Hey South Wind! Fireworks and cookouts aren’t the only thing going on this weekend!  Around the Nashville area, there are two other events that stand out to me for this weekend: the Hot Chicken Festival, and the Let Freedom Sing festivities.

“Music is the soul of Nashville and hot chicken feeds the soul of Music City.“

Buckshot Malone, July 1977

Just the name ‘Hot Chicken Festival‘ tickles me. Not the ‘spicy’ chicken festival…just hot. Since chicken ‘feed the soul of Music City‘, it’s only right that they have a festival in it’s honor, especially during the weekend that we’re celebrating our nation’s independence. This free event features local restaurants, amateur cooking competition, inflatable bounces for the kids, the Yazoo Brewery beer garden, and of course, the legendary Nashville music. There will be free chicken ‘hot’  giveaways to the first 500 people at East Park (700 Woodland Street), so get there early! The festival lasts from Noon until 5 pm.

The Let Freedom Sing Festival is taking place Friday, July 2nd through Sunday, July 4th. Yes, this is another Independence weekend themed event, but it’s just too big not to mention. They’re offering free live music, family fun and incredible fireworks all weekend long. Best part? All events are FREE!! So head over to Riverfront Park, come early, and stay late.

Happy 4th of July!