo Brewing Company, The Loveless Cafe, Retro Sno, The Lemon Spot, and Buns on the Run.

Pro tip: Check out the FAQ page for a list of prohibited items and other need-to-knows.

Events

Friday, June 28

Meet & Greet with NASCAR Driver Bubba Wallace | Friday, June 28 | 2-3 p.m. | Tanger Outlets Nashville, 4060 Cane Ridge Pkwy. | Free | Get race weekend ready with a meet and greet, yard games, giveaways.
“Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy” | Friday, June 28 | 11 p.m. | The Franklin Theatre, 419 Main St., Franklin | $15+ | The theater does not show previews, so be sure to arrive early for popcorn and other snacks.

Saturday, June 29

Zach Bryan | Saturday, June 29 | 7 p.m. | Nissan Stadium, 1 Titans Way | $256+ | Bryan will be joined by Turnpike Troubadours and Levi Turner at his Nashville tour stop.
By The Bottle Presents: Thirst Trap | Saturday, June 29 | 7 p.m. | The Blue Room, 623 7th Ave. S. | $13+ | Join the wine bar pop-up for a curated lineup of natural wines + slices from Pizza Lolo.
Nashville SC vs. Inter Miami CF | Saturday, June 29 | 7:30 p.m. | GEODIS Park, 501 Benton Ave. | $79+ | The Boys in Gold hope to extend their two-win streak at this weekend home match.

Sunday, June 30

2nd Annual Pride Tie-Dye Party | Sunday, June 30 | 2-6 p.m. | The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden, 731 Mcferrin Ave. | $25 | After attendees have tie-dyed their shirts, Pharmacy staff will vote on their favorite tees — the winner takes home a $50 gift card.
Tomato Growing Secrets | Sunday, June 30 | 2-3:30 p.m. | Bell Garden Nashville, 855A Colice Jeanne Rd. | $5+ | In this class, you’ll learn how to grow the best crop of tomatoes on the block.

Monday, July 1

Keke Wyatt | Monday, July 1 | Times vary | City Winery, 609 Lafayette St. | $58+ | The artist, who just released her new album “Certified,” takes the main stage for two performances.

Tuesday, July 2

Shelby Bottoms Close Encounters | Tuesday, July 2 | 8-9 p.m. | Shelby Bottoms, 1199 Shadow Ln. | Free | A special night hike at Cornelia Fort Airpark Trailhead to discuss local UFO sightings and what’s flying at night — registration required.

Events calendar here

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News Notes

Weather

According to the National Weather Service, Nashville will have temperatures in the low to mid 90s on Saturday afternoon, and with high humidity, the heat index could reach up to 112 degrees. Review the weekend forecast.

City

Due to high temps, curbside trash and recycling collection will start an hour earlier at 6 a.m. beginning Monday, July 1. Residents are encouraged to have their trash and recycling carts out the night before.

Edu

Metro Nashville Public Schools announced that 16 new principals, including five in interim roles, will lead district schools in the upcoming academic year. Meet the new administrators at Hillsboro High, Lockeland Elementary, and other schools.

Traffic

More road closures go into effect this weekend and early next week leading up to Nashville’s annual Fourth of July celebration. All affected roads will reopen no later than 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 7.

History

Looking to stay cool? Tennessee State Museum hosts pop-up gallery programs every Tuesday through Saturday at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Plus, the museum will have historic games on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, as well as print shop demonstrations every Wednesday and Friday at 1 p.m.

Health

Ascension Saint Thomas invites residents of Davidson and surrounding counties to Medical Mission at Home at the Fairgrounds Nashville on Saturday, June 29. The clinic provides medical, dental, behavioral health, and vision care from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. — no insurance or payment required.

Finance

Did you know you could finance your fixer-upper with home equity? You could get up to $50K with a HELOC — calculate your payment.*

Eat

Looking to dine out this weekend? According to OpenTable, top-loved restaurants this month include Epice for food and Pullman Standard for ambience.*

Answered

📸 A picture-perfect sunrise

Answered: Where is your go-to sunset watching spot in Nashville?

We sure do love this Music City glow. | Submitted by reader Deborah Varallo

Earlier this week, we asked you to share your go-to spots to see a sunset or sunrise in Music City.

“One of my favorite places to watch the sunrise is standing on the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge and facing downtown Nashville. The sun is rising on my backside, but the city becomes a beautiful vision as the rising sun provides a striking photo.” — Deborah V.

“I work in the hotel industry, so I’ll always take my break around sunset time. I’ll go to the top of any hotel I’m at and watch it from there.” — Krystal T.

Here are a few more beloved spots you recommended:

Love Circle, 3300 Love Cir. | It’s a prime place to admire fall foliage, too.
Long Hunter State Park, 2910 Hobson Pk. | Watch from the fishing pier at Couchville Lake or find a spot along the banks of Percy Priest.
Arrington Vineyards, 6211 Patton Rd., Arrington | Find a picnic table near the winery’s barn to watch the sun go down.

The Buy

The Buy 6.28.24 (Affiliate)

A Prime membership — because Amazon Prime Day is coming Tuesday, July 16 + Wednesday, July 17. You need a membership to be eligible for the sale prices (which are usually pretty great).

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Dylan

From the editor

Donelson’s Bagelshop is collaborating with tinned seafood company Fishwife on a bagel sandwich through Friday, July 12. It’s made with Fishwife’s albacore tuna, cornichons, red onion, Kewpie mayo, and aged cheddar.

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