August 20, 2026
Happy Thursday, Mt. Juliet! 🌞
We’ve got a packed newsletter for you this week! 🎉 The Wilson County Fair wraps up Saturday, Friday night brings the first high school football games of the season, and after all that heat, we’re ready for a little break. 🎡🏈
It’s hard to believe, but we’re already getting little hints of fall (Hello Football and Pumpkin Spice!) This week, we’re taking a look at another piece of Mt. Juliet history, sharing what’s happening around town, and finding a few more ways to have some summer fun before August slips away.
So grab your coffee, get comfy, and let’s see what’s happening around Mt. Juliet! ☕️
Denise & Mike
THIS WEEK IN MT. JULIET
Your Quick Look at What’s Inside
COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT…
🎡 Wilson County Fair
🍴 Foodieland Festival
🌆 Around Town Updates
🍝 The New Calabria Reveal
🏈 Friday Night Lights
📸 A Look Back: Mt. Juliet’s History in Photos
MORE TO EXPLORE…
🐱 Pets of the Week
💰 Insider Deals: Exclusive Subscriber Coupons
📆 Things to Do in Mt Juliet This Week
☀ Weekly weather forecast
🥵 The Wilson County Fair Kicks Off with Scorching Temperatures
It was an extremely hot opening weekend at the fair and numbers show the extreme heat may have put a bit of a damper on the 2026 Wilson County–Tennessee State Fair opening weekend.
The first four days drew 235,352 people, compared with 296,425 during the same four days last year — more than 61,000 fewer visitors.
We were part of the Sunday crowd, and honestly, can’t blame anyone for hesitating to spend the day outside with temperatures soaring to 100 degrees and heat indexes reaching a sweltering 115! 🥵
Fair officials have added extra tents, cooling stations, misting fans and shaded areas, with free water, popsicles and lemonade available around the fairgrounds.
The silver lining? Those who braved the heat found shorter lines for rides, food and parking. 😉
Thankfully, the forecast is looking a little friendlier, with temperatures expected to drop into the low 90s now and through the weekend.
So if the heat kept you home, there’s still time to grab a snow cone and enjoy the Fair! 🎡🍧
🥵What’s your strategy for surviving the fair in this heat?
Last Week’s Poll Results…
You just walked through the gates at the Wilson County Fair… where are you going FIRST? 😋
🐴 Animals & exhibits- 42.86%
🌽 Find the food!- 32.14%
🎤 Entertainment- 21.43%
🎢 Straight to the rides- 3.57%
Looking Ahead: One of the Nation's Largest Food Festivals is Rolling into Wilson County! 🍔🍦
Mark your calendars, local food lovers — something big is rolling into town! FoodieLand, one of the nation's largest food festivals, is setting up shop at the Nashville Superspeedway in Lebanon for one unforgettable weekend.
If you haven't heard of FoodieLand, here's the scoop: it's a traveling celebration of flavor and community, bringing together 200+ food and drink vendors, artisan shops, interactive games, and live music — all in one massive outdoor gathering. And this time, it's happening practically in our backyard.
Quick details to plan your visit:
When:
-Friday, Aug. 28: 3 - 10 PM
-Saturday, Aug. 29: 1 - 10 PM
-Sunday, Aug. 30: 1 - 10 PM
Where: Nashville Superspeedway (400 Victory Dr. Ln., Lebanon)
Tickets: Online Only- there are no ticket sales at the door, so grab yours in advance
Perks: There is no charge for parking & Kids 5 and under get in for free!
Insider tip: Once you're in, you're in for the day — there's no re-entry, so plan accordingly. But there's also no time limit on your visit, so take your time and sample a little bit of everything.
Bring a big appetite and a few friends and get ready to eat your way through the weekend. Browse the vendor lineup and grab your tickets here!
🏘️ Around Town: A Couple of Quick Updates
🍝 Nicoletto’s Pasta Co. Is Coming to Mt. Juliet!
Good news for pasta lovers! Nicoletto’s Pasta Co. has announced plans to open a new location in the strip mall next to Nutrition Nova on Lebanon Road. The new spot is expected to open this fall and will feature fresh-made pasta, an Italian market, and a coffee and espresso bar. ☕🍝
Nicoletto’s currently has locations in Donelson and East Nashville, and Mt. Juliet will soon get its own taste of their Italian-inspired offerings. We’ll be watching for an opening date!
🐶 Will Sellers Dog Park Temporarily Closing
Will Sellers Dog Park (151 SE Springdale Dr.) will be closed beginning Wednesday, August 19, while sidewalk installation takes place at the park. The park will remain closed until the work is complete and the area is safe for our four-legged visitors.
We know this is important information for the local doggos and their humans, so consider this your official heads-up: the dogs are going to have to find somewhere else to hang out for a little while. 🐾
And I know some of you are already singing this in your head, so here you go...
🎵 “It’s the dog park... with all the dogs there...” 🎵 😂
🍕 Calabria Is Back and Better Than Ever
We have some great news for pizza lovers: Calabria in Mt Juliet has officially reopened its doors after a thoughtful remodel and menu refresh.
If you're a longtime fan, don't worry—your beloved wood-fired pizzas and garlic knots are still there, holding down the fort. But there's plenty of new to explore too, with an elevated menu that brings some sophisticated touches to the table. I was really excited to see Burrata on the menu now!
So, whether you're stopping by for a slice of nostalgia or ready to try something new, this is a perfect excuse to head over and see what they've done with the place. The timing couldn't be better for a neighborhood dinner out.
🏈 Friday Night Lights Are Back in Mt. Juliet!
MJHS Golden Bears
GHHS Hawks
MJCA Saints
Grab the family, put on your school colors and get ready—Friday Night Lights are officially back! The first games of the season kick off tomorrow, Friday, August 21, and our local stadiums are about to come alive.
And you don't have to have a kid on the team to enjoy a good Friday night under the lights! 🙌
🏟️ Three Teams. One Big Football Town.
We've got three local high school teams hitting the field tomorrow night:
🏈 Mt. Juliet Golden Bears
Friday, August 21 • vs. Antioch
🏈 Green Hill Hawks
Friday, August 21 • at Beech in Hendersonville
🏈 Mt. Juliet Christian Academy Saints
Friday, August 21 • vs. Jo Byrns in Cedar Hill, TN
Whether you're a lifelong fan, a proud parent or just looking for something fun to do on a Friday night, pick a team and go cheer them on!
For full schedules, kickoff times and any last-minute changes:
Golden Bears: mjsportszone.com
Green Hill Hawks: greenhillathletics.com
MJCA Saints: mjcaathletics.org
We'll see you in the stands! 🏈
🎡 Just a few more fair days left. Make sure to check out the Fair Guide if you haven’t yet. 8 EXCLUSIVE Fair Vendor Coupons are inside!
Sponsored by
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📸 A Look Back
With a new school year beginning, we thought it would be fun to take a walk down memory lane and look back at a little Mt. Juliet educational history. Over the next several weeks, we'll be sharing a historic photo each week to highlight how our community has grown and changed over the years.
A Little MJ History: Mt. Juliet High (1947)
Ever wonder what going to high school in Mt. Juliet looked like nearly 80 years ago? Long before our current sprawling campuses, this simple brick building on Mt. Juliet Road was the hub for local 7th through 12th graders.
What makes this photo really special is the story behind it. After back-to-back fires destroyed the town’s older school buildings in the 1940s, the community rallied together to build this brand-new spot in 1947. From the unpaved roadside to that giant brick smokestack in the back, it’s amazing to see just how much our hometown has changed over the decades!
Did you or someone in your family attend school here, or do you remember this building? Hit reply and share your memories with us!
A special thank you to Wilson County Archivist Linda Granstaff for generously providing these wonderful photos for us to share with the community. We hope you enjoy this journey through Mt. Juliet's past!
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🐾 Pets of the Week:
🐶 Happy Tails: Jack & Jill Found Their Forever Home! ❤️
We have some wonderful news! Last week, Jack and Jill were our Pets of the Week, and over the weekend, these two sweet pups found their forever home — together! 🥰🐶🐶
We couldn't be happier knowing they get to start this next chapter side by side. ❤️
A huge congratulations to their new family, and thank you to everyone who shared their story and helped spread the word!
From Pets of the Week to forever family — now that's a Happy Tail! 🐾🏡
This Week: Meet Judge McCool & Johnny Due Process!
Judge McCool
Johnny Due Process
This week’s Pets of the Week are a pair of 4-month-old tuxedo kittens with some pretty memorable names: Judge McCool and Johnny Due Process!
These two little guys have an important distinction at the shelter — they’re the shelter’s longest residents and they’re waiting for someone to give them a place to call home. ❤️
With their adorable tuxedo markings and plenty of kittenhood ahead of them, Judge McCool and Johnny Due Process are hoping their next stop is their forever home.
❤️ Interested in adopting these cuties? Visit the Mt. Juliet Animal Shelter during business hours or stop by their College Football Kick-off Adoption event this Saturday from 11-2!
💸 Insider Deals
🍴 This Week’s Exclusive Coupon: Kat’s Bar & Grille
Looking for a good excuse to grab a bite along with a cold drink and unwind? We’ve got one! 😋
This week’s exclusive coupon is from Kat’s Bar & Grille, and it gets you a FREE Happy Hour appetizer with any purchase! 🎉
Yep — order something for yourself and get a Happy Hour appetizer on the house. Whether you’re meeting up with friends, grabbing dinner, or just need an excuse to treat yourself, this is a pretty tasty deal.
We’ve also included a sneak peek at one of the coupons available in our 2026 Wilson County Fair Guide. Make sure you check them out!
What’s Up Mt Juliet Shortcuts:
This Week’s Line Up
$= There is a charge for these events
Friday, August 21
☕ Coffee Talk | Billy Goat Coffee | 9:30 - 11:30 am
Looking to connect with other women in our community? Drop by for a casual meetup filled with great coffee, easy conversation, and new local friendships.
📖 Story Time | Breeden’s Orchard | 10 - 11 am
A sweet morning on the farm for little ones—Story Time at Breeden’s Orchard features engaging stories, fresh air, and relaxed playtime in a cozy outdoor setting.
🧺 Friday Night Market -Vendors on Main | Circle P Ranch | 4 - 7 pm
Spend your Friday evening shopping local and enjoying live music with family and friends in the heart of Mt. Juliet.
🎵 Live Music | Burger Republic | 6 - 9 pm
Looking for a fun way to spend your evening? Grab a burger, your favorite drink, and enjoy live music from a local band while soaking up the great atmosphere.
Just around the corner:
💐 From Seed to Centerpiece | The Flower Patch, Hermitage, TN | 10 am- 3 pm | $
🎂 The Basement Marketplace 10th Birthday Bash | The Basement Marketplace, Old Hickory, TN | 10 am- 5 pm
🖼 Frist Art Trunk | Hermitage Public Library, Hermitage, TN | 4 pm
🎪 Wilson County Fair | Wilson County Fairgrounds, Lebanon, TN | 4- 10 pm | $
🛡 Family Fun Superhero Night | Chick Fil A, Hermitage, TN | 5- 7 pm
Saturday, August 22
🏋♀️ Girls Who Lift- Sip N’ Sweat Edition | Billy Goat Coffee | 7 - 9 am
Join APB Collective and the Burke Babes community for Girls Who Lift — a beginner-friendly women's strength and community workout experience designed to help women of all fitness levels feel stronger, more confident, and deeply connected.
🍅 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
🧺 Biscuits and Baskets Pop-Up | Sweet Biscuit Co. | 9 am - 12 pm
Experience a “Hallmark” kind of morning with warm biscuits, a NEW flavor, family-friendly fun, stickers for the kiddos and good old-fashioned community vibes.
🍪 County Fair Cookie Decorating Class | Hammer & Stain | 10:30 am | $
It’s fair time in Wilson County, and if you’re looking to escape the heat while still celebrating the nostalgia of the fair, this beginner-friendly cookie decorating class in collaboration with Sugar Rush Cookie Co. is the way to go!
🐶 College Football Kickoff Adoption Event | Mt. Juliet Animal Shelter | 11 am - 2 pm
August is Clear the Shelters month! Stop by the animal shelter to meet amazing dogs and cats waiting for their forever families.
🦅 The Roaring Eagles- A Tribute to the Eagles | Caribbean Vibes Venue | 7 - 9 pm | $
Soaring Eagles brings the legendary music of the Eagles to life, recreating the soaring harmonies, distinctive guitar work, and timeless sound that made the Eagles one of America’s most celebrated bands.
Just around the corner:
🚤 Heroes on the Water | Couchville Lake in Long Hunter State Park, Nashville, TN | 8 am
👜 The Market @ 109 | The Market at 109, Lebanon, TN | 10 am - 1 pm
🪵 Woodworking Demonstration | Cedars of Lebanon State Park, Lebanon, TN | 10 am - 3 pm
🔨 Blacksmith Demonstration | Cedars of Lebanon State Park, Lebanon, TN | 10 am - 3 pm
🛍 WCVM Local Maker’s Market | Wilson County Vendor Market, Lebanon, TN | 10 am- 4 pm
🎂 The Basement Marketplace 10th Birthday Bash | The Basement Marketplace, Old Hickory, TN | 10 am- 5 pm
🎪 Wilson County Fair- Final Day | Wilson County Fairgrounds, Lebanon, TN | 10 am - 10 pm | $
🥫 Food Preservation Workshop | Hermitage Library, Hermitage, TN | 10:30 - 11:30 am
💗 Mocktails & Meet Cutes Book Club | Hermitage Public Library, Hermitage, TN | 11 am - 12 pm
🔥 Brisket U | East Nashville Beer Works, Lebanon, TN | 11 am - 2:00 pm | $
🐦 Paint Your Own Birdhouse | Cedars of Lebanon State Park, Lebanon, TN | 1 - 2 pm | $
🚘 Cars and Christ Nashville | Nashville Super Speedway, Lebanon, TN | 5 - 8 pm
🌟 Exit South- Live Music | Stars and Stables Grand Old Barn, Lebanon, TN | 7 - 10 pm
Sunday, August 23
🦇 Raelee’s Legacy Fundraiser | Kat’s Bar & Grille | 12 - 5 pm
This fundraiser helps children and families impacted by febrile seizures, featuring fantastic auction items, delicious food, and great music—all for an incredible cause.
Just around the corner:
🌄 Sunset Hike at Sellars Farm | Cedars of Lebanon State Park, Lebanon, TN | 7 - 8:30 pm
Monday, August 24
☕ Bingo Night | Compassion Coffeehouse | 5 - 7 pm
Come out for a fun round of Bingo and a chance to win free coffee! ☕️🎉 Grab your friends, play a few games and see if your lucky number comes up!
🀄 Mahjong Night | Braingineers Lab | 6 - 8:30 pm | $
Mahjong night is a great excuse to get out, have some fun, and enjoy a little friendly competition! Bring your game face, grab your friends, and join in for a fun night around the table.
Just around the corner:
🎴 Mahjong | Hermitage Library, Hermitage, TN | 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Tuesday, August 25
Just around the corner:
🎮 Teen Hangout | Hermitage Public Library, Hermitage, TN | 4:30 - 5:30 pm
Wednesday, August 26
🤝 Your County Connection | Chamber Office | 8:30 - 9:30 am
Join the meet-and-greet with County Mayor Randall Hutto (or another county representative). This free in-person coffee chat series is designed to answer your questions and find out what's new in Wilson County.
🀄 Mahjongg Afternoon | Billy Goat Coffee Cafe | 1 - 4 pm
Enjoy a friendly game of Mahjongg, meet new friends, and have fun each week. Whether you're a seasoned player or still learning, everyone is welcome!
Just around the corner:
🧘♀ Gentle Yoga | Hermitage Library, Hermitage, TN | 6 - 7 pm
Thursday, August 27
Just around the corner:
🀄 Mahjong | Hermitage Library, Hermitage, TN | 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Our Weekly Weather Forecast
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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.