15 things to do Memorial Day weekend in Nashville
Are you visiting Nashville for the Memorial Day holiday weekend or a local looking for something to do? Let this be your go-to list for things to do from Friday, May 27, to Monday, May 30. And be sure to download our Things to Do Nashville app for a chance to win tickets to a suite party during the CMA Music Festival.
1. Visit the Vietnam Memorial Wall through Monday (Memorial Day)
A replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial will be in Nashville from May 26 through Memorial Day at the Nashville National Cemetery. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1420 Gallatin Road S. in Madison. Keep reading for more Memorial Day-themed events throughout this weekend list.
Free.
2. SuperCoolFunFest at Cumberland Park, Saturday
It's a festival that will take you back to the golden days of the 1990s. SuperCoolFunFest involves My So Called Band, an MTV Spring Break Dance Party and more.
"Think of your best childhood memories, but add beer, food trucks, and live music," says the SuperCoolFunFest website.
Proceeds go to benefit Greenways for Nashville.
The festival is at Cumberland Park, 592 S. First St., from 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Tickets range from $8 to $69.95.
3. Hard Working Americans hosts free block party and fundraiser, Memorial Day
Todd Snider's band, Hard Working Americans are holding a free album release block party on Lower Broadway. It's also a fundraiser for Blood:Water. The show will be presented by Lightning 100 outside Acme Feed and Seed at 2 p.m. It's a family-friendly event.
4. Honor the fallen at the Nashville National Cemetery, Memorial Day
The Nashville National Cemetery will place small flags on each grave. You can take part in a ceremonial program at 1 p.m. The program includes music and a speech from director of nonprofit Operation Stand Down, Col. John Krenson. Don't forget, you also can visit the traveling Vietnam Veterans wall while you're there. The cemetery is at 1420 Gallatin Pike S. in Madison.
5. Mahler's Third Symphony with Nashville Symphony and Chorus
Experience the musical universe of Gustav Mahler on May 26-28 when Giancarlo Guerrero and the Nashville Symphony perform his Third Symphony.
Performances are at 7 p.m. May 26 and 8 p.m. May 27 and 28 at Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
Ticket prices vary. Visit NashvilleSymphony.org.
6. Nashville Bike Party hosts Glow Ride II, Friday
If you missed out the first time or just want to do it again, join the Nashville Bike Party for Glow Ride the Sequel on Friday.
Glow sticks will be snapped and bikes decorated. It's expected to be a slow ride, according to the group's Facebook event page. The ride starts at the Nashville Parthenon, 2500 West End Ave.
Check out the event's Facebook page here.
Free, unless you need to rent a bicycle from Nashville B-cycle.
7. Memorial Day Dash 5K
Start your morning with the Memorial Day Dash 5K looping around historic Fort Negley and through the Nashville City Cemetery. A prize will be awarded for the runner with the most patriotic outfit. The race starts at 7:30 a.m.
Tickets are $35.
8. Take a picnic to Fort Negley on Memorial Day
Memorial Day also is a great time to take a picnic to the top of Fort Negley, learn about the Civil War and admire the view.
Free. Visit the Metro Parks website for more information.
9. 'International Playhouses' continues at Cheekwood
Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art's interactive gardens exhibit showcases playhouses you can travel through. Family tours are at 10:30 a.m. Saturdays. The exhibit closes Sept. 4. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday at 1200 Forrest Park Drive.
Prices vary. Visit http://cheekwood.org/Visitors/Hours_and_Admission.aspx for information. Note that Cheekwood is closed on Mondays, including Memorial Day.
10. Blake Shelton exhibit at Country Music Hall of Fame opens Friday
If you're a Blake Shelton fan, don't stop reading. "Blake Shelton: Based on a True Story" opens at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on Friday. The exhibition takes a look at what brought Shelton his success.
Learn more on the Country Music Hall of Fame's exhibit page about Shelton.
Ticket prices vary. Check out countrymusichalloffame.org/ContentPages/buy-tickets for more information.
11. Nashville Zoo's Zoovie Night, Friday
Watch "Minions" at the Nashville Zoo during this family night. Zoovie night includes games, inflatables, music, crafts and after-hour access to the carousel and zip line, according to information provided by the zoo. The movie will start at sunset.
The Nashville Zoo recommends bringing a blanket.
Members get in free, but nonmembers get in with admission, or if they enter after 6 p.m., it's $6 per person. Learn more at nashvillezoo.org or on the Nashville Zoo's Facebook page.
12. Classy Combines with Turismo Drift: Inaugural Car Show at The Fairgrounds Nashville, Saturday
Tennessee Classy Combines and Turismo Drift are hosting a car show within an event.
There will be a $12,000 purse for drivers in a race with talented drivers, plus a car showcase.
It's at the Fairgrounds Speedway at 500 Wedgewood Ave. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Tickets are $25 at the door.
13. Kidsville at the Parthenon, Saturday
There'll be a musical meet and greet during Kidsville at Centennial Park from noon to 2 p.m. along with an instrument workshop, art and more from 2:45 to 5:15 p.m.
Free.
14. Tennessee Renaissance Festival continues Friday, Saturday and Sunday
If you ever get the itch to dress up like a Renaissance man or go back in time, this may be your final opportunity. The Tennessee Renaissance Festival continues Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The festival address is 2124 New Castle Road, Arrington, Tenn., 37014.
Ticket prices vary. Parking is free, and so is admission for children 5 and under.
15. Wine, Dine and Nine Summer Series at Gaylord Springs Golf Links kicks off Friday
Benefiting the American Heart Association, this presentation from Gaylord Opryland's chefs will be in an outdoor setting at the Gaylord Springs Golf Links. The event is 6-10 p.m. Friday.
Tickets are $45 per person, and you can add a round of golf for $30.
Reporter Jen Todd contributed to this article.
Reach digital producer Tabitha Waggoner at twaggoner@tennessean.com and on Twitter @hAfrolocks.