Annual Events

Want to have some fun? Learn something new? Mingle with a crowd? Maybe just get out of the house? Then check out some of Nashville's annual events. Music City's calendar is full of festivals, celebrations, sporting events, seminars, shows, and other fun and interesting happenings—enough to keep you busy year-round. Just about any weekend—January through December—you can find at least one special event taking place in or around Nashville. What's your pleasure? From art to antiques, gardening to golf, and mules to Moon Pies, there's something for everyone.

Below are some of Nashville's favorite events, listed by month (roughly in the order they occur). Schedules are subject to change, so before making plans, it's a good idea to check the local newspapers for up-to-date information on events, dates, and admission prices. Most annual events have a gate charge, but you'll find a few that offer free admission. Children's admission is usually a few dollars less than adult admission. Most events also offer discounts for senior citizens and groups. Some have special rates during designated days or hours, and some offer discounts if you bring a coupon. Keep your Insiders’ Guide to Nashville handy all year. The next time you're looking for something to do, check our listing of annual events, then go out and have some fun!

JANUARY

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. CITYWIDE MARCH AND CONVOCATION, Jefferson Street, Nashville, TN 37238; (615) 292-9150; pridepublishinggroup.com. This annual citywide march, organized by the Interdenominational Ministers Fellowship, is Nashville's largest event celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Marchers gather at various sites around Nashville and converge on the intersection of historic Jefferson Street and 28th Avenue N., where they march west to the Tennessee State University campus. The march starts at 10 a.m. After the march, a convocation is held at TSU's Gentry Center basketball arena. The 1- to 2-hour program includes a keynote speaker, a performance by a local church choir, and scholarship presentations.

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When the New Year rolls around, the Department of Public Works’ Trees to Trails program recycles thousands of Christmas trees. Trees are chipped and spread along area hiking trails. Be sure to recycle your tree. You can find designated tree drop-offs at parks throughout Nashville. For more information visit nashville.gov/public-works/neighborhood-services/recycling.aspx or call (615) 880-1000.

FEBRUARY

ANTIQUES & GARDEN SHOW OF NASHVILLE, Music City Center, 201 Fifth Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 352-1282; antiquesandgardenshow.com. The Antiques & Garden Show, usually held in mid- to late Feb, has been named one of the Top 20 Events in the Southeast by the Southeast Tourism Society. The show features more than 80 antiques dealers from the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, as well as about 70 eastern US horticulturists. It benefits the Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art (see our Attractions chapter) and the Exchange Club Inc. Charities. The show focuses on high-end items. Surrounding the antiques are beautifully landscaped gardens as well as booths filled with flowers, herbs, and other garden necessities for sale.

MARCH

COUNTRY RADIO SEMINAR, 819 19th Ave. S.; (615) 327-4487; countryradioseminar.com. Each Feb or Mar more than 2,000 country radio broadcasters from around the country descend on Nashville for the Country Radio Seminar, a week of educational sessions, meetings, artists’ showcases, awards presentations, and parties.

APRIL

CHEEKWOOD SPRING ART HOP, 1200 Forrest Park Dr., Nashville, TN 37205; (615) 356-8000; cheekwood.org. Held the Saturday before Easter, this event features egg hunts for kids, music, storytelling, art activities, a scavenger hunt, and, of course, the Easter Bunny. Admission for nonmembers is $17 for adults and $10 for children 3 to 7; admission for members is $5 for adults and free for children.

MULE DAY, Maury County Park, 1018 Maury County Park Dr., Columbia, TN 38401; (931) 381-9557; muleday.org. Even if you're not particularly interested in mules, you're bound to enjoy this old-time festival, held the first or second weekend (Thurs through Sun) at Maury County Park in Columbia, about 43 miles south of downtown Nashville. The Mule Day tradition began in 1934. Farmers used to bring their mules to town for a livestock show and market once a year, and the festival grew around this annual happening. Today the festival features a mule parade downtown, mule shows, mule pulling, arts and crafts, a flea market, square dancing, a clogging contest, a liars’ contest, and more. You can enjoy “pioneer foods” such as roasted corn, fried pies, and apple fritters as well as traditional festival fare like hamburgers, hot dogs, and soft drinks. Admission is $5 on Thurs, $10 on Fri and Sat, and free on Sun. A weekend pass is $18.

TIN PAN SOUTH, various Nashville venues; (615) 256-3354, (800) 321-6008; tinpansouth.com. The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) sponsors this annual music festival that celebrates songwriters and songwriting. Concerts, awards, and a golf tournament are held during the week. See our Music City chapter for information.

GOSPEL MUSIC WEEK, Nashville Convention Center, 601 Commerce St., Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 242-0303; gospelmusic.org. This industry event attracts artists, record company personnel, radio representatives, concert promoters, and others who work in the gospel music industry. Read more about it in our Music City chapter.

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If you enjoy gardening, you may be interested in Cheekwood's many plant shows held throughout the year. The botanical garden and museum hosts shows devoted to daffodils, wildflowers, bonsais, roses, hostas, daylilies, and more. See our listings in this chapter, or call Cheekwood at (615) 358-8000 for more information.

NASHVILLE EARTH DAY FESTIVAL, Centennial Park, 2500 West End Ave., Nashville, TN 37203; nashvilleearthday.org. Nashville celebrates Earth Day with a free, family-oriented festival on the weekend closest to the April 22 holiday. The event is usually held at Centennial Park and features live alternative-country, folk, blues, and bluegrass music; food and drink booths; and speakers from the mayor's office and Tennessee Environmental Council.

MAIN STREET FESTIVAL, Downtown Franklin, TN 37065; (615) 591-8500; downtownfranklintn.com. This 2-day, free-admission event held during the last full weekend in April is definitely worth the short drive to Franklin. The festival takes place on 5 city blocks in the historic downtown area, from First Avenue to Fifth Avenue, and encompasses the town square. Crafts and food booths line the streets. More than 200 artists and craftspeople from across the United States exhibit their works. Food vendors offer tempting festival fare. Park along nearby streets and in downtown lots.

NASHVILLE INDEPENDENT FILM FESTIVAL, Regal Green Hills Cinema, 3815 Green Hills Village Dr., Nashville, TN 37215; (615) 742-2500; nashvillefilmfestival.org. This annual event features several days of film and video screenings from renowned and up-and-coming filmmakers from around the world. As many as 200 films are featured, along with 15 to 20 workshops, film analysis, forums, and other events, some of which are led by well-known entertainment-industry figures. Admission ranges from $5 to $10 for a single film; an all-festival pass is available for $250 to $350. Other ticket packages are available. Call for a schedule of daily and evening shows, or watch for a listing in local publications. NIFF members receive discount tickets as well as special benefits throughout the year, such as free admission to monthly screenings and discounts on tickets at Regal Green Hills Cinema.

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In 1897 Nashville candymakers Williams Morrison and John Wharton invented a machine to spin the sugary treat called fairy floss or cotton candy. The confection became a big hit at fairs and festivals.

MAY

TENNESSEE CRAFTS FAIR, Centennial Park, West End Avenue and 25th Avenue N.; (615) 385-1904; tennesseecraft.org. The crafts fairs at Centennial Park are among Nashville's most popular events. This one, a juried crafts festival produced by the Tennessee Association of Craft Artists, is the largest market of Tennessee crafts you'll find anywhere. Some 175 contemporary and traditional artisans, all from the Volunteer State, set up on the lawn of Centennial Park for the 3-day show, held the first weekend in May. Children's crafts activities, live music, demonstrations, and food will keep you in the park for hours. Admission is free. TACA also hosts the Fall Crafts Fair here on the last weekend of Sept (see that month's section for details).

TENNESSEE RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL, 2124 New Castle Rd., Arlington, TN 37014; (615) 395-9950; tnrenfest.com. Weekends in May, ending on Memorial Day, the wooded grounds across from Triune's Castle Gwynn turn into a medieval village where you'll find jousting knights, fair maidens, fortune-tellers, gypsy jugglers, and entertainers, plus medieval-themed arts and crafts and food. Twice daily, knights in full armor mount large Percherons and engage in combat. In addition to jousting exhibitions, you can enjoy drama and comedy (presented in Olde English) at 2 stages on the grounds as well as Renaissance music. Admission is $20 for adults, $7 for children ages 6 through 12, free for children 5 and under. A season pass is $90. Parking is free.

IROQUOIS STEEPLECHASE, Percy Warner Park, Nashville, TN 37221; (800) 619-4802; iroquoissteeplechase.org. The Iroquois Steeplechase, one of Nashville's most popular sporting and social events, takes place the second Saturday in May. First held in 1941, this is the nation's oldest continually run weight-for-age steeplechase. If you come, plan to make a day of it. You can picnic or have a tailgate party. Thousands take blankets, lawn chairs, and their favorite food and drink to a spot on the grassy hillside overlooking the course. Gates open at 8 a.m. and the first race is at 1 p.m. The 7-race card culminates with the featured Iroquois Memorial at 4:30 p.m. Admission is $15; children ages 12 and under are admitted free. Special ticket and party packages are available, too. The event benefits Vanderbilt Children's Hospital.

JUNE

CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL/FAN FAIR, various downtown Nashville venues; (615) 244-2840; cmaworld.com. Tens of thousands of hard-core country-music fans, more than 70 hours of concerts, and long lines of autograph seekers: That's this event in a nutshell. This mid-June festival attracts fans from around the world. (Read more about it in the Music City chapter.)

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Looking for a unique gift for that special someone? Check out one of Nashville's crafts fairs. Centennial Park and the state fairgrounds host several such events each year. You'll find everything from modern art to old-fashioned country crafts.

RC COLA AND MOON PIE FESTIVAL, 4 Railroad Square, Bell Buckle, TN 37020; bellbucklechamber.com. An RC Cola and a Moon Pie—if you have to ask, you're probably not a Southerner. The RC–Moon Pie combo is a classic. The tiny, charming town of Bell Buckle celebrates the big round chocolate-and-graham-cracker-covered marshmallow treat the third Saturday in June. It all started in 1995, when the town wanted to celebrate the 75th birthday of the Moon Pie, which is made in nearby Chattanooga. As you might guess, this event doesn't take anything too seriously. It's purely for fun. Festival activities might include a Moon Pie toss, Moon Pie hockey, synchronized wading, a Moon Pie dessert recipe contest, a Moon Pie song contest, and the crowning of the Moon Pie King and RC Cola Queen. A 10K run, country and bluegrass music, crafts fair, and clogging demonstrations add to the fun. Admission is free.

JEFFERSON STREET JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL, 26th Avenue N. and Jefferson Street, Nashville, TN 37208; (615) 726-5867; jumpnashville.com. Historic Jefferson Street, once known for its jazz, blues, and R&B music, is the location of this family-oriented music festival, which usually takes place on the third Saturday in June. (Read more about it in our Music City chapter.)

THE VINNY, 400 Franklin Rd., Franklin, TN 37069; (615) 794-9399; tngolf.org. Since its inception in 1993, the Vinny, country star Vince Gill's annual pro-celebrity golf tournament, has raised $6.1. million for Tennessee Junior golf and youth programs. The 2-day event includes PGA Tour players plus sports and entertainment celebrities. The Pro–Celebrity Am takes place on Mon, while amateurs play with the celebrities on Tues. Pros who have participated in the event include John Daly, Fuzzy Zoeller, and Lanny Wadkins. In addition to Vince Gill and his wife, Amy Grant, celebrity participants have included Alice Cooper, NFL quarterback Brett Favre, Charley Pride, and Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn. The event is not open to the public, although many junior golfers are able to participate as volunteers, and the state's top junior golfers have a chance to play in the tournament.

JULY

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION, 100 Riverfront Park, Nashville, TN 37201; (800) 657-6910; visitmusiccity.com. This is Nashville's largest 1-day event, drawing up to 80,000 to the riverfront to celebrate the Fourth of July. It's a free afternoon and evening of music and fireworks, sponsored by the mayor's office and Metro Parks and Recreation. You'll find food and alcohol-free drinks, too, but you'll have to pay for that. The family-oriented celebration usually kicks off around 4 p.m.; a variety of locally popular bands and the Nashville Symphony perform at the riverfront stage. If you come early, you can find a spot to sit and relax on the tiered hillside facing the Cumberland River; it's a great place to listen to the bands while watching boats travel up and down the river. If you prefer, you can walk along First Avenue while sampling festival food and people watching. The fireworks display begins around 9 p.m.

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Nashville's record high temperature of 107 degrees Fahrenheit was set in July 1952. The record low—17 degrees below zero—was set in January 1985.

UNCLE DAVE MACON DAYS, Cannonsburgh Village, 312 S. Front St., Murfreesboro, TN 37219; (800) 716-7560; uncledavemacondays.com. This nationally recognized old-time music and dance festival is named for Uncle Dave Macon, a pioneer of the Grand Ole Opry. The 4-day event, which begins the Thurs following July 4, offers national championship competitions in old-time clogging, old-time buck dancing, and old-time banjo. There's plenty of fiddling, too. Musicians of all ages bring their instruments and get together for impromptu concerts throughout the event. The motorless parade on Sat features mules, horses, and wagons. A gospel celebration is held on Sun. The festival also features a juried crafts show, a variety of food vendors, and historical photo displays, all set against the backdrop of Murfreesboro's Cannonsburgh Village, a re-creation of a pioneer village. Admission is free.

AUGUST

TENNESSEE WALKING HORSE NATIONAL CELEBRATION, Celebration Grounds, Shelbyville, TN 37162; (931) 684-5915; twhnc.com. This event, the World Grand Championships for the high-stepping Tennessee Walking Horse, has been called “the world's greatest horse show.” The 10-day celebration begins in late Aug. When you're not watching the action in the show ring, you can enjoy the trade fairs, dog shows, and elaborately decorated barn area. Shows run 3 to 4 hours, so you'll want to allow plenty of time here. Ticket prices (adults and children) are $7 to $20 for reserved seats. A 10-day package is $100 per person. Groups of 30 or more receive discounts of approximately 30 percent on certain nights. Shows begin at 7 p.m., but the grounds are open all day.

SEPTEMBER

TENNESSEE STATE FAIR, 500 Wedgewood Ave. at Rains Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 582-8997; tnstatefair.org. Focusing on livestock and agriculture, the Tennessee State Fair features 4-H Club and Future Farmers and their projects in the Agriculture Hall. Although this isn't one of the better-known state fairs, there's plenty to see and do here. The carnival midway, open until midnight, features all your favorite adult and kiddie rides and games. There are usually crafts, antiques, a petting zoo, and concerts, too, as well as plenty of fair food. The fairgrounds are 4 blocks off I-65. Admission is $8 for adults and teens, $6 for children ages 3 through 12, and free for those ages 2 and under.

AFRICAN STREET FESTIVAL, 1037 Hadley Park, Nashville, TN 37209; (615) 942-0706; aacanashville.org. This 3-day family-oriented ethnic celebration is held the second or third weekend of Sept. It is a major event, drawing tens of thousands to the historic Jefferson Street area. The festival features more than 100 merchants from 25 states, exotic food concessions, and 8 hours of daily entertainment. There is something for everyone. The stage show features art, lots of music—blues, gospel, African drums, jazz, rap, and reggae—as well as poetry and drama. Other attractions are African dance lessons, children's storytelling, a teen tent, art show, fashion show, and lectures. Admission and parking are free.

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During the summer, Full Moon Pickin’ Parties take place at Percy Warner Park's Equestrian Center, 2520 Old Hickory Blvd., roughly at the time of each full moon. The parties feature a variety of small jam sessions. Musicians who bring their instruments get in free. For everyone else, admission is about $20 in advance or $25 at the gate. For reservations or more information, contact Friends of Warner Park at (615) 370-8053.

FALL TENNESSEE CRAFTERS FAIR, Centennial Park, 2500 West End Ave., Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 736-7600; tennesseecrafts.org. Nearly 200 crafters from around the country, selected for the quality of their work, exhibit at this juried market of fine crafts, held the last weekend in Sept. The fair is loaded with pottery, art jewelry, blown glass, photography, sculpture, and more. Crafts demonstrations and live music round out the activities. A food court with picnic tables is the perfect place to recharge or do some people-watching. Admission is free. The fair is presented by the Tennessee Association of Craft Artists.

LIVING HISTORY TOUR, Nashville City Cemetery, 1001 Fourth Ave. S. at Oak Street, Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 862-7970; thenashvillecitycemetery.org. For one afternoon only in late Sept, the Nashville City Cemetery is transformed into a theater of sorts, with actors portraying notable Nashvillians who were laid to rest at the historic cemetery. Visitors walk along the paths, taking in miniskits throughout the graveyard. At dusk a candlelight tour begins. The whole thing lasts about 90 minutes and is suitable for children. The event, which began in 1999, raises money to support the cemetery. Admission is $5 per person or $10 for families. (See our Attractions chapter for more on Nashville City Cemetery.)

OCTOBER

CELEBRATION OF CULTURES, Centennial Park, 2500 West End Ave., Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 340-7500; celebratenashville.org. This free international festival began in 1996 as a way to celebrate the cultural diversity of Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Japanese, Korean, African-American, Chinese, Greek, Kurdish, and rural Appalachian are among the more than 40 cultures represented. Dancers, musicians, storytellers, and exhibits provide the entertainment with more than 50 free performances on 7 different stages. Bring your appetite, and sample a variety of ethnic food offerings, including Ethiopian, Indian, Mediterranean, and soul food. A family activity area features storytelling and international games and crafts.

SOUTHERN FESTIVAL OF BOOKS, War Memorial Plaza, downtown between Charlotte and Union, and Sixth and Seventh Avenues, Nashville, TN 37243; (615) 770-0006; humanitiestennessee.org. More than 30,000 book lovers attend this annual 3-day event sponsored by Humanities Tennessee. Some 200 authors from around the country, with an emphasis on those from the Southeast, gather for readings, panel discussions, and book signings. A children's area features children's authors and activities. Admission is free. The festival is usually held the second weekend of Oct.

GRAND OLE OPRY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION, Grand Ole Opry House, 2804 Opryland Dr., Nashville, TN 37214; (615) 871-6779; opry.com. Grand Ole Opry fans gather each Oct to celebrate the birthday of America's longest-running radio program. The 3-day party is held in mid-Oct and includes concerts, a Grand Ole Opry performance, and autograph and photo sessions with the stars. (See our Music City chapter for more information about the event, and our History chapter for more on the Opry.)

NAIA POW WOW, Long Hunter State Park, 2910 Hobson Pike, Hermitage, TN 37076; (615) 232-9179; naiatn.org. The Native American Indian Association sponsors this annual event that brings together Native Americans from throughout North America. As many as 25 tribes are represented, and the general public is invited. It's held on the third weekend of Oct. Competitive dancing, arts and crafts, storytelling, demonstrations, and fine-art displays are among the festivities. Food booths feature traditional foods from various tribes. Admission is $6 for ages 12 and older, $3 for ages 6 to 11, and free for 5 and under.

NOVEMBER

CHRISTMAS VILLAGE, Tennessee State Fairgrounds, 500 Wedgewood Ave., Nashville, TN 37203; (615) 256-2726; christmasvillage.org. This annual event at the fairgrounds features more than 250 merchants with seasonal and gift items. You'll find Christmas ornaments, hand-painted and personalized items, clothing, pottery, jewelry, toys, and food items. Kids can also visit with Santa. The 3-day mid-Nov event benefits the Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Hearing & Speech Center and Pi Beta Phi philanthropies. Admission is $10 for anyone 10 and older; children 9 and younger get in free. Advance tickets are available for $8.

COUNTRY CHRISTMAS, Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, 2800 Opryland Dr., Nashville, TN 37214; (615) 889-1000; marriott.com.hotel-info/bnago-gaylord-opryland-resort-and-convention-center. An outing to the Opryland Hotel during the holidays is a tradition for many Nashvillians, and the hotel is a popular place to take visiting friends and relatives this time of year. Wide-eyed visitors marvel at the hotel's outdoor lights display of more than 2 million bulbs. The decorations indoors are spectacular as well. About a million visitors show up for the festivities each year. If you wait until late in the season to visit, you'll probably end up in a major traffic jam (often extending for miles down Briley Parkway), and once inside the hotel, you'll find it jam-packed as well. To avoid the crowds, get in the spirit early and come in November—the earlier the better. If you plan to visit only the hotel, you'll have to pay only for parking, about $25. Of course, once inside, you're bound to want to stop in one of the many food and drink spots for a holiday treat. Country Christmas includes a breakfast with Santa for the kids, a room full of life-size ice sculptures, and an art, antiques, and crafts fair. Several events, such as the Yule Log lighting ceremony and nightly Dancing Waters fountain shows, are free.

DECEMBER

YULEFEST, Historic Mansker's Station, 705 Caldwell Ln., Goodlettsville, TN 37072; (615) 851-2231; goodlettsvillechamber.com. “A 1780s Candlelight Christmas” is the theme of Yulefest, held the first weekend in Dec. Guides in period dress re-enact colonial Christmas customs at this historic site, which features a reconstruction of a 1779 frontier fort, Mansker's Station. There are refreshments, music, decorations, and horse-drawn wagon rides, too. The historic brick structure on the site is Bowen Plantation House; built in 1787, it was the first brick home in Middle Tennessee and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Admission is free. (For more info about Mansker's Station and Bowen Plantation House, see our Attractions chapter.)

DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS, downtown Franklin, TN 37065; (615) 591-8500; historicfranklin.com. You'll feel like you've stepped back in time to a Charles Dickens Christmas during this event, held the second full weekend in Dec in historic downtown Franklin. For those 2 days, 2 blocks of Main Street are themed to the 1800s. You'll see carolers in Victorian costumes as well as characters such as Scrooge and the ghosts of Christmases past, present, and future. In the store windows, artisans dressed in period clothing demonstrate crafts of the 1800s. Shopkeepers dress in period clothing, too. Take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage, then visit a street vendor for a bag of kettle corn, some sugarplums, plum pudding, tea, or hot cider. Admission is free.

NASHVILLE BALLET'S NUTCRACKER, 3630 Redmon St., Nashville, TN 37209; (615) 297-2966; nashvilleballet.com. The Nashville Ballet's version of The Nutcracker was an immediate hit when it opened in the late 1980s, and it has become a holiday tradition for many Nashvillians. In addition to the Nashville Ballet, the production features local children and the Nashville Symphony. Tickets range from about $25 to $75.