13 things to do in Nashville during Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, Jan. 13-16, 2017
Looking for something to do this holiday weekend in Nashville, Friday-Monday, Jan. 13-16, 2017? You're in luck. There are great events to mark Martin Luther King Jr. Day and plenty of other events, too. Things to Do Nashville has your best list with frequent updates @ThingstodoNash on Twitter and Facebook.com/ThingstoDoNashville. Be sure to download our free app from the App Store or Google Play, too.
1. Nashville King Day and MLK celebrations, Saturday and Monday
A youth forum at the Nashville Public Library (main downtown location) starts at 9 a.m. Saturday as the Nashville community celebrates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
On Monday (Martin Luther King Jr. Day), there will be a youth program at 8:30 a.m. at Jefferson Street Baptist Church, job fair from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the TSU Gentry Center, and a march starting at 10 a.m. at Jefferson Street Baptist Church.
Convocation will also be celebrated at 11 a.m. at the Gentry Center.
Learn more at mlkdaynashville.com.
Free.
2. Music City Classic
The Music City Classic takes place Martin Luther King Jr. weekend at Whites Creek High from Saturday to Monday.
The basketball tournament features 23 teams from eight states in 17 games from some of the best boys and girls teams in America.
The money raised provides a scholarship stipend to one need-based low-income student from each of the 13 schools in Nashville. Learn more at musiccityclassic.net or call 615-4872.
Single tickets start at $12.95. Two day pass is $22.95 and a three day pass is $32.95.
3. Check out Nashville Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet'
The Nashville Shakespeare Festival continues its Winter Shakespeare season at Belmont University's Troutt Theater.
It's the 10th season of Winter Shakespeare, according to Denice Hicks, executive artistic director of Nashville Shakespeare Festival.
They'll feature one of Shakespeare’s most beloved tragedies, "Romeo and Juliet," with production through Jan 29. Directed by Santiago Sosa, the show also features a live musical score by Natalie Bell.
The star-crossed lovers will be played by newcomers Mason Conrad and Morgan Davis.
Performance times are at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays with 2:30 p.m. matinees on Sundays.
Presale tickets are $16 for students, $28 for adults, $25 for seniors and $100 for Royal Packages (limited) with discounts available for groups.
For tickets to the 10 a.m. school matinees, email education@nashvilleshakes.org.
4. Greensky Bluegrass at Marathon Music Works
The Michigan-based five-piece American bluegrass band will play at 8 p.m.
Doors open at 7 p.m.
The show is recommended for all ages. Tickets range from $22-$25.
5. Learn the basics of Reiki for pets, Saturday
This Reiki and Essential Oils for pets class takes place at Natchez Trace Veterinary Services from 1-3 p.m.
Reiki is a healing energy and can be given to any type of animal, according to the veterinary service. It's scientifically proven to reduce stress and anxiety and helps pets with nervousness and hyperactivity. Those who participate will learn how to make a healing salve for pets, ward off pests, help separate pets unite into a pack and boost your pet's immune system.
Natchez Trace Veterinary Services is located at 6614 Highway 100.
Free.
6. Harlem Globetrotters at Bridgestone Arena, Sunday
The world-famous Harlem Globetrotters will bring their world tour to Nashville this weekend. The show goes from 2 to 5 p.m.
You can expect a showcase of ball handling wizardry, rim-rattling dunks, trick shots, and more.
7. Hunt fossils at Fort Negley, Saturday
Begin your fossil hunt or chat with geologists and other experts from 10 a.m. to noon. The Fort Negley Fossil Finders meet the second Saturday of each month. Fort Negley is located at 1100 Fort Negley Blvd.
Free.
8. Family geocaching day at Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary, Saturday
Take part in the popular worldwide treasure hunt game as you hike around Owl's Hill Nature Sanctuary. It's a good time to begin getting acquainted with the game, too. This event takes place from 1 to 3 p.m.
Free.
9. Figure drawing at the Frist
Here's a chance to study the human form during this noninstructional figure drawing series at the Frist.
Want to study the human form? Enhance and expand your artistic practice every month by participating in this new series of noninstructional figure drawing sessions at the Frist
$15 for members, $20 for others.
10. See Vandy take on UT in basketball, Saturday
The Vanderbilt Commodores men’s basketball goes up against Tennessee at Memorial Gymnasium at 7:30 p.m.
11. Step back into the '90s with a rock revival, Friday
Head over to The Basement for "90's Rock Revival: Stone Temple Pilots, Alice In Chains, Pearl Jam" and more.
Doors open at 7:30 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m.
12. Drift into space with the Nashville Symphony
Here's your chance to drift into relaxing etherealism. Check out "Holst’s The Planets – An HD Odyssey" which will feature exclusive space footage from NASA.
Shows are Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
Ticket prices vary.
Reach digital producer Tabitha Waggoner on Twitter @hAfrolocks and email her at twaggoner@tennessean.com.
13. Franklin School of Performing Arts winter dance, Saturday
Enjoy the annual winter dance concert held at Ingram Hall in Nashville at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., respectively.
FSPA dance companies and student choreographers will showcase their work.
Ingram Hall is located at Blakemore Avenue in Nashville.
Tickets are $15.