Have you jumped for joy in front of the Frist’s “Color Theory” installation? | Photo courtesy of Frist Art Museum
It’s hot outside, and we’re not kiddin’ around. Luckily for us, there are plenty of indoor adventures here in Music City. Keep reading for a few suggestions for when it’s too hot for tots.
Woodland Play Cafe
East Nashville’s getting a new family-friendly hangout on Wednesday, July 16. Expect an indoor play space for little ones, plus coffee, snacks, and seating for grown-ups.
Eastside Bowl
This bowling alley’s retro feel makes it a cool spot to hang with the family — at least until 10 p.m. when it becomes 21 and up.
Adventure Science Center
Discover what it’s like to be a scientist or astronaut for the day, and see what all the buzz is about in the Tennessee Pollinators exhibit (spoiler alert: the bees are back).
Lane Motor Museum
Cruise through 150+ vintage cars, take a spin through the kids’ play area, and enjoy free vault tours and rides during Museum Fun Day on Saturday, July 12.
Opening Panel: “Avenues to a Great City” | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Frist Art Museum | Free | Reflect on “The Plan of Nashville” 20 years later as its authors and key voices revisit the project’s origins.
Diana Krall | 7:30 p.m. | Ryman Auditorium | $73+ | Settle in for the jazzy sounds of this two-time Grammy winner.
Friday, July 11
Crafty Bastards Summer Night Market | Friday, July 11-Saturday, July 12 | 4-9 p.m. | oneC1TY | Cost of purchase | Shop from 60+ vendors showcasing jewelry, candles, fine arts, and home goods.
Saturday, July 12
Middle TN Iris Society 2025 Sale | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. | Crievewood United Methodist Church | Cost of purchase | Plants often sell out quickly, so plan to arrive early for the best selection.
Ryman Haunted History Tour | 6-8 p.m. | Ryman Auditorium | $51 | Explore the untold history behind unexplained sightings and occurrences + take a trip beneath the stage.
Sunday, July 13
U-Pick Fresh Cut Flowers | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | The Flower Patch | $22 | Spend a peaceful day picking your own bouquet of seasonal blooms.
Monday, July 14
2000s Trivia Night | 7 p.m. | The Goat Germantown | Free+ | Call your crew and relive the early aughts with trivia questions that may range from Shrek to flip phone facts.
Philippe Chow plans to open its long-awaited Nashville location this fall in Cummins Station. Signature dishes include Peking duck carved tableside and salt and pepper eggplant + a la carte options range from lobster satay to green chili prawns. Reservations aren’t open yet, but a waitlist is live. (The Tennessean)
Opening
Keke’s Breakfast Cafe is bringing waffles, pancakes, and omelets to Capitol View on Thursday, July 17. The Orlando-based chain opens at 7 a.m., and the first 150 guests will receive a signed print of the cafe’s mural by local artist Rachyl LaGrone.
Travel
Nashville International Airport travelers left their shoes on through the TSA checkpoint for the first time in nearly 20 years this week. The nationwide change aims to streamline TSA ahead of major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Summer Olympics. You should still probably arrive two hours early, though. (USA Today)
Civic
NPL’s Goodlettsville Branch will reopen Monday, July 14 after a three-month renovation. Updates include new flooring throughout the building and an additional study room. As a reminder, the Main Branch remains closed through July 28 following the garage fire.
Shop
WeGo Public Transit and the Nashville Farmers Market teamed up to launch WeGo Market at the Elizabeth Duff Transit Center. The new pop-up will offer local produce on the second and fourth Wednesdays through October from 2 to 5 p.m. (WTVF)
Sports
The University of Tennessee men’s basketball team will face Illinois at Bridgestone Arena on Saturday, Dec. 6 in a game coined “Music City Madness.” Tickets go on sale Friday, July 18 at 10 a.m.
Giveaway
We’re partnering with Tanger Outlets Nashville in the new Century Farms development to give away $1,000 in gift cards (to Nike, Adidas, Levi’s + more) for back-to-school shopping. Enter to win now through Tuesday, July 22 at noon.*
Asked
What’s hard, shiny, pretty, and projected to be valued at $4,000 per ounce in 2026? See the answer.†*
Job
Your dream employee is probably reading our newsletter right now — want them to see your job first? Add your job listing to our NASHtoday Job Board, at no cost.
Too much basil? Not enough thyme? Swing by Turnip Green Creative Reuse’s two-day plant swap this Friday, July 11 and Saturday, July 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring houseplants, flowers, seeds, pots, or any garden accessories, and plan to leave with something new to grow.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
When National French Fry Day (Friday, July 11) and National Ice Cream Day (Sunday, July 20) fall in the same month, I can’t help but be thankful for Fryce Cream. To celebrate, the biz is serving up some salty-sweet specials at both locations.
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