From garden tours to musical bingo, spring in Nashville is full of opportunities to come together. Vanderbilt University is proud to partner with local nonprofits and cultural organizations to offer events that welcome students, faculty, staff—and the broader Nashville community.
Food for Thought at the Frist
Engage in thoughtful conversation at Frist Art Museum's "Food for Thought" on April 17. Hear from Vanderbilt faculty, Frist curators and local leaders exploring cultural and societal issues through art. This free event includes gallery admission, parking and lunch. Listen in as a panel of experts share their insights on the Frist’s Farm to Table and Tennessee Harvest exhibitions. Register to attend.
I Am Queen Performance at TPAC
Don’t miss I Am Queen: Nashville at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center on April 19—a one-night-only, live-on-stage theatrical production featuring the true stories of eight real women who help make Nashville home. This experience is equal parts living history, legacy and art. From art to empowerment, these women show up in powerful ways for their communities, for our city and for themselves. Purchase tickets.
InsideOut Preview: Nashville Ballet
Enjoy a lunchtime preview of the Nashville Ballet’s Attitude series on April 23. Part of the Vanderbilt–TPAC collaborative InsideOut series, this free event offers a behind-the-scenes look at a contemporary ballet production. Hear from the show’s artistic director, composer and production designer. Guests will enjoy exclusive performance excerpts and a complimentary box lunch. Register to attend.
Stargazing at Dyer Observatory
Experience the wonders of the universe at Telescope Night on May 9 at Dyer Observatory. Engage with astronomers and enjoy gazing through Dyer's historic Seyfert telescope. Explore the observatory's exhibits in a casual, informative setting. Tickets for two time slots are available. Vanderbilt students can email dyerobservatory@vanderbilt.edu from their Vanderbilt address for a promo code to receive free tickets.
Hillsboro-West End Neighborhood Garden Tour
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a stroll through the Hillsboro-West End Neighborhood Garden Tour on May 11. Visit creative, urban landscapes in one of Nashville's premier historic neighborhoods at this family-friendly event. A free trolley offers hop-on, hop-off convenience along the tour route. Children 12 and under are admitted free. Purchase tickets.
Then and Now at Nashville Public Library
Visit the downtown library for Then and Now: Nashville’s Communities from North Africa on May 14. Presented by Vanderbilt and the Nashville Public Library, this event is part of a series examining the cultural impact and history of minority communities in Nashville. Hear stories from North African communities including Sudanese, Egyptians, Tunisians, Moroccans, Libyans and Algerians. Register to attend.
Musicians Corner
Enjoy free live music every weekend from May 16–June 14 at Centennial Park’s Musicians Corner concert series. With performances ranging from jazz to songwriters’ nights under the open sky, there’s something for every music lover. A full lineup of artists will be announced soon on the series’ website.
R&B Bingo at NMAAM
Join the fun at the National Museum of African American Music for R&B Bingo on May 24. This late-night event invites you to experience bingo like never before. Test your music knowledge as you play for exclusive prizes each round. The grand finale features a treasure chest of gifts from local Black-owned businesses. Tickets are available for purchase on the NMAAM website. Vanderbilt students can enjoy free museum admission year-round.
International Dance Series at TPAC
Experience the Paul Taylor Dance Company May 30–31 at the Tennessee Performing Art Center. TPAC’s International Dance Series brings world-renowned dance companies to Nashville, showcasing incredible performances from around the world. Vanderbilt students can purchase discounted tickets.
Fridays By the River
Community thrives at Fridays by the River, where a laid-back, family-friendly beer garden at the Riverview Pavilion is hosted by Friends of Shelby Park and Bottoms and East Nashville Beer Works. Join the gathering on Fridays in April and early May for draft beers, food trucks and yard games by the Cumberland River.
Whether you're discovering something new or returning to a favorite spot, these events offer meaningful ways to engage in the Nashville community.