The Weekendist: Summer Is Fading Edition

Dropping temperatures may have us in the mood for fall, but the summer festivities are hanging on for a few more weeks. Enjoy them while you can, because when winter rolls around, we’ll be trying to entertain ourselves indoors. And that’s not nearly as much fun. But enough about winter, how about the weekend? It’s the last weekend for the Tennessee State Fair, so carve some time out of your Next Big Nashville schedules to check out the all-sorts-of-disgusting state fair food. That’s enough to keep us pretty busy, but for anyone who wants more, here are our top picks for the weekend.

FRIDAY

Sheryl Crow autographs at Dillards. If you’re in the Cool Springs area between 11am-1pm on Friday and you happen to be a Sheryl Crow fan, swing by the Cool Springs Galleria to see if you can catch a glimpse of the singer. If nothing else, you can check out her new Bootheel Trading Co. line of clothing (which is why she’s there in the first place). Word on the street is that you may or may not have to spend somewhere in the range of $75 on Bootheel goodies in order to get in the photo line, so we’re not making any promises.
Hispanic Heritage Month Party. Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off on September 15, but the first event is the official Hispanic Heritage Month Party this Friday at Cheekwood. Tickets are $35 per person and must be requested ahead of time.

SATURDAY

Clean Water Project. Lend a helping hand and take part in the second Nashville Clean Water Project this Saturday at Four Corners Marina. They’ll supply the trash bags, gloves, sunscreen, snacks and t-shirts, you supply three hours of your time between 8am and 1pm.
Grimey’s Next Big Outdoor In-Store. Thanks to Next Big Nashville, Grimey’s is hosting another one of their infamous outdoor sales. They’ve got $2 CDs and a lineup of free local music all day, and we all know the Yazoo folk will be hanging around. The party is happening from 10am-8pm, but get there early if you want to snag the best music.
Rock The Vote with Melinda Dolittle. Belmont University hosts Rock The Vote’s “Road Trip” campaign kickoff this Saturday at 2pm. You may also remember local Belmont alum Melinda Dolittle from a few seasons ago on American Idol… Well, apparently she’s still around and still singing, and she’ll be performing for free on the South Lawn at Belmont.
Local Food & Organics Festival. It’s no secret that we’re fans of local food here at Nashvillest – We love supporting our community. Shelby Bottoms Nature Center will be the hub of all things food this Saturday from 10am-2pm. Learn more about eating local and organic foods, making a rain barrel, composting, community gardens and more.
Direct Day at the Nashville Zoo. Direct Auto Insurance is sponsoring this Saturday at the zoo, which means free stuff throughout the day and a discounted $5 admission for everyone.
Buzzfest ’08. If Seether, Shinedown, and a handful of other similar bands are your style, you may enjoy 102.9′s Buzzfest this Saturday at Riverfront Park. If it’s not your thing (it’s not ours, either), enjoy the traffic while you’re trying to zip between Next Big Nashville venues. Tickets are $35 or $25 with a military or student ID.

SUNDAY

East Side Block Party. It’s not officially on the Next Big Nashville calendar, but the fun continues Sunday in East Nashville’s Five Points, where The Groove, Beyond The Edge and Rumours East will be offering great food & drink specials. It wouldn’t be a Nashville event without music, so catch several Nashville performers on the back porch at Rumours, from 5pm-7pm.

Photo by Brent and MariLynn.