12 things to do in Nashville that won't break the bank

Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean
Updated ·4 min read

It's no surprise. Living in Nashville is expensive.

While there's no shortage of activities and events happening in the city, your budget can experience a shortage. There are, however, plenty of free events and venues available for whatever mood you may be in — curious, dancing or adventurous.

Browse this list and plan your next weekend. It may be your most affordable one.

For music lovers

The crowd dances during salsa night at Plaza Mariachi in Nashville.
The crowd dances during salsa night at Plaza Mariachi in Nashville.

International Saturdays at Plaza Mariachi

Plaza Mariachi is your ticket to a global culinary and musical immersion, all without having to leave Nashville. Every Saturday at noon, Plaza Mariachi hosts International Saturdays, a family-friendly festival celebrating diverse music, dance, and food. On three stages, performers enchant audiences with dances from Africa to Asia to Latin America.

Music in the Vines at Arrington Vineyards

Arrington Vineyards hosts Music in the Vines every Saturday and Sunday from 3-7 p.m., April through October. With two live locations playing jazz and bluegrass and beautiful vineyard views accompanied by wine, it makes for a perfect weekend afternoon.

Honky-tonk central

If you're looking for the "typical" Nashville experience or just want to continue the party into the morning, head on down to Broadway and enjoy the tunes played by live bands every night. Free venues include Tequila Cowboy, Jason Aldean's Rooftop Kitchen + Bar, Whiskey Bent Saloon, and more.

While there's no cover charge, tips are appreciated.

Parks

The Parthenon stands out in Nashville's Centennial Park.
The Parthenon stands out in Nashville's Centennial Park.

Centennial Park

Located in the West End neighborhood, Centennial Park offers a more relaxed, laid-back atmosphere compared with the hustle and bustle of Broadway. The park sits on 132 lush acres, perfect for a walk by the pond or a picnic in the garden.

Also found at Centennial is the Parthenon, a replica of the famed Parthenon in Athens. It serves as both an art museum and a monument celebrating classical architecture.

Music City Walk of Fame Park

The Music City Walk of Fame is located near Bridgestone Arena and the Schermerhorn Symphony Center on Demonbreun Street between Fourth and Fifth avenues South.

The Walk of Fame recognizes artists and music industry professionals who have left a legacy in music of every genre — not just in Nashville, but around the world.

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

Bicentennial Capitol Mall celebrates Tennessee’s bicentennial, which was June 1, 1996. The 11-acre park features a 200-foot granite map of the state, a World War II memorial, a 95-bell carillon, the Pathway of History and the Rivers of Tennessee Fountains, allowing visitors to explore Tennessee's rich history.

For the artsy crowd

A crowd gathers at the Nashville Shakespeare Festival in 2021.
A crowd gathers at the Nashville Shakespeare Festival in 2021.

Nashville's Murals

OK, you might be rolling your eyes at this option, but viewing the murals isn't just a touristy thing. Created by local and international artists, the murals are located throughout Nashville. While some are strictly for aesthetic purposes, others honor famous figures or social movements. Like the "Good Trouble" mural, located at Commerce Street and Fifth Avenue North — it's dedicated to the late congressman and social activist John Lewis.

Nashville Shakespeare Festival

The Nashville Shakespeare Festival has been bringing the world of Shakespeare alive for over three decades, year-round and always free. Through their Summer Shakespeare series, in collaboration with local universities, they educate and enthrall audiences.

First Saturday Art Crawl

On the first Saturday of every month, from 5-8 p.m., downtown art galleries host receptions and art openings. This monthly event allows art aficionados as well as novices to view and appreciate diverse exhibitions. Exhibits change frequently and new galleries are often participating. Best of all, no reservation is required.

For the kiddos

Visitors watch flamingos parade past on their morning walk at the Nashville Zoo.
Visitors watch flamingos parade past on their morning walk at the Nashville Zoo.

Adventure Science Center (free for ages 2 and under)

The Adventure Science Center offers a great way for children and people of all ages to learn about the world around them. Visitors can learn about science through hands-on, interactive exhibits, unique programs, and full-dome productions in the Sudekum Planetarium. For families who participate in SNAP, WIC, or TANF, the center provides an admission fee of $3 per person for up to four people.

Frist Art Museum (free for ages 18 and under)

The Frist Art Museum showcases various exhibitions from some of the most distinguished art collections around the world. The exhibitions change monthly, so there is always something new for every taste and liking. The museum also hosts cultural and educational events like lectures and gallery talks

The Martin ArtQuest Gallery allows visitors of all ages to channel their inner artists and create their own masterpieces.

Nashville Zoo (free for ages 2 and under)

Perhaps the most adventure-filled option on this list, the Nashville Zoo is jam-packed with exciting and educational activities all year long. Besides viewing over 3,000 animals of 325 different species, visitors can also enjoy taking a ride on the carousel, feeding lorikeets, petting goats, and learning about wildlife from keepers.

The zoo also features a zip line, an adventure 4D theater, carousel and train.

Diana Leyva covers breaking and trending news for The Tennessean. Connect with her by email at Dleyva@gannett.com or follow her on twitter at @_leyvadiana

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: 12 free things to do in Nashville this summer