Jul+Aug Must-Go Events

Picture of Focus Mid-South

Focus Mid-South

Ray Rico, a Latinx advocate, owns a digital marketing agency and publishes Focus LGBT magazine, amplifying LGBTQ+ voices in Tennessee and the Mid-South. He champions HIV advocacy, fighting stigma and discrimination. Through his work, Ray strives for a more inclusive society.
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JULY 1

SECOND ANNUAL MISS AND MISTER AMERICANA PAGEANT

Pageant proceeds benefit The Conductor’s PWA Fund. 9 p.m. July 1 at TRAX, 1501 Ensley Blvd., Nashville. Visit trax-gay-bar.business.site.

JULY 4

LET FREEDOM SING! NASHVILLE JULY 4TH FIREWORKS

Nashville’s downtown celebration includes live music at an outdoor stage at 5th and Broadway, featuring performances by Lady Antebellum, Chris Janson, Lucie Silvas and Shannon Sanders and followed by fireworks and a performance by Nashville Symphony at Ascend Amphitheater. Free.

JULY 7

SAM SMITH

8 p.m. July 7 at Bridgestone Arena, 501 Broadway, Nashville. Tickets range from $35 to $125. bridgestonearena.com

JULY 13

ADVENTURES OF KESHA AND MACKLEMORE

8 p.m. July 13 at Bridgestone Arena, 501 Broadway, Nashville.  Tickets start at $25. bridgestonearena.com

JANELLE MONÅE

With St. Beauty. 8 p.m. July 13 at The Ryman, 116 Fifth Ave. N., Nashville. Tickets start at $40. ryman.com

JULY 19

THE PRIDE COLLECTION: INTROSPECTION BY JUMPER MAYBACH

New series of works celebrating gay pride in Nashville. 5:30 p.m. July 19 at Mary Hong Gallery, 414 Union St., Nashville. RSVPs suggested by calling 615.423.0818 or e-mailing mhgallerynashville@gmail.com. Visit maryhongstudio.com.

JULY 24

CHAKA KHAN

7:30 p.m. July 24 at Schermerhorn Symphony Center, One Symphony Place, Nashville. Tickets: $50 and more. nashvillesymphony.org

BOY GEORGE AND CULTURE CLUB

7 p.m. July 24 at The Ryman, 116 Fifth Ave. N., Nashville. Tickets start at $50. ryman.com

JULY 26

CORTEO BY CIRQUE DU SOLEIL

7:30 p.m. July 26-27; 3:30, 7:30 p.m. July 28; 1, 5 p.m. July 29 at Bridgestone Arena, 501 Broadway, Nashville.  Tickets start at $42. bridgestonearena.com

WAY LATE PLAY DATE: STAR WARS VS. STAR TREK

After-hours event for adults only. 6:30 to 10 p.m. July 26 at Adventure Science Center. Tickets: $35 for non-members and $25 for members. Pricing includes admission to all exhibit and activities, three beverage tickets (beer, hard cider or soda), a planetarium show and a souvenir cup. adventures.org/waylate

JULY 27

NASHVILLE ENCORE PRIDE

Celebrity guest appearances, mixer events and education. July 27-29 at various venues in Nashville. Visit encorepride.com.

AUG. 1

ROD STEWART & CYNDI LAUPER

7:30 p.m. Aug. 1 at Bridgestone Arena, 501 Broadway, Nashville. Tickets start at $33. bridgestonearena.com

AUG. 4

QUEERACANOEZA

An LGBT+ Canoe float down the Harpeth River. Meet at TRAX and STIRRUP for breakfast and form a carpool at 7:30 a.m. and leave at promptly 8 a.m., arriving at 9 a.m. Aug. 4 at Kingston Springs, TN. For more information, search “queercanoeza 2018” on facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/events/163881747625762/

AUG. 10-11

TOMATO ART FESTIVAL

Street vendors, live entertainment and shopping. Aug. 10-11 in East Nashville at various venues. For more information, visit tomatoartfest.com.

AUG. 23

BEYONCE & JAY-Z

7:30 p.m. Aug. 23 at Vanderbilt Stadium, 2601 Jess Neely Drive, Nashville. Tickets range from $49.50 to $180. ticketmaster.com.

AUG. 25

BIANCA PAIGE DAY

Aug. 25 at TRAX, 1501 Ensley Blvd., Nashville. Visit trax-gay-bar.business.site.

AUG. 25

TAYLOR SWIFT

7 p.m. Aug. 25 at Nissan Stadium, 1 Titans Way, Nashville. Tickets start at $160. ticketmaster.com.