We can officially say the weather has turned and spring is here to stay, so we’re fixing our eyes on the season of outdoor events. If you’re looking to take advantage of the warm weather, these April events in Nashville are sure to keep you busy. We’re thrilled to celebrate annual favorites like the St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon, Sip of History at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, Cheekwood’s Great Spring Art Hop, and more. Happy April, Nashville!
Through April 30, 2023: Private Edition’s 42nd Anniversary
In 1981, Private Edition was Nashville’s first beauty and cosmetics store to offer prestige brands, and we continue to commemorate their efforts to provide Music City with premier products and aesthetic services. Beginning Thursday, March 30, join Private Edition as they commemorate 42 years in business. Notable events include the annual Goody Bag Day (Wednesday, April 12), a Carden Avenue trunk show (Friday, April 14), and plenty of discounts and free gifts with purchases. You can see the complete schedule at privateedition.com.
April 1, 2023: 3rd Annual Gilda’s Gang 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run
Gilda’s Gang 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run is an untimed, all-ages, all-abilities fundraising event held at East Nashville’s Shelby Park. Established in 2021, the event drew more than 275 participants in its first year, and it returns for a third installment on Saturday, April 1. Registration starts at $35, and kids 12 and under are free. Races begin at 8 a.m. gildasclubmiddletn.org
April 1, 2023: Whiskey Warmer
Head to Franklin’s Westhaven Skube Swim Center to enjoy an evening of live bluegrass music, food trucks, and delicious spirits. Guests can enjoy samples of premier whiskey, bourbon, and scotch, a cigar lounge, and plenty of photo opportunities. While VIP tickets are sold out, general admission tickets are still available for $54. The event begins at 6 p.m. whiskeywarmer.com
April 1, 2023: Sip of History
Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage and the Tennessee Whiskey Trail have once again teamed up to host one of Tennessee’s finest whiskey, wine, and beer festivals. Sip of History features tastings from more than 20 Tennessee distilleries, as well as local beer and wine. Patrons can also enjoy food, lawn games, and photo opportunities. The event begins at 2 p.m.; tickets are $75 for Hermitage members and $85 for non-members. thehermitage.com
April 6 – 8, 2023: Nashville Home Show
Looking to refresh your home this spring? Head to the annual Nashville Home Show at the Music City Center for inspiration! The vibrant marketplace hosts home-related exhibitors that offer everything from home decor to furniture, appliances, and more. Plus, this year’s event includes an appearance by HGTV’s Patric Richardson. Show hours are Thursday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets are $12, and children 12 and under are free. (Note: You can save $2 when you purchase tickets online through Wednesday, April 5.) nashvillespringhomeshow.com
April 7 & 8, 2023: Great Spring Art Hop
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens’ annual Great Spring Art Hop returns on Friday, April 7, and Saturday, April 8. The event includes nine oversized bunnies painted by local artists in addition to fun-filled egg hunts. The celebration also offers live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and food trucks. Tickets begin at $22 for adults and $14 for children ages 3 to 17. (Note: Cheekwood members receive discounted tickets.) cheekwood.org
April 7 – September 17, 2023: Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature
This magical, family-friendly art exhibit celebrates the achievements of beloved English author and illustrator Beatrix Potter, who is most known for her book The Tale of Peter Rabbit. The exhibit features diaries, letters, photographs, sketches, and watercolors while exploring how Potter developed her stories and characters. Entry is included with museum admission. fristartmuseum.org
April 8, 2023: 23rd Annual Moosic City Dairy Dash
The annual Moosic City Dairy Dash is a family-friendly race held at SpringHill Suites by Marriott Nashville MetroCenter. Races begin at 7 a.m., and proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee. Registration starts at $30 and includes a commemorative shirt and medal. Runners are also invited to enjoy post-race refreshments. puritydairypuredash.raceroster.com
April 8, 2023: Sparkle City Disco’s 11th Anniversary
Sparkle City Disco are Nashville’s premier vinyl disco DJs. The duo is slated to celebrate 11 years together on Saturday, April 8, at Brooklyn Bowl Nashville. Doors open at 6 p.m., and music starts at 8 p.m. Tickets begin at $15. (Note: This is an 18-and-up event.) brooklynbowl.com
April 13 – 16, 2023: The Colors of Shelby Art Show & Sale
Friends of Shelby Park & Bottoms and The Chestnut Group are partnering to host an inaugural art show and sale aptly named “The Colors of Shelby.” The event features artwork by The Chestnut Group, a local nonprofit society of plein air artists who paint to protect ecosystems and historic landscapes in Middle Tennessee. The show is free and open to the public, running daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Shelby Bottoms Nature Center. Participating artists donate half of the funds generated to support Friends of Shelby’s efforts to preserve and enhance Shelby Park & Bottoms. Plus, following the in-person dates, the show continues online HERE. friendsofshelby.org
April 14, 2023: Sip, Support & Celebrate
Sip, Support & Celebrate is Team Chad’s premier spring wine event that offers high-end samples from around the world. Guests are invited to explore each table and the delicious buffet. The evening’s auction includes items like additional tasting experiences, large-format wines, and beautiful artwork. The fun begins at 6 p.m. at Saint Elle. Tickets are $175 and can be purchased HERE.
April 15, 2023: Goddess Craft Market
Celebrate women in the visual and healing arts at the Spring Goddess Craft Market. The event starts at 10 a.m. at Wilburn Street Studio and includes handmade crafts, tarot card readers, cocktails and mocktails, and food trucks. Participating vendors include Elemental Moon Arts, Stomping Ground Herbals, Black Sheep Goods, and many more. gaiasisterhood.org
April 15, 2023: Touch-a-Truck
Adventure Science Center’s wildly popular Touch-a-Truck event returns on Saturday, April 15. Children and adults can see and touch heavy machinery utilized in the construction industry and speak with the people who operate them. The free event begins at 9 a.m. adventuresci.org
April 15, 2023: Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival
Celebrate the beauty of spring at the Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival! The annual event includes the Cherry Blossom Walk, children’s activities, sumo suit wrestling, and the Pups in Pink Parade. The free event begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Nashville Public Square. nashvillecherryblossomfestival.org
April 15, 2023: East Nashville Beer Festival
Presented by M.L. Rose Craft Beer & Burgers, the East Nashville Beer Festival returns to East Park. Enjoy brews from hotspots like Diskin Cider, TailGate Brewery, Fait la Force Brewing Co., and many more. The fun begins at noon, and general admission tickets are $65. Designated driver tickets are also available for $25. eventbrite.com
April 15, 2023: Frist Gala
The Frist Gala is one of Nashville’s premier social events. Guests are invited to enjoy cocktails in the Frist Art Museum’s lobby before a delicious three-course dinner. As the museum’s largest fundraiser, the Frist Gala raises a million dollars every year to benefit the museum’s general operating fund and support its work of bringing art to Middle Tennessee. To purchase tickets, contact Alyssa Blades at (615) 744 -3963 or [email protected].
April 15 – 23, 2023: Nashville Comedy Festival
Nashville Comedy Festival is an annual event that hosts some of the industry’s best (and funniest!) comedians. This year’s lineup includes everyone from Ali Wong to David Spade, Leanne Morgan, Nate Bargatze, and more. Shows occur throughout Nashville at venues like Zanies Comedy Club, War Memorial Auditorium, and Bridgestone Arena. Ticket prices vary based on the event. nashcomedyfest.com
April 19, 2023: Generous Helpings Tasting Event
Presented by Kroger, Generous Helpings at Marathon Music Works returns as a full-scale food and beverage tasting event. The evening includes food, wine, and craft beer from some of Nashville’s best restaurants. The event begins at 6 p.m., and tickets are $75. Proceeds from the event benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. secondharvestmidtn.org
April 21 – 23: New in Nashville
New in Nashville is a one-of-a-kind performance that includes works by some of the most sought-after choreographers and is set to live music from the Nashville Symphony. The tour de ballet includes a performance of Cathy Marston’s Snowblind and new pieces from Tony Award-winning choreographers Donald Byrd and Matthew Neenan. Performances begin at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets start at $35. tpac.org
April 22 & 23, 2023: St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon
Nashville’s favorite spring race series is back! On Saturday, April 22, and Sunday, April 23, lace up your running shoes and join St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for its annual Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series. Race options include a marathon, half marathon, 6.15-mile run, 5K, one-mile run, children’s race, and the Doggie Dash. Registration begins at $25, or it’s free when you sign up to run as a St. Jude Hero. runrocknroll.com
April 25, 2023: Symphony Fashion Show
The Nashville Symphony once again hosts its much-anticipated fashion show this spring! As the symphony’s premier fundraising event, this year’s show features the fall 2023 collection from designer Brandon Maxwell in addition to an appearance from actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth. Cocktail attire is required, and the event begins at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are $400 each. nashvillesymphony.org
April 28, 2023: Sips for Species
Enjoy samples of your favorite adult beverages as you stroll through the Nashville Zoo. In addition to drinks, Sips for Species includes animal encounters, live music, and food trucks. The fun begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $75 for zoo members and $80 for non-members.
April 29, 2023: 9th Annual Nashville Wine & Food Festival
Sip on wines from around the world, enjoy delicious food from Nashville restaurants, shop retail vendors, and listen to live music at the Nashville Wine & Food Festival. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Omni Hotel. Brought to you by Corkdorks. General admission is $99, and VIP tickets are $159. Non-drinking tickets are also available, starting at $34.99. nashvillefoodandwinefestival.com
April 29, 2023: SouthBrooke Spring Festival of Homes
Tour 10 finished or almost finished homes by Ford Classic Homes and Insignia Homes. Ranging from 2,400 to 4,000 square feet, the tour features single-family homes and townhomes in the new SouthBrooke community in south Franklin. After your tour, grab a melt-in-your-mouth sandwich from the Grilled Cheeserie and top it off with a scoop from Bradley’s Creamery! southbrooketn.com
Happy April, Nashville!
**********
To see more great Nashville events, visit our Happenings calendar!