Nashville Hosts 'Bey Fest' to Celebrate Beyoncé's Birthday

Nashville will host "Bey Fest," a Beyoncé-themed party on September 4, the Grammy-winning singer's birthday. The event aims to unite the Music City Beyhive and other fans for a night celebrating her music and cultural impact.

The party, organized by Nashville-based experience group Kinesixx, will be held at The Mil, formerly Mercy Lounge, at 1 Cannery Row. It will run from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. and include specialty cocktails.

D'Llisha Davis, founder of Kinesixx, said the event was inspired by Beyoncé's music soundtrack role in many lives and her cultural influence. She explained the importance of creating an experience rooted in Black creativity for Nashville's Beyhive.

"Bey Fest was inspired by the way Beyoncé’s music has become the soundtrack to so many moments in our lives. Her birthday felt like the perfect opportunity to celebrate not only the artist, but the excellence, evolution and cultural impact she exudes," Davis told the Tennessean.

Davis emphasized the event's intention to offer more than a typical club night, crafting a full celebration by those who deeply appreciate Beyoncé's artistry.

Several DJs will perform, including Nashville's Tikaafterdark and Truestarr, alongside New York-based DJ Jacob Dior. Davis highlighted the DJs' understanding of Beyoncé's catalog as a key component of the event.

"I'm a fan of all three," Davis said. "Our DJs, Truestarr and TIKA, understand that Beyoncé’s catalog isn’t something you can just shuffle; there’s an energy, a story and an evolution behind it."

Davis noted Dior's TikTok popularity for his music mashups, including Beyoncé mixes, and his direct connection to Beyoncé's music through a mashup she featured on tour.

"He also did a mashup of GloRilla and Beyoncé that she featured while she was on tour. So, I thought that would just be a really good look to have somebody who has that direct presence when it comes to understanding her music, her catalog and how to move a room," Davis added.

Together, the DJs will guide attendees through Beyoncé’s career phases, from Destiny’s Child to the latest projects, blending music, visuals, and theatrics for a high-energy experience.

"We approached it as a journey through every era. From Destiny’s Child and the early solo records to 'Lemonade', 'Renaissance', 'Cowboy Carter,' the remixes, features and fan favorites. We wanted every generation of the Beyhive to have its moment," Davis said. "The music, visuals, and theatrics are all designed to make each era feel intentional while keeping the experience high-energy from beginning to end."

Separately, Tina Knowles, Beyoncé’s mother, recently showcased her fashion sense during a trip to Martha's Vineyard, wearing a strapless denim corset top. Tina continues her creative work as a designer for Beyoncé’s tours and co-creator of Beyoncé’s haircare brand.

In music news, Dolly Parton expressed admiration for Beyoncé’s reinterpretation of her classic song "Jolene" on the 2024 album Cowboy Carter. Parton called Beyoncé's version "bold" and "completely different," appreciating the empowered narrative shift.

"I’m a huge fan of hers — I mean, who’s not? Everybody loves her," Parton said. "I think she’s a magnificent artist, beautiful and the dancing in addition to the singing."

She also contrasted their versions, saying, "Hers was more like, ‘Well, you’re not getting him, you’re not taking him, you’re going to go through me to get him.’ Mine was more like, ‘Please don’t take him!’"