What's Up Mt Juliet Weekly Newsletter 7/2

July 2, 2026

Good morning, Mt. Juliet!

Can you believe the 4th of July is already here?! This year feels extra special with America celebrating its 250th birthday, and we packed this week's newsletter with everything you need for the holiday weekend. We've got fireworks safety tips (because we'd all like to keep all ten fingers), a full guide to 4th of July events happening around town, and a special section dedicated to Cedars of Lebanon State Park, where you can turn July 4th into an all-day adventure!

On top of all that, we've got this week's events, a few local business updates, and TWO local coupons you'll want to grab before heading out. Yep — this one's packed.

Grab your coffee, settle in, and let's get ready for a fun Fourth of July weekend in Mt. Juliet!

Denise & Mike

Know Before You Glow: Mt. Juliet Fireworks Rules & Safety Tips

If you’ve driven around town lately, you’ve probably noticed fireworks tents popping up in every empty parking lot imaginable. Fireworks season is officially here.

In Tennessee, fireworks can legally be sold from June 20 through July 5, which explains the sudden explosion of roadside tents this time every year. But here’s the part a lot of people don’t realize: just because you can buy fireworks doesn’t mean you can light them whenever you want.

In Mt. Juliet, fireworks are only allowed during these times:

• July 3: 5 – 10 pm
• July 4: 5 – 10 pm
• July 5: 5 – 10 pm

So while the shopping window lasts two weeks, the legal fireworks window is only three evenings long.

There are also a few important restrictions to know before you strike a match. Fireworks can’t be used within 600 feet of churches, schools, hospitals, or funeral homes, and you must stay at least 200 feet away from any fireworks stand or storage area. Anyone under 18 needs adult supervision, and fireworks are completely off-limits during any active burn ban.

And yes — burn bans absolutely override holiday plans. With the hot, dry weather we sometimes get this time of year, it’s always smart to double-check conditions before lighting anything.

A few quick safety reminders are worth repeating every Fourth of July:
• Keep a bucket of water nearby
• Never relight a dud
• Wear eye protection
• Skip the alcohol if you’re the one handling fireworks
• Closely supervise kids and teens

And don’t underestimate sparklers. They may seem harmless, but they burn incredibly hot and cause more injuries than most people expect — especially for young kids.

Bottom line: enjoy the fireworks, know the rules, and keep all ten fingers intact while celebrating.

🎆 One Year of Shopping Local: Wilson County Vendor Market Turns 1 on the 4th of July

A year ago, the Wilson County Vendor Market opened its doors with a simple idea: give local makers, growers, and small businesses a real place to sell their stuff — and give the community a reason to show up and support them. Fast forward twelve months, and that little market has turned into a weekly Lebanon staple, complete with everything from cornhole tournaments to crawfish boils to a dunk tank in the middle of summer.
Now WCVM is celebrating that first full year the only way that makes sense — by throwing the party on the same day America does. This year's Independence Day market doubles as their official 1st anniversary celebration, with a "Rockets Red Glare & Vendors Everywhere" theme that's exactly as fun as it sounds. Expect the same lineup of local vendors you'd find on any given Saturday, plus a little extra red-white-and-blue flair to mark the occasion.
So if you're already out running errands or looking for something low-key to do before the fireworks start, swing by, shop small, and help them kick off year two right.
📍 Wilson County Vendor Market, 210 Old Laguardo Rd, Lebanon | Saturday, July 4 | 8 – 2 pm

Now Open!

The wait is over — Ugly Bagel officially opened its doors on July 1st at 1913 N. Mt. Juliet Rd.

This fun new breakfast and lunch spot is already getting lots of attention around town, with fresh handcrafted bagels, coffee drinks, and a menu full of creative favorites. Whether you’re grabbing a quick breakfast or meeting friends for lunch, it’s a great new local spot to check out.

Be sure to stop by and welcome Mt. Juliet’s newest neighbor!

💸 Insider Deals:

Bubbakoo's Burritos is giving our readers a special coupon valid through July 15th and our friends at Pelican’s Snoballs have extended their BOGO coupon until the end of July!

🌳 July 4th at Cedars of Lebanon State Park- A Whole Day of Fun

There's so much to do at Cedars of Lebanon State Park this July 4th, that we thought it needed its own section- you could easily make a whole day of it! Decorate your bike for the morning parade, paint a patriotic birdhouse, watch homemade ice cream get hand-churned the old-fashioned way at Sadie Ford Farm, take a wagon ride, roast s'mores by the campfire, and cap it off with a sunset hike before heading out to catch fireworks elsewhere in town. We highlighted a few of our favorites below, but you can view everything here.

🚲 Bike Decorating and Parade | 9 - 10 am

🐦 Red, White and Blue Birdhouses | 11:30 am - 12:30 pm

🎱 Independence Day Bingo | 1 - 1:30 pm

🍦 Fourth of July Ice Cream Social | 1:30 - 2:30 pm

🌲 Cedar Wagon Ride | 4 - 4:45 pm

🔥 Campfire S’mores | 6 - 7 pm

🥾 Sunset Hike | 7:30 - 8:30 pm

Saturday, July 4

🔥 62nd Annual 4th of July BBQ | Mt. Juliet Lodge 279 Tate Ln | 7 am until sold out

The Mt. Juliet Lodge #642 F&AM 62nd Annual BBQ is back—an iconic local tradition where you can grab fresh smoked pork to-go and take it straight to your July 4th celebrations. Swing by early to pick up your BBQ, or stop in the evening of July 3rd to watch the overnight pit crews in action as they fire up the huge smokers and kick off the holiday spirit.

🍅 Farmer’s Market | Charlie Daniels Park | 8 am - 1 pm

This event brings together local farmers, artisans, and food vendors to create a lively, welcoming community market. It’s a fun way to shop while supporting local small businesses

🧁 Sweet Biscuit 4th of July Pop-Up | Sweet Biscuit Co. | 9 am - 12 pm

Back this Saturday for a special 4th of July pop-up celebrating America’s 250th birthday—enjoy all your Sweet Biscuit favorites plus a sneak peek at a festive new specialty treat (Hello Red, White and Blueberry?).

🚲️ Book Bike Story Time | Wilson County Veloteers, Eagle Park | 10 - 11:30 am

Join the Biking Librarian every 1st Saturday for story time and a kid-friendly ride at Eagle Park!

🌠  4th of July Party at MJSS Co | Mt Juliet Sport & Social Co | 4 pm

Live music, cold drinks, and the best party vibes in town — join the celebration on Saturday, July 4th! Stick around to watch both firework shows right from the parking lot.

🎆  Independence Day in Mt Juliet | Circe P Ranch | 5:30 - 9 pm

Enjoy an evening packed with patriotic pride, family fun, great food, live entertainment, and a fireworks show to cap off the night. Just bring your lawn chairs, wear your red, white, and blue, and kick off America's 250th year in style.

☀  Worship Night & 4th of July Celebration | Billy Goat Coffee Cafe | 6 pm

The community is invited to a Worship Night on the Lawn, a time to gather together and lift up a joyful noise in worship. Festivities begin at 6:00 PM, with the evening capping off by watching the City of Mt. Juliet's fireworks show light up the sky.

🎇  Citizens of Mt Juliet Fireworks Blast | 735 & 935 N. Mt Juliet Rd | 7 pm

Mt. Juliet is kicking off an unforgettable summer with our biggest 4th of July celebration yet, honoring our hometown heroes, our community, and America's 250th birthday all in one night. Gates open at 7:00 pm for this free community event, with bounce houses running until 8:30 pm and Fireworks at 9 pm.

Monday, July 6

🧩 Puzzle Swap | Mt Juliet Library | All Day

All week long, you can bring a gently used puzzle and trade it for a new-to-you challenge at this fun community puzzle swap! Just drop off your complete puzzle at the front desk, then browse the selection and take home your next favorite.

🎮️ Teens 7th & Up Club | Mt Juliet Library | 2 - 3 pm

7th & Up Club is for teens who are in 7th grade and up and love books! They chat about books, do activities & crafts, play games, and more! All supplies are provided.

Tuesday, July 7

🧩  Puzzle Swap | Mt Juliet Library | All Day

All week long, you can bring a gently used puzzle and trade it for a new-to-you challenge at this fun community puzzle swap! Just drop off your complete puzzle at the front desk, then browse the selection and take home your next favorite.

👶 Baby Rhyme Time | Mt Juliet Library | 10 - 10:30 am

Join other parents and children (ages 8 months to 2 years) for fun songs, engaging books, and exciting parachute playtime!

💻  Drop-In Tech Help | Mt Juliet Library | 1 - 3 pm

Ask tech questions or get a quick lesson on most computer subjects, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, Google Docs, internet searching & safety, email, eBooks, Libby app, smartphones, and more!

🧒 Crew 456 | Mt Juliet Library | 2 - 3 pm

Crew 456 is for kids in 4th, 5th, and 6th grades, where they can enjoy crafts, play games, and have fun chatting about books.

Wednesday, July 8

🧩  Puzzle Swap | Mt Juliet Library | All Day

All week long, you can bring a gently used puzzle and trade it for a new-to-you challenge at this fun community puzzle swap! Just drop off your complete puzzle at the front desk, then browse the selection and take home your next favorite.

🐤  Toddler Farm Adventures | Breeden’s Orchard | 9:30 - 10:30 am

Give your little one a chance to explore the orchard, connect with nature, and learn through hands-on fun in a relaxed outdoor setting. Toddler Farm Adventures is a weekly program designed for toddlers and their caregivers, featuring small, engaging sessions that encourage curiosity, creativity, and exploration.

🐰 Kids Farm Adventures | Breeden’s Orchard | 11 am - 12 pm

Perfect for ages 5–6, Kids Farm Adventures lets young explorers discover the orchard through hands-on activities, nature exploration, stories, and creative crafts in a fun outdoor setting. Each weekly session encourages curiosity, learning, and plenty of farm-themed fun!

🦕 Extinction of The Dinosaurs | Mt Juliet Library | 1 - 2 pm

Journey back millions of years at the Mt. Juliet Library with an engaging lifelong Learning lecture exploring what caused the extinction of the dinosaurs. This fascinating program is designed for adults and curious kids in 4th grade and up who want to learn more about one of history's greatest mysteries.

🃏 Mahjongg Night | Billy Goat Coffee Cafe | 5 - 8 pm

Get ready for a weekly “Mahjongg Wednesday Night” that kicks off tonight. Guests can play Mahjongg and enjoy a gourmet cookie & play combo for $10 featuring a fresh G.O.A.T Cookie Co Cookie.

🎵  Live Music: Steve Jonsey Jones | Burger Republic | 6 - 8 pm

Grab dinner, drinks, and enjoy a night of live music from this talented local artist.

⚡ Freaky Friday The Musical | Dynamic Ballroom and Performing Arts | 7 pm

Mt Juliet’s own performing arts studio brings you this local this fun, family-friendly musical is perfect for all ages — grab your tickets before they're gone!

Thursday, July 9

🧩  Puzzle Swap | Mt Juliet Library | All Day

All week long, you can bring a gently used puzzle and trade it for a new-to-you challenge at this fun community puzzle swap! Just drop off your complete puzzle at the front desk, then browse the selection and take home your next favorite.

🦖 Dino Crafters- K-3 | Mt Juliet Library | 10 - 10:30 am

Kids from Kindergarten to 3rd grade are invited to join us for a fun dinosaur craft time! Today, they’ll be making Dino Tangrams! This is a free program with all supplies provided.

🧶 Youth In The Loop | Mt Juliet Library | 2 - 3:30 pm

Get hooked on crochet! Join this club to learn, create, and have fun with yarn! All supplies are provided, but you are welcome to bring your own! Beginners always welcome! 4th - 12th grade.

⚡ Freaky Friday The Musical | Dynamic Ballroom and Performing Arts | 7 pm

Mt Juliet’s own performing arts studio brings you this local this fun, family-friendly musical is perfect for all ages — grab your tickets before they're gone!

Nearby & Noteworthy

🎥 Dinner and a Movie: Jaws | Full Moon Cineplex, Hermitage, TN | Friday 7/3 | 6 pm

🛻 Lebanon 4th of July Parade | Main St., Lebanon, TN | Friday 7/3 | 7 pm

🚘️ Cars and Coffee | Nashville Superspeedway, Lebanon, TN | Saturday 7/4 | 8 am - 11 am

🧨Rockets, Red Glare and Vendors Everywhere | Wilson County Vendors Market, Lebanon | Saturday 7/4 | 8 am - 2 pm

🧺 Fourth of July Block Party at 109 | The Market at 109, Lebanon | Saturday 7/4 | 10 am - 1 pm

🍺 4th of July Block Party on Callis Rd | East Nashville Beer Works, Lebanon | Saturday 7/4 | 11 am - 9 pm

💧 Squirt Gun Parade and Fireworks | Main Street, Watertown | Saturday 7/4 | Parade at 4 pm, FIreworks at dark

⭐ Freedom Fest 250 | Starstruck Farm, Lebanon | Saturday 7/4 | 4 - 10 pm

🎆 4th of July Celebration | Wilson County Fairgrounds, Lebanon | Saturday 7/4 | 6 - 9 pm

🎨 Art Night at The Library | Hermitage Library, Hermitage, TN | Monday 7/6 | 6 - 7 pm

🦖 Dinosaur Meet & Greet | Hermitage Library, Hermitage, TN | Tuesday 7/7 & Thursday 7/9 | 2:30 - 3:30 pm

🧘‍♀ Gentle Yoga | Hermitage Library, Hermitage, TN | Wednesday 7/8 | 6 - 7 pm

Meet the Team

Denise is a SoCal native who has called Middle Tennessee home for 25 years. A self-proclaimed foodie, she’s always on the hunt for the area's latest and greatest restaurants—though during football season, you’ll likely find her locked into a game.

Mike originally hails from New Jersey and has lived in Mt. Juliet for over 30 years. When he isn’t cheering on his favorite college and pro football teams, he loves getting out to catch some live local rock music.

Together, we started What’s Up Mt. Juliet because we believe there is so much to love about this great city. Each week, our goal is to bring you the best of Mt Juliet…and hopefully brighten your day along the way!

Thanks for letting us be a small part of your week!

Publication Disclaimer:

While we work hard to keep all information accurate and up to date, event details can change unexpectedly. We highly recommend double-checking the event links directly before heading out to ensure you have the latest updates. This newsletter contains affiliate links, meaning we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase. We deeply appreciate your support, which helps keep our content running.