A citywide celebration will honor Dolly Parton with music, local specials, charitable giving, family-friendly events and a 9:25 p.m. fireworks finale.

By Jen Spice | Nashville Fit | September 17, 2026

If there is one thing Nashville knows how to do, it is celebrate one of our own. On Friday, September 25, the city is officially going full Dolly with Dolly Day Nashville, a citywide tribute to the generosity, kindness, music and entrepreneurial spirit that made Dolly Parton such a lasting part of Music City’s identity.

And honestly, this one feels bigger than a themed drink and a cute photo op. Dolly built a legacy around showing up for people. So while there will absolutely be pink lights, live music and plenty of sparkle, the heart of the day is giving back. Very Dolly. Very Nashville.

Why September 25

The date is a nod to Dolly’s iconic hit “9 to 5,” and the celebration is designed so everyone can take part. Lifelong Nashvillians, visitors, restaurants, musicians, sports teams, local businesses and entire neighborhoods are all invited to join in. No rhinestone quota required, but pink is strongly encouraged.

Mayor Freddie O’Connell is expected to issue a proclamation officially recognizing September 25 as Dolly Day in Nashville. The celebration also connects with Give Like Dolly Day, a broader effort supporting local Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library programs and encouraging people to make a difference in a child’s life.

How Nashville Is Celebrating

• A citywide 5 p.m. singalong: Music venues across Nashville will perform “9 to 5” live on their stages at 5 p.m. If the entire city breaks into song at quittin’ time, mind your business and join in.
• Dolly-inspired food and drinks: Restaurants, coffee shops and bars will roll out Dolly-themed specials and curated playlists, with many locations donating proceeds to charity.
• Museum admission that gives back: The Musicians Hall of Fame will donate $9.25 from every admission sold that day to the Imagination Library.
• Nashville lit in pink: Businesses throughout the city will light their buildings pink, joining the Korean War Veterans Memorial Bridge and the Historic Metro Courthouse and City Hall.
• Free Dolly Day goodies: Buttons, stickers and bookmarks will be available while supplies last at the visitor information centers at Bridgestone Arena and Fifth + Broadway.
• A shirt with a purpose: Project 615 will sell “Spread Love It’s the Dolly Way” T-shirts, with proceeds benefiting the Give Like Dolly Fund.
• Family-friendly fun: Expect sidewalk art, neighborhood gatherings and other all-ages celebrations across the city.
• A 9:25 p.m. finale: Downtown Nashville will close the day with a brief fireworks tribute at 9:25 p.m. Because of course Dolly Day ends with sparkle.

Make It Your Own

You do not need a ticket or a downtown reservation to be part of this. Wear pink. Buy from a participating local business. Donate a book. Support the Imagination Library. Check on a neighbor. Leave a big tip. Do one kind thing without needing credit for it. That may be the most Dolly way to celebrate of all.

For anyone wanting the full Dolly experience, Music City is also sharing a Dolly Parton itinerary with places to visit around Nashville. Whether you spend the whole day downtown or simply turn up “9 to 5” on your drive home, September 25 is a chance to celebrate the woman who showed Nashville that ambition and generosity can absolutely share the same stage.

So yes, wear the pink. Order the special. Stay for the fireworks. But most importantly, give like Dolly. Nashville could use a little more of that every day.