Nashville is known for music – a thread that connects the lives and souls of its residents and visitors. I love country music, but concerts can be very pricey. As a single mom I try to save wherever I can but that doesn’t mean I don’t like to have fun. Luckily, Nashville offers great things for free, so even the budget-conscious moms can have lots of fun. I put together a list of some FUN and FREE things to do in Nashville.
1. CMA Fest
CMA Fest is the biggest music event in Nashville. The entire Nashville community gets together downtown for this annual four-day event in June. Now, you are probably thinking what is the crazy woman talking about? CMA Fest costs hundreds of dollars. True, if you get a four-day pass. Tickets to certain concerts can be expensive, but there is tons of free music everywhere. This year we were able to see some amazing acts by the Riverfront and at the Country Music Hall of Fame museum. Hunter Hayes, Gloriana, Love & Theft … loved them all. If you are willing to walk a bit, you can also get free parking. Plus, companies were literally throwing free stuff at us. We walked away with t-shirts, reusable bags, food samples, guitar picks, etc.
2. 4th of July Concerts and Fireworks
A month after CMA Fest, Nashville gets ready for yet another big and fun event. Independence Day is celebrated along the banks of the Cumberland River. The event includes a free concert and a spectacular firework show. Festivities usually start downtown at around noon, and continue throughout the day. Some churches offer complimentary parking. Bring a blanket and enjoy a picnic by the river. This year’s celebration included a performance by The Band Perry. So fun!
3. Capitol Street Party
Each year (usually in October), Capitol Records hosts a street party to showcase their up and coming talent. This free event takes place at Lower Broadway and is definitely not a party to miss. Superstar Luke Bryan performed live in 2012 in front of 20,000 country music fans. Parking can be as low as $2.
4. Nashville Show
“Nashville” the new ABC series starring Connie Britton & Hayden Panettiere is filmed in Nashville and every so often the show has open casting calls for extras. Most positions are unpaid, however, there are plenty of giveaways, such as i-Pads, gift cards, concert tickets, etc. Most extras are needed for concert scenes at the Bridgestone arena or the Riverfront. Paid extras and volunteers get to see a free concert by Hayden and/or Connie. The only requirement is that you are at least 18 years old. For more info, visit https://www.facebook.com/NashvilleExtras.