This month, embrace the heat of Music City and take part in these annual events. The fun starts with local, unique Fourth of July activities and continues with local festivals, live music and plenty of excuses to drink beer. For even more events, including concerts, trunk shows and more, check out the StyleBlueprint calendar of events. We will update the events listed below with 2016 dates as they become available.
Music City July 4th: Let Freedom Sing | July 4, 2016
Let freedom reign in the heart of Music City during this year’s Fourth of July celebration. With one of the country’s largest firework displays, live music from the likes of your favorite country stars and The Nashville Symphony, plus a Family Fun Zone, this is an Independence Day bash you don’t want to miss. Added bonus? This event is free. visitmusiccity.com/july4th
Annual Music City Hot Chicken Festival | July 4, 2016
If there is one dish that characterizes the authenticity of Music City, it’s hot chicken. With flavor and heat, Nashville Hot Chicken pairs perfectly with a cold beer. This July 4, swing by the Annual Music City Hot Chicken Festival to indulge in this culinary treat, sip cool beer and enjoy music from local bands. Think you can hang with the pros? Test your skills during the Amateur Cooking Competition. Admission is free and the first 500 guests get samples. The line starts to form early in the day, so don’t wait. hot-chicken.com
Music City July 4 5K/10K to Benefit Wounded Warrior Project | July 4, 2016
Start your holiday early at this 5K/10K that takes participants through downtown Nashville. The race kicks off at 8 a.m., and all ages and fitness levels are welcome to participate. After the race, hang out downtown and take part in all of the holiday festivities. whatdoyourunfor.com/july-4th-5k10k
Red, White & Zoo | July 10, 2015
Spend your evening among the elephants, monkeys and giraffes at the Nashville Zoo’s inaugural wine-tasting event. Wines from around the world will be offered and food bites will be served, courtesy of Taste of the Wild. While exploring the zoo’s exotic habitats and sipping unlimited wine tastings, guests can enjoy live music and animal encounters. Tickets are $65/person or $20/designated driver.nashvillezoo.org/red-white-zoo
Red, White and Brew | July 11, 2015
The celebration of America, freedom and beer continues well after July 4. At Sevier Park, folks gather to enjoy red and white wine, local brews, delicious food from restaurants and food trucks, great music and games for this annual get together. Food vendors include local favorites, so come hungry. With the purchase of a $25 ticket ($30 at the door), attendees will be treated to food samples and two drinks. Proceeds from the event support The Tomorrow Fund. cfmt.org/explore/initiatives/tomorrowfund
The Annual l’Eté du Vin | July 23-25, 2015
Nashville Wine Auction hosts wine-themed events to raise money in support of the fight against cancer. L’Eté du Vin is a three-day event which includes Grand Cru, an auction preview; Vintners’ Tasting, a tasting event; Patrons Dinner, a champagne reception and gourmet dinner, and the 35th Annual l’Eté du Vin, the main wine auction. nashvillewineauction.com/events
Mafiaoza’s Music City Brewer Festival | July 25, 2015
The Music City Brewer’s Fest brings beer, bands and food to the Walk of Fame Park. This outdoor festival features beer from local and regional breweries, such as Yazoo, Turtle Anarchy, Jackalope,Crispin and Fat Bottom; food from Mafiaoza’s, and music from great bands. There are two sessions (day and night), which both feature tastings and access to all the vendors and music. Session A, held from 12 to 4 p.m., is $39/person and Session B, held from 6 to 10 p.m., is $59/person. musiccitybrewersfest.com
First Saturday Art Crawl | First Saturday January-December
From January –through December, we find ourselves looking forward to the first Saturday of each month, when we have an excuse to check out our favorite galleries around downtown. Each month, we will be stopping by The Arts Company, Rymer Gallery, Tinney Contemporary, Hatch Show Print’s Haley Gallery, and dozens of additional galleries for their new exhibits! This event is free. www.nashvilledowntown.com
Nashville Flea Market | Third Saturday January-December
Each month, the Tennessee State Fairgrounds fills with dealers and vendors from more than 30 states to sell gifts, antiques, collectibles, jewelry, arts and crafts, tools, housewares, handmade clothing, furniture and hundreds of other items. Held the third Saturday of each month, you never know what treasures you will find at the Nashville Flea Market! styleblueprint.com/nashville-flea-market
Full Moon Pickin’ Party | Fridays closest to the full moon, May-October
Our Friends of Warner Parks are inviting us all to participate in the annual Full Moon Pickin’ Parties! The parties started in May and run through October. Make June 13 your night to relax and soak up some Bluegrass tunes. All funds raised by the Pickin’ Parties will go directly toward protecting the Warner Parks as well as funding educational programs and special projects that benefit park-goers of all ages. www.friendsofwarnerparks.com
Bluebird on the Mountain | Saturdays May-October
The Bluebird Cafe is famous for showcasing Nashville songwriters, both emerging and well-known. Take that experience and add the beautiful ground of the Dyer Observatory and you have Blue Bird on the Mountain. Held each May through October, tickets sell out fast and are $120/per carload of no more than eight people. Bring a picnic! dyer.vanderbilt.edu/entertainment/concerts