12 things to do Father's Day weekend in Nashville
Before you make any big Nashville plans in weekend, take note: It's Father's Day weekend. Father's Day is Sundayand this weekend offers plenty of options for you and your old man. But while you're mulling over your options, be sure to download the Things to Do Nashville app from the App Store or Google Play and enter up for a chance to win four tickets to family night at the Nashville Sounds on June 22.
1. Nashville International Puppet Festival, Friday through Sunday
Nashville Public Library is once again featuring the Nashville International Puppet Festival from Friday until Sunday. Fourteen puppet troupes from six countries will take part. Performers include Coal Train Railroad, Kathleen Lynam, Crafty Characters; Dragon Art Studio, Dresdner Figuretheater, Kawasemi-Za, Wild Goose Chase Puppet Theatre and plenty more. Enjoy food trucks on Capitol Boulevard near Church Street Park.
Tickets can be picked up for free on the day of the show at the downtown library, according to the Nashville Public Library's website. You can also order advance tickets online for a convenience fee of $2.50. Learn more at nashvillepubliclibrary.org/puppetfestival/ticket-faq.
2. Check out powerboat racing on the Cumberland River,Saturday and Sunday
Downtown Nashville will get a firsthand look at the first Formula 1 Powerboat Race in Tennessee Saturday and Sunday , when the “Thunder on the Cumberland” event will bring dozens of high-speed power boats into competition on the Cumberland River.
The 17-foot, tunnel-hull catamarans can go from zero to 100 mph in 6 seconds, enter hairpin turns at 90 mph and top 120 mph on the straights. They’ll be flying through a three-mile loop on the Cumberland, from the John Siegenthaler Pedestrian Bridge to the Woodland Street Bridge.
Admission is free. Learn more.
3. Jefferson Street Jazz and Blues Festival, Friday and Saturday
Check out the Jefferson Street Jazz and Blues Festival this weekend. Headliners include Latimore, Lakeside and Midnight Star. There will also be a children's pavilion, food trucks and much more. Take note, from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, the festival is free.
Tickets are $10 for children, $20 for adults and $30 for VIP.
4. Play in the Fatherhood Games at The Fontanel Mansion
Sponsored by the Family Foundation Fund, the Fatherhood Games includes family-friendly competitive games for dads, families and friends at Fontanel Mansion in Nashville. It also includes an optional 5K run/walk on a wooded trail.
Prices vary. Register online at thefatherhoodgames.com/sign-up.
5. Cornelia Fort Pickin' Parties return Saturday
The first Cornelia Fort Pickin’ Parties were held last summer to celebrate local music, food and drink while raising money for an East Nashville landmark. On Saturday , the monthly concert series returns for its second season with performances by honky-tonk throwback Luke Bell and country band The Farmer and Adele.
Children 12 and under get in free, $5 for ages 10-20. Admission for attendees over 21 is $12 in advance and $15 at the gate and includes a drink ticket. Those who bring a stringed instrument to play will receive a second drink ticket. Visit friendsofshelby.org for more information.
6. Check out Summerfest at the Opryland hotel
Summerfest's offerings are reinvented at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center with a "Jungle Book" theme that includes freebies for everyone. Check out the "Sounds of Summer" fountain show nightly at 6 and 8 p.m. in the Delta Atrium, or family movies that are shown at 7 p.m. The resort is located at 2800 Opryland Drive in Nashville.
7. The Al Holbrook Band plays Metro Parks' Red Caboose Concert Series, Friday
The soulful rock and blues band will play at Red Caboose Park in Bellevue as a part of Metro Parks' concert series from 7 to 9 p.m. The park is located at 684 Colice Jeanne Road in Nashville.
8. Peach Jam at the Nashville Farmers' Market, Saturday
Peach Jam at the Nashville Farmers' Market is a time you might also want to bring Dad along. There will be samples, live music and a peach recipe contest.
9. International FolkFest continues through Sunday
International FolkFest will continue at Lebanon High School on Friday and then on the east side of the Murfreesboro Courthouse Square from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday. The folk fest, which started in 1982, includes dance groups from all over the world and is coordinated by nonprofit International Folkloric Society. This year, expect performances from the Czech Republic, Germany, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Learn more at www.mboro-international-folkfest.org/index.html.
10. The Ultimate Eagles Experience at Crockett Park in Brentwood, Sunday
Take Dad and the whole family to Crockett Park in Brentwood and enjoy a tribute band, The Ultimate Eagles Experience at 7 p.m.
The park is located at 1500 Volunteer Parkway in Brentwood.
Free.
11. Jazz on the Cumberland, Sunday
Or, check out Jazz on the Cumberland as the Hamilton Brothers entertain from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Cumberland Park, 592 S. First St. by Nissan Stadium. Bring lawn chairs and/or a blanket. Food trucks will be there, too.
Free. Call 615-731-9001 for information.
12. Take Dad to brunch at one of the Dad-iest Father's Day brunch spots in Music City
We've got five suggestions to try with your Dad — Sinema, M.L. Rose, Hattie B's, Josephine and Loveless Cafe. (Or, you could just hog all this tasty goodness to yourself, but we figure it's more fun with Dad.)
Reach digital producer Tabitha Waggoner at twaggoner@tennessean.com and on Twitter @hAfrolocks.