Graduation parties, weddings, baby showers, birthdays, Memorial Day weekend … we could go on and on. May is always busy, but if you want to add even more events to your social calendar, we’ve got you covered. From the Strawberry Jubilee to the Nashville Film Festival, Iroquois Steeplechase and more, you might as well make May a month of celebration and fun! Let’s get the party started with this hand-picked list of 23 events we’re looking forward to.
Since 1941, Iroquois Steeplechase has been Nashville’s rite of spring. Image: Iroquois Steeplechase
May 1, 2018: Marsh House Southern Seafood Spring Beer Dinner
Get your appetite ready for the Marsh House and The Brewers Association dinner in celebration of the beer and cuisine served at the 2018 Craft Brewers Conference. For one night only, seven different notable chefs and brewers will come together to create a seasonally-focused, five-course dinner paired with delicious craft beer. Tickets are $100 per person and can be purchased online. marshhouserestaurant.com
May 3, 2018: A Night of Renewal
Join the Renewal House for A Night of Renewal that supports specialized addiction treatment for women and children. This local organization is working to break the cycle of addiction, and you can help. Spend the evening enjoying live entertainment, a pop-up marketplace, auction, hors d’oeuvres, refreshments and pampering. Tickets are $65 per person or $100 for two. renewalhouse.org
May 3, 2018: Voices for Children
Each year, the Williamson County CASA hosts a Voices for Children event that directly benefits children in the community. CASA is a non-profit dedicated to advocacy and protection of abused and neglected children in the court system. They work tirelessly to ensure every child is placed in a safe environment. This event is the main source of funding for the Williamson County CASA, which means 100% of the proceeds stay within the community. Make a difference in the lives of these children through a silent and live auction at the Barn at Sycamore Farms on May 3 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $125 and include dinner and cocktails. williamsoncountycasa.com
May 3-5, 2018: The Harding Art Show 2018
Are you as excited as we are to see the oldest school-sponsored art show in Tennessee and connect with over 70 artists from across the country? Stop by the 43rd Harding Art Show to experience and purchase beautiful artworks for your home! Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails on Thursday and Friday night. Bring the family along on Saturday for a day full of art activities, face painting, live music and food vendors. Suggested donation of $10 on Thursday and Friday night. On Saturday, admission is free. thehardingartshow.com
May 3-31, 2018: Taste of Goo Goo Chocolate Class
Create your own Goo Goo flavor at the Taste of Goo Goo class. This hands-on candy making and dessert sampling is an hour of chocolatey fun. Learn a secret recipe from the dessert bar, plus get a little Nashville history on the side. Indulge in a delicious dessert sampling and receive 15% off any purchase in-store that day. Tickets are $40. googoo.com
May 4-5, 2018: Sevier Park Fest
Get excited for a day full of local food, art and fashion, pet adoptions and great music on four different stages. Plus, you can enjoy the Halcyon Bike Shop + Redkite Max Gander Memorial Criterium Races, Edley’s Bar-B-Que Hot Wing Eating Contest, Nashville Longest Burrito with Las Palmas Mexican Restaurante, the Publix Kids Area and more. The Sevier Park Fest brings together the local talent, businesses and neighbors of the 12South and Belmont-Hillsboro communities. It also raises money to support the renewal and future improvements to the park. The ticketed concert is Friday afternoon, and the free festival and other activities will take place Saturday, May 5 in Sevier Park and along 12th Ave. South. sevierparkfest.com
May 4-6, 2018: Nashville Ballet Present’s Modern Masters
Be on the lookout for Modern Masters at TPAC’s Jackson Hall. Three internationally known choreographers come together to make a very curated program with some of the most unique and innovative dances that have ever come out of the ballet world. With live music performed by the Nashville Symphony and a performance choreographed by George Balanchine, who is known as the Father of American Ballet, this is one ballet you don’t want to miss out on. Tickets start at $28. nashvilleballet.com
May 4-6, 2018: 47th Annual Spring Tennessee Craft Fair
For 47 years, the Annual Spring Tennessee Craft Fair has drawn attendees from all over the country and offered a platform for artists to connect with the community, demonstrate their skills, share their knowledge and inspire future craftsmen. Over 200 fine craft artists fill the tents on the fields of Centennial Park May 4 through 6. From live demonstrations and kids activities to food vendors and plenty of shopping, there’s something for the whole family. tennesseecraft.org
May 5, 2018: Hester & Cook Annual Warehouse Sale
It’s the sale of the year! Get a group together and stop by Hester & Cook Headquarters behind their Berry Hill shop for their Annual Warehouse Sale. This is your only opportunity to shop their goods at over 50% off. Non-sale items in their three retail stores will be 20% off. You definitely want to be there! hesterandcook.com
May 5, 2018: 4th Annual Strawberry Jubilee
Get inspired at the four-day Weebly event, Makers to Merchants, at WeWork in East Nashville. Here, you’ll have the chance to learn from and connect with various Nashville makers and entrepreneurs at the collection of talks, workshops and pop-ups. Plus, StyleBlueprint Cofounders, Elizabeth Fox and Liza Graves will be speaking on the When to Jump panel on Thursday, May 10th at 6:30 p.m.! All events are free. makerstomerchants.com
May 10-12, 2018: FirstBank Pops Series at the Nashville Symphony – Sail On – The Beach Boys Tribute
Continuing the Partner for Pops Series presented by FirstBank at the Nashville Symphony is Sail On with a Beach Boys Tribute. This group has shared the stage with some of the greatest legends of rock ‘n’ roll, so it’s sure to be an unforgettable night of music. Tickets start at $39. nashvillesymphony.org
May 10-19, 2018: Nashville Film Festival
Since 1969, The Nashville Film Festival has been showcasing independent cinema. Be a part of the tradition that is growing each year and is now showing over 300 films over the course of 10 days. From locally made films to those created in over 25 different countries, the lineup will not disappoint. The festival runs from 10:30 a.m. to midnight daily at Regal Hollywood Stadium 27 May 10-19. Tickets are $12 per film. nashvillefilmfestival.org
May 11, 2018: The 2018 Hunt Ball
Take part in the annual Hunt Ball at Belle Meade Country Club hosted by the Hillsboro Hounds. To kick off the season of prestigious horse races, the Hunt Ball is held every year the night before Steeplechase. Bringing new flare to an old tradition, this year’s event will entail a grand evening of dinner and dancing, a premium whiskey bar, scotch bar and cigar lounge, a live painter and entertainment by Soul Incision. A fabulous night to start a fabulous season! Tickets are $250 per person. 2018huntball.com
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May 12, 2018: Mother’s Day Tea & Fashion Show
Celebrate Mother’s Day weekend at Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage with a decadent tea party in the beautiful parlors of the Tulip Grove Mansion, home to First Lady Emily Donelson. Chat with hostess Sarah Jackson about her life growing up in the First Lady’s home over a formally seated tea and hors d’oeuvres. After tea, enjoy a 19th century fashion show in the garden, showcasing the evolution of women’s dress and how the styles represent the times. Tickets are $35 each. thehermitage.com
May 12, 2018: Iroquois Steeplechase
Each year, on the second Saturday in May, thousands flock to Percy Warner Park for the Iroquois Steeplechase. This spring racing event is a favorite among locals and Music City visitors. Gather a group and purchase tickets to the tailgating area, which is as popular as watching the horse races. Dust off your hats and pray for sunshine this year. Ticket options include box seats, tailgating, general admission, tents and skybox suites at varying price points. iroquoissteeplechase.org
May 17, 2018: Gulch Night Market
Embrace warmer weather with a stroll through the Gulch neighborhood with friends, family and pets at the summer market series, The Gulch Night Market. The market will feature a uniquely curated list of local artists, food, drinks and music from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on May 17. From a taco truck to boutique pop-ups and more, this market is the perfect way to start the weekend early. The event is free and open to everyone. gulchnightmarket.com
May 19, 2018: Nashville Rosé Festival
For the first year ever, the only rosé-themed festival is coming to East Nashville on Saturday, May 19 at East Park. There will be over 70 rosé wines to sample, six local breweries featured with exclusive selections and cocktails by Pennington Distillery for sale. Not to worry, there will also be food trucks and yummy bites prepared over an open fire pit. Plus, local and celebrity chefs will give their best tips while handing out samples. And of course, it wouldn’t be a Nashville festival without an amazing lineup of live music. The best part is that 100% of the proceeds from the festival are being donated to the Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition. Tickets are $60 per person. nashvillerosefestival.com
May 24-27, 2018: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire in Concert at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center
Grab your wand as Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire™ comes to the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Enter into the world of Hogwarts with the unbeatable score by Patrick Doyle, performed by the Nashville Symphony May 24 through May 27. Ticket prices and times vary. For more information, visit nashvillesymphony.org
May 25, 2018: Full Moon Pickin’ Party
Listen to the finest bluegrass music Middle Tennessee has to offer under the full moon from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on May 25 at Warner Park Equestrian Center. Jam in the park or watch the performances on the main stage while munching on delicious bites from local food trucks. Don’t forget to take your photo at the photo booth! The Pickin’ Party benefits Warner Parks’ educational programs, special projects and preservation. warnerparks.org
May 31, 2018: 6th Annual Yum!East presented by Edgenet
The food scene in East Nashville has grown to new heights and draws people in from all over for its unique menus. In its 6th year, Yum!East is back to offer you the best of East Nashville food and entertainment. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., sample food and drinks from 30 different East Nashville businesses while listening to a variety of live music performances. Yum!East benefits the kids, but it is a 21+ event with its open bar of craft beer and wine. So call the babysitter and spend date night in East Nashville! Tickets start at $55. eventbrite.com
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