The sun has been shining, and we are eagerly taking any opportunity to get outdoors. If you are like us and need an excuse to get out of the house, these 20 April events in Nashville are sure to please. With an impressive collection of annual favorites, like Nashville Fashion Week, the Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival, East Nashville Beer Fest, St. Jude Country Music Marathon & 1/2 Marathon and Edgehill Rocks, it will be difficult to make room in the monthly calendar for everything!
Pour a glass of wine and toast to the arrival of April! Cheers to this month’s events, including the Nashville Wine and Food Festival. Image: Nashville Wine and Food Festival
Through June 30, 2018: Rolling Stones Museum Exhibit
Nashville is the final U.S. stop for The Rolling Stones Exhibit, following visits to New York City, Chicago and Las Vegas. The exhibit features more than 500 rare items with many of the items personally contributed by the band. See 50 years of fashion, artwork, instruments, interactive sound mixing desks and a recording studio, a screening cinema and a 3D concert. Tickets are $39.50. stonesexhibitionism.com
Through April 15, 2018: Cheekwood in Bloom
Each year, we look forward to the colorful transformation at Cheekwood. As the tulips, daffodils, hyacinths and violets bloom, the gardens become decorated with vibrant color. Throughout the month-long celebration, there will be special events for folks of all ages. Every Saturday, there will be an ‘art’ivity, garden activity and beer garden with live bluegrass music and food trucks. On Sundays, the beer garden will open again, plus there will be yoga in the garden and behind-the-scenes garden tours. Learn more at cheekwood.org.
April 3-7, 2018: Nashville Fashion Week
Each year, the fashion community gathers for a citywide celebration of the area’s creative talent to benefit The Nashville Fashion Forward Fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Local, regional and national designers will showcase their work during a variety of events, including a designer showcase, parties, runway shows, panels and the finale with a musical performance by singer-songwriter Karen Elson. Experience the designer showcase at OZ Arts Nashville — you will not want to miss these top events. Snag an all-access pass and gain entry to all of the events, or attend individual events. nashvillefashionweek.com
April 7, 2018: Edgehill Rocks
Enjoy this one-day outdoor music and food event on Villa Place in historic Edgehill. With special musical guests, local artists and treats from area eateries, this is a day you will not want to miss. The celebration begins at 10 a.m., and the fun lasts until 4 p.m. This is a benefit for the Organized Neighbors of Edgehill (ONE), a not-for-profit group that has been working for over 45 years to assist the diverse people of the Edgehill Neighborhood. Stop by and see all of the changes that are taking place in the neighborhood! edgehillrocks.com
April 7, 2018: East Nashville Beer Festival
The East Nashville Beer Festival is back, and beer lovers across the area are rejoicing. Beer vendors will educate you as you taste their brews. You can also pop over to The Basement East to hear some great tunes. Come hungry as local eateries will be on-site with delicious food. Whether you are a beer aficionado or just enjoy a cold beverage, this event will be fun for all. Tickets are $60 per person and $20 for designated drivers. eastnashvillebeerfest.com
April 7, 2018: Ragin’ Cajun Crawfish Boil
Take part in the Nashville tradition of indulging in crawfish, beer and live music during the Ragin’ Cajun Crawfish Festival hosted by Nashville Junior Chamber. Tackle the 4,000 pounds of all-you-can-eat, fresh crawfish and all-you-can-drink beer and enjoy the warmer weather in Cumberland Park. General admission tickets are $54.95, or you can upgrade to VIP for $79.95. ragincajunboil.org
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April 9, 2018: Friends & Fashion
This annual luncheon is back again to support Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Spring styles will be showcased during the shopping, auction and fashion show. The looks will be modeled by children who have been patients at the Children’s Hospital. Tickets are $130 and proceeds benefit the Children’s Hospital. childrenshospital.vanderbilt.org
April 10, 2018: First Nashville Sounds Home Game of the Season
Recently constructed First Tennessee Park is the new home for the Nashville Sounds, and on Tuesday, April 10, our favorite minor league baseball team will have their first home game against the Iowa Cubs. Cheer for the home team on opening night in the ballpark and stay after the game for fireworks. milb.com
April 14, 2018: Nashville Wine and Food Festival Presented by Corkdorks Wine Spirits Beer
Held in Bicentennial Mall, Nashville Wine and Food Festival is the best way to spend a Saturday afternoon. In its fifth year, the festival will feature more than 100 wineries from across the country, local Nashville cuisine and artisanal products, plus live music and chef demonstrations. Tickets are $85 ($125 for VIP). thenashwineandfoodfestival.com
April 14, 2018: Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival
The Cherry Blossom Festival blooms annually in Nashville to celebrate Japan-Tennessee friendship and the arrival of spring. With three main stage areas, the event features arts and crafts, a marketplace, Taste of Japan food area and the opportunity to experience modern, youthful Japanese culture. The day begins with the Cherry Blossom Walk at 9:45 a.m. followed by the festival from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. This event is free, but donations to help fund the Cherry Tree Planting Project are welcome. nashvillecherryblossomfestival.org
April 15, 2018: 15th Annual Downtown Home Tour
The Nashville Downtown Partnership’s 15th Annual Downtown Home Tour gives you the opportunity to tour living spaces and get a firsthand look at the area’s unique residential buildings located in the heart of Nashville. Set within historic structures and contemporary new builds, the spaces are likely to spur design ideas or entice you to relocate to this thriving urban hub. Be inspired by the interior design, or explore potential purchasing or rental options. Book a tour for $10. nashvilledowntown.com
April 16-22, 2018: Nashville Comedy Festival
Get ready for a belly full of laughs as the Nashville Comedy Festival returns to Nashville. This year, the festival brings Jeff Dunham, Bill Burr, Tim Allen, “Weird Al” Yankovic and Chris D’Elia — with many more. The festival’s events take place at Zanie’s, War Memorial and several other venues and clubs around town. See the website for schedule and ticket information: nashcomedyfest.com
April 17, 2018: 2018 Symphony Fashion Show
Showcasing the Fall 2018 Collection of acclaimed designer Jason Wu and a musical performance by Little Big Town, the Symphony Fashion Show will help kick off spring in Music City. Watch Nashville’s Schermerhorn transform into a runway unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. Tickets are $250 and will grant you access to the cocktail party, show and the after party (with cocktails, an open bar and hors d’oeuvres). This event, presented by Gus Mayer, is one you won’t want to miss. nashvillesymphony.org
April 18, 2018: The Bug Ball
Benefitting the Nashville-based children’s theater company, The Bug Ball will offer entertainment, cocktails, dinner, music, a silent auction and musical performances with Drew and Jonathan Scott hosting the benefit dinner. Give back to Nashville’s arts community. All tickets and tables are currently sold out. If you would like to be placed on the waitlist for tickets or tables, email [email protected]. thetheaterbug.org
April 20 & 21, 2018: Tennessee Decorative Arts Symposium
Scholars, collectors, and historians will gather at the Belmont Mansion to discuss the decorative arts of Tennessee. On Friday night, an opening reception will be held at Historic Travellers Rest, and the festivities will continue on Saturday with “Treasures of HIstoric Travellers Rest,” presented by Case Antiques’ Sarah Campbell Drury, Vice President of Fine & Decorative Arts & Accredited Member of the International Society of Appraisers. Other experts in the field will discuss the transforming on Middle Tennessee from 1780 to 1845, Belmont Mansion’s Antebellum Garden, ornamental gardens, period furniture reproduction work and 19th century quilts. Tickets to Friday and Saturday’s events are $125. belmontmansion.com
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April 21, 2018: Frist Gala
The Frist Gala invites guests to partake in a cocktail reception and black-tie dinner at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts. This year’s event will celebrate current exhibits and support the Frist’s education and outreach programs. It is a true celebration of the arts in Nashville. This is an invite-only event. fristcenter.org
April 21, 2018: Nashville Earth Day Festival
Celebrate Earth Day with exhibits and activities in Centennial Park. With nearly 100 family-friendly booths, there will be fun for all ages. Enjoy live music, stop by the Green Market for locally grown produce, check out the Children’s Educational Activities and visit the Beer Garden for locally brewed beer. Help protect our environment, and help Nashville become the greenest city in the Southeast. This is a free event. nashvilleearthday.org
April 23, 2018: Tailored in Music City at Jimmy Kelly’s
Nashville native Megan Kelly will be in town on April 23 for this fundraiser for the nonprofit she started with her friend Jessica Roy, Tailored for Education. This organization provides school uniforms to children who otherwise would be unable to attend school — simply because their family could not afford the uniform. $25 buys one uniform, thus the $75 pre-purchased ticket price will buy three! Or, you can buy a $100 ticket at the door and thus provide four uniforms. This is the first time the organization has had a fundraising event in Nashville and it’s sure to be fun, informative and leave you smiling. The evening with include live music, open bar, passed hors-d’oeuvres and a silent auction fro 6 to 8:30 p.m. For millions of children around the globe, education represents the only way out of a life of poverty. Find out more information as well as purchase tickets here: tailoredinmusiccity2018.splashthat.com.
April 26-29, 2018: St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon & 1/2 Marathon
Each year, the streets of Music City are transformed to accommodate more than 30,000 runners and walkers and 28 music stages. The streets with be lined with live bands and encouraging onlookers. If you are not participating in the race, cheer on the runners and enjoy the live jazz, country, blues and rock music. runrocknroll.com
April 29, 2018: Nash Spring Bash
Welcome spring at the 4th Annual Nash Spring Bash presented by Project 615. Held at Public Square Park from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., this event brings together food trucks, a few dozen local vendors and live music. Proceeds of the event benefit the work of a local non-profit. This event is free to the public. nashspringbash.com
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