Nashville, Tennessee, is a vibrant city that offers a diverse array of activities and experiences, making it an ideal destination for both locals and tourists. Here are some fun and unique things to do in Nashville, covering a mix of current events, popular attractions, and hidden gems.
### Music Experiences
Nashville, known as Music City, is a paradise for music lovers. This November, you can catch a show at the iconic Grand Ole Opry, which offers a warm, indoor setting to enjoy the best in country music. The Opry often hosts special holiday-themed shows, adding a festive spirit to the performances.
For a behind-the-scenes look, consider the Opry House Backstage Tour, where you can explore dressing rooms, green rooms, and even stand in the spot where many legendary performances have taken place.
If you're looking for something different, the Ryman Auditorium is hosting several notable concerts, including a residency by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, and a reunion concert featuring cast members from the TV series "Nashville".
### Unique Tours and Activities
One of the most unique experiences in Nashville is the Redneck Comedy Bus Tour. This two-hour ride on a converted school bus takes you through Music City's quirkiest landmarks while entertaining you with outrageous Southern humor.
For a scenic and festive experience, board the General Jackson Showboat for a lunch or dinner cruise along the Cumberland River. The cruise features Thanksgiving-themed dinners and live performances onboard, set against the backdrop of changing autumn colors.
### Art and Culture
Nashville has a thriving art scene. The city hosts various art crawls, such as the First Friday in Downtown Franklin, First Saturday in Downtown and WeHo, and the Third Saturday at the 100 Taylor Street Arts Market in Germantown. These events allow you to explore multiple galleries and artists in one evening.
The Southern Festival of Books, held at Bicentennial Mall State Park, is a literary event that brings together dozens of authors for a day of readings and discussions. This event is free and offers a lovely way to spend an autumn day.
### Outdoor Adventures
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Cheekwood Harvest celebration is a must-visit. This annual event features clever constructions using 7,500 pumpkins and 4,000 chrysanthemums, along with a pumpkin patch where you can pick your own pumpkin.
The Nashville Zoo's Boo at the Zoo is a fun event for families, offering free rides, trick-or-treating, special animal shows, and spooktacular scenes. It's not too scary for younger kids, making it an ideal family outing.
### Food and Drink Experiences
Nashville is renowned for its culinary scene. The Music City Bacon and Barrel Festival, held at Loveless Barn, offers unlimited samples of bacon-themed dishes and 15 whiskey samples. The event includes live music, cocktails, and photo ops, making it a unique gastronomic experience.
For coffee enthusiasts, the Nashville Coffee Festival at Marathon Music Works is a new event this year, featuring coffee, tea, food, and live music from some of Nashville's best bands.
### Sports and Family Activities
Sports fans can enjoy a variety of events, including the Vanderbilt vs. Texas game, welcoming the Longhorns to Nashville. For a family-friendly activity, the Nashville Children’s Theatre is presenting "Wheels on the Bus," an interactive and immersive play suitable for ages 0 to 5 years old.
### Cultural and Community Events
The Kosher Nashville Hot Chicken + Jewish Arts & Music Festival at the Gordon Jewish Community Center is a unique cultural event that combines kosher hot chicken with Jewish arts and music. This festival is a great way to experience the diverse cultural landscape of Nashville.
The Shop Black Fest on November 30 at the Scarritt Bennett Center is another cultural event that promotes local Black businesses and artisans, offering a platform for shopping, networking, and community engagement.
### Hidden Gems
For a unique shopping experience, visit the Christmas Village at the Fairgrounds in Nashville from November 10-12. This event allows you to get a head start on your holiday shopping with unique and interesting gifts, and there are also opportunities to take photos with Santa.
The Nashville Beadshow, held at The Fairgrounds Nashville on November 2-3, is a hidden gem for craft enthusiasts, offering a wide range of beads and beading supplies.
In summary, Nashville offers a rich tapestry of activities that cater to all interests, from music and art to outdoor adventures and unique cultural events. Whether you're a local or a tourist, there's always something exciting to discover in this vibrant city.
