Things to do this weekend in and around Nashville
Friendly fun in Nashville & Middle Tennessee for Friday, August 21, 2026 through Sunday, August 23, 2026. Check out these highlights!
(Scroll down for full list of weekend activities.)
Friday, August 21, 2026
America the Beautiful: National Parks & Landmarks by Rail - August 16–September 5, 2026 - Nashville, TN. Explore an immersive garden-scale train exhibition at Cheekwood featuring miniature versions of iconic American national parks and landmarks, perfect for families who love nature, history, and model trains.
All Aboard for TRAINS! - at Cheekwood - August 16–October 3, 2026 - Nashville, TN. Climb aboard a kid-friendly wonderland of outdoor train layouts, bridges, and tunnels where little engineers can watch trains chug through beautifully landscaped gardens.
2026 Wilson County Fair - TN State Fair - August 16–22, 2026 - Lebanon, TN. Enjoy rides, livestock shows, live entertainment, and classic fair food at one of Tennessee’s largest family-friendly fairs.
Splash Days at Lucky Ladd Farms - August 16–30, 2026 - Eagleville, TN. Cool off with giant water slides, splash attractions, and farm fun at Lucky Ladd’s summer water play days.
ResortPass Experience - August 16–31, 2026 - Multiple hotels, NY (day-pass access only). Treat the family to a mini-vacation with day access to resort pools, spas, and cabanas—no overnight stay required, just book and play for the day.
Saturday, August 22, 2026
General Jackson Showboat Midday Cruise (Nashville LIVE) - Select dates August–November 2026 - Nashville, TN. Cruise the Cumberland River on a showboat while enjoying a live country music performance and a family-friendly midday meal.
Free summer mini photo session with Shoott! - Nashville area - August 16, 22–23, 29–30, 2026 - Nashville area, TN. Capture professional outdoor family photos in a free 30‑minute session, then choose and purchase only the images you love.
Flea Market at Plaza Mariachi - August 16, 22–23, 29–30, 2026 - Nashville, TN. Browse vendor booths, crafts, and unique finds while enjoying the lively atmosphere and Latin-inspired culture at Plaza Mariachi.
Music at the Nashville Farmers' Market - August 16, 22, 29, 2026 and select fall dates - Nashville, TN. Listen to live music as you shop for local produce, artisan goods, and tasty treats at the open-air market downtown.
Splash Days at Lucky Ladd Farms - August 16–30, 2026 - Eagleville, TN. Spend the day splashing, sliding, and playing at Middle Tennessee’s favorite farm water park attraction.
Sunday, August 23, 2026
Featured Exhibit: MathRox at Discovery Center - August 16–30, 2026 - Murfreesboro, TN. Explore hands-on math activities and interactive exhibits that help kids discover how numbers and patterns shape the world around them.
Sundays at The Gentle Barn - Tennessee - Select Sundays August 2026–January 2027 - Christiana, TN. Visit rescued farm animals, hear their stories, and enjoy a peaceful, educational day designed to foster kindness and compassion.
Amqui Station Farmers Market - Select Sundays August–October 2026 - Madison, TN. Shop fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade items at a historic train station turned community farmers market.
Parthenon Architecture Audio Tour - Daily through October 2026 - Nashville, TN. Take a self-guided audio tour of Nashville’s full-scale Parthenon replica and learn the story behind its classical architecture.
Nashville Sounds Home Games 2026 - August 16 and select September 2026 dates - Nashville, TN. Cheer on the Nashville Sounds at a home baseball game with ballpark snacks, music, and family-friendly fun.