Hot diggity dog, this year’s fourth of July was a blast.
No, literally. Gaylord Opryland celebrated America’s 250th birthday during their All-American SummerFest, and it’s going on until September 2026. They threw a party full of vibrant-colored shimmering candles rocketing into the night sky (or should I say fireworks show), followed by the entire city of Nashville hosting an immaculate lighting showcase of sculptures and fascinating visual artifacts of the Declaration (with nuggets of history) – synchronized with 1,000 drones – dancing to a live performance by the Nashville Symphony over the Cumberland River.
Courtesy Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
You could witness the orchestrated display for miles. But that was just the climax. So let me back up a bit.
It doesn’t take a travel enthusiast to land a great vacation spot. But it does take some bright ideas, strategy, and good planning to make the getaway experience unforgettable and cherished for generations long after.
What’s your go-to spot?
For me, hands-down, it's Gaylord Opryland. My family’s longtime tradition for recess. But not for obvious reasons of appeal and playground space (which is heavily adorned at Gaylord) or the novel feeling of retreating to an upscale resort. It’s because of the community it's built over the years. Spaces and access to adventure they’ve designed specifically with families in mind. From the front to the back, and everything in-between, there’s something available to spark physical, emotional, and social activities.
And why is it my safe space and home away from home? Easy – I never get bored! From summers to holidays, my family can experience a whole new relax-and-play theme for different occasions…because seasons literally do change at the Gaylord. And with a short drive from Memphis to Nashville, it’s an easy weekend escape without excuses.
Courtesy Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
Upon arrival, we never feel the desire to leave when everything is right at our finger tips. Don’t wanna park; use valet. Forgot to pack snacks or essentials; visit the on-site market. Wanna splash or soak in the sun; hit the pool or better yet, crash all day at the indoor-outdoor waterpark. Need to grab some quick grub, Starbucks, or plan dinner reservations; tons of family-friendly choices on deck. Hop in the boat for an indoor river ride with bonus storytelling of the resort and all its chapters of resilience. Catch the free charter bus to nearby spots. Schedule a spa day. Ride the horse carriages. Chill by the waterfall and gardens. Go golfing. Listen to live musicians. Read a book on your hotel balcony. Catch a deal in the retail shops. Literally, always something to do.
This year was nothing short of delivering the highly-anticipated star-spangled attractions for the birthday festivities: something red, something white, and something new (I mean, blue). Gaylord’s goal is to diligently seek to offer an unforgettable summer. And they did just that.
Courtesy Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
I never know what themed experience will be revealed each summer and with Christmas just around the corner, I’m (eagerly) anticipating the holiday ICE! lineup.
During select dates and times, now through September, you can capture the spirit of summertime with exciting activities including poolside parties, interactive scavenger hunts, outdoor movie nights, and dazzling firework shows – the All-American SummerFest fully delivers on families making memories together.
Here’s a synopsis of all the on-theme festivities.
Photo by Erika Cain
Gaylord Opryland's All-American SummerFest
America’s Birthday Party & Fireworks
Bring friends and family together on the Magnolia Lawn beneath the sky bursting with color. Live entertainment, elevated activities, festive novelties, and food and beverage options complete this patriotic celebration.
The Great American Road Trip Scavenger Hunt
Pack your sense of adventure and embark on a cross-country journey without ever leaving the resort, exploring iconic American landmarks along the way.
Moonlight Music
Experience Nashville’s finest musicians under the summer stars at the all-new Foundry Fieldhouse Sports Bar & Taproom’s Beer Garden as country, bluegrass, and acoustic artists perform beloved favorites and share the stories behind the songs.
Hot Summer Bites & Movies Nights
Enjoy live-action stations featuring BBQ, pizza, and sweet treats, served up with cold brews and movies on the District Yard.
Festival Food Favorites
Indulge in classic summer festival favorites that rotate weekly on the District Yard, including turkey legs, corndogs, kettle corn, and more.
Sunday Sundaes
We all scream for ice cream! Treat yourself to a featured sundae every Sunday at Foundry Fieldhouse Sports Bar & Taproom.
Summer Craft Zone
Tap into your creative side at this hands-on summer art experience, where paint by the numbers make creativity easy and fun.
Cascades Pool Party
Staying overnight? Soak up the sun and fun with music, games, and poolside entertainment.
Courtesy Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
Sounds of America Light & Fountain Show
Marvel at this spectacular nighttime, music-driven, American-themed light and fountain show.
Hydro Beats Light & Fountain Show
Experience mesmerizing water shows, complete with stunning choreographed water, music, and lights.
Courtesy Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
Around We Glow Delta Riverboat Cruise
Partake in a joyful twist on a classic attraction with Around We Glow, the Silent Disco riverboat ride, an enchanting indoor cruise where music, lights, and water come together as guests move to their own silent disco beat. General year-round riverboat rides are also available.
Additionally, Gaylord Opryland offers an extensive list of year-round attractions.
Courtesy Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
SoundWaves
Aquatic fun with thrilling slides, mat racer, kids’ play areas, wave pool, lazy rivers, and private cabanas to bring the extended chill vibes.
Gaylord Springs Golf Links
An 18-hole course bordered by limestone bluffs and wetlands.
Courtesy Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
General Jackson Showboat
Enjoy some amazing live musical shows, a cruise down the Cumberland River, and immaculate views of the Nashville skyline – lunch, dinner, and specialty cruises offered throughout the summer.
Relâche Spa
Relax and recharge. Simple as that. Choose from massages, body treatments, facials, manicures, pedicures, and more.
Courtesy Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
Wildlife Rescue AR Experience
Go on a live hunt. Twelve endangered animals are hidden throughout the resort, and your help is needed to find them. Search for tracking markers to find the hidden animals, learn facts about them, and see them come to life before your very eyes with the magic of augmented reality (AR).
If that’s not enough, Gaylord Opryland and Ryman Hospitality Properties Inc. just celebrated a major construction milestone on July 9, marking the vertical completion of its $131 million expansion and the upcoming transition to the interior build-out phase. The project is expected to enhance the resort’s ability to attract additional group business while supporting job creation and broader economic activity in the region.
Gaylord Opryland is the property that helped build the Gaylord Hotels brand into the powerhouse it is today,” says Colin Reed, executive chairman of the Board of Directors. “This expansion incorporates the best ideas and innovations we have deployed across our portfolio over the past several decades and returns them to where it all began nearly 50 years ago. We look forward to welcoming our guests into this new space next year."
The expansion will add approximately 108,000 square feet of meeting space, including a 31,000-square-foot ballroom, 38,000 square feet of breakout space, and 39,000 square feet of pre-function space, with completion expected in the second quarter of 2027.
So whether you’re cramming in your last weeks of summer vacay or looking for a quick and adventurous weekend of fun, look no further than the iconic Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.
Make time, make memories. Off you go!
Gaylord Opryland Resort, located in Nashville, TN, is the flagship property of Gaylord Hotels. The 2,888-room hotel offers “everything in one place” — water attractions, diverse dining options, full-service spa, entertainment, on-site shopping, award-winning golf course, and more. For more information about Gaylord Opryland and the All-American SummerFest, visit gaylordopryland.com.