Ninth annual Nashville Emerging Leader Awards. The Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and YP Nashville present the ninth annual NELAs, which recognize young professionals in 15 industry classifications who are excelling in their careers and making a difference in the Nashville community. Today, 5-10 p.m., Lipscomb University’s Collins Alumni Auditorium. Information: nashvillechamber.com, 615 743-3063.

THURSDAY, JULY 30

Saddle Up

The annual fundraiser for MTSU’s Ann Campbell Early Learning Center will be held this year at the home of Gabriel and Christy Fancher, longtime supporters of the ACE Learning Center, at 1546 Georgetown Lane in Murfreesboro. Information: www.mtsu.edu/acelearningcenter, 615-898-2458.

Life Hacks

This free program, presented by the Brentwood Public Library, will help attendees find stress relief and balance by coloring, listening to soft music and enjoying snacks. 6:30-7:30 p.m., 8109 Concord Road. Information: www.brentwood-tn.org/library, 615-371-0090 ext. 8510.

SATURDAY, AUG. 1

Ascend Amphitheater Community Open House

Celebrate the grand opening of Ascend Amphitheater at this free Community Open House, 1-5 p.m. The event will include live local music and DJs on the amphitheater stage 2-5 p.m. and limited backstage access. Concession stands will be open to purchase food and drinks. Plus, family-friendly activities at Riverfront Park, including fitness demonstrations, docent-guided tours, container garden demonstrations, educational booths and more. Attendees are encouraged to bring school supplies to donate to LP Pencil Box. Free parking provided at Nissan Stadium.

Summer Style on the Square

Gallatin’s first fashion crawl. Refreshments, music, local vendors and mobile boutiques will be on site. One night only deals. Discounts at local eateries. 5-9 p.m. Information: www.facebook.com/billiejeansblues?fref=ts

First Saturday Art Crawl

The monthly visual arts event is presented by 5th Avenue of the Arts and takes place in that historic entertainment district of downtown Nashville. On the first Saturday of every month, 6 p.m.-9 p.m., an alliance of art galleries and museums collectively invite the public to explore the vibrant Nashville downtown art scene. More than 20 art venues participate. Admission free. Information: www.nashvilledowntown.com/play/first-saturday-art-crawl.

Hot Shots Hot Chicken, Whiskey & Bourbon Festival

The Nashville Predators Foundation’s inaugural Hot Shots Hot Chicken, Whiskey and Bourbon Festival is scheduled for 1-5 p.m. at Bridgestone Arena. Hot Shots will bring together Middle Tennessee’s best hot chicken restaurants and bourbon and whiskey from both locally and nationally known distilleries for a fun afternoon in support of the Nashville Predators Foundation. In addition to enjoying unlimited bourbon and whiskey tastings and more than 12 full servings of hot chicken, guests will enjoy appearances by Nashville Predators broadcast and local television personalities, Preds mascot Gnash, live music and more. Tickets include a voucher for an Upper Bowl ticket to a 2015-2016 Monday through Thursday Predators home game in September or October (excluding opening night). $40-$60. Information: www.bridgestonearena.com/events/detail/nashville-predators-foundation-inagural-hot-shots-hot-chicken-whiskey-and-bourbon-festival

AUGUST 7-8

Tomato Art Fest 2015

Tomato Art Fest returns for its twelfth year on Friday Aug. (6-11 p.m.) and Saturday Aug. 8 (9 a.m.-6 p.m.). Taking place in Historic East Nashville’s Five Points, this free, costume-encouraged event provides a fun-filled day. A community builder, Tomato Art Fest has steadily drawn larger crowds with each passing year, with an estimated 40,000 attending last year. A percentage of proceeds benefit Friends Of Shelby Park. Information: www.tomatoartfest.com. Activities include:

• Push, pull & wear parade / float entry
• Official tomato king & queen contest
• Beautiful tomato contest
• Biggest-littlest-ugliest tomato contest
• Bobbing for tomatoes/tomato toss
• Chicken costume contest
• Children’s art contest
• Cornhole tournament
• Decorate your bike for the parade!
• Bloody Mary competition
• East Nashville Tomato 5k
• Tomato Art Kidfest 2015
• Family fun open house
• Faux paw fashion show/competition
• Giant ice cream sundae extravaganza
• Kids tomato art exhibit
• Kid’s tomato art show opening reception
• Music and art at the building
• Recipe contest
• Red head competition
• Theater bug performance
• Tomato art preview party
• Tomato fairy/elf contest
• Tomato haiku contest
• Tomato story time at the Inglewood Library
• Tomato wine dinner at Marche
• Story telling by Explorastory