lose the fomo. join the fun.
may in nashville: the short version 👀
this month is stacked — bruno mars, chris stapleton, florence + the machine, the rodeo, steeplechase, farmers markets, free outdoor concerts, mother’s day plans + more events than you can realistically fit into one month.
may in nashville is not playing around. round top–inspired markets at a working farm, stadium concerts, one of the biggest rodeo weekends of the year, and some of the best spring events we get all season.
here is your guide to all of it. 🖤
✦ new + notable
olala café — the gulch
nashville finally has a real french bakery. fresh croissants made from scratch daily, organic coffee, and antique furnishings shipped straight from france. go say bonjour.
📍 818 palmer pl
glowbird — w nashville
the newest concept from chef josé andrés has officially opened. perfect bites, refreshing sips, and summer energy.
📍 300 12th ave south
america the beautiful exhibition — cheekwood
opens may 2 and runs through September 6: 10 trains, 850 feet of track, and 25 landmarks built from natural materials celebrating america’s 250th birthday. worth the visit all summer.
✦ event spotlight: the roundup
if you’ve ever wanted to do round top, this is your nashville moment!
a round top–inspired market at copperline ranch (a private working farm just outside the city) with curated vendors from texas and beyond, live music, food trucks, mahjong lessons, a full bar, and on saturday: a petting zoo + kids art.
📅 friday, may 1 — 12:00–4:00 pm — free
📅 saturday, may 2 — 10:00 am–6:00 pm — free
want early access?
first preview friday 10:00 am–12:00 pm — $40 at the door
vendors include kemo sabe, heidi houston, honeylow, lovely vintage rug co, storied beauty + more. this is the one everyone will be talking about. at copperline ranch, hermitage.
see their instagram: therounuptn for more!
✦ event spotlight: music city rodeo
nashville’s biggest rodeo weekend is back! three nights of prca rodeo + major country artists.
📅 thursday, may 28 — miranda lambert
📅 friday, may 29 — charley crockett
📅 saturday, may 30 — jon pardi
all at bridgestone arena. full weekend! grab tickets early.
✦ more events you need to know about
iroquois steeplechase — may 9
nashville’s rite of spring at percy warner park — horse racing, southern style, and one of the biggest social scenes of the year.
bruno mars — may 6 at nissan stadium — with anderson paak (dj pee wee) + leon thomas. gates at 5:30 pm.
florence + the machine — may 2 at bridgestone arena
chris stapleton + lainey wilson + allen stone — may 23 at nissan stadium — one of the best lineups of the year.
musicians corner spring series — may 16–June 14: free live music every friday + saturday in centennial park.
strawberry fest — may 9: nashville farmers’ market - live music, pony rides, petting zoo, cooking demos + more.
tennessee renaissance festival — weekends may 2–31: castle park, arrington, 16th-century village, performances, food + markets.
nashville spring / chinatown festival — may 9–10: international food, performances, lanterns + live music in antioch.
✦ mother’s day weekend picks — may 10
general jackson brunch cruise
chef-curated brunch + live show on the cumberland river
the hermitage hotel grand brunch
$110/adult — carving stations, seafood, live music + valet
mother mia: disco brunch — stateside kitchen
abba soundtrack, dj, disco drinks
mom’s sip & social — belle meade winery (may 9)
mimosas, bouquet crafting + brunch — $140
✦ weekly picks all month long
fridays by the river (through may 8)
fridays 3:00–8:00 pm — shelby park — free
wine down wednesday — frothy monkey
3 wine pours + cheese board for $17
skinny dennis vintage market — sundays
noon–5:00 pm — vintage, brunch pop-ups + good vibes
family brunch — house of cards
sundays 10:00 am–3:00 pm — brunch + live magic
factory farmers market — saturdays
8:00 am–noon — franklin — free
wedgewood-houston farmers market — wednesdays
4:00 pm — opening may 6 — free
want the full list?
every single event happening in nashville this may: organized by week + easy to come back to all month long.
mark your calendars (big events to plan around)
if you’re a planner, these are the major nashville events worth saving dates for now.
we published a mark your calendars blog featuring:
- the biggest festivals + weekends of the year
- events locals plan trips, time off, and friends around
- what sells out early vs. what you can wait on
(this is separate from the april calendar — it’s your long-range planning cheat sheet)
thank you for your continued support!
i appreciate all of you!
love, the nashville times newsletter team!
p.s.
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