Nashville Summer 2023 Bucket List
We’re well into summer and the livin’ is easy. And hot. From farmers markets and festivals to outdoor movies and concerts, there’s so much to do in Nashville during the summertime. Our summer bucket list is a helpful guide to soaking up the season and making the most of the weeks ahead in our beautiful city.
Explore The Great Outdoors
Nashvillians are fortunate to have some of the most beautiful green spaces right here in our own backyard.
Cheekwood Estate and Gardens is always impressive and has the most spectacular rotating art exhibitions. Explore the impeccably maintained gardens then head inside to cool down and enjoy the estate’s collection of art. Light: Bruce Monro is featured through October 27 and not to be missed.
Centennial Park is probably Nashville’s most well-known park. Home to the Parthenon and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it features a one-mile walking trail, Lake Watauga, Centennial Art Center, Centennial Performing Arts Studios, Musicians Corner, the sunken gardens, a Bandshell, an events shelter, sand volleyball courts, and a dog park.
Edwin Warner and Percy Warner Parks are great for hiking, biking and trail running. There are miles and miles of shaded trails, some paved and some unpaved, that make it easy to get outside even during the heat of the day. Both Edwin and Percy are nature preserves so expect to see animals like deer, owls and maybe even a fox. The Majestic Allée Steps and Belle Meade Entrance are not to be missed.
Try Some New Restaurants
The Nashville culinary scene has exploded in the past few years. We love any excuse to try a new restaurant and those with seasonal menus featuring local produce are calling our names. On the top of our list: Audrey, Henrietta Red, answer., The Continental, Common Ground.
Read Outdoors
Oftentimes we read indoors or download an audiobook to listen to in the car but enjoying a good book in nature with a bit of a breeze is one of summer’s simplest pleasures. Whether you grab a book and head to the park, curl up on a porch swing or head to the beach, there are many books just begging to be read.
Attend A Pickin’ Party
Friends of Warner Parks Full Moon Pickin’ Party has been going strong for more than 25 years. Grab a blanket or lawn chair and listen to Bluegrass music under the stars. Local food trucks are on site or pack a cooler full of your favorite snacks. Dogs are welcome and proceeds benefit Warner Parks.
Make An Ice Cream Date
When was the last time you got an ice cream cone and took a stroll or sat outside to enjoy such a simple pleasure? When it’s hot outside, there’s nothing better than cold ice cream. Jeni’s Ice Cream, Hattie Jane’s Creamery, Elliston Place Soda Shop and the iconic Bobbie’s Dairy Dip are among our favorites.
Explore A New Farmers Market
What says summer more than peaches, farm fresh eggs, lemonade, vine-ripened tomatoes and fresh vegetables? There are so many incredible farmers markets throughout Nashville and Franklin so choose one close to home or venture out to explore a farmers market in a new-to-you neighborhood. A few of our favorites:
Wedgewood-Houston Farmers Market
If you’re interested in visiting a farm and shopping in a general store style atmosphere, Green Door Gourmet is not to be missed!
See An Outdoor Movie
Nightlight 615 is an outdoor movie series each Thursday at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park amphitheater in downtown Nashville. Each screening will feature different food trucks, local breweries and wineries. Bring a blanket or low lawn chair and purchase tickets in advance.
There are several other outdoor movie nights throughout the summer detailed here: Spring & Summer Outdoor Movie Nights (do615.com)
Attend A Concert Under The Stars
You can’t think of Nashville without thinking about live music and during the summer months there are many opportunities to experience live music under the stars. Here are a few of our favorite venues:
Musicians Corner in Centennial Park
Music in the Vines at Arrington Vineyard
Jefferson Street Jazz and Blues Festival
Go Flower Picking
Colorful fresh flowers are one of the best ways to bring the beauty of summertime indoors. By Faith Farms in Joelton offers you pick flowers each Saturday. All proceeds go directly to planting and harvesting nutritious food to those most underserved. S.E. Daugherty and Sons Farm in Nashville and Lucky Ladd Farms in Eagleville both have you pick flower fields.
Spend Some Time In The Water
It’s hard to think about summer without thinking of a trip to the beach. If a beach vacation isn’t in your future, not to worry! Nashville has a plethora of ways to spend some time in the water. You can go tubing with Sunshine’s Adventures or explore the Cumberland River with Cumberland Kayak or Nashville Paddle Company. Nashville is home to West Meade Waterfall and there are many other waterfalls within driving distance of the city. If a day at a resort is more your vibe, Gaylord Opryland Resort is home to the world-class waterpark Soundwaves. Float down the lazy river, ride the water rides, climb the rock wall or relax at the adults-only bar and pool. The resort offers special rates for Tennessee residents for both stays at the resort and access to the park.
