Ba-dee-ya, dancin’ in September! What in the world are y’all doing this Labor Day weekend! Remember, the couples that play together stay together! Head to a festive summer outing perfect for parents (and older kids!).
Click on the links for more information about each event.
- READ MORE! Top Things to Do for Kids This Weekend
Top THINGS TO DO for Parents THIS Weekend
Shakespeare in the park is back at the renovated Band Shell in Nashville’s Centennial Park through Sept. 20.
Nashville Shakespeare Festival: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Thursday, Sept. 3 | 5:15 – 8:30 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 4 | 5:15 – 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 5 | 5:15 – 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 6 | 5:15 – 8:30 p.m.
FREE (with a suggested $20 per person donation)
The Bard is back at the historic bandshell in Centennial Park ( Magic, mischief, and moonlight fill the forest in this tangle of love and theatrical mayhem. When mischievous fairies meddle with runaway lovers and an unsuspecting troupe of amateur actors, dreams blur with reality and anything can happen. The show is for all ages and each evening begins with food vendors and an “Insight” talk at 5:15 p.m., a pre-show concert at 6 and the main performance at 7 p.m.
Live music, the Kidsville craft tent, artisans and more continuing THIS weekend in Centennial Park.
Musicians Corner Fall Concert Series (+ Kidsville!)
Friday, Aug. 28 | 5 – 6 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 5 | 5 – 9 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 6 | noon to 6 p.m.
FREE
Musicians Corner, the free fall concert series, kicks off at Centennial Park (2500 West End Ave., Nashville). The family friendly event that draws hundreds for live music, food vendors, local artisans and more is also dog-friendly and open to the public. Moreover, kids come front and center for Kidsville, a craft and fun tent just for them.
Have a “Thriller” date night with your favorite Michael Jackson tunes performed on strings this Friday.
Bring lawn chairs and picnic blankets to celebrate the country’s 250th birthday and the Nashville Symphony’s 80th birthday.
American Mosaic: A Free Nashville Symphony Community Concert
Saturday, Sept. 5 | 7:30 p.m.
FREE
This Labor Day weekend, your Nashville Symphony transforms Walk of Fame Park (121 4th Ave. S, Nashville) into a multimedia celebration of America’s 250th birthday. Leading the evening alongside Music Director Leonard Slatkin is acclaimed actor Gary Sinise, who narrates American Mosaic: a bold new composition honoring the people, places,and spirit of the United States.
See Ray LaMontagne perform live inside the “Mother Church of Country Music” on Sept. 4 & 5.
Ray LaMontagne at Ryman Auditorium
Thursday, Sept. 4 | 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Sept. 5 | 7:30 p.m.
Tickets start at $73
See Ray LaMontagne perform live inside the Ryman Auditorium (116 Fifth Ave. N, Nashville).
CHOO, CHOO! Ride the rails from the Tennessee Central Railway Museum in Nashville to Watertown and back with live music and wine tastings.
Bluegrass & Wine Tasting Excursion Train
Saturday, Sept. 5 | 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
$80 for coach, $160 for some seating
Enjoy some wine while listening to live bluegrass music on an excursion train ride from Tennessee Central Railway Museum (220 Willow St., Nashville) to Watertown and back! During the layover, visit the restaurants for lunch and shop the stores around the square. Boarding begins at 9 a.m. Train departs at 10 a.m. and arrival back in Nashville is 4 p.m.
Participate in hummingbird bingo, observe banding, learn how to attract them to your own backyard and more.
Hummingbird Celebration
Saturday, Sept. 5 | 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
FREE
This free event at Warner Park Nature Center (7311 Highway 100, Nashville) features fun and educational activities for all ages, including hummingbird banding (from 9 – 11 a.m.), hummingbird observation and education stations, face painting, art activities, tips on attracting hummingbirds and more.
Get crafty and browse local artists this Saturday at Oaklands Mansion in Murfreesboro.
Oaklands Mansion Fall Art & Craft Fair
Saturday, Sept. 5 | 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
FREE
Shop fine art, handmade crafts, and vintage items at Oaklands Mansion (900 N. Maney Ave., Murfreesboro). The first 100 guests will receive a shopping bag with special goodies. The fair will also have a scavenger hunt, door prizes and live music. The Mansion will be open for self-guided tours for the special price of $5 per person.
As the crisp air of fall begins to waft through the hillsides, it’s the perfect time to plan a visit to Arrington.
Jazz on the Hillside / Bluegrass at the Barn
Friday, Sept. 4 (Food Truck Friday) | 4:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 5 | 3 – 7 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 6 | 2 – 6 p.m.
FREE
Come out to Arrington Vineyards (6211 Patton Road, Arrington) for live jazz and bluegrass bands. Food will be available. No reservations required. Bring blankets and chairs … and if you’re lucky, you may be able to snag a picnic table.
Join in on the water as Smyrna Parks & Rec helps families launch from Jefferson Springs Recreation Area.
Kayak Float in Smyrna
Monday, Sept. 7 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
FREE
Ages 12 and older can join in for kayak float through Smyrna Parks & Rec. The float launches from Volunteer Park (850 8th Ave., Smyrna). Boats, PFDs and paddles are provided. Sunscreen and bug spray are recommended. Bring water and clothes that can get wet – including closed-toe shoes or sandals. No flip flops. Cost is $5 per person. For ages 12 and older. Kids under age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
