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For years, Nashville has attracted thousands of visitors and locals alike to Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th, presented by Dr Pepper. Despite being unable to host a live crowd in 2020, the event will return in full force this summer, and it’s slated to make history. From Music City’s largest fireworks display to a performance by country music superstar Brad Paisley, Nashville is primed to be the place to celebrate July 4th.
Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s event, plus where to stay, eat, and more while you’re in town!
Nashville’s annual July 4th celebration, Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th presented by Dr Pepper, returns this summer with unforgettable live performances and a breathtaking fireworks display.
Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th Presented by Dr Pepper
In 2019, Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th presented by Dr Pepper, broke records with 343,000 spectators. As Music City’s first major post-pandemic event this year, the city is ready to welcome locals and tourists back to the streets of downtown Nashville this year with this FREE, family-friendly celebration.
Similar to years past, this summer’s event will host a roster of world-renowned musicians across multiple genres (this is Music City, after all) — headlined by Brad Paisley on the First and Broadway stage. Other performers include Lilly Hiatt, Elijah Reginald Wooten (aka Regi Wooten), Priscilla Block, and Jason Sever.
Country singer Brad Paisley is the headlining act at this year’s Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th presented by Dr Pepper. Image: Justin Kaicles
This year’s event will also feature the largest fireworks display in Nashville history, accompanied by a synchronized live performance from the GRAMMY-winning Nashville Symphony. “More than ever, we want to deliver a world-class concert and fireworks show to commemorate July 4th and give back to our community,” says Butch Spyridon, President and CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp., in a press release. “As well, our visitors have always supported us through challenges, and this is the perfect way to welcome them back and welcome live music back to Music City.”
The main event downtown is free, but if you’re looking for an extra unique spot to view the July 4th fireworks display, book a ride on the General Jackson Showboat!
If you want to make your experience at Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th presented by Dr Pepper even more special, be sure to order an exclusive July 4th Fun Pack. For $35, adults receive July 4th-themed popcorn, a NASH Collection ball cap, a Music City magnet, a Nashville koozie, and a special item from the event’s partner, Dr Pepper Zero Sugar, while supplies last. Children’s packages are also available for $10 and include July 4th-themed popcorn, a kids’ kazoo, a hand-held American flag, and a July 4th activity sheet with crayons.
Where To Stay
For those coming from out of town, there are several Nashville hotels available to make your stay luxurious and comfortable. Whether you’re looking to splurge on a boutique hotel — like The Hermitage Hotel, The Graduate, or The Union Station — or stay at a tried-and-true favorite like Best Western, Holiday Inn or Radisson, Music City offers something for all budgets. (For a full list of Nashville hotels, click HERE.)
To make planning your stay even easier, you can purchase a July 4th in Music City Package. The bundle includes a minimum one-night stay at a participating hotel and the aforementioned July 4th Music City Pack. This package also includes a special discount of $10 off of a Music City Total Access Pass (now $89.10, reg. $99), which includes entry to six Nashville attractions for the price of one. Attractions include landmarks like the Adventure Science Center, Grand Ole Opry House, Johnny Cash Museum, Nashville Zoo at Grassmere, and more. Plus, you’ll receive free admission to The Parthenon and the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, as well as exclusive discounts at places like The Music City Shop, Paddywax Candle Bar, Goo Goo Cluster, and more.
SB TIP: If you purchase your July 4th in Music City Package before Wednesday, June 30, at 11:59 p.m. CST, you’ll be automatically entered for the chance to win VIP Viewing Passes for the July 4th fireworks show.
Where To Eat
Beyond music, Nashville is also known for its booming culinary scene. Whether you’re in the mood for Nashville hot chicken, burgers, barbecue, or a refreshing round of cocktails, there are plenty of options close to the action. For example, Fifth + Broadway is now open in downtown Nashville and makes for a unique and fun dining experience. In addition to the food court at Assembly Food Hall, this development offers local favorites like Hattie B’s Hot Chicken and Slim + Husky’s.
We also recommend grabbing a seat at one of the city’s countless rooftop bars when it comes time to watch the fireworks show on July 4th. Hotspots include any of the bars on Broadway owned by country music’s biggest stars, like Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar, Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row, and the latest addition — Miranda Lambert’s Tex-Mex cantina Casa Rosa.
Acme Feed & Seed is located at Broadway and First Avenue and is another Nashville staple, offering craft beer, street-food-inspired cuisine, and sushi. Or try Rare Bird, which sits 13 stories above the streets of Nashville in the Noelle Hotel and offers delicious handcrafted cocktails and plenty of tasty appetizers. Other fan-favorite hotel rooftop bars around town include L27, UP, a rooftop lounge, L.A. Jackson, and White Limozeen.
SB NOTE: We’ve barely scratched the surface when it comes to Nashville’s dining scene. For more inspiration and options, click HERE.
Enjoy spectacular views of the fireworks display from any one of Nashville’s rooftop eateries.
However you choose to spend 4th of July in Nashville, you’re guaranteed access to an authentic, all-American Southern experience.
This article is sponsored by the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. All photography provided by the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. unless otherwise noted.