Amazing Things to See and Do in Downtown Nashville

Nashville says farewell to the summer season in style with a free festival, usually in August, boasting big-name headliners and emerging local acts. Expect the usual fun festival fodder with food trucks, radio stations, local breweries and market stalls enticing you. Previous festivals have seen Sheryl Crow, Alabama Shakes and Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals grace the stage of Public Square Park. Loud, enthusiastic and good fun, this is quintessential Nashville. The infamous Music City Mayhem battle of the bands is a must-see. Recommended by local insider Juliette Lefaivre

Axe throwing first came about in prehistoric times, and now the activity comes with beers and friends as a side order. The REC Room, smack bang in the middle of Downtown, boasts a fully-fledged axe-throwing arena in the bar, where $20 gets you an hour of cathartic fun with a trained coach teaching you and your group the best way to wield the chopper. Adults only, understandably, and don’t drink your beers before you throw! Recommended by local insider Leena Kollar

If you fancy your traditional city tour with a big dollop of adult humor, fun and a giant pink bus, then the NashTrash Tour is for you. Often booked months in advance, it offers a range of experiences, from the more risqué Jugg Sisters Original Tour, starring Sheri Lynn and Brenda Kay Jugg dishing the dirt on your favorite country-music stars, to Pip’s Music Row Confidential, which is slightly more conservative but still very much a NashTrash production. Expect improv comedy and audience participation. This is not your typical tour. Recommended by local insider Leena Kollar

Inside Bridgestone Arena is where you’ll find this dedication to Tennessee’s sporting heroes. Featuring sportspeople from football, basketball, baseball, golf and more, the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame celebrates not just athletes, but coaches, writers and administrators that have made an impact. Kids will love dressing up as a football or hockey player in the dress-up area. Recommended by local insider Leena Kollar

The Nashville Symphony is home to the United States’ most prolific orchestra, with 83 talented musicians performing contemporary American orchestral music. The building is considered to be one of the world’s finest acoustical venues, and is beautiful to boot. Bring the whole family along to be inspired and moved by the majestic performances held here. The classical, pop and jazz performances are an experience like no other. A date-night package is available including drinks and dinner for two. Recommended by local insider Leena Kollar

As Einstein once said “The only thing you absolutely have to know is the location of the library,” and now you do. Nashville Public Library is a magnificent homage to the books it houses, with painted ceilings, dramatic chandeliers and spectacular views of Church Square Park. Alongside its trove of books, you’ll find exhibits and murals depicting Nashville history. On the second floor, discover the courtyard, which is a peaceful oasis in which to read and relax. The children’s section delights with art exhibitions and puppet shows. Recommended by local insider Erica Commisso

Milk chocolate, marshmallow nougat, caramel and peanuts? If this sounds familiar you already know about Nashville’s most famous candy bar. The Goo Goo Cluster was created in 1912 and has held the hearts of Music City ever since. The walls of the Nashville shop are decorated with the history of this famous sweet and how it was developed to be the much-loved treat it is today. Learn how to make the treats yourself in this family-friendly class. Sweet tooths rejoice – you’ll also decorate brownies and sample milkshakes and sundaes. And if you hit a sugar crash there’s a coffee shop onsite. Recommended by local insider Leena Kollar