From live music and tasting events to fundraisers, May in Nashville offers plenty to keep us busy. Pencil in these dates, purchase your tickets, and get out to enjoy all that Music City has to offer!
Through May 2, 2025: SJ Bailey Trunk Show
Stop by Bella Bridesmaids through May 2 to explore the latest jewelry designs from SJ Bailey Co. Whether you’re shopping for a wedding, brunch, or spring celebration, the brand’s earrings are the finishing detail to any outfit. Store hours are Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. bellabridesmaids.com
May 1 – August 17, 2025: Enchanted Castles at Cheekwood
This summer, Cheekwood’s gardens are transformed into a fantastical realm, as Enchanted Castles invites the young and young at heart to explore five stunning, locally crafted castles nestled among vibrant summer blooms. For event hours and to purchase tickets, visit cheekwood.org.
May 1 – 3, 2025: The Harding Art Show
The Harding Art Show is one of the oldest, school-sponsored fine art shows in the Southeast. A standing tradition on the first weekend in May, the show celebrates its 50th anniversary with featured artist Laura McCarty. The three-day event brings together the greater Nashville community with an opportunity to view and purchase the work of over 100 diverse artists. thehardingartshow.com
May 1 – 3, 2025: Private Edition Anniversary Events
To celebrate 44 years in business, Private Edition hosts a variety of fun-filled events. To celebrate, the store is slated to host a Suratt makeup artist event (May 2 and May 3) and offer discounts on products throughout the store. To learn more and view additional events, visit privateedition.com.
May 1, 2025: Taste of Tennessee
Gather your friends and enjoy a fun night out at Taste of Tennessee at 14TENN. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., you can enjoy tastings from local distilleries, craft breweries, and your favorite neighborhood restaurants — plus live music and more. Tickets start at $150 HERE.
May 1, 2025: The Frequency of Images: Photography in Kindred Spirits
Join photographers Michael D. Atkins, John Simmons, and George Walker III for an engaging conversation with Frist Art Museum Associate Curator Michael Ewing. From 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., their discussion dives deep into the Frist’s current exhibition Kindred Spirits: Intergenerational Forms of Expression, 1966–1999. fristartmuseum.org
May 2, 2025: Way Late Play Date: Science Strikes Back
Way Late Play Dates at Adventure Science Center are fun after-hours, adults-only events. This month’s party is all about Star Wars, offering hands-on experiences and themed cocktails. Costumes are encouraged, and admission is $40. adventuresci.org
May 2 – 4, 2025: Nashville Ballet’s Attitude
Head to the Tennessee Performing Arts Center for Nashville Ballet’s Attitude series, where groundbreaking contemporary ballets bring to life stories of the human spirit. This season highlights the talents of Jennifer Archibald and Penny Saunders, along with a riveting world premiere by Artistic Director Nick Mullikin — which brings awareness to the difficult topic of addiction. You can find a complete list of performances and purchase tickets at nashvilleballet.com.
May 2 – 4, 2025: Tennessee Spring Craft Fair
Now in its 54th year, the Tennessee Spring Craft Fair returns to Centennial Park. Hosting a variety of vendors and award-winning artists, you can find finely crafted artwork made from wood, clay, metal, and glass. Event hours are Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. tennesseecraft.org
May 8, 2025: Carden Avenue X Providence Interiors Trunk Show
Come shop with Carden Avenue, in real life! Join them at Providence Interiors (remember, their location is now in Wedgewood Houston at 609 Merritt Avenue, Suite 204) and find the perfect gift for Mother’s Day, graduation, and more. Event hours are 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
May 9, 2025: Mother’s Day Shopping Event at W Nashville
Celebrate the moms and mother figures in your life with a memorable shopping experience at The Shop at W Nashville! On Friday, May 9, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., stop by for a full day of retail fun, exclusive giveaways, and stylish finds from popular brands like Brackish, Paige, Retrobrand, Krewe, Rhone, Beach Riot, Agolde, Ranger Station, and more. Shoppers can also enjoy complimentary bubbly, free gift wrapping, and special gifts with purchase.
May 10, 2025: 84th Annual Iroquois Steeplechase
Iroquois Steeplechase, sponsored by Bank of America, returns to Percy Warner Park, bringing thrilling horse racing and high fashion to Nashville. Known as the city’s “Rite of Spring,” this iconic event attracts over 25,000 spectators every year. To see the full event schedule and purchase tickets, visit iroquoissteeplechase.org.
May 11, 2025: Spring Market & Mother’s Day Brunch
Celebrate Mom by treating her to a special shopping experience and a delicious brunch. Beginning at 7 a.m., enjoy a selection of gourmet dishes and handcrafted cocktails. Then, after your meal, visit the local artisan market to explore a selection of gifts and crafts — and be sure to visit the floral bouquet bar. unionstationhotelnashville.com
May 13, 2025: Spring Outing
A tradition that began in the early days of Nashville, The Hermitage’s Spring Outing has evolved to include nationally known speakers who present on various topics. This year’s event includes a conversation with non-fiction writer Alex Prud’homme, moderated by Mara Papatheodorou. Individual tickets are at $175. thehermitage.com
May 15, 2025: Springe Lecture Series: Abigail Coomes
Welcome to Travellers Rest Historic House Museum’s 2025 Spring Lecture Series: International Connections to Middle Tennessee! The final installment features discussions from Ms. Abigail Coomes, Travellers Rest’s Collection/Site Manager. The evening event is $28.52, while the daytime talk is free to attend. eventbrite.com
May 16, 17, 23 – 25, 30 & 31, 2025: Musicians Corner
Musicians Corner is a beloved annual event in Nashville, and it returns to Centennial Park this month. The spring lineup includes artists like Brittney Spencer, Noah Gundersen, The Arcadian Wild, Valerie June, and many more. To see the complete lineup and schedule, visit musicianscornernashville.com.
May 17, 2025: Singer-Songwriter Concert Series: Brian Sutherland & Michael Logan
Every month throughout the summer, Wildwood Resort hosts an evening of live music, featuring acclaimed singers and songwriters. The series kicks off on May 17 with Michael Logen and Brian Sutherland. The free event begins at 7:30 p.m. wildwoodresorttn.com
May 17, 2025: Nashville Rosé Festival
Nashville’s only rosĂ©-themed festival returns to East Park. Benefitting the Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition (TBCC), the 2025 installment is slated to have an expanded offering of rosĂ©s alongside food trucks, craft vendors, live performances, and more. General admission tickets are $69.83. nashvillerosefestival.com
May 17, June 21 & July 19, 2025: Three-Part Botanical Painting Series
Watkins Community Education offers a three-part workshop on botanical illustration, focusing on accurately rendering plants and flowers using mixed media. The first session on May 17 covers colored pencil techniques, and each session features seasonal plants as subjects, allowing participants to complete finished botanical illustrations. Admission is $160. watkinsce.asapconnected.com
May 20, 2025: Chef Dinner: Tour of Italy-Sicily Series
Amerigo Nashville invites you to the final installment of its special Italian dinner series from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Join Chef Steven Robilio as he takes you on a culinary journey through Italy’s Sicily region. The evening showcases the unique cuisine of the region with a carefully crafted five-course menu, highlighting fresh, seasonal ingredients. Reservations are $90 via eventbrite.com.
Happy May, Nashville!
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To see more great Nashville events, visit our Happenings calendar!
