There’s hot stuff happening at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens this summer. The 6th Annual Black Arts Bash at Cheekwood celebrates the creativity, innovation, and cultural impact of Black artists on
Saturday, August 15, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. The daylong festival will feature live music, visual art, dance, spoken word, culinary experiences, family activities, and more, highlighting Black artistic expression in all its forms.
Global flower show sensation Fleurs de Villes returns to Cheekwood to debut Fleurs de Villes THE GILDED AGE, presented in a flower-filled partnership with HBO Max® — a fresh floral celebration that brings the opulence, ambition, and iconic characters of the hit HBO® drama series to life through stunning fresh floral artistry. From August 1–9, discover a curated collection of one-of-a-kind fresh floral mannequins displayed throughout Cheekwood’s Botanic Hall, Frist Learning Center, and Historic Mansion & Museum. This stunning showcase celebrates The Gilded Age, the acclaimed drama set in late 19th-century New York, where old money and new ambition collide in a time of extraordinary social change — reimagined through spectacular floral storytelling.
Created by Nashville’s talented floral designers, each floral masterpiece interprets the series’ distinct characters and opulent style — from the bold, aspirational gowns of Bertha Russell to the refined sophistication of Agnes van Rhijn, the understated elegance of Marian Brook, and the modern perspective of Peggy Scott — inviting visitors to experience the elegance and intrigue of The Gilded Age in full bloom.
Black Arts Bash is the second of Cheekwood’s four annual multicultural festivals celebrating the diverse cultures that enrich Middle Tennessee. Tickets are available now, at: Cheekwood.org. This year’s theme, “Next Gen,” celebrates the innovation, fresh perspectives, and cultural influence of a new generation of Black artists. Live musical performances are curated by Lovenoise, an organization that has helped shape Nashville’s Black music scene for more than two decades.
Visitors can enjoy performances throughout the day, explore a fine art exhibition featuring emerging and established artists, contribute to a collaborative art installation, participate in hands-on family activities, experience spoken word and dance performances, and savor culinary offerings from local Black chefs. Together, these experiences create a powerful celebration of culture, creativity, and community.
The musical lineup includes Nashville-born songwriter Esi, whose sound draws from modern alternative R&B, Afrobeats, jazz, gospel, and roots music. Singer-songwriter Ten Smith will bring a powerful blend of blues, gospel, soul, and funk to the stage. Also performing is singer, songwriter, and producer Kenny Sharp, whose signature “Brown Liquor Music” fuses multiple genres into a distinctive sound that has made him a sought-after collaborator across hip-hop, pop, country, film, and television. His dynamic live performances evoke the spirit of legendary artists such as Muddy Waters, Sly and the Family Stone, and James Brown. Additional DJs and performers will be there also. In addition to curating the musical lineup, Lovenoise will host a panel discussion exploring music and culture.
Enjoy Special Performances by Sankofa Drum and Dance Company at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.; and Spoken Word Performances by Artists Rooted in TN Sound & Stories (A.R.T.S.) a Nashville-based nonprofit organization that will present an interactive open mic that invites guests to experience the power of spoken word, music, and authentic storytelling.
Celebrating visual art alongside music, literature, food, and performance, the 2026 Black Arts Bash Fine Art Exhibition features both emerging and established artists. Part exhibition and part mentorship opportunity, this year’s showcase emphasizes the “Next Gen” theme by uplifting the next generation of creatives. For the first time, rising eighthand ninth-grade students will have the opportunity to display their work.
Experience a Collaborative Art Project by multidisciplinary artist Nija Woods in creating a vibrant, multicolored sculpture exploring self-awareness, mental wellness, and human connection.
Documentary Film Screening – “Transparent Colors of Nashville” on a continuous loop all day is a documentary produced and directed by Cortney Wade. Through conversations with Black artists and creatives, past and present, the documentary explores the history, systemic challenges, and evolving landscape of Nashville’s Black arts community.
The Urbaanite Nashville Lounge in the Herb Garden has long-time Black Arts Bash collaborator Urbaanite returning to host an exciting and educational cocktail tasting experience featuring African American-owned spirits brands. The 21+ crowd can enjoy free samples while a DJ keeps the music and fun going from 4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Family Art Activity allow you to create torn-paper mosaics inspired by artist Alma Thomas.
Homecooked favorites provided by local Black chefs will be available, with an exciting lineup of local food trucks offering tasty fare including sandwiches, burgers, and barbecue. Also, Perenn at Cheekwood will be open, offering breakfast and lunch throughout the day before transitioning into a relaxed evening menu featuring casual dinner fare, seasonal salads, sandwiches, shareable plates, wine, beer, coffee, and sweet treats.
Local artisans will sell their creations, curated by Britney Drake, co-founder of The Black Art Market, the marketplace will feature a diverse selection of artists, makers and small businesses offering handcrafted goods.
Black Arts Bash is free for Cheekwood members. For not-yet members, tickets for adults cost $20, and youth (3-17) are free. All tickets include access to the Historic Mansion & Museum. Visit Cheekwood.org to reserve tickets.
