As the temperatures rise, the sheer number of things to do in Nashville reaches a fever pitch.
From outdoor activities where you can soak up the sun to indoor fun with a cool blast of air conditioning, we’ve got your summer “to do” list ready and waiting. Grab your sunnies, throw on a pair of shorts, and get ready to paint the town red hot.
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You’re On a Boat
There’s no better way to spend a hot summer day than by making waves and catching rays on Percy Priest Lake. No boat? No problem. Lake Hop is a boating rideshare marketplace that connects consumers with local private boat owners. (Think Uber on the water.) Founded in 2021 by Tennessee native DJ Boggs, this peer-to-peer boat rental startup counts more than 200 boaters (and counting) as members. Passengers can search the website for experiences on their favorite local lake and then filter them by adventure (fishing, tubing, jet skiing, wake surfing, airboats, pontoons, and more) to plan their perfect boat day without even having to make a down payment on their own vessel. Anchors away! Hourly prices vary. (golakehop.com)
Treat Yourself
Beat the heat by posting up at Rhapsody Spa, one of Music City’s coolest spots for relaxation. The vibey spa—located on the third floor of the Westin Hotel—is Tennessee’s sole provider of Sodashi, an all-natural and ethically sourced skincare line. And now they are offering two new ways to enjoy the luxurious products. Soul-to-Sole is a head to toe, 50-minute, tension-relieving Sodashi experience that nurtures the areas that are most overworked and aching for attention. First, there’s a steaming head wrap, nourishing mask, and tension-relieving scalp massage. Next, your arms and hands are pampered with warm compresses, a gentle jojoba bead exfoliation, and a comforting massage. Lastly, the feet are treated with warm compresses and an invigorating massage of mint and arnica oils. (You’re starting to feel more relaxed already, aren’t you?) There’s also a Sodashi Samadara Illuminating Age-Defying Facial. This 80-minute facial uses serums, creams, and oils enlivened with rose quartz crystals and laden with antioxidant-, vitamin-, mineral-, and fatty acid-rich botanical extracts. A rose quartz crystal facial maximizes the penetration while anti-aging techniques rooted in ancient Ayurvedic traditions awaken the skin’s natural healing energy. (rhapsodyspanashville.com)
Sip, Sip, Hooray
Beer lovers, rejoice! Rally your favorite drinking buddies because the 21st annual Music City Brewer’s Festival is back serving up summer sips, tasty bites, entertainment, and good times. Nashville’s beloved original beer fest will take over Walk of Fame Park on July 23 from 5 – 9 p.m., providing samples from some of the best local, regional, national, and imported breweries along with a variety of seltzers and spirits. And because you’ll be craving a snack to accompany those brews, the festival features a delicious assortment of food vendors. Festival goers can also enjoy plenty of games, live music, and a DJ to keep the party going while the drinks are flowing. (musiccitybrewersfest.com)
Farm Fresh
Green Door Gourmet is a 350-acre farm, on-farm market, and agritourism destination. This urban- adjacent farm offers up a wide array of fruits, flowers, vegetables, and herbs—plus experiences that are fun for the whole family. From the on-property general store to literal farm-to-table dining experiences, and flower arranging classes, there’s something for everyone. Check their website for a schedule of chef-driven pop-up dinners that will showcase ingredients and flowers from the farm and more. (greendoorgourmet.com)
Gogh Experience Art
Step inside some of the world’s most spectacular works of art at the Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit. The touring exhibition has captured the attention of art lovers across North America, featuring state-of-the-art technology to create an immersive, interactive display of digital art. And with the highly anticipated arrival of the Nashville exhibit, this unique attraction is the perfect addition to your summer to-do list. Here, visitors can experience the iconic works of Post-Impressionist artist Vincent van Gogh like never before in an exhibit that captures his emotional and chaotic inner consciousness through art, light, movement, music, and imagination. The creative team behind this one-of-a- kind immersive experience custom designs their vision to fit the architecture of each venue the exhibit tours, and Nashville’s Lighthouse Art Space utilizes 25,000 square feet to take visitors on an unforgettable artistic journey. (immersivevangogh.com)
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Be Well
Arete is a one-stop destination for all things health promotion and the treatment of dehydration-based ailments. (And in the hot summer months who among us doesn’t need a serious dose of hydration?) Their team of registered nurses and advanced practice nurses are available onsite or via concierge IV services to make sure you’re feeling your best. But Arete is more than just an intravenous hydration station; this wellness oasis offers infrared sauna, cryotherapy, a hyperbaric oxygen therapy chamber, and more. They can even test you for food sensitivities and allergies, micronutrients, and COVID-19. Plus they serve cold-pressed juices, healthy bites, and kombucha on tap. Sounds like heaven. (arete-wellness.com)
Don’t Stop the Music
Celebrating the vitality of the Jefferson Street community through its arts, music, and food culture, the 22nd annual Jefferson Street Jazz & Blues Festival kicks off with an Artist Meet and Greet on Friday, July 22. Then, head to Fisk University on the 23rd for the festival itself— featuring local and national jazz and blues artists, food, and retail vendors from the North Nashville community. With thousands of attendees each year, the Jefferson Street Jazz & Blues Festival builds cultural awareness, attracts diversity, and commemorates the historic Jefferson Street Corridor through the sounds of jazz, blues, funk, gospel, soul, and R&B—all while paying tribute to the historic treasures and challenges that make the Jefferson Street community a unique and vital part of Nashville. Check online for the artist lineup and ticket information. (nashvillejazzandbluesfest.com)
Dive In
The W Nashville is making a splash this summer with seasonal programming at their 10,000 square-foot rooftop pool the WET Deck. This social hub features private cabanas and lounge chairs, daytime bites, a dedicated bar, rotating DJs, and much more. And while the pool (which just happens to be the largest hotel pool in the area) is open to hotel guests, that doesn’t mean locals can’t enjoy a dip: If you’re not checked in, you can purchase private cabanas, tables, and day loungers. (marriott.com/hotels/travel/bnawn-w-nashville)
Flower Power
Ostara Gardens, founded in 2021 by Avon Lyons and Emily Daniel, is Nashville’s first and only field-to-vase floral and plant shop. On a three-acre farm just 15 minutes from their East Nashville retail shop, Emily grows high-quality flowers and plants that make up the majority of Ostara’s arrangements and designs. In addition to custom arrangements for shop pickup or delivery, Ostara Gardens hosts a variety of educational workshops and classes so you can learn to craft your own beautiful bouquets. It’s a blooming good time. (ostaragardens.com)
Just Peachy
With the arrival of summer comes the equally as exciting arrival of peach season, and local foodie favorite, The Peach Truck, is providing the ultimate fruity fix to satisfy your summer cravings. Anyone who has acquired one of The Peach Truck’s infamous brown bags of goodness knows these are not your average grocery store peaches. Instead, they are thoughtfully grown, hand-picked, perfectly ripe, and packed full of delicious flavor and nutrients. Whether you’re incorporating these peaches into your favorite seasonal dish, a crafty summer cocktail, or sinking your teeth into one straight out of the bag, The Peach Truck embodies that sweet taste of summertime in every bite. Peaches are available at over 60 booths across middle Tennessee at locations including farmer’s markets, parks, eateries, and more, with the complete booth schedule available online. Home delivery is also available for freshly picked hand-packed peaches ready to ship nationwide. (thepeachtruck.com)
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Make a Splash
Beat the heat in style this summer at one of Nashville’s most Instagram-worthy rooftops, White Limozeen. Situated atop Graduate Nashville, White Limozeen is an over-the-top experience (inside and out) that brings new meaning to the phrase pretty in pink. The lavish locale is known for serving up creative themed cocktails and delectable bites to the delight of Nashvillians and visitors alike, and now, the rooftop is offering even more ways to enjoy some fun in the sun. With the arrival of White Limozeen’s new pool membership program, guests can secure a spot at the rooftop’s coveted Governor’s Pool. Members will receive priority access on select days, a discount on food and beverages, welcome amenities, and much more. Perfect for soaking up rays and city views, you’ll want to dive right into this monthly membership. (graduatehotels.com)
Red, White, Blue, and You
Nothing says summer quite like Fourth of July, and Nashvillians certainly know how to throw a patriotic party. This year’s Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4 event is sure to be one for the books with lively performances, family-friendly fun, and the largest fireworks show in the city’s history. The best part? This downtown riverfront event is free and open to the public. Talent including Gramps Morgan, Cassadee Pope, and Levi Hummon will take the stage as part of this year’s concert lineup along with a highly anticipated, soon-to-be- announced headliner. And for some daytime fun for all, the Family Fun Zone returns to Music City Walk of Fame Park offering free inflatables, games, and plenty of kid-friendly activities to keep the little ones entertained. The night concludes with an unforgettable fireworks show synchronized to a live performance from the Grammy-winning Nashville Symphony sure to light up both the sky and your summer.(visitmusiccity.com/july4th)
Free Hugs
Sometimes you just want a hug—and sometimes you want that hug to come from a cow. No, we’re serious. At The Gentle Barn, you can sign up for an hour-long cow hugging session, where you get to cuddle a cow until your serotonin levels are recharged and replenished. These therapy cows invite you to snuggle them, meditate with them, and give them a big old bear, er, bovine hug. While you’re there, sign up for a tour of this incredible Christiana, TN facility. The Gentle Barn is a national non-profit animal rescue and sanctuary where animals are celebrated and treated to happy, healthy lives. And if the cause speaks to you, sign up to donate hay for the 200 animals on-site. The Gentle Barn has created a tiered donation structure allowing everyone to contribute according to their budget—from a bale to a truckload. (gentlebarn.org)
Sweet Escape
Looking to soak up the beauty of a Tuscan vineyard, marvel at the city lights of Tokyo, or score sideline views to your favorite game? With the arrival of one of Nashville’s newest entertainment venues, Nightscape, these sights and more can be discovered without ever leaving town. Located in the Gulch’s former 12th and Porter space, the city’s first fully immersive entertainment experience uses built-in 360-degree projection mapping, spatial audio, adaptable layouts, and other sensory elements to redefine the possibilities of a physical space. Nightscape’s main room, filled with state-of- the-art technology, engages all five senses to transform guests into any and every alternate reality. The event space also features a lounge area complete with additional projections, spectacular sound and lighting, and a bar serving up creative cocktails. With rotating events like TASTE: Italian Villa—the first rendition of an immersive dining experience which transports guests to an Italian inspired villa as they enjoy an intentionally crafted five-course tasting menu—there is a world of adventure waiting to be discovered with every night out. (explorenightscape.com)
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Mark your calendars because the 34-year theatrical tradition, Shakespeare in the Park, returns to the Yard at oneC1TY. The festival opens on August 18 and will run for five weeks in Nashville as well as one week in Franklin. Showcasing works from two of the greatest playwrights of all time, attendees can enjoy two productions: August Wilson’s Gem of the Ocean, directed by Chuck Smith from the Goodman Theater in Chicago playing for the first two weeks in collaboration with Kennie Playhouse Theatre, followed by William Shakespeare’s Cymbeline directed by Leah Lowe. The family-friendly, dog-friendly event also features a nightly pre-show concert series, scholar-led discussions, performances by Nashville Shakespeare Festival’s Apprentice Company, food trucks, and so much more. (nashvilleshakes.org)