17 Nashville Events & Happenings: January 2026
As you start sketching out your early 2026 calendar, go ahead and make room for these events. From live music and art crawls to hands-on fun and foodie finds, here’s everything worth bundling up for this month! Image: Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
It may be cold outside, but Nashville’s heating up with events to kick off the year. As you map out your 2026 calendar, be sure to include these can’t-miss happenings in and around the city. From live music and marathons to art crawls, culinary classes, and hands-on workshops, here’s everything to look forward to this month!
January 1, 2026: First Day Hikes
Kick off the new year with a picturesque hike at one of Tennessee’s state parks. Free and family-friendly, the hikes are open to all ages and skill levels as part of a nationwide initiative to encourage people to get active outdoors. A full list of participating parks and hike details is available at tnstateparks.com.
January 1, 2026: New Year’s Day Brunch
Yolan at The Joseph hosts a celebratory New Year’s Day Brunch starting at 7 a.m. Guests can enjoy a festive menu featuring seasonal specialties, pastries, and house favorites like the Tiramisu French Toast and Chicken Milanese Sandwich. Advanced reservations are strongly recommended. yolannashville.com
January 2, 2026: Franklin Art Crawl
Held on the first Friday of every month, Downtown Franklin’s Art Crawl invites you to explore local galleries and businesses from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. You can also warm up on your walk with a cup of coffee or hot chocolate from favorites like Frothy Monkey, Meridee’s, and Triple Crown Bakery. For more information, visit artscouncilwc.org.
January 3, 2026: Time Travel Half Marathon
Start the new year on the right foot by participating in the Time Travel Half-Marathon (plus 5K, 10K, and one-mile events), which takes place at Two Rivers Park. Each race option includes a custom medal, shirt, and snacks at the finish line — and youth pricing is available for runners 12 and under. runsignup.com
January 7, 14, 21 & 28, 2026: Grapes & Guitar
Blue Aster invites guests to defrost during its weekly Grapes & Guitar nights. Every Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., visitors can unwind with soulful live music, handpicked wines — including select bottles at half price — and standout dishes in a warm, inviting atmosphere. opentable.com
January 8, 2026: Battle of New Orleans Celebration Day
Travel back to an epic time in history as The Battle of New Orleans Celebration Day returns to The Hermitage, with free admission to the grounds and the option for guided or self-guided mansion tours. The day features live music, New Orleans-inspired cuisine, historical dancing, gallery talks, Daughters of 1812 meet-and-greets, and ceremonial tributes to Andrew Jackson’s legendary 1815 victory. thehermitage.com
January 8-18, 2026: Winter Wonderland Show
Find fabulous treasures at Junking Journey’s Winter Wonderland Show! Located in Green Hills, shoppers can expect amazing deals on antique pieces for the home. Stay up-to-date on their Instagram.
January 9 – 11, 2026: 36th Annual Antiques & Garden Show Nashville
As the country’s longest-running, largest, and most respected event of its kind, Nashville’s Antiques & Garden Show brings a curated collection of antiques, vintage decor, and garden inspiration under one roof. This year’s keynote, Living Legacy: The Classic American Style of Ralph Lauren, features David Lauren and Lauren Bush Lauren in conversation, moderated by Alfredo Paredes, offering an exclusive look into the iconic style and influence of the Ralph Lauren brand. antiquesandgardenshow.com
January 11, 2026: Bluebird at the Symphony
Experience the magic of song in a new light with Bluebird at the Symphony. This concert brings together Nashville Symphony musicians and top-tier songwriters Jessi Alexander and The Warren Brothers. Tickets begin at $30, and the event starts at 7:30 p.m. nashvillesymphony.org
January 14, 2026: Cooking Class: Sauces
Miel offers a deep dive into the five French “mother sauces” — béchamel, velouté, espagnole, hollandaise, and tomato — teaching attendees how to build rich, restaurant-quality foundations and sauces with confidence. The class includes instruction and a meal (with wine or a non-alcoholic beverage) and is open to cooks of all skill levels. Admission is $185 per person. exploretock.com
January 19, 2026: NMAAM’s 5th Anniversary Celebration & MLK Day Community Day
The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) celebrates a major milestone with its 5th Anniversary Celebration on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The free event promises a special launch of the museum’s expanded digital mission to share African American musical heritage globally. nmaam.org
January 20 – 25, 2026: Les Misérables
Described as “Les Mis for the 21st Century,” this production of Alain Boublil and Claude-Michel Schönberg’s Tony Award–winning classic brings its epic story of love, sacrifice, and redemption to life with a powerful cast and unforgettable songs. Tickets and more information are available at tpac.org.
January 22 – February 26, 2026: Introduction to Garment Sewing
This Introduction to Garment Sewing course offers hands‑on teaching for anyone who wants to sew their own clothing. Students learn how to read a pattern, select the appropriate fabrics, and construct a garment from start to finish using their own sewing machines. The class welcomes all experience levels, and admission is $200 per person. watkinsce.asapconnected.com
January 25, 2026: Nashville: ‘The Encore Tour’
Nashville: ‘The Encore Tour’ brings together Clare Bowen, Charles Esten, Jonathan Jackson, and Sam Palladio for a live performance at the Ryman, featuring beloved songs from the hit TV series. With a legacy that spans 22 soundtracks, millions of album sales, and international acclaim, this special concert is a must-see celebration for longtime fans and new listeners alike. ryman.com
January 29 – April 26, 2026: In Her Place: Nashville Artists in the Twenty-First Century
Opening at the Frist Art Museum, In Her Place showcases contemporary works by women artists living and working in Nashville. The diverse collection — spanning painting, photography, sculpture, and mixed media — showcases unique perspectives and stories shaped by Southern roots and modern creativity. fristartmuseum.org
January 30 & 31, 2026: Agrupación Señor Serrano: BIRDIE
Spain’s bold and boundary-pushing theater company, Agrupación Señor Serrano, brings its genre-defying show BIRDIE to OZ Arts. The performance blends live video, film fragments, scale models, 2,000 miniature animals, and three magnetic performers in a surreal multimedia journey. Tickets start at $30. ozartsnashville.org
January 31 & February 1, 2026: Amadeus Live
Experience the magic of Mozart like never before with Amadeus Live as the Nashville Symphony performs the film’s iconic score in sync with a screening of the Academy Award-winning movie. This immersive concert brings the beloved characters and thrilling music of Amadeus to life under the stars of the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. It’s a must-see event for film buffs and classical music lovers alike! nashvillesymphony.org
Happy January, Nashville!
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To see more great Nashville events, visit our Happenings calendar!
Anne Marie Hanna
An Ole Miss alum residing in Nashville, Anne Marie is passionate about telling the stories shaping the South. Outside of work, you’ll likely find her on a porch with a coffee and a good book, gardening, listening to music, or enjoying time with friends and family.