SB NOTE: These suggestions are all made with social distancing and safety precautions in mind, and each event is subject to change depending on COVID in each location. Please look at websites and social media for updates, and check the most up-to-date CDC guidelines for the latest safety recommendations.
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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 Nashville Zoo’s Eggstravaganzoo as well as welcome new events like Gilda’s Gang 5K & 1 Mile Family Fun Run. Happy April, Nashville!
From wine tastings to charity events, fun runs and outdoor markets, there is plenty of springtime fun to be had in Nashville this April.
23 Nashville Events & Happenings: April 2021
Ongoing: Forward Health COVID-19 Testing
As we look forward to the end of the pandemic and the opportunity to travel again, we can bet travel logistics will look different than before. Particularly for air and international travel, a whole new set of safety guidelines will be in place, including proof of a negative COVID-19 test before your trip begins. That’s where FH Testing comes in, making that pre-travel component stress-free, with COVID-19 PCR testing for travel and personal needs. FH Testing makes testing easy by coming to your home or office, and you’ll get your results back the very same day. Whether you’re ready to book your next vacation or simply looking for a fast and convenient testing option, FH Testing has you covered. Tests begin at $185. fhtesting.com
Through April 17, 2021: NAMIWalks Your Way Greater Nashville
Through April 17, join the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to increase mental health awareness through the NAMIWalks virtual event. Once you register for the walk, you can complete weekly challenges every Wednesday through April 14 for a chance to win prizes. While registration is free, individuals can raise money on behalf of NAMI, and those who raise $100 or more receive a t-shirt and recognition on April 17. namiwalks.org
Through May 29, 2021: “Radical” Thoughts at MOCAN
East Nashville’s Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCAN) hosts a pop-up exhibition through Saturday, May 29. “Radical” Thoughts is the first edition of the Traveling Museum Project and features the works of 20 contemporary artists. Taking a diverse range of contemporary perspectives into consideration, the exhibit focuses on the social inadequacies that have been exposed by enduring a crisis in the 21st century. mocanashville.org.
April 1 – 4, 2021: Acme Feed & Seed Grand Reopening
After nearly a year of being shut down, Acme Feed & Seed is scheduled to reopen its doors seven days a week on April 1. To celebrate, the restaurant plans to host exclusive pop-up events, so check its website and social media for updates. facebook.com
April 1 – 24, 2021: CASA Nashville’s Totally ’80s Belated Birthday Bash
Help out a Nashville foster family during CASA Nashville’s Totally ’80s Belated Birthday Bash. Celebrating the nonprofit’s 36th birthday, the event features an online auction, a newly commissioned video, a chance to give a gift to foster children, and the opportunity to pay it forward by purchasing a catered dinner for a local foster family. Funds raised through the event help CASA provide highly trained volunteers to advocate on behalf of children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. The online auction opens on April 19, and the official celebration day takes place on April 24. All other festivities kick off on April 1. Donation categories begin at $250, and all gifts over $250 provide a meal to a foster family. casanashville.org
April 1, 2021 – May 2, 2021: Private Edition 40th Anniversary
In 1981, Private Edition was Nashville’s first beauty and cosmetics store to offer prestige brands, and we continue to celebrate their efforts to provide Music City with premier products and aesthetic services. Beginning April 1, join Private Edition as they celebrate their 40th anniversary. Notable events include complimentary Omorovicza facials (April 6, 9 and 10), an in-store celebration with champagne, treats, Goody Bags and more (April 9), and a Zoom celebration with StyleBlueprint (April 22). Can’t make it to the store? No worries; you can shop many of the deals online, too. To see a full list of events, click HERE. privateedition.com
April 2, 2021: Marathon Village Market
Starting April 2 and taking place on the first Friday of every month through July, head to the Marathon Village Market for live entertainment, local shopping and delicious food. The free outdoor market is hosted by Music City Creative, and masks are required by both vendors and shoppers. marathonvillagemarket.com
April 2 & 3: Great Spring Art Hunt
Wander through Cheekwood and enjoy its spring flowers as you search for hidden bunnies at its Great Spring Art Hunt. The annual Spring Art Hop event has been reimagined to adhere to social distancing guidelines and invites guests to search for clever cottontails painted by local Nashville artists. The event also includes themed activities and cheerful music. Admission for Cheekwood members is $10 for adults and $7 for youth, while admission for non-members is $22 for adults and $14 for youth. cheekwood.org
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April 2 – 4, 2021: Attitude: Part II
The Nashville Ballet presents the second installment of Attitude. Choreographed by Paul Vasterling, the virtual performance contains music by Max Richter — which is a recomposition of Antonio Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons. Attitude: Part II can be viewed April 2-4, and tickets are $20. nashvilleballet.com
April 3, 2021: Easter Bunny Excursion Train
Join the Easter Bunny on April 3 as you take a ride on a restored classic, streamlined stainless steel passenger train. The 90-mile ride begins in Nashville and makes a stop in Watertown for a fun-filled Easter egg hunt and time to explore local shops and restaurants. Boarding begins at 8:30 a.m. at the Tennessee Central Railway Museum, and the train departs at 9 a.m. Tickets are $21 for children under 12, $42 for coach seats and $85 for dome seats. tcry.org
April 3, 2021: Eggstravaganzoo
The Nashville Zoo’s annual Easter event is back. On April 3, head to the zoo for 13 egg hunts and other Easter-themed fun. The best part? This year’s egg hunt field is larger than ever before. Between egg hunts, children can also enjoy zookeeper talks about zebras, meerkats, alligators and other zoo animals. Entry is included with regular zoo admission, but entry time reservations are required. Festivities begin at 9 a.m. nashvillezoo.org
April 3, 2021: Gilda’s Gang 5K & 1-Mile Fun Run
Enjoy the springtime weather at this 5K and one-mile fun run on April 3. Head to Shelby Park for a charity run benefitting Gilda’s Club Middle TN, a nonprofit organization providing a place of social and emotional support for those with cancer. The race is not timed and perfect for all ages. The 5K begins at 8 a.m., and the fun run starts at 9 a.m. Registration starts at $35, and a virtual race option is also available. eventbrite.com
April 8, 15 & 22 2021: Art History Course: Picasso and Modernism
Presented by Tom Williams, a Nashville historian, in collaboration with the Frist Art Museum, learn about European modernism and Pablo Picasso’s lasting influence on Western art history in this three-part virtual course. The class takes place every Thursday from April 8-22, and courses begin at 5:30 p.m. Tickets for each class are $12 for Frist members and $15 for non-members, while tickets for the entire course are $30 for Frist members and $40 for non-members. (Note: If purchasing all three courses, use the code “ALL3” at checkout.) fristartmuseum.org
April 10, 2021: Secret Sounds Platinum
Head to the JW Marriott on April 10 for the first-ever Secret Sounds Platinum event featuring a performance from singer/songwriter David Ryan Harris. As you enjoy live music, you can also indulge in a one-of-a-kind food and wine/bourbon tasting. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, tickets are limited, so be sure to grab yours soon. Admission is $200. eventbrite.com
April 10, 2021: Music City Scavenger Hunt
Join Nashville Sunset Rotary Club for its first-ever car scavenger hunt! Staring at the Nashville Farmers’ Market on April 10, embark on a city-wide search for clues. At the end of the hunt, meet at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park for a socially distanced picnic to see who wins. Prizes include tickets to Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, the Nashville Zoo and more. Tickets are $20, and proceeds benefit Nashville Sunset Rotary Club’s “Service Suds” project. eventbrite.com
April 10, 2021: Bicentennial by Night: Ghosts of Spring
Legends say many spirits, creatures and madmen lurk in the shadows of Tennessee. Join Ranger Jed on April 10 to search for spirits on the grounds of Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park as you hear stories of the park’s past. Participants should meet at the park’s visitor center at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $10. tnstateparks.org
April 11, 2021: Sylvan Park Puppy Play Day
Grab your furry friend and head to Richland Park on April 11 for the Sylvan Park Puppy Play Day. The event features dog-centric vendors, a puppy red carpet, off-leash dog parks, adult beverages and hot dogs from Daddy’s Dogs. The event is free to attend, and a portion of sales benefits the Doug the Pug Foundation. facebook.com
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April 16, 2021: Girl Scout Cookie & Wine Pairing
Girl Scout cookies and wine? Count us in! On April 16, join City Winery for a one-of-a-kind tasting experience. For $35, attendees receive a flight of four wines that are each paired with a different Girl Scout cookie, including Tagalongs, Samoas, lemonades and toffee-tastics. The event begins at 7 p.m. and is led by one of City Winery’s in-house wine experts. resy.com
April 22, 2021: SafeCity At Home
Join the Sexual Assault Center (SAC) on April 22 for its first-ever SafeCity At Home event. The event allows participants to enjoy a three-course meal and wine from the comfort of their home while supporting the work of SAC. The gourmet meal includes French bread, a garden salad, Tuscan chicken pasta and a s’more bar. An alternate meal is also available that includes a garden salad, brown rice pasta and a vegan, gluten-free brownie. Packages start at $100 and include a meal, wine and a SAC discussion guide created to initiate thoughtful conversations in honor of Sexual Awareness Month. sacenter.org
April 22, 2021: Alive & the Bluebird at Green Door Gourmet
Join Alive Hospice & The Bluebird Café as they celebrate spring and launch the first-ever event at Green Door Gourmet. The live concert includes performances by Charles Esten, Chris DeStefano, Taylor Noelle and Charlie Greene as they raise funds for Alive’s patients and families. Enjoy craft beverages and delicious appetizers during the pre-show cocktail party, and listen to these talented songwriters perform in the round. Tickets are $150, and VIP packages are also available for an additional $100. The show begins at 6 p.m., and socially distanced reservations can be made in groups of two or four. alivehospice.org
April 26, 2021: Parnassus Book Club Featuring Ann Patchett
The Parnassus Book Club hosts author Ann Patchett for a virtual conversation on April 26 at 6:30 p.m. Participants can submit questions to Ann regarding her novel The Dutch House. The event is free to attend, and registration is not required. The conversation takes place on Parnassus Books’ Facebook page. parnassusbooks.net
April 28, 2021: Symphony Fashion Show
Nashville’s leading runway show returns for its 16th year on April 28. In partnership with Gus Mayer, the 2021 Symphony Fashion Show takes place at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center and highlights Zang Toi’s fall 2021 collection. The evening also includes appearances by country artists Carly Pearce and Runaway June. A limited number of patron tickets ($1,500) offer in-person access, with social distancing and protocols to ensure the safety of all attendees. Tickets offering virtual access to the event go on sale April 1 and are $250. The fashion show begins at 6 p.m. nashvillesymphony.org
April 29, 2021: Sip of History
With a Kentucky Derby theme, Sip of History returns to Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage and offers an evening full of wine, whiskey and live music. Attendees have access to 10 samples from Natchez Hills Winery and Big Machine Distillery. Food is also available on-site from The Love Bus. The event begins at 5 p.m., and tickets are $30. thehermitage.com
Happy April, Nashville!
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To see even more great Nashville events, visit our Happenings page.