Bring your own blankets and lawn chairs to Musicians Corner — the early birds get the best spots. | Photo via Centennial Park Conservancy
You don’t need major funds to have major fun in Nashville. We promise these free things to do are more than just an aimless walk in the park. Instead, we’re making sure you get unique suggestions worth the trip.
Music
Musicians Corner | Local and national artists take the stage in spring and fall for this free outdoor concert series, and you can even bring your own picnic. Bonus: The fall lineup dropped yesterday.
The Station Inn’s Bluegrass Jam | Every Sunday night, this venue opens its doors for a free bluegrass jam session. Find a seat and watch some of the best pickers in town or bring an instrument and join the show.
Art
Second Saturday Art Crawl | Wander from gallery to gallery downtown, peeking into new exhibitions and chatting with artists along the way.
Food and drink
Frothy Monkey Coffee Cupping | Taste and compare freshly roasted coffees in this cupping session led by Frothy’s roasters. Learn how professionals evaluate flavor and aroma — and maybe discover your new favorite brew.
A new all-day spot is opening inside the Fairlane Hotel. Modern Love — from the team behind Pearl Diver and Tiger Bar — pairs mid-century design with a space that functions as a bar, restaurant, coffee shop, and art gallery. Check out the menu + head to the grand opening party tomorrow, Aug. 8.
Travel
Jet Access broke ground on a 25,500‑sqft private terminal at John C. Tune Airport. The luxury aviation hub is set to open next summer and will offer a lounge with a bourbon bar and conference rooms. These renderings offer a first‑class peek at what’s to come. (Nashville Business Journal)
Film
Nashville Film Festival’s 2025 lineup is out. This year’s event (Sept. 18-24) features more than 140 selections, including 30 feature-length films, Q+As, and panels at the Belcourt, Regal Green Hills, and other venues. Individual tickets go on sale tomorrow, Aug. 8.
Drink
Love coffee and rescue dogs? Wags & Walks Nashville is celebrating Dogust (the universal birthday for shelter and rescue dogs) with a coffee crawl through Sunday, Aug. 31. Pick up a card at any of the eight participating shops or the adoption center for the chance to win a one‑night staycation.
Tennessean
Mt. Juliet native and astronaut Barry “Butch” Wilmore retired from NASA following a 25-year career and 464 days in space. His most recent mission stretched to 286 days due to technical issues that delayed his return from the International Space Station.
Announced
The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame revealed its 2025 class, including Emmylou Harris, Brad Paisley, Jim Lauderdale, Don Cook, Steve Bogard, and Tony Martin. The six new members join more than 240 songwriters honored since 1970. (Associated Press)
Regional
Looking for a quick getaway? Travel + Leisure highlighted Cookeville as a must-see destination, especially in the summer. Located ~1.5 hours from Nashville, the publication praised the city for its outdoor offerings like waterfalls and trails while celebrating the food options, art, and museums.
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A great maxi wrap dress that can see you through the transition from summer into fall. Choose your favorite print or floral and enjoy the airy, comfortable feel and flattering ruffle hem.
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.
Pinkie the elephant isn’t going anywhere — at least not far. After years perched outside University Motors, the beloved West Nashville statue is getting repaired and relocated. Pinkie’s next stop: Clean Getaway Auto Wash on Charlotte Pike.
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