Summer in Nashville just hits different! Music City comes alive with backyard concerts, food trucks, and family outings that turn into core memories. Around here, Dr. Ruth and the team at Braces by Dr. Ruth love swapping stories with patients about their summer plans (and maybe stealing a few ideas for ourselves)! If you’re looking to make the most of the season, we’ve rounded up five standout family-friendly events in Nashville to help you stay active, connected, and smiling all summer long.
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens – Thursday Night Out
Cheekwood’s Thursday Night Out (May 29 – August 28, 5 – 9p) turns a regular evening into something memorable for the whole family! With extended hours and a relaxed vibe, it’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors without the weekend crowds.
Here’s what to look forward to:
- Live Music: Local artists perform in scenic garden settings; bring a blanket and settle in!
- Art-Making for Kids: Hands-on creativity stations let younger visitors dive into fun activities.
- Garden Trails & Sculptures: Explore the blooming grounds, wooded paths, and outdoor art installations.
- Food & Drinks: Seasonal bites and beverages are available for purchase, perfect for a casual dinner.
- Spacious Lawns: Ideal for families to spread out, relax, and enjoy a slower pace.
These peaceful Thursday evenings turn into some of the most cherished moments of summer. If your crew’s craving a day filled with music, flavors, and hands-on fun, this next stop serves it all with a hometown twist.
Nashville Farmers’ Market – Summer Fest
Kick off summer with a burst of flavor and fun at the Nashville Farmers’ Market’s first annual Summer Fest! This FREE event, running from 10a to 2p Saturday, June 14, is a celebration of all things local and lively.
Here’s what’s in store:
- Live Music: Enjoy performances from The Nashville Band, bringing high-energy tunes to keep the atmosphere vibrant.
- Kids’ Zone: Delight the little ones with crafts, a petting zoo, and free pony rides.
- Culinary Demos: Watch cooking demonstrations and savor free tastings provided by Nossi College of Art.
- Cultural Performances: Experience traditional Aztec dance performances that add a unique flair to the festivities.
- Community Engagement: Participate in pet adoption opportunities with the Nashville Humane Association.
Once you’ve sampled your way through the market and soaked up the sunshine, keep the good vibes going with live music and local flavor at one of East Nashville’s favorite summer hangouts.
Cornelia Airpark Concert Series
Tucked away in East Nashville’s Shelby Park, the Cornelia Airpark Concert Series offers a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere where live music, local flavors, and community vibes come together. Held monthly during summer nights (June 14, July 19, August 23), this event transforms the historic Cornelia Fort Airpark into a lively gathering spot for all ages.
Here’s what to look forward to:
- Live Bluegrass Music: Enjoy performances from local bands that get both kids and adults tapping their toes.
- Food Trucks & Local Brews: Savor a variety of eats and drinks from Nashville’s favorite vendors.
- Family Activities: Engage in lawn games and other kid-friendly fun that keeps the little ones entertained.
It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a summer evening with family, friends, and neighbors. Once you’ve had your fill of summer tunes under the stars, it’s time to crank up the volume. Next up is one of Nashville’s biggest celebrations of the year!
Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th
There’s no better place to spend the Fourth than downtown Nashville, and Let Freedom Sing! is the star of the show. This FREE all-day celebration is packed with music, fireworks, and family-focused fun, perfect for kids, teens, and adults alike.
Here’s what to expect:
- Live music all day featuring Dierks Bentley, Russell Dickerson, Niko Moon, and rising local star Grace Bowers
- One of the largest fireworks displays in the country, choreographed to a live performance by the Nashville Symphony
- Kid-friendly zones with games, face painting, and space to run around
- Tons of food trucks serving everything from barbecue to frozen treats
To make the most of it, Dr. Ruth and the team at Braces by Dr. Ruth recommend bringing sunscreen, water, and orthodontic-friendly snacks. Up next: a summer festival where the food is just as exciting as the live music lineup.
Music City Hot Chicken Festival
Spicy, smoky, and full of Nashville flavor: the Music City Hot Chicken Festival brings the heat in the best way possible! Held every Fourth of July in East Park, this FREE event celebrates the city’s signature dish while offering something for the whole family (even the ones who prefer mild).
Here’s what makes it worth the visit:
- Hot chicken from the best local spots, including Prince’s, Bolton’s, and 400 Degrees
- Live music and local bands keeping the energy high all afternoon
- Cold treats and drinks to cool things down between bites
- A Kid’s Zone, fun lawn games, and shaded seating perfect for families
A word of advice from The Braces by Dr. Ruth team? Skip the extra-crispy wings, no matter if you’re rocking traditional metal or LightForce clear braces. Crunchy bites can do a number on brackets, and nobody wants an emergency visit cutting into their weekend!
To close things out, let’s hear from Dr. Ruth on how to keep your braces in one piece while soaking up every bit of summer fun.
Braces-Safe Tips from Dr. Ruth
Summer events are more fun when your braces stay intact. The Braces by Dr. Ruth team has a few quick tips to help you keep things smooth all season:
- Pack a Braces Kit: Include orthodontic wax, a travel toothbrush, and flossers in your bag, especially if you’re out all day.
- Skip Sticky & Crunchy Snacks: Say no to taffy, kettle corn, and hard candies that can damage your brackets.
- Stick to Braces-Friendly Foods: Soft tacos, mac and cheese, grilled chicken, or smoothies are all great picks.
- Stay Hydrated: Water is your best friend. It helps wash away sugar and keeps your mouth feeling fresh.
- Rinse or Brush After Snacks: If brushing isn’t an option, a quick rinse helps until you can.
A little planning goes a long way when you want your summer (and your smile) to stay on track!
Smiles, Snacks & Summer Memories
Nashville’s summer scene is packed with music, flavor, and fun, and your smile can keep up with it all. Dr. Ruth and the Braces by Dr. Ruth team are here to help you enjoy every bite without worrying about your braces. Schedule your free consultation in Nashville today and keep your summer carefree and confident!