Music City Hot Chicken Festival. The festival is returning to East Park for its 20th anniversary celebration of hot chicken and the community it calls home. As always, the festival will kick off with a parade of antique fire trucks and specialty vehicles at 10:30 a.m. After that, East Park will open for the crowd to enjoy hot chicken from a variety of vendors, the annual amateur cooking competition, a beer garden from Yazoo Brewing Company, family-friendly activities and music all afternoon. This year’s music lineup includes performances from Colombian electronic artist Animaleja, local 90s and 2000s tribute band Fly2K, and East Nashville-based instrumental cinematic soul outfit Mount Worcester. The free, family-friendly event will take place Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 700 Woodland St., Nashville. Information
TUESDAY, JULY 7
Nonprofit Roundtables
An opportunity for nonprofit leaders and nonprofit professionals to connect, share insights and discuss key challenges and solutions in our sector, whether you’re looking to network, collaborate or simply listen and learn. 9-10 a.m., The Station, 117 W Main Street, Gallatin. Information
WEDNESDAY, JULY 8
State of the County: Annual Williamson Mayoral Address
Mayor Rogers Anderson’s final State of the County address after 24 years of service. This special event will reflect on the past, present and future of Williamson County while honoring a legacy of leadership and welcoming a new era for our community. Tables, individual tickets and display booth opportunities are now available. Doors will open at 10:30 a.m., and the program will begin at 11:30. Franklin Marriott Cool Springs, 700 Cool Springs Boulevard East, Franklin. Information/registration
The Round with Harbor + Union
A space for local entrepreneurs to connect and learn through a high-impact workshop designed to provide practical takeaways. In partnership with Harbor + Union, this gathering supports small businesses by strengthening relationships and shared learning. Program: “Three Questions That Built a Business” with Joni Cole, cofounder of Gray’s on Main. This talk will give attendees a “decision-making framework” that can be implemented immediately and the tools to build a strong, value-based team. 8:30-10 a.m., 230 Franklin Road Building 2B, Franklin. Information
Let Freedom Ring
Celebrate America’s 250th birthday on Gallatin’s Public Square. There will be a reading of the Declaration of Independence, live music, food trucks, interactive displays and the unveiling of the Gen. Sumner monument. 5-9 p.m. Information
THURSDAY, JULY 9
19th annual NELAS
YP Nashville and the Nashville Area Chamber will present the 19th annual NELAS, presented by the Jack C. Massey College of Business at Belmont University, an evening dedicated to celebrating the rising stars shaping the future of Middle Tennessee. Each year, The NELAS recognize exceptional young professionals ages 21-40 across several industries for their professional achievements, leadership and impact in the community. These are the innovators, advocates, entrepreneurs and changemakers helping move the Nashville region forward. The evening will include live announcement of the 2026 NELAS winners, networking with influential young professionals and community leaders, an energetic atmosphere inside one of Nashville’s iconic venues and cocktail receptions before and after the program. The program begins promptly at 6 p.m. Marathon Music Works, 1402 Clinton Street, Nashville. Information
Nonprofit Roundtable
Affordable Homes and Community Hubs on Faith Based Properties featuring Zach Lykins, executive director of Trinity Community Commons. 8:30 a.m., 149 Public Square, Lebanon. Information
Sumner Young Professionals Coffee & Connections
A casual networking opportunity for emerging leaders and professionals to build relationships within the local business community. 8:30-9:30 a.m., Cafe 393 on Main, 393 E Main St #6b, Hendersonville. Information