NASHVILLE — Organizers canceled the remainder of the first day of Nashville's Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th celebration on July 3, 2026, due to thunderstorms, lightning, and heavy rain in downtown Nashville.

The celebration began shortly before noon. Scattered thunderstorms moved into the area around 2 p.m. The National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for the Nashville area. Organizers announced the cancellation of the rest of Friday's festivities at approximately 5 p.m.

The Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. stated that attendee, performer, and staff safety was its top priority. The Amazon Family Fun Zone remained closed for the rest of July 3, though organizers expected it to reopen on July 4. No changes had been announced to Saturday's concert schedule or the city's annual fireworks and drone show as of the evening of July 3.

Music City Inc. produces the event for the city, which Dr Pepper presents. The annual celebration was expanded to two days in 2026 as part of Nashville's observance of America's 250th anniversary. The event is scheduled to continue on Saturday.

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