Summer fun just beginning: Here's some can't-miss events in Clarksville

The sun is shining, temperatures are rising, grills are out and kids are enjoying their time away from school before August approaches.

Although summer activities are underway, there is still plenty of time and events to celebrate the season before fall rolls in. Here are some of can't-miss summer events happening in Montgomery County this summer.

Independence Day

Clarksville

The City of Clarksville' Independence Day Celebration on July 3 will kick off at 5 p.m. at Liberty Park with games, promotional giveaways, face painting and inflatable before the firework show begins at 9 p.m.

Southern Avenue, a dynamic band from Memphis, will be headlining the event. The blend of blues, soul and gospel coupled with a high-energy performance earned them a Grammy nomination and multiple Blues Music Awards nominations.

In 2024, they are joining the Outlaw Music Festival alongside Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, and John Mellencamp.

There will be an array of food vendors including:

• L.A. Street Dogs
• Monster Cone
• Poppin' In The City
• Aloha Bowls
• Fryz Wit Dat
• Livy's Bubble Tea & Lemonade
• Bondi Bowls Clarksville
• B'More Salty TN
• Palate Junkies
• Say Cheese Please
• D&B Concessions
• Kona Ice of Hopkinsville/Clarksville
• Smash’n Beef Co
• Tacos Azteca

Fort Campbell

Fort Campbell's celebrating Independence Day with its fourth annual carnival and concert on July 4.

Echosmith will kick off the concert at 6 p.m. before Ludacris hits the stage and fireworks following. Admission to the the carnival is free, but rides and games will cost.

“We are excited to offer a different genre of music than we have had before at the July 4 concert and thrilled to have the carnival back for the first time since 2019,” said Melissa Schaffner, Chief, NAF Support Division, Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation.

The events are free and open to Department of Defense (DOD) and Non-DOD ID card holders; there is a cost though for carnival rides and concessions.

Non-DOD ID card holders are required to enter post through Gate 7 and will be required to obtain a pass to access the installation all days of the carnival except 3 to 9:30 p.m. on July 4. One-day passes can be obtained in-person at the Gate 7 Visitor Control Center, 7199 Glider Road, or in advance online at https://pass.aie.army.mil/.

Visitors 16 and over shoul dbe have a valid ID, and all vehicles entering the installation are subject

DOD ID Card holders are encouraged to access the installation through other gates.

Attendees are encouraged to wear a hat, bring sunscreen and bug spray, blankets or lawn chairs for seating on the lawn of the Division Parade Field to enjoy the concert and fireworks. Umbrellas can be used for shade until 5:30 p.m. when they must be put away.

Personal fireworks, firearms, outside alcohol, drinks in glass bottles, grills, and pets are not permitted.

Downtown at Sundown

Bring your chairs and blankets to the Downtown Commons as Downtown at Sundown is back for Summer 2024. On select Fridays from May to October, free music, food trucks, beer and beverages will be available for residents to come enjoy.

Here's the schedule of artists still to perform:

July 5: Midnight Blue- Foreigner Tribute BandJuly 19: The Eagles Project- Eagles Tribute BandAugust 2: Journey from the Heart- Journey/Heart Tribute BandAugust 16: The Liverpool Legends- Beatles Tribute BandSeptember 6: Boys in the Band- Alabama Tribute BandSeptember 20: The Prince Experience- Prince Tribute BandOctober 4: Completely Unchained- Van Halen Tribute Band

Clarksville Downtown Market

From now until Oct. 5, Public Square will sell fresh produce and homemade goods from local farmers and vendors every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon, where visitors can also enjoy ready-to-eat food, live music, the Market's mascot, Corny the Cob, and much more.

Stay updated on everything Clarksville Downtown Farmers Market related on its Facebook page.

Movies in the Park

Montgomery County Parks and Recreation's Family Movie Night series returned for another year of free family movies and fun. Movies will be shown at four different locations: Downtown Commons, RichEllen Park, Woodlawn Park, and Civitan Park.

Here's the schedule and location of movies to come. All movies start at 7:30 p.m.

• July 13
• Movie: The Lego Movie
• Location: Woodlawn Park, 2910 Woodlawn Park Rd, Woodlawn, TN 37191-9309, United States

• July 27
• Movie: The Super Mario Brothers Movie
• Location: Downtown Commons

• August 10
• Movie: Cars
• Location: Downtown Commons

• August 24

• Movie: The Little Rascals Movie (1994)
• Location: Civitan Park, 650 Bellamy Ln, Clarksville, TN 37043-1810, United States

Summer Concerts

Clarksville's Parks and Recreation is celebrating summer with its Summer Concert Series featuring local talent, food and parks every third Thursday of the month from May to August.

Concerts are from 6 to 9 p.m. and are free to the public.

July 18: Retro Night at Dixon Park, 117 S. Tenth StreetAugust 15: Red, White & Blue Night at Barbara Johnson Park, 240 Outlaw Field Road

The full lineup of artists and vendors is on Clarksville's website.

Summer Night Lights

The Mayor's Summer Night Lights has returned for the second year every Tuesday from June 4 to August 8 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

A free meal is provided each night while supplies last.

• July 2: Party in the USA
• Location: Byrns Darden Elementary
• Teen Engagement Zone: Inflatable, Video Game Truck & yard games

• July 9: The Artist in Me
• Location: Dixon Park
• Teen Engagement Zone: Inflatable, Video Game Truck & yard games

• July 16: Going Green
• Location: Mason Rudolph
• Teen Engagement Zone: Gardening Station, Petting Zoo, Upcycle craft

• July 23: Aloha
• Location: Barbara E Johnson Park
• Teen Engagement Zone: Inflatable, 3 on 3 volleyball, Gaga Pit & Cornhole

• July 30: Renaissance Fair
• Location: Sherwood Forest Park
• Teen Engagement Zone: Magician, Axe Throwing and Archery

• August 8: National Night Out

• Location: Austin Peay State University

Sango Night Market

Every Monday from now until Sept. 3, farmers, fresh food and local artisans will be at Bethel Cumberland Presbyterian Church from 4 to 8 p.m., bringing a sense of culture and identity to the Sango community and beyond.

The goal of the Sango Night Market is to become a staple in the community's weekly shopping routine. You can visit its Facebook page to stay updated on all things Sango Night Market.

Custom House Museum & Cultural Center

Stay cool and expand your creative with a visit to one of the many events hosted by the Customs House Museum, located at 200 South Second Street, Clarksville, TN 37040.

Here are just a few of the many events happening this summer:

Storytime & Craft

Customs House Museum is celebrating Independence Day by reading "Our Flag Was Still There" by Jessie Hartland and "Crankee Doodle" by Tom Angleberger, followed by a patriotic-themed craft to celebrate the holiday.

When: July 5 at 10:30 a.m.

Price: Free with membership or paid admission

First Thursday Art Walk

This community-wide, self-guided tour gives participants the opportunity to see the work of local artists through downtown Clarksville and open admission of the Custom House during the Art Walk.

On July 11, the Downtown Artists Co-op, also know as "DAC" is offering the chance to bid on work by middle Tennessee and western Kentucky's most creative and members of DAC.

All work will be on display from July 11-29 with bidding closing July 20 at 7:30 p.m.

When: July 11, Aug. 1, Sept. 5, Oct. 3, Nov. 7 and Dec. 5, from 5 to 8 p.m.

Price: Free

Storytime & Craft

Customs House Museum readers will dive into a jellyfish-themed story and craft event, starting with "I Am Not a Fish!" by Peter Raymundo and "Just be Jelly" by Maddie Frost, followed by creating their own jellyfish windsocks.

When: July 18 at 10:30 a.m.

Price: Free with membership or paid admission

Sunday Studio: Painting with Sarah Spillers

In partnership with Austin Peay State University’s Community School of the Arts, the Customs House Museum presents Sunday Studio—a workshop series for adults.

In July, artists will explore the art of painting food and snacks. Whether you're a beginner or have experience, this workshop will help you develop your skills and express your creativity.

When: July 21 at 2 p.m.

Price: Free, registration requiredC

Family Art Saturday

July's Family Art session participants will get into the patriotic spirit, making a red, white, and blue string craft with the theme: Red, White, and Blue.

When: July 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m

Price: Free with membership or paid admission

More information about these upcoming Customs House events and more can be found on their website.

Bands at the Brewstillery

This summer, Three Rifles Distilling Co. has hosted its inaugural Bands at the Brewstillery series, featuring live bands on its outdoor stage. The family- and pet-friendly event still has four shows left, so bring your bug spray, chairs, and blankets and get ready for food at the "Campfire Grill" while you listen to some live music.

Here's the schedule of the next shows:

July 13: Skipper Grace

Aug. 17: The Olys Band

Sept. 21: The 1980 Band

Oct. 19: Distiller Take Over

Women of Clarksville Expo

The Women of Clarksville Expo is coming back for its fourth year. Participants can shop, eat and discover something new, from clothing and cooking to health screenings. There’s truly something for everyone, even the guys, so bring everyone along.

Although Expo is free, admission tickets are recommended to help us plan for the number of attendees. You can register for the event here.

When: Aug. 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: The Emerald Clarksville, 2631 Highway 41A Bypass, CLARKSVILLE, TN 37043

Price: Free

Did I miss your favorite summer event? Email your event to me at kanderson@nashvill.gannett.com to get added to our list.