Farmer Jason

With students jumping back on the school bus for the first day of school, you might be looking for weekend events the entire family will enjoy. In addition to the typical leisure activities like sporting events and pool parties, there will be an abundance of free, kid-friendly outdoor concerts this August, including Barfield Crescent Park’s free summer concert series beginning Saturday, Aug. 11.

From songs about nature and animals by everyone’s favorite musical farmer, Farmer Jason, to tunes about sharing and caring by Nashville-based children’s performer Mr. Steve, get out and soak up the sunshine at the following free events in Middle Tennessee:

Wild Arts Day with Farmer Jason
In addition to its free concert series, The Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park will host children’s performer Farmer Jason for its annual Wild Arts Day. Farmer Jason, otherwise known as Jason Ringenberg of the award-winning band Jason and the Scorchers, presents a riveting hybrid of country-folk, punk-rock and traditional kids music the entire family will enjoy. With songs like “Corny Corn,” “Catfish Song,” “Bayou Boogie,” “Punk Rock Skunk” and “Dyson the Bison,” kids will learn about nature and sustainability while dancing to the music and having fun.

In addition to the music, look around at the artwork by local students, professionals and animals, along with puppet shows and an art scavenger hunt. If the family is feeling adventurous, check out various walking trails and wild animals that will be onsite.

Details: Saturday, Aug. 12, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.

Location: The Wilderness Station at Barfield Crescent Park, 697 Veterans Pkwy.

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Grizzly Goat

Barfield Crescent Park Summer Concert Series
Head out to Barfield Crescent Park Fridays in August for its annual free outdoor concerts series. Music and wilderness will collide beginning Friday, Aug. 11 with a performance by five-piece folk-rock group Grizzly Goat, followed by the O’Donnells, a Rockvale-based father-son country duo, on Aug. 18.

The Secret Commonwealth will close out the series on Aug. 25 with an exciting blend of Irish, Scottish, old-time, blues and folk tunes. Visit Outdoor Murfreesboro on Facebook for any event updates or call 615-217-3017 for details.

Details: Friday, Aug. 11, 18 and 25, 6–8 p.m.

Location: Pavilion #7 at Barfield Crescent Park, 697 Veterans Pkwy.

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Grasstime

3rd Friday Night Concert Series at Cannonsburgh Village
Nothing pairs better with free music than a host of local food trucks. On Friday, Aug. 18, indulge in good food and music when the 3rd Friday Night Concert Series returns to Cannonsburgh Village. This month’s featured performer is Grasstime, a five-piece bluegrass group out of Nashville. So bring lawn chairs or a blanket for the family, grab a bite to eat and listen to a symphony of banjos, fiddles and mandolins under the stars. The food trucks will begin serving at 6 p.m., an hour before the music is slated to begin.

Details: Friday, Aug. 18, 6–9 p.m.

Location: Cannonsburgh Village, 312 S. Front St.

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Mr. Steve

Kidsfest with Mr. Steve at Nashville’s Live on the Green
Live on the Green, Nashville’s annual free concert series at Public Square Park, wouldn’t be complete without a performance by Mr. Steve, the Music Man. If his name sounds familiar, Mr. Steve has entertained the Nashville community as a children’s songwriter and performer for more than 10 years and is the host of The Early Birds with Mr. Steve every Thursday morning on Lightning 100. To listen to his music, including songs like “Sharing is Caring” and “Green Means Go,” visit mrstevemusic.com.

Details: Saturday, Sept. 2, 1–2:30 p.m.

Location: The 615 Stage, Public Square Park, 350 Deaderick St., Nashville

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Kidsville

Kidsville at Nashville’s Musicians Corner Concert Series
Musicians Corner is a free concert series held each Saturday through Sept. 16 at Centennial Park in Nashville. In addition to the main stage, the family-friendly event features Kidsville, a place for parents to bring their little ones to enjoy musical meet-and-greets, a featured craft area, a children’s stage with toy instruments, various athletic game stations and sensory play areas during each event. Aside from Musicians Corner, Kidsville presents a weekly event each Saturday from 11–11:45 a.m. at The Parthenon in Centennial Park. Kidsville is free for families of children ages 12 and younger. Visit kidsvilleonline.org/events to keep up with special events at Musicians Corner.

Details: Every Saturday through Sept. 16

Location: Outside at Centennial Park, located at the southwest lawn of park on the corner of West End and 27th Avenue North, Nashville.