This post covers the top things to do in August in Nashville (updated for 2022), including nighttime activities, free things to do, and family-friendly options.
Be sure to read our master post on things to do in Nashville for even more ideas.
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN AUGUST
This top 10 list has concerts, events, attractions, and festivals to check out during August.
Don't miss our popular Nashville posts:
- Hop-On Hop-Off Tours
- Tourist Attraction Discount Passes
- Country Music Hall of Fame Discounts
- Madame Tussauds Nashville
- Andrew Jackson's Hermitage Discounts
1) See a Concert
If you’re looking for a concert, Music City is the place to find it.
There are some incredible venues for music in this city, some of which we've listed below:
Of course, in Nashville, you can find concerts happening every night of the week. A few of the artists performing in Nashville in August are:
- Vince Gill | August 4th-7th
- Grand Funk Railroad | August 5th
- REO Speedwagon/Styx | August 8th
- Men at Work | August 8th
- David Gray | August 9th
- Wiz Khalifa/Logic | August 10th
- Red Hot Chili Peppers | August 12th
- Kodack Black/Dababy | August 12th
- Lady A | August 13th-14th
- Michael Buble | August 16th
- Lea Michelle | August 17th
- My Chemical Romance | August 23rd
- Blondie | August 24th
- Goo Goo Dolls | August 27th
- Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons | August 28th
Check out other events happening in August, or read our post about other nightlife you can find.
2) Go to a Sporting Event
Nashville is a competitive city that loves its sports! August is a great time to catch a game, especially baseball.
It is also an excellent way to spend the day with the family.
Baseball
Football
Bull Riding
You can find a list of other events happening in August here.
And for more family-friendly activities, check out our full post here.
3) Enjoy A Comedy Show
It's not just music you'll find in Nashville. Some big name comedians will performing in the Music City in August.
One of comedy's big names, John Mulaney, is performing. He'll be at Ryman Auditorium on August 25th , August 26th (for 2 shows), and August 28th.
The hilarious Kevin Hart is also scheduled for a show at Bridgestone Arena on August 3rd.
British comedian, actor, and presenter Jack Whitehall will be at the Basement Nashville on August 4th.
Take a look at other events happening in August here.
4. Tomato Art Fest
Taking place in Five Points in East Nashville is the free Tomato Art Fest.
This popular festival, now it it's 19th year, features different mediums of art, all of which must include a tomato or other fruits and vegetables.
There's also a Bloody Mary garden party, a home decorating contest, a 5K race, a Cornhole tournament, a haiki contest and 3 stages with pop-up performances with local musicians.
There's also a vendor marketplace with items including jewelry, pottery, blown glass, and much, much more.
For family-friendly activities, there's a kids art show, a Tomato Story Time, and a "push, pull, and wear" parade.
To find a schedule of activities, visit the Tomato Art Fest website.
5. Go to the Williamson County Fair
From August 5th - 13th, the Williamson County Fair will be held just a short drive from Nashville in Franklin, Tennessee.
This is not only one of the best family activities in the area this month, it's also a great idea for nighttime fun.
In addition to all the great fair food and rides, there will also be plenty of live music, games, and even a Children's Barnyard.
For more information on dates and hours, check the Williamson County Fair website.
6. Summer Shakespeare 2022
The Nashville Shakespeare Festival is performing August Wilson's Gem of the Ocean and William Shakespeare's Cymbeline.
This festival, in it's 34th year, is free, although you can opt to purchase "royal" tickets for better seating.
Arrive early to grab a good spot and some food (or you can bring your own picnic).
Cymbeline
- Thursdays - Sundays + Labor Day Monday
- August 18-21
Gem of the Ocean
- Thursdays - Sundays
- August 25-28
Evening Timeline
- 5:15 - Gates Open
- 5:30 - “Insight” at Sump Coffee
- 6:00 - Pre-Show Concert Series
- 6:45 - Elf & Fairy and ApCo Performances (Cymbeline only)
- 7:00 - Main Performanc
This is a great way to spend the evening whether you're a longtime fan of Shakespeare or newcomer to theatre.
Learn more here.
7. Deep Tropics Music Art & Style Festival
Taking place from August 26th - 27th, 2022, this event will feature a variety of musical artists at the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park.
In addition to all the good tunes, you can also expect laser shows, choreographed LED lights, and more interesting visuals.
Fans of electronic, house, and hip-hop will find plenty to enjoy about this festival. Tickets are available now, and the event is 21+.
Find out more about the Deep Tropics Music Art & Style Festival.
8. Food Truck Fridays at Arrington Vineyards
Arrington Vineyards has been around since 2007 and has already established itself as an award-winning vineyard.
They have a number of events throughout the year, and their Food Truck Fridays are a great way to enjoy the summer day with live music and some great food!
This free event takes place all summer long from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM.
For more free things to do in Nashville this August, check out our free section below.
9. Attend a Full Moon Pickin' Party
This is one of Nashville's most popular outdoor events, bringing Bluegrass music to folks of all ages.
Local musicians gather to play under the moon in Percy Warner Park on select days from May - September.
Gates open at 5:30 on August 12th, and music plays from 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM.
You're even welcome to bring your own bluegrass instrument (in addition to a blanket or chair) and play along.
There will be food trucks and craft beer on tap.
Tickets can be purchased here.
10. Save Money with a Nashville Tourist Attraction Discount Pass
With all the exciting things there are to do in Music City, we suggest getting a tourist city pass for Nashville.
All-inclusive passes are available, and others can include up to 55% discounts on retail prices for select attraction admission, gift shops, and restaurants.
Featured on Various Passes:
- Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
- Madame Tussauds
- Hop-On-Hop-Off Tours
- Musician's Hall of Fame
- Hard Rock Cafe
See our tourist attraction discount pass comparison here.
THINGS TO DO AT NIGHT IN NASHVILLE
August can bring some hot days, and sometimes the best time to go out on a muggy summer day is once the sun goes down.
Some of our top ten items for things to do in August are great for the evening.
Here are a few more night time activities for the month of August.
For more nighttime activities, visit our post on things to do at night in Nashville.
Adventure Science Center
The Adventure Science Center is an independent, not-for-profit science and technology center that gets people interested and involved in science and technology.
On Friday August 12 - from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM - join their "Way Late Play Date: Boldly Go Beyond" event.
For adults 21+, this Star-Trek themef event brings pop culture, cocktails, food, a trivia challenge, a discussion of black holes, and a planetarium show to guests.
Tickets and information can be found here.
Songwriters Under the Stars
On August 26th and 27th, you'll find an evening of song and symphony at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens.
This year Brett James, a Grammy Award-winning songwriter and producer, along with Hillary Lindsey and Gary Barlowe, hitmakers in the country and pop music area, will be performing.
Bring a blanket or a lawnchair. Enjoy craft cocktails and food truck offerings.
For more information, check here.
Catch a Free Fireworks Show After a Baseball Game
When the Nashville Sounds face off against the Gwinnett Stripers on Friday, August 12th, they plan to end the game with a bang.
There will be a free postgame fireworks show!
This is a great opportunity to not only see future major leaguers as they work their way to the big time, it's nice to close out the evening with stunning fireworks display.
Tickets start around $16 and can be purchased here.
FREE THINGS TO DO IN AUGUST IN NASHVILLE
Nashville has a bunch of free stuff to do year-round. We've mentioned some in our other sections.
Here are a few more free things to do in Nashville in August.
For even more budget-friendly ideas, check out our post on free things to do in Nashville.
First Saturday Art Crawl
Across the city center, art galleries open their doors to host people on the first Saturday of every month.
You can pick and choose which shops and vendors to check out. Most offer refreshments, including wine.
Many of the galleries are at the Nashville Arcade Mall.
The participating galleries for the First Saturday Art Crawl swap out and are easily accessible by walking and using the Gray Line Trolley.
This event is free and for art lovers of all ages!
Music in the Vines
Arrington Vineyards hosts Music in the Vines, a free event taking place every Saturday and Sunday from April through October.
August is the perfect month to come out and enjoy the music, the wine, the whole atmosphere!
You can bring your own picnic or order a gourmet one there so you don't have to prep.
There's something different happening every weekend, so we encourage you to check out their calendar to plan your visit.
Attend a Titans' Open Practice
It's a little early for football, but you can attend a Titans' open practice for free!
They have announced two games: Tennessee vs Tampa Bay on August 20th, and Tennessee vs Artizona, on August 27th.
These games are fun for the whole family!
For more sports happening in Nashville in August, check out our Top Ten section above.
Attend a Showing of "The Green Knight"
The Frist Art Museum will be showing The Green Knight in their auditorium on August 25th, from 6:30 PM - 8:30PM.
This fantasy adventure tells the story of Sir Gawain, who "who irresolutely embarks on a quest to meet the challenge of the eponymous Green Knight, a tree-like giant and tester of men."
Also on show at the museum is a Knights in Armour showcase, with rare objects including "full suits of armor, mounted equestrian figures, helmets, swords, and other weaponry".
Click here for more information.
THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS IN AUGUST
Nashville is super family-friendly! There are also so many activity options available, there is sure to be something to fit everyone's tastes.
A few activities we've listed above like fireworks at a baseball game listed in our nighttime section above are perfect for the whole family!
Here are a few more kid-friendly things to do in August.
Be sure to read our master post on things to do with kids in Nashville for even more ideas.
Get Creative at the Country Music Museum
The Country Music Museum offers activities for kids and teens.
You can find everything from hat making, banadana and braid making, song writing workshops, a musical petting zoo, dancing, and more.
Check their calendar for a schedule of activities.
Storytime at the Tennessee State Museum
The Tennessee State Museum is a free museum and has the most comprehensive display of the state's history.
While great for all ages, they also host a storytime for children every Thursday and Saturday.
This event is geared towards children ages 3 to 6, and a staff member will read to the children. Free crafts are also supplied!
Visit the Adventure Science Center
The science center "offers engaging learning experiences and science fun through hands-on, interactive exhibits, innovative programs, and full-dome productions in the state-of-the-art Sudekum Planetarium"
You'll find live demonstrations, permanant exhibits, seasonal events... and a 63 foot dome theatre in the planitarium. It's not possible for kids to be bored here!
To plan your adventure, click here.
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