Music City festivals & events calendar MUSIC CITYS FESTIVALS Throughout the year, Music City is highlighted with various festivals celebrating songwriters, music, authors, arts and crafts, food and wine, dance and holidays. Many of these festivals have received national media attention and attract large and diverse audiences. With so many options, there’s something for everyone in Music City. Check out s t e l l ar g o s p e l m u s i c American master furniture, art, porcelain, the most up-to-date event listings awards quilts, wood and glass. Seminars, book online at www.visitmusiccity.com Now in its 24th year, the Stellar Awards signings and free personal appraisals are has become the premier gospel event that offered throughout the event. and click on “Events Calendar.” recognizes and honors gospel and continues to showcase top gospel artists. MUSIC CITY SOUL SERIES Scheduled in conjunction with Black His- JANUARY FEBRUARY tory Month, the Music City Soul Series brings out some of Nashville’s best musicians to rock nashville auto fest AN t i QU e s A N D G AR d e N S s h o w the month of February. The series takes place This event features a swap meet, car OF NASHVILLE at B.B. King’s Blues Club and Restaurant show, car corral and a Sunday church The Antiques and Garden Show of every Thursday night in February. service sponsored by the Christian Hot Nashville brings together nationally Rod Association. Trophies and prizes are and internationally renowned experts MUSIC VALLEY ANTIQUES MARKET awarded to car show entries. and exhibitors in the fields of antiques, The Music Valley Antiques Market is decorative arts and landscape design. The held across the street from the Radisson s p r i n t s o un d & s p e e d – Antiques and Garden Show features 150 Hotel Opryland and features over 150 of a c e l e b ra t i o n o f m u s i c an d antique and horticultural booths and 10 America’s finest antique dealers displaying motorsports innovative landscaped gardens. In addi- a wide range of merchandise. This fundraising tion, experts on the cutting event benefits the Vic- edge of home and garden style TAILGATE ANTIQUES SHOW tory Junction Gang offer special lectures. Located at the Fiddler’s Inn Hotel in Camp and the Country Music Valley, the bi-annual Tailgate An- Music Hall of Fame and h e art o f c o un t ry tiques Show offers an “early bird” viewing Museum Charities. Top antiques show of period furniture, quilts, folk art, jewelry stars from NASCAR Located at Gaylord Opry- and pottery. Merchants, from 35 states and country music ap- land Resort & Convention representing 180 dealers, set up their goods pear for autograph sign- Center, the Heart of Country in hotel rooms and in adjoining parking ing, performances and interviews. Antiques Show has over 200 dealers. See spaces outside the hotel.

www.visitmusiccity.com from all over the world. After pre-screening and deliberating, over 200 top entries from all genres are selected for the competition. RITES OF SPRING Sponsored by Vanderbilt University, Rites of Spring is a two-day festival that continu- ally provides a lineup of the freshest artists in modern music to the Nashville community. tin pan south songwriters festival Presented by the Nashville Songwriters Association International, Tin Pan South is a weeklong celebration, spotlighting Nashville as the world capital of songwrit- ing, through the variety of songwriters who live and work here today. Club show perfor- mances are the highlight of Tin Pan South with over 80 shows at venues all over Music City throughout the week. Night after night, fans find the best songwriters in the world certs designed to enrich gospel music in- performing “in-the-round” in small intimate March dustry professionals, artists and songwriters. clubs. Past Tin Pan South performers include Presented by the Gospel Music Association. Art Garfunkel, Gordon Lightfoot, Donna nashville lawn & garden show Summer, Loretta Lynn, Carole King, Garth Find an acre of live gardens, 250 exhib- GMA DOVE AWARDS Brooks, Janis Ian, Kenny Loggins, Peter it booths, series of free lectures and a floral The GMA Dove Awards are dedicated Frampton and many more. gallery. The Lawn & Garden Show is held to exposing, promoting and celebrating at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds. the gospel through music. The awards MAY represent all styles of gospel music in- APRIL cluding contemporary pop, rock, urban MERRELL CRAWFISH BOIL gospel, praise & worship, Southern gospel, Over 15,000 pounds of crawfish are de- AWESOME APRIL country and children’s gospel music. Past livered fresh from Louisiana for this two-day Music City celebrates the month of April performers and hosts include Steven Cur- music event that has become a Nashville tra- with Awesome April, a musical tribute to the tis Chapman, CeCe Winans, Rebecca St. dition. Past musical performers have included city that promises a major event each week- James and Kirk Franklin. 3 Doors Down, Paramore and T-Pain. end. Throughout the month visitors have the opportunity to be in the audience, attend one M U s i c c i t Y WA L K o f FA m e running of the of the country’s longest-running film festivals, INDUCTION CEREMONY iroquois steeplechase run a marathon or relax to the sounds of The Music City Walk of Fame on Bring a picnic or tailgate to the nation’s acoustic guitars. Nashville’s Music Mile is a landmark tribute oldest, continuously-run, weight-for-age to those from all genres of music who have steeplechase. The stylish event, a seven-race COUNTRY MUSIC MARATHON & contributed to the world through song or card with the featured Iroquois Memorial, 1/2 MARATHON other industry collaboration and made a benefits Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. Fifty bands play live on 27 entertainment significant contribution to the music industry stages throughout the course while hundreds with a connection to Music City. Induction of high school cheerleaders cheer on partici- ceremonies take place in April in conjunction pants. More music awaits at the post-race with GMA Week and November in conjunc- concert in downtown’s Sommet Center. Past tion with the CMA Music Awards. performers include Brad Paisley, Martina McBride, Jo Dee Messina and Diamond Rio. nashville film festival A two-day expo precedes race day with over Founded in 1969 as the Sinking Creek 60 exhibits featuring free samples, the latest Film Celebration, the Nashville Film running shoes, sports apparel and health and Festival is one of the longest-running film nutrition products. festivals in the country. Each year, the Film Festival receives submissions of nearly 1,500 gma gospel week features, documentaries, shorts, animated Features seminars, workshops and con- works, children’s and experimental films TACA spring crafts fair Festival is the only festival in the country that the ever-popular Bluegrass Nights at the Ry- The Tennessee Association of Craft is held on the grounds of a castle residence. man. Each week a different bluegrass artist Artists (TACA) is best known for its Castle Gwynn, a full-size replica of a 12th- or group takes center stage for two hours of free, juried craft fairs. The May annual century border castle, is the centerpiece of the banjos, mandolins, fiddles and guitars. Past crafts fair in Centennial Park has served festivities. Tours of the castle and its displays of performers include Vince Gill, Alison Krauss not only as a market for fine crafts, but medieval weaponry are included in admission. & Union Station and Ricky Skaggs & Ken- as a conduit for demonstration programs, tucky Thunder. hands-on opportunities and the chance to JUNE meet and talk with professional craft art- cma music festival ists. The three-day crafts festival attracts AMERICAN ARTISAN FESTIVAL The CMA Music Festival, formerly over 45,000 people to view the craftsman- Some 160 artists from around the country known as Fan Fair, is a four-day musical ship of over 200 exhibitors. are carefully selected to represent their areas event in downtown Nashville. Throughout of expertise which include wood, blown the week over 160,000 fans converge in t e NNe s s e e J A Z Z & b l U e s s o c i e t Y’ S glass, photography, metal, quilts, stained Music City to hear approximately 200 artists CONCERTS ON THE LAWN glass, jewelry and more. perform over 40 hours of live music. Daytime Every Sunday evening from May through concerts are held on the Riverfront Park October, the Tennessee Jazz & Blues Society BLUEGRASS NIGHTS AT THE RYMAN stage while evening concerts are held across performs on the lawns of two historic Nashville Every Thursday night from June through the river at LP Field. Daytime events include homes. Rotating each month, the TJBS ap- July, the Ryman Auditorium celebrates the autograph signings, fishing and archery tour- pears at Cheekwood and Belle Meade Planta- sounds of Bill Monroe and Earl Scruggs with naments and artists’ Q&A sessions. tion. Guests are encouraged to enjoy hot blues and cool jazz with picnic baskets and blankets. cmt music awards As country music’s first fan-voted tennessee renaissance festival awards show, the CMT Music Awards Travel back to a time when the music of honors the best country music videos harps and lyres filled the air. Open every week- of the year. The awards show continues end in May, the annual Tennessee Renaissance to gain in popularity among fans and in Festival relives a time when jousting and jesters prominence among critics. The awards ruled the castle. The Tennessee Renaissance show airs live from Music City each year. jefferson street jazz and blues beer from Yazoo Brewing Company. There’s GREEK FESTIVAL festival plenty to see and do with live music, enter- Experience Greek dance, music, food Jefferson Street comes alive when local tainment, kid’s activities, and don’t forget and culture at the annual Greek Festival at jazz and blues musicians take over for a two- the dessert competition! Held at Gaylord the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. day block party celebrating the impact jazz Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Tours of the cathedral are included in the and blues has had on Music City. the festival offers the nation’s largest Kansas admission cost. City Barbeque Society sanctioned grand TASTE OF MUSIC CITY prize for a barbecue. john merritt classic Located on the beautiful Gateway Bridge, The John Merritt Classic, an annual Taste of Music City provides an opportunity september Labor Day weekend event, sees over 20,000 to enjoy food and wine from some of the fans gather for football and fun. Weekend- area’s best restaurants. Taste of Music City also AFRICAN STREET FESTIVAL long festivities include Tennessee State features live jazz music from local musicians. This three-day annual event embraces University’s season opening football game, a the culture of Africa. The festival features charity golf tournament, concerts and special JUly exotic food and daily stage shows showcasing activities. The Classic is named in honor poetry, rap, reggae, blues, jazz, gospel, R&B of legendary former TSU collegiate Hall of MU s i c c i tY J U LY 4 t h : and drama. Fame coach John Ayers Merritt. let freedom sing! Each year, the city of Nashville opens americana music association its downtown Riverfront Park on the 4th festival & conference of July to spectators wanting to enjoy free The AMA Festival & Conference entertainment and fireworks for Nashville’s brings over 1,000 executives, professionals biggest one-day event (drawing crowds in and artists together from all over the excess of 100,000). Country music artists world, representing all facets of our perform accompanied by the Grammy- industry. The festival features over 50 winning Nashville Symphony. showcases and performances from both established and emerging artists. august fall fest MUSIC CITY Jazz, blues & heritage ANNUAL f i d d l i N ’ B R e w iN ’ This favorite family event has been a tradi- festival BAR-B-Q’N COOK-OFF tion at historic Belle Meade Plantation for Unofficially ending summer is the annual This event has finger-licking barbecue years. Fall Fest features fine antiques, art, crafts, Music City Jazz, Blues & Heritage Festival. from all over the region and locally brewed live music, food and children’s activities. The two-day event, that takes place over Labor Day weekend, is a reminder that autograph and picture sessions with Opry Nashville is not just about country music. members, Grand Ole Opry Birthday Bash The festival merges local and national artists shows, tours of the Opry House and more. together for a buffet of jazz, blues, reggae, funk, gospel, soul and R&B. heart of country antiques show Located at Gaylord Opryland Resort & TACA FALL CRAFTS FAIR Convention Center, the Heart of Country The Tennessee Association of Craft Art- Antiques Show has over 200 dealers. See ists (TACA) is best known for its free, juried American master furniture, art, porcelain, craft fairs. The annual crafts fair in Centen- quilts, wood and glass. Seminars, book sign- booths with traditional dishes from differ- nial Park has served not only as a market for ings and free personal appraisals are offered ent tribes. fine crafts, but as a conduit for demonstration throughout the event. The event is held twice programs, hands-on opportunities and the a year in October and February. NEXT BIG NASHVILLE chance to meet and talk with professional Next Big Nashville (NBN) showcases the craft artists. The three-day crafts festival at- JACK DANIEL’S WORLD CHAMPION- best of the thriving Nashville music scene and tracts over 45,000 people to view the crafts- SHIP INVITATIONAL BARBECUE artistic community with this five-day music manship of 200 exhibitors. Each year over 50 domestic and 18 inter- festival featuring over 100 bands performing national championship cook-off teams vie at several venues throughout the city. WINE ON THE RIVER for the Jack Daniel’s title of Grand Cham- Wine on the River is an outdoor wine pion, and more than 25,000 people descend tailgate antiqueS show festival with live jazz music. Located on the upon Lynchburg to bask in the aroma of Located at the Fiddler’s Inn Hotel in downtown Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge award-winning barbecue and celebrate one Music Valley, the bi-annual Tailgate An- overlooking the Cumberland River, the of America’s favorite pastimes. tiques Show offers an “early bird” viewing festival features more than 300 domestic and of period furniture, quilts, folk art, jewelry international wine selections for tasting. MUSIC VALLEY ANTIQUES MARKET and pottery. Merchants, from 35 states rep- The Music Valley Antiques Market is resenting 180 dealers, set up their goods in OCTOber held across the street from the Radisson hotel rooms and in adjoining parking spaces Hotel Opryland and features over 150 of outside the hotel. The event is held twice a CELEBRATION OF CULTURES America’s finest antique dealers displaying year in October and February. Each year the grounds of Scarritt- a wide range of merchandise. The event is Bennett Center are filled with food, art and held twice a year in October and February. OKTOBERFEST, NASHVILLE’S ORIGINAL fun, from representatives of more than 50 GERMAN FESTIVAL cultures. Activities include music, dance, nATIVE AMERICAN INDIAN Live German music, authentic polka crafts and ethnic art. ASSOCIATION pow wow dancing, strolling accordion players and au- The NAIA Pow Wow brings together thentic German food and beverages bring the grand ole opry birthday bash Native Americans from across the nation historic Germantown neighborhood to life. Thousands of Grand Ole Opry fans help and Canada. Highlights of the festival celebrate the Opry’s birthday each October. include competitive dancing, storytelling, world of bluegrass: bluegrass The signature event of the Opry features demonstrations, fine art displays and food fan fest and IBMA music awards The Bluegrass Fan Fest is the indoor music festival of the year featuring perfor- mances by the industry’s top performers on four stages over the course of six days. The festival also includes a 100 + booth Exposition Hall, scores of jam sessions and more! The week ends with the International Bluegrass Music Awards which salutes the year’s outstanding achievements during a fast-paced evening of fabulous performances and the music’s major awards. november CHRISTMAS AT BELMONT November through December, Belmont Mansion decorates for the holidays with yards of garland, fruit, dried flowers and traditional tussie-mussies. It’s a beautiful time of year to take a tour! CHRISTMAS VILLAGE Carriage Rides; Photos The annual event at the Tennessee State with Santa; Brightest Fairgrounds showcases holiday arts and crafts Star Fountain Show; from over 260 merchants and benefits the Hall of Trees and Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center. nearly two million Christmas lights. a country christmas Gaylord Opryland’s A Country Christ- holiday harmony mas is proud to present the Radio City There’s something Christmas Spectacular, starring the world- for everyone during famous Radio City Rockettes, back with the holiday season. dazzling costumes, brilliant choreography From costumed and favorite scenes such as the “Living docents reenacting Nativity” and the “Parade of the Wooden holiday life in the Soldiers.” There’s Louise Mandrell’s Joy To 1800s to stage per- The World Christmas Dinner & Show; Trea- formances bringing sures For The Holidays Craft Show; the out the holiday spirit. General Jackson Showboat; Santa’s E-mail; Celebrate Hanukkah,

guests enjoy the traditions of many cultures during Season of Celebration at Cheekwood. Share the magic of the season with fabulous holiday decorations, Christmas trees and multicultural exhibits. VICTORIAN HOLIDAY TOURS See the 1853 Belle Meade Plantation lavishly adorned in Victorian splendor and learn about the family’s traditions. Featured on “Southern Living Presents” on Turner South cable network in 2005. december ANNUAL T R i b U t e t o AFRICAN AMERICANS IN THE BATTLE OF NASHVILLE Tour the significant battle sites where Christmas, Kwanzaa, Posada Navidad and the Civil War Battle of Nashville occured more. Enjoy history, arts, crafts, theatre, on December 15 and 16, 1864, including dance and song in Music City during the Fort Negley and Shy’s Hill. Pay tribute holidays. to the African Americans who fought in battle with a wreath-laying at the National PLANTATION CHRISTMAS Cemetery. Each November through January, Travellers Rest Plantation decorates the g ay l o r d h o t e l s m u s i c c i ty b o w l plantation home in the style and tradition Be a part of the excitement for the of an 1830’s Christmas. annual post-season college football game at LP Field. The bowl pits an SEC school s e a s o n o f c e l e b rat i o n against an ACC rival in a game broadcast From November through December, nationwide on ESPN.