It is difficult to recommend a time to get to Centennial Park. Do you mind telling me where you are staying in proximity to the park?

I have been refused access to the excellent viewing at Vanderbilt University because I work at the lowly Medical Center and am faculty there with an appointment in the School of Medicine at VU!!
Got the unpleasant email from the Provost Office this morning. Just unbelievably rude!!I have been there for over 14 years!!

So, for all others, do not attempt to access Vanderbilt University as I can assure you that all will be turned away. It is in a GREAT viewing location. Still smarting over that unpleasant email I got earlier today.

If you are indeed from the UK you will find Nashville unpleasantly hot and humid in August. There are many restaurants(mostly chain US restaurants in a short walking distance from Centennial Park.
If you are at either the Marriott Vanderbilt, the Holiday Inn or a few other newer venues you should be fine gaining access to bathrooms!! I recommend bringing a battery powered fan, parasol for sure!! Not a lot of trees for cover in the park compared to the UK so if you want shade you need to arrive early?!

I am awaiting family members from Nashville,Memphis and Chattanooga to let me know what they want to do. I wish to get a ticket at the Grand Ole Opry Plaza Party myself. Cost is $44 US-includes a backstage tour of the Opry, a picnic lunch, poster,solar glasses and lots of live music. Parking is free at the Opry Mills Mall but traffic will be very heavy. It is fairly close to the airport though. I think that is probably one of the more fun places to view as the parking lot is HUGE!!
Hope this helps.