What's Up Mt Juliet Weekly Newsletter 7/16/26

July 16, 2026

Good morning, Mt. Juliet!

Between the pop-up showers and rescheduled plans, it's been one soggy July! Thankfully, there's still plenty to look forward to around Mt. Juliet this week, and we're here to help you make the most of it.

The back-to-school countdown is officially on, and while the kids might not be excited about it, we have a feeling plenty of parents are secretly counting down the days. Be sure to check out our Shortcuts section for the Wilson County school supply lists, and mark your calendars — Tennessee's Tax-Free Weekend runs July 31 through August 2.

But summer isn't over yet, and this week we're making the most of it! We're spotlighting the INDYCAR race at Nashville Superspeedway — if you've never been, it's a fast-paced, family-friendly weekend happening right in our backyard that's absolutely worth the trip. We've also got a full lineup of things to do around Wilson County this week, plus two local coupons to help you support the businesses that make Mt. Juliet great.

Enjoy your week everyone— let's dive in! 🌞

Denise & Mike

🏎️ INDYCAR Is Coming to Our Backyard — Here's What You Need to Know

One of the biggest racing weekends of the year is happening just down the road, and if you haven't been to Nashville Superspeedway yet, this might be the year to go.
The Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix returns to Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon on Saturday and Sunday, July 18–19, and this year's event is shaping up to be the biggest one yet. The race is expanding to 400 miles — up from 300 last year — and will air on FOX immediately following the FIFA World Cup Final, giving it one of the most watched lead-ins in sports television all year.

What's the full weekend look like?

Saturday, July 18 is packed with INDY NXT qualifying and support races, practice sessions, and a full concert lineup at the Fan Zone. Then on Sunday, July 19, the main event takes over — INDYCAR under the lights, with the green flag dropping in the evening. Global electronic music superstar deadmau5 headlines the weekend concerts, with the Backbeat Troubadours performing a special set before Sunday's green flag. And if you're a World Cup fan, FOX is setting up Match Day at The Pub right on the Superspeedway grounds — a dedicated World Cup viewing party built into the race weekend experience. Only in Nashville.

What does it cost?

Race day tickets start at $110 for adults and $10 for kids. Two-day Weekend Grandstand packages start at just $125, and kids 12 and under get in for the entire weekend for just $15 with a ticketed adult — making this one of the better deals for a major sporting event in Middle Tennessee. Camping, premium seating, and VIP pit access packages are also available.

A note for Mt. Juliet residents

Here's the thing about being close to the track — you're going to feel this weekend whether you're going or not. Nashville Superspeedway sits out in Wilson County rather than the city core, so race-day traffic funnels a big crowd onto rural roads. Expect noticeably heavier traffic on Lebanon Road and surrounding routes, especially Saturday afternoon and Sunday evening. If you're heading to the race, you're only about 15–20 minutes from the track — one of the shortest drives in the entire INDYCAR Series fanbase. Take advantage of that and leave a little early to beat the crowd.
👉 Tickets and full weekend details at MusicCityGP.com

Getting There Safely: Mt. Juliet's New Sidewalk Connection to Rutland Elementary

Mt. Juliet just got a little more connected — and a lot more walkable for families near Rutland Elementary.

A new 6-foot-wide sidewalk stretching 630 feet along the east side of SE Springdale Drive now links Belinda Parkway directly to both the Will Sellars Dog Park and Rutland Elementary School. It's a simple addition that makes a real difference — giving kids, parents, and neighbors a safer, more convenient route to school without navigating busy roads.

The project is part of a broader effort by the City of Mt. Juliet and the Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee (BPAC) to build out our network of walkable, bikeable routes — an initiative that has secured over $9.2 million in grant funding since 2013.
Mt. Juliet continues to invest in making our city easier and safer to get around — one connection at a time. 🌿

☕ Spreading Kindness, One Cup at a Time: The Compassion Sleeve Program

Sometimes all it takes is a small act of kindness to turn someone's day around — and Compassion Coffeehouse (11674 Lebanon Rd, Mt Juliet) is making it easy to do just that.

The Compassion Sleeve Program is a simple but powerful community initiative built on the generosity of neighbors, customers, and staff. Here's how it works: when someone wants to pay it forward, they purchase an extra drink, write a heartfelt note on a sleeve, and hang it on the wall. If someone comes in having a rough day, can't fit a cup of coffee in the budget, or just needs a reminder that someone cares — they walk up to the wall, grab a sleeve, and hand it to the cashier. That's it. No questions asked. Each sleeve holds a different value or menu item, so there's always something waiting.

Want to get involved? It's easy:

💛 Sponsor a sleeve — On your next coffee run, buy a drink for a neighbor you've never met, write them a little note, and leave it on the wall.

💛 Take a sleeve — If you need a pick-me-up, the wall is open to you. The community put it there for exactly that reason.

It's a small gesture with a big heart — and a beautiful reminder of what makes Mt. Juliet such a special place to call home.

They Look Like Pinecones. They're Not. 🌲

We'll be honest — we didn't know much about bagworms until they showed up in our own yard this year. Two of our trees got hit. We saved one. We lost the other. Now we're on a mission to make sure you don't go through the same thing.

What are they?

Despite the name, bagworms are actually caterpillars that build small cone-shaped pouches out of silk and your tree's own foliage — then hang inside eating it alive. One female can lay up to 1,000 eggs in a single bag. They love junipers, arborvitae, cedars, and white pines, but will attack over 128 species. In Middle Tennessee, eggs hatch in mid-to-late May and larvae feed aggressively through August.

How to spot them

Look for small cone-shaped pouches hanging from branches — they can look like tiny pinecones. You may also notice foliage starting to brown, thin, or develop small holes. The sooner you catch them, the better.

How to treat them

For small infestations, simply hand-pick the bags and drop them into a bucket of soapy water—don't toss them on the ground, as the larvae can survive. If the infestation is larger, treat affected trees with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) or spinosad in late May through June, when the caterpillars are still young and most vulnerable. Once the bagworms mature, sprays become much less effective. If a tree is heavily infested, it's best to call a professional before permanent damage occurs.

How to Prevent Them

This fall, take a walk around your yard and hand-pick any bagworm sacs you find. The eggs inside will survive the winter and hatch next May, so removing them now can prevent another infestation. A preventative insecticide applied in late May can also help stop bagworms before they have a chance to spread.🌿

New in Town

Zero to Zen Yoga officially opened for business on July 12th. They offer beginner-friendly yoga classes in a welcoming, non-heated environment inside Core Massage & Wellness (3586 N. Mount Juliet Rd.). Classes are available for women on Sundays and Mondays, with a coed class on Thursdays. Click here if you would like more information.

🥪 New York Deli & Grill Grand Opening Tomorrow!

If you've been craving an authentic New York-style deli, your wait is almost over! New York Deli & Grill at 1200 S. Mt Juliet Rd, is celebrating its Grand Opening on Friday, July 17, bringing fresh deli sandwiches, grilled favorites, breakfast, coffee, and more to Mt. Juliet.

To celebrate, they're offering 20% OFF your entire order all day Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (July 17–19)

💸 Insider Deals

We've got two tasty subscriber-exclusive coupons waiting for you this week! Enjoy special savings at Mt. Juliet Donut Shop for fresh, delicious donuts, and cool off with a great deal from Pelican's SnoBalls, whose popular coupon has been extended through the end of July. 🍩🍧

$= There is a charge for these events

Friday, July 17

☕  Coffee with a Cop | Starbucks 621 S. Mt Juliet Rd | 10 am - 12 pm

Stop by, grab a cup of coffee, and spend some time with members of the Mt. Juliet Police Department. Whether you have questions, want to learn more about what we do, or just want to say hello, they’d love the opportunity to visit with you.

🐻  Back to School Bear Bash | Mt Juliet High School | 4 - 9 pm

Bring the whole family for an evening packed with fun, food, music, and community spirit. Fun for ALL AGES! Entry is free and there are 30+ ticketed attractions to choose from. Every ticket purchased helps support the Mt. Juliet High School Football Booster Club and creates opportunities for our student-athletes.

🀄  Mahjong 101 | The Basement Marketplace | 6 pm | $

Curious about Mahjong? Join this beginner-friendly Mahjong 101 class to learn the basics of one of the fastest-growing social games while enjoying light snacks, bubbly, and a fun evening of meeting new friends. No experience is required!

🥕 Vendors On Main | Circle P Ranch | 4 - 7 pm

This local vendor market will have everything you need to kick off your summer - farmers with fresh produce and kitchen goods, makers and artisans, food trucks and live music!

🎭  Agatha Christie’s The Unexpected Guest | Playhouse 615 | 7:30 - 10 pm | $

Support local theater and enjoy a live performance of Agatha Christie’s The Unexpected Guest. This captivating mystery comes to life on stage with talented local performers.

Just around the corner:

🛻 Southeastern Chevy / GMC Truck Nationals | Wilson County Fairgrounds, Lebanon, TN | Fri 7/17 & Sat 7/18 | 8 am - 5 pm | $

🚒 Frozen with a Firefighter | McDonalds, 4734 Lebanon Pike, Hermitage, TN | 11 - 11:45 am

🌿 Sadie Ford Farmhouse Tour | Cedars of Lebanon State Park, Lebanon, TN | 1 - 2 pm

🐢 Turtle Talk | Cedars of Lebanon State Park, Lebanon, TN | 3 - 4 pm

🎸 JUMP: America’s Van Halen Experience | Wilson County Fairgrounds, Lebanon, TN | 7 pm | $

Saturday, July 18

🚘 Horsepower On the Hill Car & Truck Show | Green Hill High School | 7:30 am - 3 pm

Car and truck enthusiasts are invited to show off their rides and enjoy a day of community fun. Food trucks and local vendors will be on site and prizes will be given for top entries. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting event!

🍅 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

🚲️ MJ Veloteers Tour Mt Juliet Red Bicycle Ride | MJ Train Station | 9 - 11 am

Join veteran commuter Sally Robertson for a scenic tour of Mt. Juliet's greenways, bike lanes, and roads less traveled — starting at the MJ Train Station and ending at the Red Bicycle Cafe.

🍑  Peach Celebration 2026 | Breeden’s Orchard | 9 am - 9 pm

Celebrate peak peach season at Breeden’s Orchard with two weekends of fresh peaches, peach-inspired treats, live music, and family-friendly farm fun. Grab a drink, enjoy the open-air vibes, and soak up one of summer’s sweetest traditions!

✨  KPOP Parent Survival Night | The Little Gym | 5 - 8 pm | $

Drop the kids off for a night of music, games, pizza, and nonstop fun! Inspired by their favorite K-Pop heroes, they’ll enjoy obstacle courses, activities, and plenty of time to run, jump, and play with friends while parents enjoy a night out.

🎭  Agatha Christie’s The Unexpected Guest | Playhouse 615 | 7:30 - 10 pm | $

Support local theater and enjoy a live performance of Agatha Christie’s The Unexpected Guest. This captivating mystery comes to life on stage with talented local performers.

🎹 Dueling Pianos with Tim & Steve | Mt Juliet Sport & Social | 7:30 - 11 pm

Enjoy a lively night of Dueling Pianos at a local sports bar, featuring live music, singalongs, and plenty of fun.

Just around the corner:

🏇 Independence Barrel Bash | Ward Ag Center, Lebanon, TN | 7 am

🍩 Customer Appreciation Event | Dunkin, 14835 Lebanon Rd, Old Hickory, TN | 8 am - 12 pm

🥯 Flour Your Dreams Anniversary and Market | Flour Your Dreams Bakery, Hermitage, TN | 8 am - 2 pm

🧺 “Two Sweet” Birthday Bash | The Market at 109, Lebanon, TN | 10 am - 1 pm

🪴 French Inspired Planter Class | Old Hickory Social & Marketplace, Old Hickory, TN | 2 - 4 pm | $

Sunday, July 19

🍑  Peach Celebration 2026 | Breeden’s Orchard | 9 am - 5 pm

Celebrate peak peach season at Breeden’s Orchard with two weekends of fresh peaches, peach-inspired treats, live music, and family-friendly farm fun. Grab a drink, enjoy the open-air vibes, and soak up one of summer’s sweetest traditions!

🎭  Agatha Christie’s The Unexpected Guest | Playhouse 615 | 2:30 - 5 pm | $

Support local theater and enjoy a live performance of Agatha Christie’s The Unexpected Guest. This captivating mystery comes to life on stage with talented local performers.

Just around the corner:

🏎 Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix | Nashville Superspeedway, Lebanon, TN | Gates open at 11 am | $

Monday, July 20

🎮️ 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.

🚲  Community Ride with the Veloteers Bicycle Club | Charlie Daniels Park | 6 - 8 pm

Join the Veloteers for a casual, social bike ride. New cyclists are encouraged to join in on the fun and ride with experienced cyclists at a comfortable pace.

Just around the corner:

🐐 Goat Cuddles, Popsicles and Coloring | S & G Legacy Farm, Lebanon | 5 pm $

📽 Monday Night Movie | East Nashville Beer Works, Lebanon | 7 pm

Tuesday, July 21

💜  Story Time with Grimace | Mt Juliet Library | 10 - 10:45 am

Join Grimace from McDonalds for a fun story time! This is a program for all ages.

🏢  Job Fair | Mt Juliet Goodwill | 10 am

This is a fantastic opportunity to explore various career options and connect with potential employers from a variety of industries. Don't miss out on this chance to kickstart your career journey!

💻  Computer Class | Mt Juliet Library | 11 am - 12 pm

Need help with the basics of using a computer? Join this beginner-friendly class at the library to learn essential computer skills in a supportive environment. Space is limited, so be sure to call or email the library in advance to reserve your spot.

🧒 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.

Just around the corner:

🦖 Dinosaur Meet & Greet | Hermitage Library, Hermitage, TN | Tuesday 7/21 & Thursday 7/23 | 2:30 - 3:30 pm

🎵 Songwriter’s Night at the Grand Old Barn | Starstruck Farm, Lebanon, TN | 7 - 9 pm | $

Wednesday, July 22

🐤  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!

📖  Summer Story Time | Mt Juliet Library | 10 - 10:30 am

This free story time program is designed for little ones ages 3-5, featuring stories, songs, and puppets!

🃏 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.

Just around the corner:

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

Thursday, July 23

🦖 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.

🎵  Writer’s Round | Breeden’s Orchard | 7 - 9 pm

Gather for an intimate evening of live original music — straight from the songwriters who wrote it. Pull up a chair, settle in by the fire, and hear the stories behind the songs.

Just around the corner:

🧪 Library Lab: A STEAM Program | Hermitage Library, Hermitage, TN | 4:30 - 5:30 pm

🪴 Mellow & Ivy Plant Bingo | Mellow & Ivy, Old Hickory, TN | 6 - 9 pm | $

🎤 Wilson County Women’s Night Out: Singo! | Tenn Lakes Brewing Co., Lebanon, TN | 6:30 pm

🎶 IPOP Creatives Writer’s Lounge | The Mill @ Lebanon | 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!

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