Tomato Art Fest. The 23rd annual Tomato Art Fest returns to East Nashville’s Five Points to celebrate the tomato as “A Uniter, Not a Divider” with one of the city’s favorite festivals. Art lovers can get a jump on the fun at the Art Preview Party on Thursday, Aug. 6, before the Five Points transforms into tomato central, featuring 225+ vendors, 350+ original works in the Tomato Art Show, live music across two stages, local food and drinks, interactive art, family-friendly activities and the iconic Push, Pull & Wear Parade. Saturday will offer a full day of music across two stages, with the Moga Family Band headlining the 37206 Main Stage and Battle of the Vine winner Penny Lame closing out the 11th Street Stage. Festival favorites return throughout the day, including contests, activities and the Bloody Mary Garden Party 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday 5-10 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. 10th and Woodland. Information
FRIDAY, AUG. 7
Wilson County Young Professionals
Sponsored by Pediatric Dentistry of Lebanon. 8-9 a.m., 149 Public Square, Lebanon. RSVP. Information
Hendersonville Chamber Nonprofit Connect
A morning of networking, collaboration and professional development. This event is designed to equip and empower nonprofit leaders, staff, board members, volunteers and community partners with valuable connections and practical insights to help strengthen their organizations and expand their impact. 9 a.m.-noon, Hyatt Place Nashville, Hendersonville, 330 E Main Street, Hendersonville. Information
SATURDAY, AUG. 8
Big Band Dance
The community is invited to dance and listen to more than a dozen local swing and jazz big bands through Aug. 15. This week: The Establishment Big Band will perform at the Centennial Art Center. Dance lessons begin at 7 p.m. Music and dancing at 7:30. Information
MONDAY, AUG. 10
Gallatin Area Chamber August Membership Luncheon
Chris Bacon and Will General of the Nashville Stars will discuss momentum in bringing Major League Baseball to Middle Tennessee. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 149 W Main Street, Gallatin. Information
TUESDAY, AUG. 11
WillCo Connected Business Mixer
A monthly networking mixer designed to connect businesses in Williamson County. 4:30 p.m., Designed Conveyor Systems, 4020 Aspen Grove Drive, Suite 200, Franklin. Information
Business After Hours
An informal, social networking event designed to connect you with business professionals from across Rutherford County. 4:30-6:30 p.m., City Tile & Floor Covering, 223 S Spring Street, Murfreesboro. Information
Sumner Women in Business
Sales coach Nicole Cramer will lead an interactive session that helps attendees spot the limiting stories they’ve been “buying” from themselves and walk away with a plan to sell themselves something better. Equal parts talk, self-reflection and practical takeaway. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Holiday Inn Express, 615 East Main Street, Hendersonville. Information
Pep Rally on the Road
The 29th annual event is an evening of school spirit, community pride and high-energy fun! Robertson County high schools including Springfield High School, Greenbrier High School, Jo Byrns High School, White House Heritage High School, East Robertson High School and Innovation Academy will come together for pep bands, cheerleaders, team introductions, performances and more as schools compete for the Pep Rally on the Road Trophy. 6-8 p.m., Martin Luther King Jr Park, 2623 South Main Street, Springfield. Information
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 12
Leads Exchange
Designed to help attendees develop the kinds of relationships with other Chamber members that will generate sales leads, educate potential customers and expand your network of contacts. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., 100 Country Club Drive, Suite 104, Hendersonville. Information
Pep Rally on the Square
Gallatin High, Station Camp and Liberty Creek battle it out for spirit supremacy in a citywide kickoff to the school year. 6:30-8:30 p.m., Gallatin Square. Information
Sumner Young Professionals-Coffee & Connections
Breakfast and learning session with Charles Alexander, director of the Tennessee Small Business Development Center at Volunteer State Community College, who will discuss the trends shaping the future of small business and entrepreneurship. 8:30-9:30 a.m., Hendersonville Chamber of Commerce, 100 Country Club Drive, Suite 104, Hendersonville. Information
Middle Tennessee Apprenticeship Networking Meeting: Pilots and Partnerships
Charity Walker, director of apprenticeships, will be featured in a conversation about Ascension Saint Thomas’ work at the intersection of workforce innovation and community investment. Ascension Saint Thomas will share how its pilot programs in workforce development and apprenticeship are opening doors to healthcare careers and how deep community partnerships have strengthened their talent pipeline in ways that traditional recruiting never could. 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp., 500 11th Ave N, Ste 650, Nashville. Information
THURSDAY, AUG. 13
Cheekwood Thursday Night Out
Food, drink, art and song every Thursday through August. The evening invites guests to sample seasonal beers, specialty cocktails created by premier spirit providers, bites from the city’s favorite food trucks and Café 29 while enjoying live music. Musical performers change every week. 5-9 p.m., 1200 Forrest Park Drive, Nashville. Information
AUG. 13-22
Wilson County – Tennessee State Fair
The event features live entertainment on 15 stages, more than 150 livestock shows, nightly motor sports events, more than 60 rides and more than 100 concessionaires. Monday-Thursday 4-9 p.m. (4-11 p.m. carnival), Fridays 4-10 p.m. (4 p.m.-midnight), Saturdays 10 a.m.-10 p.m. (10 a.m.-midnight), Sunday noon-9 p.m. (noon-11 p.m.). 945 E. Baddour Parkway, Lebanon. Information
FRIDAY, AUG. 14
Full Moon Pickin’ Party
This unique bluegrass music series is a Nashville tradition for more than 25 years, attracting bluegrass lovers to hear music under the stars in Percy Warner Park. Live music, food trucks, cold brews and more. Proceeds from Full Moon Pickin’ Parties benefit Friends of Warner Parks. Percy Warner Equestrian Barn, 2500 Old Hickory Boulevard 6-10 p.m. $25, 12-and-up; children under 12, free. Additional date: Sept. 25. Information/tickets
Round About Rutherford
An interactive networking event for Rutherford Chambers members only. This “speed-networking” event begins with lunch and then provides participants the opportunity to meet 40 new people in a short amount of time. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Stars and Strikes Family Entertainment Center, 333 N Lowry Street, Smyrna. Information
WEDNESDAY, AUG. 19
Taste. Shop. Explore. Williamson.
An opportunity to experience the best of Williamson County in one place. This free community event brings together local restaurants, retailers, service providers, attractions and organizations for an afternoon of discovery, connection and fun. Enjoy samples from local food and beverage businesses, browse unique products from local retailers and explore the businesses, services and experiences that make Williamson County a special place to live, work and play. Also enjoy interactive activities, games, entertainment, giveaways and opportunities to win prizes. 3-7 p.m., Liberty Hall at The Factory at Franklin, 230 Franklin Road, Franklin. Information