Last Call For Summer
If you’ve spent most of this summer wiping sweat from your brow and praying for autumn, Nashville’s Labor Day weekend calendar provides an opportunity to pack in some authentic local events before the season’s unofficial end. As an added bonus, they happen to be date-friendly options as well:
Friday, August 31
Frist Friday
Ten bucks get you access to a live outdoor performance by The Dynamites, featuring soul legend Charles Parker up front, on the Frist’s expansive back patio downtown. Mix grooving drink-in-hand outside with walking the Frist Visual Arts Center’s galleries.919 Broadway, 6 p.m.
Full Moon Pickin’ Party
Bring a blanket for this informal gathering of Nashville’s bluegrass musicians in picking circles around the equestrian grounds at Warner Parks while headliners man a stage. Food and drinks are included with the ticket (price varies) and the dog can come.2500 Old Hickory Blvd., 7–11 p.m.
Saturday, September 1
Your day at Centennial Park begins with the annual Street Food Festival featuring most of Nashville’s best food trucks. Vendors start serving at 11 a.m., but hold off a bit so you don’t have to wait too long forMusicians Corner, 2–6 p.m., featuring seven bands on two stages headlined by The Blind Boys of Alabama. Afterward, walk over to the bandshell and grab your seats for a Shakespeare in the Parkmusical adaptation of “Much Ado About Nothing” ($10 suggested donation).West End and 25th Ave. North
Sunday, September 2
Take a breath sleep before further recharging your batteries in the tranquil surroundings of Cheekwood’sbotanical gardens, currently displaying a man-friendly exhibit of elaborate treehouses. It’s open from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., corresponding nicely with your next destination, the Franklin Jazz Festival, whose Blues Sunday schedule begins at 4 p.m. with a songwriters showcase and concluding with an 8:30 p.m. performance by Vasti Jackson.
Cheekwood: 1200 Forest Park Dr.
Franklin Jazz Festival: Factory at Franklin, 230 Franklin Rd.
Monday, September 3
Not ready to admit the weekend is over? The Keep on Movin’ Dance Party at The 5 Spot Live, is one of the most consistently fun, stylish local gatherings around — and a great value with 2-4-1 drinks.
