As we head into the final weeks of summer, we’re soaking in the season every way we can. From iconic food festivals and the Tennessee State Fair to live music and local markets, this month is packed with a wide variety of great Nashville events. Here are some of our favorites!
Beginning August 1, 2025: Smoky Mountain Christmas Express Promo
To kick off this year’s Smoky Mountain Christmas celebration, Nicky’s Coal Fired is launching a special August promo: the Smoky Mountain Christmas Express. While St. Nicky’s typically operates on a walk-in basis, this giveaway offers a rare chance to skip the line and secure a reservation. Throughout the month, guests who dine at Nicky’s can enter to win one of five “Express” passes, good for a reservation for up to six guests on any date during the holiday season. Inspired by the cozy charm of a Smoky Mountain getaway — complete with twinkling lights and Dolly-style nostalgia — this year’s St. Nicky’s promises festive fun for all! nickysnashville.com
August 1 – October 26, 2025: Downton Abbey Afternoon Tea
The Downton Abbey Afternoon Tea is hosted Friday through Sunday, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at Blue Aster inside the Conrad Hotel. Inspired by the elegance of the Crawley family and the glamour of the 1920s, guests can savor delicate tea sandwiches, warm scones, and exquisite confections accompanied by fine teas. Tickets are $85 per person. opentable.com
August 1, 2025: Sit. Stay. Sip. NHA Pet Adoption Event
This is a fun, community-focused event where attendees can mingle with adorable pups, celebrate canine companionship, and maybe even meet a furry friend to take home. Hosted at W Nashville at 4 p.m., this free, family-friendly gathering invites dog lovers to enjoy good company, good vibes, and plenty of puppy love. eventbrite.com
August 1, 2025: August Pasta-Making Class: Trofie
This pasta‑making class takes place at Yolan at The Joseph Hotel. From noon to 2 p.m., participants craft traditional trofie pasta by hand and enjoy a three-course meal. Tickets are $175 per person, and reservations are required. yolannashville.com
August 2 – 10, 2025: Fleurs de Ville ARTISTE
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens hosts Fleurs de Villes ARTISTE this month, marking the exhibit’s debut at a historic U.S. estate. Top Nashville florists have reimagined Cheekwood’s art and porcelain collection, with multiple floral mannequins displayed throughout the gardens and mansion. Special events include a Summer Soirée on August 1 and a Sip & Stroll Cocktail Crawl on August 2. cheekwood.org
August 6, 2025: Rooftop Wine Dinner
The Rooftop Wine Dinner Series at JW Marriott Nashville brings an elegant culinary experience to the hotel’s rooftop pool deck this summer. For $125 per person, guests enjoy a multi-course dinner expertly paired with six wine selections, guided by the hotel’s executive chef and resident wine expert. sevenrooms.com
August 8, 2025: Summer Workshop Series: Create Your Own Set of Classic Pearl Bangles
Under the guidance of expert metalsmiths at Margaret Ellis Jewelry, you can learn to craft your own bronze pearl bangles in an intimate workshop. For $350 per person, the session includes all materials, personalized instruction, a champagne toast, and the opportunity to take home a timeless, handmade piece. margaretellisjewelry.com
August 8 & 9, 2025: Tomato Art Fest
Tomato Art Fest returns to East Nashville’s Five Points neighborhood! Visitors can enjoy live performances from 18 bands across two stages, a lively vendor marketplace featuring local goods, and a tomato-inspired art show, with a preview party the night before. With something for every age and interest, this celebration is a must-visit for the community and visitors alike. tomatoartfest.com
August 14, 2025: The Master Series: Advanced Techniques – Tiki Cocktails
At Liquor Lab from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., this immersive, hands-on mixology session delves into refined Tiki techniques, exploring shaken, built, and layered cocktails, complete with tropical garnishes and flair. Tickets are $70 per person. sevenrooms.com
August 14, 2025: Wine Dinner | The Walls Vineyard
From 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the chic L27 Rooftop Lounge, savor a thoughtfully curated five‑course dinner by Chef Mark Vuckovich — and then paired with elegant wines from The Walls Vineyards. Admission is $150 per person. l27nashville.com
August 14 – 23, 2025: Tennessee State Fair
The Tennessee State Fair in Lebanon offers a variety of ticket options, including daily admission, season passes, and discounted group rates. Whether you’re a thrill ride lover or looking to indulge in delicious fair food, this beloved annual event offers something for everyone. To see the complete schedule and purchase advance tickets, visit wilsoncountytnstatefair.com.
August 16, 2025: Sacred and Profane: The Photographs of Paul Buchanan
Taking place at Bennett Galleries Nashville, Sacred and Profane: The Photographs of Paul Buchanan is a special short-run show that features vibrant photography. From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., attendees can enjoy an evening of art, complemented by beverages and hors d’oeuvres, as they explore the beauty and detail captured through the lens of this talented photographer. bennettgalleriesnashville.com
August 16, 2025: Dash at the Castle 5K Morning Run
The NSC’s Dash at the Castle 5K kicks off at 7 a.m. from GEODIS Park, guiding runners and walkers through scenic views of the stadium and Wedgewood‑Houston. Registration includes a race belt, a finisher’s medal, and a ticket to the August 23 Nashville SC vs. Orlando City match. After the run, enjoy a festive post-race scene with a DJ, food, drinks, and door prizes. runsignup.com
August 21 – September 21, 2025: Summer Shakespeare: The Merry Wives of Windsor
The Nashville Shakespeare Festival’s free Summer Shakespeare series returns to The Yard at ONEC1TY with The Merry Wives of Windsor. Gates open at 5:15 p.m., followed by a pre-show lecture, live music, and the main performance. These professional, pay-what-you-can productions offer varied seating and VIP options. To purchase tickets, visit nashvilleshakes.org.
August 22, 2025: Sunset Supper with Chef Johnny Haffner x The Heimerdinger Foundation
The Sunset Supper with Chef Johnny Haffner is a cherished monthly event hosted by the Heimerdinger Foundation, benefiting its Meals 4 Health and Healing (M4HH) program. This program provides free, nutrient-dense, organic meals to families undergoing cancer treatment in the Nashville community. The event features a five-course, chef-curated meal highlighting a seasonal ingredient, set in a picturesque, secluded farm location. Tickets are $200 per person HERE.
August 22, 2025: Tennessee Titans Preseason Home Game
The Tennessee Titans host the Minnesota Vikings in Preseason Week 3 at Nissan Stadium on August 22. Tickets are on sale via SeatGeek, starting around $7 each. It’s a great chance for fans to catch NFL action live and preview the upcoming season. tennesseetitans.com
August 23, 2025: Bowties and Bourbon
From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Mason’s at Loews Nashville Hotel hosts Bowties & Bourbon. The event features a guided tasting led by Hard Truth’s Master Distiller, Bryan Smith, showcasing five unique expressions. Guests can enjoy a handcrafted welcome cocktail, chef-curated small bites, and live music in an intimate setting. Admission is $65 per person. resy.com
August 23, 2025: Cornelia Airpark Concert
The final Cornelia Airpark Concert of the summer is August 23 at 5:30 p.m. The family‑friendly event showcases three local bands — JesseLee Jones & Brazilbilly, Nathan Kalish & His Derechos, and Wily — plus food trucks, craft beer, and wine. Tickets start at $20, with children 15 and under admitted free with a paying adult. corneliaairparkconcerts.com
August 23, 2025: Music City Brewers Festival
The 2025 Music City Brewers Fest features tastings from over 40 local and national breweries, plus spirits, ciders, seltzers, and alcohol-free options. Enjoy live music, yard games, food trucks, a golf simulator, and even live sheep. General admission is $50 and includes a souvenir cup with unlimited tastings. musiccitybrewersfest.com
August 23, 2025: Watermelon Festival
The 2025 Watermelon Festival at the Nashville Farmers’ Market is a free, family-friendly event that celebrates all things watermelon. You can enjoy live music, free watermelon tastings, vendor and produce specials, food trucks, and more. nashvillefarmersmarket.org
August 30, 2025: Zzzoofari Slumber
The Fall Zzzoofari Slumber at Nashville Zoo invites families to stay overnight under the stars, just steps from the zoo’s nocturnal residents. Participants can enjoy games, crafts, and educational activities, followed by a continental breakfast the next morning. They also receive free admission to the zoo on Sunday. nashvillezoo.org
August 30 & 31, 2025: Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix
The Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix roars into Nashville Superspeedway this month. Expect high-speed action, live music, food vendors, and extras like camping and hospitality upgrades for a full-throttle Labor Day weekend experience. To see the full schedule and purchase tickets, visit nashvillesuperspeedway.com.
Have a fabulous August, Nashville!
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To see more great Nashville events, visit our Happenings calendar.
