Ms. Cheap's Guide to Summer 2019: 82 free things to do, from music to hiking and more

Grab your calendar! It's time again for the "Ms. Cheap Guide to Summer," featuring free things to do before Labor Day in Middle Tennessee.

Keep your summer fun and interesting with music, family activities, outdoorsy events, nature activities, cultural events and more.

I hope my guide helps you make the most of your "free" time this summer. Everything in my list is FREE!

1. Nashville Symphony concerts

This outdoor symphony series is a perennial summer favorite with music by Beethoven, Copland and Grieg, plus contemporary family favorites and a salute to members of our armed forces.

The 2019 community concerts include: 7:30 p.m. June 25 at Key Park in Lafayette and 7:30 p.m. June 26 at The Estate at Cherokee Dock in Lebanon. 

Details: nashvillesymphony.org or 615-687-6500

2. Big band dances

These family-friendly Saturday night dances take place in the event shelter at the back of Centennial Park from 7:30-10 p.m., with dance lessons at 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. The lineup: June 22, The Lynn Beal Band; June 29, Radio Daze; July 13, Rory Partin & His All Star Big Band; July 20, The Jazz Alliance; July 27, Paul Ross Orchestra; Aug. 3, South Jackson Street Band; Aug. 10, Music City Big Band; Aug. 17, J. Bradley Big Band; Aug. 24, Debbi Bailes & Her Band; Aug. 31, The Moonlighters. 

You can take a picnic or snacks, and there are usually food trucks.

Details: nashville.gov/parks or 615-862-8440. For cancellation information, see twitter.com/bigbanddances.

3. Musicians Corner

Musicians Corner's family-friendly free live music season includes 22 events on Fridays and Saturdays in May and June. There will be multi-genre musical performances on the main stage and the Lightning 100 acoustic stage, plus food trucks, the Musicians Corner Pub, local artisan vendors and Kidsville activities. The events are 5-9 p.m. Fridays and noon to 6 p.m. Saturdays. There are other partnerships with the Nashville Symphony and the American Artisan Festival.

Details: musicianscornernashville.com

4. Splash pads are a hit 

The super interactive "spray pad" at Cumberland Park, 592 S. First St., is open 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday-Friday and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays through Sept. 2. The park offers a splendid view of the Cumberland River and the downtown skyline, with an amphitheater, walking trails, climbing wall and a picnic area.

Details: 615-862-8400

Little ones love the small fenced water playgrounds at Watkins and Kirkpatrick parks. Watkins is at 616 17th Avenue North, across from M.L. King Magnet School. Kirkpatrick Sprayground is at 620 S. Ninth St. in East Nashville. They are open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Details: nashville.gov/parks or 615-862-8480

Mt. Juliet's Charlie Daniels Park is home to Ava's Splash Pad, open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday, starting May 28 through early August and weekends through Labor Day.

There is a "Splash Day" 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 27, when Charlie Daniels Park will be transformed into a water park with inflatable water slides and all sorts of wet and wild fun, plus a free lunch.

Details: mtjuliet-tn.gov

Other splash pads are at Gregory Mill Park in Smyrna and L.L. Burns Park in Kingston Springs.

There is also water fun at Don Fox Community Park, 955 Baddour Parkway, Lebanon, with a wading pool, water umbrellas and other fun spraying features. There is also a 2.5-mile paved trail, three playgrounds, a track and picnic tables.

Details: 615-449-0303

5. Summer Shakespeare 

The Nashville Shakespeare Festival has relocated its annual “Summer Shakespeare” to the Yard at oneC1TY, a new mixed-use development less than a half mile from Centennial Park. There will be a six-week run of "The Tempest" and "Pericles" Thursday-Sunday from Aug. 15 to Sept. 22.

The events include food trucks, a pre-show lecture and family-oriented entertainment at 6 p.m., with the Shakespeare performance at 7 p.m. It's all free, with a $10 suggested donation. Reserved “Noble Seats” are available for $30 and full "Royal Packages" with VIP treatment for $75. OneC1TY is at 8 City Blvd., off the 28th/31st Avenue Connector and Charlotte Pike.

Details: nashvilleshakes.org/shakespeare-in-the-park

6. Sunday concerts at Crockett Park

This series of 7 p.m. Sunday concerts in the Eddy Arnold Amphitheater in Brentwood continues with Sixwire on June 23 and South Street Players on July 14.

Details: brentwoodtn.gov or 615-371-0060

7. Music at the wineries

Several Middle Tennessee wineries offer outdoor summer concerts. Take a picnic, buy a bottle (or not) and enjoy good live music. Some also have free wine tastings.

Arrington Vineyards, 6211 Patton Rd., Arrington, has "Music in the Vines" concerts on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. You can listen to jazz in the pavilion and bluegrass in the barn. Check the event calendar on the website for the lineup. Parking is free.

Details: arringtonvineyards.com or 615-395-0102

Sumner Crest Winery, 5306 Old Highway 52, Portland, has summer concerts, including: June 22, Groovin' to the 70s; July 13, Southern Summer nights; July 27, 80s Flashbacks; and Aug. 31, the 20th annual grape stomp. Hours are 7-10 p.m. 

Details: sumnercrestwinery.com or 615-325-4086

Beachaven Winery, 1100 Dunlop Lane, Clarksville, will hold 6:30-9 p.m. "Jazz on the Lawn" concerts, including: June 22, Mark Cooke; July 6, Richard Waters; July 20, 9th Street Stompers; Aug. 3, Tyme; and Aug. 17, CJQ.

Beachaven also has "DJ on the Dock" happy hours from 5-8 p.m. June 27, July 11, July 25 and Aug. 8, with tunes, beach games, dancing and food trucks.

Details: beachavenwinery.com or 931-645-8867

8. Jazz on the Cumberland

The annual Jazz on the Cumberland concert series on the riverfront Cumberland Park, 592 S. First St., features smooth and traditional jazz on scattered Sundays from 5:30-8 p.m. The next event is July 21. There are food trucks, and you can bring your lawn chairs or blanket. 

Details: victorchatman.com/jazz-on-the-cumberland or 615-731-9001

9. Hot Chicken Festival

The 13th annual Hot Chicken Festival is July 4 at East Park, 700 Woodland St. The rain-or-shine event starts with a parade of fire trucks at 10:30 a.m. You can try free hot chicken samples from numerous local establishments. Plus, there will be live music and kids activities.

Details: hot-chicken.com

10. Tomato Art Fest

The 16th annual Tomato Art Fest takes place Aug.9-10 in the Five Points area of East Nashville. There is a free family-oriented festival featuring wacky costumes, plenty of tomato eating, tomato-themed games, contests, a parade, art, music and children's activities.

Details: tomatoartfest.com

11. Country Music Hall of Fame

Youth from Davidson and bordering counties get in free to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum as part of the museum's Community Counts initiative. Up to two accompanying adults receive 25 percent off. Proof of area residency is required for free admission. The Community Counts program also allows Davidson County residents of any age to visit for free by checking out a Community Counts Passport from any Nashville Public Library.

Details: countrymusichalloffame.org or 615-416-2001

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12. Nature center programs

Warner Park Nature Center, 7311 Highway 100, has Tuesday evening programs where adults can learn more about sustainability, food waste and what people are doing to cut back. Local experts will also share knowledge of birds, butterflies and Middle Tennessee Hellbender salamanders.

The park also has nature programs for all ages 10-11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays in July. Registration is required for Wednesday programs.

There are Saturday iSpy programs from 10 a.m. to noon, where you search for pollinators, dig in the dirt and investigate snakes and salamanders with some help from the naturalists.

On any day, you can take the StoryWalk Book Trail, hike, enjoy the pond and garden or rock on the Nature Center porch.

The park's annual Celebrate Hummingbirds Day, with banding and a lot of hummingbird-related activities for adults and families, is 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 24.

For full schedule: nashville.gov/Parks-and-Recreation/Nature-Centers-and-Natural-Areas/Warner-Park-Nature-Center or 615-862-8555

There are also free nature programs at Bells Bend Nature Park, 4187 Old Hickory Blvd. (615-862-4187); Beaman Park Nature Center, 5911 Old Hickory Blvd. (615-862-8580); and Shelby Bottoms Nature Center, on the Cumberland River at 1900 Davidson St. (615-862-8539).

13. Art crawls

The festive First Saturday Art Crawl is a chance to explore the Fifth Avenue galleries, plus as many as 20 other downtown galleries. There is a free shuttle, and most of the galleries have free snacks and wine, as well as great art on exhibit.

Details: nashvilledowntown.com

The Franklin Art Scene is 6-9 p.m. the first Friday of every month in and around downtown Franklin, with more than 30 galleries participating.

Details: franklinartscene.org

Arts & Music at Wedgewood-Houston offers great art and receptions in several locations in this emerging neighborhood the first Saturday of every month starting at 6 p.m.

Details: am-wh.com

The East Side Art Stumble is the second Saturday of each month from 6-9 p.m. in East Nashville and Inglewood.

Details: facebook.com/eastsideartstumble

The Jefferson Street Art Crawl is the fourth Saturday of the month from 6-9 p.m. in the North Nashville/Jefferson Street areas.

Details: facebook.com/JSACTN 

Murfreesboro's Boro Art Crawl's summer dates include  Aug. 9 in downtown Murfreesboro.

 Details: boroartcrawl.com

14. String City

The popular "String City: Nashville's Tradition of Music and Puppetry," the original puppet show chronicling the history of country music, is back for a series of summer performances in the Ford Theater of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Dates are July 1-13 (no show on July 7) at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

This 75-minute production is for music lovers of all ages and uses marionettes, rod puppetry, shadow/animation puppetry and an ever-changing set to tell country music history as it relates to Nashville's transformation into Music City. The program is co-presented by the Nashville Public Library's Wishing Chair Productions and the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Details: countrymusichalloffame.org

15. Star parties

The Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society has public star parties at various locations this summer. You can learn about the night sky from amateur and professional astronomers who bring telescopes to share. Dates are July 5 at Bells Bend Outdoor Center and Aug. 9 at Bowie Nature Park. All are 9-11 p.m.

Details: bsasnashville.com

16. See the Titans

Watch the Tennessee Titans practice at St. Thomas Sports Park, 45 Great Circle Road in Metro Center. There should be open practices in late July and early August, with times to be announced. You can show up and watch and often get photos and autographs after practice.

Details: titansonline.com

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17. Free bowling

Register the kiddos online at kidsbowlfree.com and get two free bowling games each day that week, all summer long, at local alleys including Donelson Plaza, Tusculum, Murfreesboro, Smyrna, Hendersonville and Hermitage.

The Franklin Family Entertainment Center has free summer deals for kids ages 18 and younger through its "Incredabowl" program.

Details: franklinlanes.com

18. Visit farmers' markets

The Nashville Farmers Market, 900 Rosa L. Parks Blvd., has fresh produce and artisan products. Themed night markets from 5-9 p.m. on the third Friday of the month are "shop and sip and give" experiences, with local and regional farmers, artists, restaurants, food trucks, craft beer, Tennessee wine, live music and local nonprofits. Upcoming themes include: All Things Tomato in July and Watermelon Throwdown in August. In addition, celebrate Community Farm Day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 6.

Details: nashvillefarmersmarket.org

The Franklin Farmers Market is open 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays at the back of The Factory at Franklin, 230 Franklin Road. In addition to the produce, it features live music and family events every week, including a tomato festival on July 20 and a watermelon festival on Aug. 24.

Details: franklinfarmersmarket.com or 615-592-1337

Hip Donelson Farmers Market is a music and market combo with plenty of produce and a different band every Friday this summer from 4-7 p.m. on the grounds of Two Rivers Mansion.

Details: hipdonelsonfarmersmarket.org

Murfreesboro's Saturday Market is open 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday this summer on the Murfreesboro Public Square on the west side of the courthouse.

Details: downtownmurfreesboro.com or 615-895-1887

For a full list of markets in Tennessee, see picktnproducts.org and click on "Farmers Markets."

19. Go honky-tonking

Head for the honky-tonks on Lower Broadway. Many, including Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, Legendsand Robert's Western World, never have a cover charge and have live music night and day.

Details: visitmusiccity.com/things-to-do/attractions/honky-tonk-highway

20. Outdoor movies

Murfreesboro's Movies Under the Stars series, which has been a Murfreesboro mainstay since 1947, has a fine lineup of movies that will be shown at 8:30 p.m. at various locations in June and July. The free outdoor shows are at Barfield Crescent Park near pavilion 1-2 on Mondays, Civic Plaza on Tuesdays, Richard Siegel Neighborhood Park on Thursdays, Cason Lane Trailhead on Fridays and Fountains at Gateway on Saturdays.

Details: murfreesborotn.gov/162/About-Parks-Recreation or 615-893-2141

Mt. Juliet Parks has outdoor movies on the first Friday of the month at dusk at the Charlie Daniels Park amphitheater. July 5 is "A Dog's Way Home," and Aug. 2 is "Dumbo."

Details: mjparksandrec.org/167/Parks-Recreation-Department or 615-758-6522

Wilson Bank & Trust in Lebanon has a Family Movie Nights, with "Smallfoot" showing at 6:30 p.m. June 27 at the at 623 Main St. .

Details: wilsonbank.com or 615-444-2265

The city of Franklin offers outdoor family movies at 8 p.m. at Pinkerton Park, 405 Murfreesboro Road, on June 28, July 19 and Aug. 23.

Details: franklintn.gov/government/departments-k-z/parks or 615-550-6947

Jailhouse Industry's outdoor Lawnchair Theater, 4144 Old Hillsboro Road, Leiper's Fork, features classics and family movies at dusk on Fridays through August.

Details: jailhouseindustrys.com

21. Tour the governor's mansion

There are free historical tours of the Tennessee Executive Residence, which has been occupied by nine governors of Tennessee, including current Gov. Bill Lee and first lady Maria Lee. Tours are offered at 10 a.m. most Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment. Requests for tours and field trips should be submitted at least two weeks in advance.

Details: tn.gov/residence.html or 615-532-0494

22. Experiment with Mr. Bond

Mr. Bond the Science Guy has dozens of free summer appearances designed to make science fun for kids. The "science guy" edu-tainers have a 45-minute show, "Space! A Universe of Stories," that they perform at libraries and other Midstate locations. 

Dates and locations include: 1 p.m. June 22 at the Hendersonville Public Library; 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. June 27 at the Spring Hill Public Library; and 10:30 a.m. July 27 at the Nashville Public Library main branch.

Details and other dates: mrbondscienceguy.com

23. Story times

Nashville Public Library has regular story times at the Main Library, 615 Church St., featuring Library Pete, The Professor and Mary Mary singing, juggling and reading at 9:30 a.m.,10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Tuesday and Wednesday.

Details: library.nashville.org or 615-862-5800

The Brentwood Library has preschool story times, including songs, finger plays and crafts at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday and a story time for all ages at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday. No registration is required.

The library also has a Space Academy Story Time program for grades K-2 on Wednesdays starting June 12 at 10 a.m., with stories, movement and crafts. Registration is required.

Details: brentwoodtn.gov/departments/library 

Parnassus Books, 3900 Hillsboro Road, has a 10:30 a.m. Saturday story time for children 6 and younger. They also have a 4 p.m. story time on some Thursdays, and children are always invited to come pet the store dogs.

Details: parnassusbooks.net or 615-953-2243

Barnes & Noble stores in Cool Springs, Murfreesboro and Hendersonville have regular story times with activities at 11 a.m. on Saturdays.

Details: barnesandnoble.com 

Learning Express, 420 Cool Springs Blvd. in Franklin, has weekly craft times and a weekly visit from a princess, whose program combines singing, a story, tattoos and photos. Most programs are at 11 a.m., but the days change; so check Learning Express on Facebook or call 615-771-3434.

24. Library puppet shows

The Nashville Public Library's award-winning professional Wishing Chair Productions puppeteer troupe will perform "Extra Super Amazing Story Time" June 21 and 22 at the Main Library, 615 Church St. 

Wishing Chair will perform "Hansel and Gretel" Aug. 9, 10, 16, 17, 23 and 24. Times are 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. at the Main Library.

The Library's Puppet Truck will take its "The Little Rabbit Who Wanted Red Wings" show to various branches in June and July.

Details: library.nashville.org or 615-862-5800

25. Volunteer

Hands On Nashville offers an easy way for anyone to get involved. It pairs volunteers of all ages with projects in all segments of the community.

Details: hon.org or 615-298-1108

26. Tour the State Capitol

Tennessee State Capitol tours, which last 45-50 minutes, start at 9, 10 and 11 a.m., and 1, 2, and 3 p.m. Monday-Friday. Walk-ins should go to the information desk on the first floor of the Capitol through the west entrance of the building.

For a guided tour, check capitol.tn.gov for a schedule and details. Adults will need a photo ID to get through security, and everyone will have to pass through a metal detector. 

There also is a self-guide brochure available at the Capitol. The Capitol is a prime example of Greek Revival architecture, and it has one of the best views of Nashville from its hilltop perch.

Details: 615-741-0830

27. Radnor Lake

Radnor Lake State Park, 1160 Otter Creek Road, offers ranger-led hikes, birds of prey programs, reptile programs and canoe floats during the summer. Many of the programs are free, but some have a charge and/or a reservation fee.

You can also check out Radnor's Barbara J. Map Aviary Education Center, which is free and open 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday and 1 p.m. to sunset Saturday.

Details: radnorlake.org or 615-373-3467

28. Kids Days 

Franklin Parks has a popular Kids Day series, with one on June 26 and a Water Day on July 24. The events are 9:30-11:30 a.m. at Pinkerton Park. 

Details: franklintn.gov or 615-550-6947

29. Check out a greenway

Nashville has more than 90 miles of greenways you can walk, bike or skate on.

Details: nashville.gov/Parks-and-Recreation/Greenways-and-Trails.aspx

Murfreesboro's greenways system along the Stones River, which goes by Cannonsburgh Village and the Stones River National Battlefield, includes almost 13 miles of paved trails with several trailheads.

Details: murfreesborotn.gov/997/Parks-Greenways or 615-893-2141

30. Bluebird Cafe early show

The famed Bluebird Cafe has several free admission opportunities. There is never a cover charge for the Sunday Spotlight, Sunday writers nights or Monday open mics. Most early shows (6 p.m. or 6:30 p.m.) do not have a cover. However, there is a $3.28 reservation charge when you reserve a spot online, and there is a $10 food/drink purchase minimum per person for all shows except open mic.

If you go for one of the first-come, first-served walk-up seats, you don't have to pay the website fee.

Details: bluebirdcafe.com

31. Flea market

The monthly flea market at The Fairgrounds Nashville is always fun to explore. The existing market sheds and buildings will be replaced in July by a new market complex on the fairgrounds property. Parking is $5, but admission is free. Summer dates are July 26-28 at the existing location, and Aug. 23-25 in the new space.

Details: thefairgrounds.com/fleamarket

32. Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

The Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park on James Robertson Parkway in downtown Nashville is a treasure if you are up for a self-guided outdoor history lesson. You can "tour" the state via a 200-foot granite map, and see the visitors center for information about Tennessee State Parks. The history wall takes you through Tennessee history, and there is a World War II Memorial and carillon.

The fountains, which represent Tennessee's 31 rivers, run 8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. They are a great place to splash around and cool off — and learn history and geography along the way.

The summer's big free events include a World War II reenactment event July 12-14 to commemorate the 75th anniversary of WWII and Tennesseans' involvement. Historic camps with reenactors representing the Army, Navy, Marines, Army Air Corps, Cornelia Fort and more will be set up through the weekend.

The park's Suffragist reenactment event Aug. 16-17 is designed to raise awareness about the upcoming 100th anniversary of women's right to vote, which is in 2020.

Rangers sometimes offer free walking tours and other programs.

Details: tnstateparks.com/parks/bicentennial-mall or 615-741-5280

33. Frist Art Museum

The Frist has a free family day on June 30. The museum is always free for ages 18 and younger, and on Thursday and Friday nights for college students. There is free live music on Thursday and Friday nights in the café. The Frist is part of the Blue Star Museum program, which offers free admission to military personnel and their families Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Access to the Martin ArtQuest Gallery, an interactive art-making space for all ages, is included with regular admission and is open until 5:30 p.m. daily. There are free architectural tours at 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays. The Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera and Mexican Modernism exhibit from the Jacques and Natasha Gelman Collection will be up through Sept. 2.

Details: fristartmuseum.org or 615-244-3340

34. Stones River National Battlefield

The visitor center at this 680-acre Civil War battlefield in Murfreesboro is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. You can get a map and enjoy a self-guided tour.

From June 1 through Aug. 18, there are three programs daily: ranger talks or walks at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and a 90-minute caravan tour at 2 p.m., where you follow a ranger in your car for a comprehensive tour of the site.

There are bike tours (bring your own bike) on the first Saturday of every month through October. The battlefield's popular hour-long Hallowed Ground Lantern Tours are offered on select Saturdays through early September. You need a reservation, which they start taking at 9 a.m. Mondays preceding tours. The 35 spots fill fast.

Details: nps.gov/stri or 615-893-9501

35. Murfreesboro outdoor concerts

Murfreesboro Main Street's Friday Night Live series on the downtown square will feature Mosaic Rhythm on July 5 and Music City Swing on Aug. 2.

Details: downtownmurfreesboro.com 

Murfreesboro's Cannonsburgh Village, 312 S. Front St., has a third Friday concert series from 7-9 p.m. It's Uptown Country on July 19 and Scott Moritz on Aug. 16.

Details: 615-890-0355

36. Visit Hatch Show Print

In business since 1879, Hatch was the printer of choice for Grand Ole Opry stars for decades. The shop moved from Broadway to the Country Music Hall of Fame in fall 2014. There are paid tours, but it is fun (and free) to walk through and look at the printing process on your own.

There is a free family program, which is typically the first Sunday of the month, where you can get an overview and make your own print. Program passes to participate are distributed 30 minutes prior to each session on a first-come, first-served basis. Ages 5 and up and accompanying adults are welcome.

Details: countrymusichalloffame.org or 615-256-2887

37. Farm Fun Days

The Tennessee Agricultural Museum at Ellington Agricultural Center offers a 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. hands-on look at 19th and 20th centuries from a farming perspective through its Farm Fun Days. On July 13, you will find sheep shearing, spinning, a leather working demonstration, freshly ground cornmeal at the grist mill and wild birds of the forest. 

On July 20, the Metro Mounted Police Patrol will offer training demonstrations with horses at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Enjoy free wagon rides, goat milking and feeding, a visit with a local beekeeper and see a basket maker, soap maker and a team of Belgian horses. 

38. Live on the Green

Lightning 100's Live on the Green concert series takes place at Public Square Park in downtown Nashville on Aug. 15 and 22, plus a four-day run over Labor Day weekend. The lineup will be released on June 20.

Details: liveonthegreen.com

39. Spring Hill music

Pickin' in the Park is a family-friendly music event in the Red Oak Pavilion in Harvey Park on Miles Johnson Parkway in Spring Hill. Anyone is welcome to play or attend. Summer dates are 5:30-8 p.m. July 27 and Aug. 24.

Music at the Mansion is a new music event 6-9 p.m. on the lawn of Rippaville Mansion in Spring Hill on July 12 and Aug. 16.

Detailsfacebook.com/SpringHillPickinInThePark or 731-616-0664-

40. Jump in the lake

Most area lakes' swimming beaches have a $5 access fee, but Lock 3 Beach on Old Hickory Lake off Walton Ferry Road in Hendersonville is free. There is a small swimming beach, a boat ramp, a few grills, picnic tables and a bathroom.

Details: 615-847-2395

Several nearby state parks have free swimming beaches, too. Montgomery Bell in Burns (615-797-9052), Rock Island (931-686-2471), Long Hunter State Park in the Bryant's Grove area of the park near Hermitage/Mt. Juliet (615-885-2422), Mousetail Landing in Linden (731-847-0841) and Pickett in Jamestown (931-879-5821) all have swimming beaches open to the public.

Details: tnstateparks.com

41. Free swim

Metro Parks' community pools (Cleveland, Looby and Rose) have open swim times, but hours vary. The regional recreation centers, including Coleman, Hartman, Hadley, East and Napier Center have indoor community pools that are open year-round.

Details: nashville.gov/parks or 615-862-8400

42. Waterfest

The Cumberland River Compact will present Waterfest, a free one-day water-centric festival 1-4 p.m July 14 at Cumberland Park. There will be water slides, music, dancing and educational activities that promote environmental awareness.

Details: cumberlandrivercompact.org/events/waterfest

43. Salsa de Cumberland

Cumberland Park, 592 S 1st St., is hosting a free salsa fest from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Aug. 16 with a live salsa band and salsa dancing along the river.

Details: 615-862-8400 

44. Visit Fort Negley

This historic Civil War site overlooking the Nashville skyline has a visitor center at 1100 Fort Negley Blvd., which offers interpretive exhibits, interactive touch screens, artifact displays and videos about the fort and its role in the Civil War.

The center is open Tuesday-Saturday, but you can take a self-guided tour during daylight hours. The park also has an outdoor hands-on fossil collection site where you can dig and explore our region's marine past, and if you find a fossil you like, you get to keep it.

They have "Fossil Find Days" at the site on the second Saturday of the month and history programs.

Details: 615-862-8470

45. Tales at Twilight

Metro Parks will present "Tales at Twilight" performances for families at Cumberland Park at 7 p.m. on July 12, 19 and 26. Bring lawn chairs and a picnic, and enjoy an interactive evening of magic, stories, dance and music, as well as a spectacular riverfront view of downtown. The lineup will be announced later.

46. Kidsville

Kidsville started as a Kids Corner tent at Musicians Corner and has expanded into a standalone program of The Conservancy, which now presents "Kidsville at the Parthenon." Story times are from 11-11:45 a.m. Saturdays, with Parthenon-related stories and crafts for preschool and elementary school-age children and their families at the foot of Athena.

Kidsville is also the kid-friendly part of the Musicians Corner concert series, offering musical meet-and-greets, crafts and art projects, plus fitness fun for children.

Details: kidsvilleonline.org

47. Attend a Metro Council meeting

Learn how your city government works. Meetings take place at 6:30 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays of the month on the second floor of the Metro Courthouse.

Details: Nashville.gov or 615-862-6780

48. Visit Cannonsburgh Village

Cannonsburgh Village is a living history museum of Southern life from 1800-1925 at 312 S. Front St., Murfreesboro. It's open Tuesday-Sunday. You can see an authentic gristmill, a log home, a general store and other reminders of pioneer times. There is also a creek and an easy trail.

Details: murfreesborotn.gov or 615-890-0355

49. Williamson Community Band

The 60-member Williamson County Community Band, sponsored by the Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department, will play at Harpeth Hills Church of Christ's annual "One Nation Under God" concert at 6:30 p.m. June 30. There will be free ice cream and a professional fireworks display on the church lawn at 1949 Old Hickory Blvd., Brentwood.

Details: harpethhills.org or 615-373-0601

50. Nashville Community Band

This 75-member band, in its 46th year of "voluntary performing," has a 6 p.m. June 30 concert in the sanctuary at First Baptist Church in Fairview. 

Details: nashccband.org or 615-352-7713

51. Music City July 4 

Multi-platinum chart-topper Brett Eldredge will headline Nashville’s Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th celebration on Lower Broadway. Ten-time CMA Musician of the Year Mac McAnally and GRAMMY-nominated neo-soul/rock artist Jessy Wilson are also part of the lineup.

Let Freedom Sing! is a free, family-friendly event with a family zone from noon to 5 p.m. at Music City Walk of Fame Park and a main concert stage at Fifth Avenue and Broadway, with a DJ and live music starting at noon. 

The event shifts to the Cumberland Riverfront with a fireworks show synchronized to a live performance by the Nashville Symphony. The program at Ascend Amphitheater will start around 9:30 p.m. and conclude with a 30-minute pyrotechnics show. The program will feature patriotic recitations from Barry Scott.

Details: visitmusiccity.com/july4th 

52. Music for seniors

Music for Seniors offers monthly interactive live daytime performances for seniors at various locations. These require a reservation but are free. The next summer performance is The Ukedelics at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 6 at Delmas Long Community Center, 200 Memorial Drive, Goodlettsville.

Details: musicforseniors.org or 615-330-1937

53. Butterfly Festival

Burgess Falls State Park's 14th annual Butterfly Garden Celebration is 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 20, with hikes to the three waterfalls, a butterfly identification walk, a birds of prey program, a reptile program, children's activities and landscaping sessions, where you can learn about native plants.

Details: tnstateparks.com/parks/burgess-falls or 931-432-5312

54. Watch an old time ball game

The Tennessee Association of Vintage Baseball games take place all summer at various locations. These fun-to-watch games use the rules, equipment, costumes and culture of the 1860s.

Details: tennesseevintagebaseball.com

55. Stones River Boat Day

At Boat Day with the Stones River Watershed Association, you can learn boating basics, paddling strokes and boat safety from 9 a.m. to noon June 29. You can also try several types of canoes and kayaks. The event is at Manson Pike Trailhead, 1208 Searcy St., Murfreesboro.

Details: 615-217-3017

56. Splash Out

Murfreesboro Parks' Splash Out events for children 12 and under (with a parent or grandparent) are cool, with the Murfreesboro Fire Department spraying hoses 1:30-3 p.m. This year's dates are June 27 at Siegel Neighborhood Park; July 11 at Barfield Crescent Park pavilions 5, 6, and 7; and July 25 at Old Fort Park pavilion 1.

Details: 615-893-2141

57 Enjoy local art galleries

Local art galleries are fun to explore, and many have free exhibit opening receptions. They include:

• Vanderbilt's Fine Arts Gallery (library.vanderbilt.edu/gallery)
• Centennial Art Center Gallery in Centennial Park (nashville.gov/Parks-and-Recreation/Cultural-Arts/Visual-Arts.aspx) 
• The LeQuire Gallery (lequiregallery.com)
• The Arts Company (theartscompany.com)
• York & Friends (yorkandfriends.com)

58. Fiddlers Jamboree

The annual Bluegrass Along the Harpeth Fiddlers Jamboree is July 26-27 on the square in downtown Franklin.

Details: bluegrassalongtheharpeth.com

59. Gaylord Opryland Summerfest

Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center has its annual SummerFest through Sept. 2, with free events including Brainy Smurf’s Learning Log, themed photo opportunities and family movies featuring The Smurfs, nightly fountain shows in the Delta Fountain area, and self-guided garden tours. You can park free near the movie theater at Opry Mills and walk over.

Details: marriott.com/gaylord-hotels/gaylord-opryland-nashville-resort-vacations.mi 

60. Murfreesboro nature programs

Murfreesboro Parks has a calendar full of nature programs for families. The Trail Worms program for children 7 and under includes a short hike and songs at 10 a.m. on Fridays in June at Cason Trailhead and on Fridays in July at Old Fort Park.

There are also Nature Play Days, with mud painting, fort building and water play for preschoolers at 10 a.m. Aug. 1, 8 and 15; and Animal Encounters at 1:30 p.m. on Saturdays in August. These are at Wilderness Station in Barfield Crescent Park.  

Details: 615-217-3017

61. Civil Rights Room

The Civil Rights Room at the Nashville Public Library, 615 Church St., is filled with materials that capture the drama of the 1960s when thousands of African Americans in Nashville sparked a nonviolent challenge to racial segregation in the city and across the South. The collection includes a video presentation, as well as other resources. 

Details: library.nashville.org

62. Gallatin Third Thursdays

Gallatin's Third Thursdays on Main is a series of outdoor concerts that take place June through October downtown. Concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. with Rockland Road on July 18 and The Wannabeatles on Aug. 18.

Details: downtowngallatin.com/3rd-thursdays-on-main

63. Goodlettsville Music on Main

Goodlettsville Parks has a Music on Main summer concert series with live music, food trucks and a kids zone from 6:30-8 p.m. at Goodlettsville City Hall, 105 S. Main St. The lineup includes: July 18, Entice; and Aug. 1, Moonshine Outlaw. There is also a 10 a.m. July 6 concert with Dre Hilton. 

Details: 615-859-3678

64. Portland Music on Main

Portland's Music on Main series includes: BAMM on July 11 and Bizz and Everyday People on Aug. 10. All take place on Main Street in Portland.

Details: portlandcofc.com

65. Perry County Music on Main

Perry County's Music on Main Street concert series is back for its 10th year, alternating Saturday nights from week to week between Linden and Lobelville, through July 27. The concerts are at 7 p.m. and include an array of musical styles and performers.

Details: 931-628-7448 or contact the Perry County Chamber of Commerce.

66. Fisk music fest

Fisk University's third annual WFSK Jazzy 88.1 Food and Music Festival is 2-9 p.m. June 29, with Donald Hayes, Ben Tankard, Blair Whitlow, Ryan Montano and Thomas Cain. The event, at 1000 17th Ave. N., features games, local vendors and food trucks.

Details: skay@fisk.edu or 615-329-8754

67. Summer reading

Nashville Public Library's "Reading Rocketeer" summer reading challenge for all ages offers a ton of prizes and perks. Read for prizes, such as free ice cream, coffee and other treats, as well as free entry to local museums and attractions.

The program features fun events, including: Mr. Bond's Science Guys, the Country Music Hall of Fame's instrument petting zoo, family performer Rachel Rodriguez and Story Time with Fairy Godmother Esmeralda.

Details: library.nashville.org

The Brentwood Library's "A Universe of Stories" summer reading program for children offers prizes, story times and special programming through the summer.

There are  dozens of programs, including magicians, animal programs, science edu-tainers and a ventriloquist with puppets. Teen programs include a Teen Anime Club, a Breakout room activity and Pizza and Pages book club. The Brentwood Library is at 8109 Concord Road.

Details: brentwoodtn.gov/departments/library or 615-371-0090, ext. 8380

The Barnes & Noble Summer Reading Program is a way for students in first through sixth grade, as well as teens and adults, to read and earn a free book. 

Details: barnesandnobleinc.com/our-stores-communities/summer-reading-program

SUMMER READING INSPIRATION:Ms. Cheap picks 19 good reads for 2019

68. L27 Rooftop Lounge concerts 

Located on the rooftop of The Westin Nashville, L27 Rooftop Lounge is reintroducing the 27 Live free monthly summer music series. DJ DadRock will kick off each event at 7 p.m., followed by live music until 11 p.m. The lineup includes: July 18, Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics; and Aug. 1, The Brook & The Bluff. The address is 807 Clark Place.

Details: facebook.com/L27Nashville  

69. Library archives

Explore the Metro Library archives, which has nearly 5 million historic items from Davidson County. It is located on the third floor of the Main Library, 615 Church St.

Details: library.nashville.org

70. Kids can make a craft

Enjoy a hands-on kids clinic one Saturday a month at The Home Depot, where the children get a kit and apron and help with their craft.

Details: homedepot.com

71. Dog and horse shows

Enjoy one of the free horse, cattle or dog shows at area agriculture centers.

The Tennessee Miller Coliseum, 304B W. Thompson Lane in Murfreesboro, will host the Whoa Jamboree walking horse show June 21-23, the U.S. Team Roping Championship July 5-7 and the Cowboy Mounted Shooters Aug. 30-Sept. 7.

Details: mtsu.edu/TLC or 615-494-8961

The Tennessee Livestock Center, 1720 Greenland Drive in Murfreesboro, has several shows, including the Murfreesboro Obedience Training Club June 21-23, the Nashville Dog Training Club July 4-7 and the Tennessee Valley Paso Fino horse show Aug. 16-17.

Details: mtsu.edu/TLC or 615-898-5575

72. Take an easy walk

If you want a flat, paved walking trail that can easily accommodate strollers and wheelchairs, the 1-mile Centennial Park trail that encircles the Parthenon and takes you around Lake Watauga is perfect for exercise and people watching. There is also a flat paved trail around Couchville Lake in Long Hunter State Park in Hermitage.

73. Dog parks

Metro Parks now has six dog parks where you can take your dogs for some leashless fun. The parks are at Warner, Centennial, Shelby, Two Rivers, the William A. Pitts Dog Park in Tusculum and the downtown park next to Ascend Amphitheater.

Details: nashville.gov/parks

74. Skate time

Roll out to the skate park at Two Rivers Park, where you can have fun in the skaters' bowls. Skateboards, inline skates and BMX bikes are welcome.

Details: nashville.gov/parks

75. Mountain biking

There are 5 miles of introductory mountain bike trails at Bells Bend Park, 9 miles of intermediate and advanced trails at Percy Warner and various trails at Hamilton Creek and Cane Ridge in Nashville. You also can enjoy a bike ride at the Lock 4 Bike Trail off Lock 4 Road off Highway 31 in Gallatin, where you can try the challenging 9-mile USA Cycling-sanctioned base course. There is also a 3-mile course for beginners, including kids.

Other good mountain biking spots are Long Hunter State Park, which has a 2-mile loop and a 4-mile loop (615-885-2422), and more than 20 miles of mountain bike trails at Montgomery Bell State Park (615-797-9052).

76. Play tennis

There are more than 100 free Metro courts in Nashville, and many of them are lighted. The Centennial Sportsplex courts and Hadley Park Tennis Center are the only Metro outdoor courts that charge a fee. 

Details: 615-862-8490

77. Movies at the library

Nashville Public Library has more than 170,000 DVDs you can check out, plus music, movies, magazines and e-books you can stream or download. The library will show movies at branches all summer, from documentaries to classics.

Details: library.nashville.org

78. Join a meetup

Whether you want to hike or paddle, there are meetups with programs and get-togethers. For hikes, check out nashvillehiking.com or walkbikenashville.org for hiking and biking. For paddling, see meetup.com/paddleadventuresunlimited.

79. Frisbee, anyone?

Try out Frisbee golf at Metro Parks' disc golf courses at Cedar Hill Park, Two Rivers Park or Seven Oaks Park. There are also good disc golf courses at Sanders Ferry Park in Hendersonville, Barfield Crescent Park in Murfreesboro and Henry Horton State Park in Chapel Hill.

80. Get fit

Metro's Regional Community Centers at Hadley, Coleman, Hartman, McCabe, Sevier, Smith Springs, Southeast and East parks have free indoor walking tracks and gymnasiums, as well as affordable fitness classes and workout centers. Hadley, Coleman, Hartman, Smith Springs and East also have free indoor swimming pools.

Details: nashville.gov/parks or 615-862-8400

81. New Tennessee State Museum

The new $160 million Tennessee State Museum opened next to the Nashville Farmers' Market in fall 2018, and admission is always free. The interactive museum is known for its wonderful permanent collection of state history and Civil War artifacts, and it has rotating contemporary exhibits. The museum has monthly story times and lunch-and-learn programs on history and art.

The free Military History Branch of the Tennessee State Museum is in the War Memorial Building, with exhibits dealing with conflicts from the Spanish American War through World War II. It is closed on Mondays.

Details: https://tnmuseum.org or 615-741-2692

82. Read Ms. Cheap

Ms. Cheap's columns can be found at tennessean.com/mscheap.

Reach Ms. Cheap at 615-259-8282 or mscheap@tennessean.com. Follow her on Facebook at facebook.com/mscheap, and at Tennessean.com/mscheap, and on Twitter @Ms_Cheap, and catch her every Thursday at 11 a.m. on WTVF-Channel 5’s “Talk of the Town.”