Walk through 150,000 blooms, get out in nature, hunt for Easter eggs, fly to Neverland with Peter Pan, experience the first show at the new home for Bluegrass Underground, celebrate the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll or see the Violins of Hope, a collection of restored instruments used by Jewish musicians during the Holocaust. Here’s what’s going on across Tennessee this week. For a complete list of events, visit tnvacation.com/calendar.
Ongoing
Pigeon Forge – Experience some of the most captivating entertainment as more than 200 performers from around the world celebrate their cultures through music, art and dance for Dollywood’s Festival of Nations.
Murfreesboro – Learn the surprising ways science and music connect at the Science of Music exhibit at Discovery Center. Feel the rhythm through the drums, find the pitch with the pipe organ and take the stage in this interactive exploration of sound.
Nashville – Walk through more than 150,000 blooms spilling from Cheekwood Botanical Gardens like snowdrops, hyacinths, daffodils, magnolias, redbuds and dogwoods, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Cheekwood in Bloom.
Bristol – A new special exhibit opens at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum, featuring Appalachian Photographs of Cecil Sharp, 1916-1918, as he collected songs from the region.
Memphis – “The Chaos and the Cosmos: Inside Memphis Music’s Lost Decade, 1977-1986” exhibit continues at The Stax Museum of American Soul Music, featuring Patricia Rainer’s photographs of icons such as Al Green, Willie Mitchell, Wayne Jackson, Sam Phillips and more.
March 22
Nashville – Local chefs battle it out at the Iron Fork 6-9:30 p.m. at the Musicians Hall of Fame. During the competition, attendees will sample award-winning cuisine, cocktails, beer and wine from a wide selection of Nashville’s best restaurants.
Nashville – Spotlight Artist Chris Young, Rhonda Vincent, Mike Snider, TG Sheppard and more sing their own hits as well as timeless favorites 7 p.m. for Opry Country Classics at the historic Ryman Auditorium.
Memphis – Enjoy a festive happy hour by chefs Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman 5 p.m. at the Gray Canary. Meet winemaker Andre Mack and Mouton Noir Wines. Guests will then have a family-style dinner at Old Dominick Distillery.
Nashville – Learn about “This Victorian Life: Historical Living in the Modern World” in the historic Carriage House at Belle Meade Plantation. The free lecture series lasts from 5:30-7 p.m.
March 22-24
Pigeon Forge – Celebrate the art and heritage of quilting at the 24th annual A Mountain Quiltfest at the LeConte Center. There will be a quilt show, classes based on skill level and technique, vendors’ booths and quilting necessities and accessories.
Sevierville – Ponies in the Smokies takes over Sevierville Convention Center, featuring a Shine Run, car show, indoor & outdoor vendors, All Ford Cruise-In, live music, food and drink specials.
Nashville – The Nashville Symphony conducts The Violins of Hope. The collection of restored instruments played by Jewish musicians during the Holocaust will be featured on stage at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
March 22-25
Franklin – Join fans from around the world for the 2nd Annual Nashville Elvis Festival, celebrating the music and legacy of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll with live music performances, celebrity guests and an Elvis Tribute Artist competition at Franklin Theatre.
Knoxville – Musicians, visual and performance artists come together for the Big Ears Festival. The music festival and interactive experience takes place in city venues like the historic Tennessee Theatre, The Mill & Mine and the Bijou Theatre.
Memphis – Forging on the River at The Metal Museum provides blacksmiths, metalsmiths and enthusiasts the chance to network, share ideas and work collaboratively on projects while enjoying the museum exhibits and grounds.
March 22-31
Memphis – The Drowsy Chaperone, a musical inside a comedy, will have you laughing and toe-tapping at Theatre Memphis.
March 23
Jonesborough – Join the Music on the Square 20th Anniversary Gala 6-10 p.m. at the McKinney Center. The fundraiser supports the summer concert series and will include food, drinks, a live auction and live music. Tickets are $40.
Nashville – Stairway to Zeppelin is a salute to Led Zeppelin-based in Nashville and covering some of the greatest rock music of all time 8 p.m. at the Mercy Lounge. Tickets are $10.
Memphis – Guy featuring Teddy Riley, creators of the New Jack Swing Style, headline the 90s Block Party. The nostalgic throwback concert party features hip hop, R&B and soul artists at the FedEx Forum.
Memphis – Enjoy a stunning tribute to the music of the Eagles 7:30 p.m. at The NED. In the Ultimate EAGLES Experience, the band 7 Bridges recreates the experience of an Eagles concert from the band’s most prolific period.
Memphis –Brooks Uncorked 6:30 p.m. at Memphis Brooks Museum of Art is one of the hottest parties of the year, featuring winemaker Andre Mack and Mouton Noir Wines, tastes from the city’s hottest restaurants, signature cocktails, silent auction and live entertainment.
Hohenwald – Put on your dancing shoes for line dancing, clogging, two-stepping and live music for Stepping at the Strand 7 p.m. at Strand Theatre & Art Gallery. Concessions will be available.
Crossville – Singer-songwriter Hunter Grigg performs an intimate, acoustic show live 6-8 p.m. at Grinder House Coffee Shop.
March 23-24
Linden – The Blooming Arts Festival in downtown Linden is full of live music, savory cuisine, local artisans and vendors, activities for the kids, quilt show and exhibitions of “homemade and handmade” goods.
March 23-25
South Pittsburg – Things may go bump in the night at the overnight Ghost Hunt at the Old South Pittsburg Hospital. The event includes indoor-style camping, light snacks and drinks and a fully guided tour. Choose either Friday or Saturday night.
March 23-31
Chattanooga – The beloved characters of children’s author Arnold Lobel hop from page to stage in A Year with Frog & Toad, a story of adventure and friendship, presented by the Youth Theatre at Chattanooga Theatre Center.
March 23-April 15
Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain – Adventure awaits you at Rock City’s Fairytale Nights 6-8 p.m. Fly to Neverland with Peter Pan; waltz with Beauty and the Beast; enjoy radiant gardens with Cinderella and learn to sword fight like a knight!
March 24
Nashville – Grab your water bottle and a workout buddy for a free outdoor fitness class in Turner Courtyard at Frist Center for the Visual Arts. Get Fit at the Frist will combine dance cardio and strength training. Space is guaranteed for first 300 people.
Pelham – The Caverns opens with its first ever show, Billy Strings and The Sweet Lizzy Project, in the first PBS Bluegrass Underground taping of the new season in its new home. The Caverns is located at the foot of Monteagle Mountain.
Union City – On your mark, get set, GO! Hundreds of rubber ducks purchased by guests will float down the stream for various prizes during the Rubber Duck Race 12:30 p.m. at Discovery Park of America
Brownsville – Phenomenal women share their dynamic stories to uplift and inspire at “Wisdom for the Ages” 3 p.m. at the West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center. Author Bond Hopson will sign copies of her books, including The Women of Haywood: Their Lives, Our Legacy. The program honoring Women’s History Month is free.
Memphis – Graceland commemorates the 60th Anniversary of Elvis Presley’s military service by offering complimentary tickets to Elvis Presley’s Memphis to all military veterans and those serving active duty.
Memphis – Let your imagination soar with an art-filled, story-filled and dance-filled event with the magic of Peter Pan. Professional dancers will soar through the FLY studio at Ballet Memphis. The family event is free.
Memphis – The Easter EGGstravaganza at the Children’s Museum of Memphis features a pancake breakfast, photos with the Easter Bunny, crafts, carousel rides and a lavish Easter egg hunt with chocolate bunnies and lush toys.
Jonesborough – The annual Easter Eggstravaganza at Jimmy Neil Smith Park noon to 3 p.m. has games, face painting, crafts and pictures with the Easter Bunny. The Hunt for the Golden Egg will follow immediately after at the Lollipop Shop.
Chattanooga – Soak in art while getting some exercise for Nature of Art: Climbing Chattanooga 10 a.m. at Hunter Museum of American Art. Meet in the Montlake Golf Club parking lot. Climbers need to bring their own shoes and chalk.
Sevierville – Enjoy fun games, crafts, storytelling and activities for all ages during the Easter Extravaganza at the Sevierville Commons. The Easter Egg Hunt kicks off at 10 a.m.
Lawrenceburg – Grab your flashlight and step into spring with a guided Twilight Trek 7 p.m. at David Crockett State Park. Join park rangers for a chance to wander into the dusk, watch the night come to life and gaze at the stars.
Dover – They said President Lincoln could split a rail with a single blow. How many will it take you? Come to the Homeplace at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area and put your iron to the test 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for Logs to Rails.
Hilham – Bring water and comfortable shoes for the Spring Hike 9 a.m. at Standing Stone State Park. Hikers will see the natural side of the park changing from winter to spring. The hike is expected to take up to 2 hours. Meet the park ranger at the Rec. Hall.
Nashville – As part of Nashville Shakespeare Festival’s 30th anniversary celebration, there will be pop-up plays at surprise locations across Nashville, starting with Much Ado about Nothing March 24. You can buy tickets at TicketsNashville.com.
Nashville – The Tennessee Performing Arts Center presents Confidential; the all-new dance tour from the stars of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars Maksim Chmerkovskiy, Valentin Chmerkovskiy, and Peta Murgatroyd.
Granville– Michael Feagan & the Fiddlegrass Band perform during Sutton Ole Time Music Hour 6-8 p.m. at the T.B. Sutton General Store. Tickets are $20 for dinner and admission.
Murfreesboro – Shop ‘til you drop at more than 50 booths during the Community Yard Sale 7 a.m. to noon at Cannonsburgh Village.
Chapel Hill – Find out what goes bump in the night for Spirits of the Past 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. at Henry Horton State Park Inn. The investigation only ticket is $85. For $100, you get the investigation, dinner and hotel room. Light snacks and drinks are included.
Spring City – He’s written songs for Alan Jackson, George Straight and Kenny Chesney. Troy Jones takes the stage 7:30 p.m. at Tennessee Valley Theatre. Tickets are $12.
March 24-25
Knoxville – The Knoxville Marathon is the largest road race in East Tennessee. Participants can run a marathon, half-marathon, relay, 5K or kids’ run, crossing the finish line at Neyland Stadium.
Memphis – Spend the weekend with the Jackson TN Dog Fanciers Association at the 2018 AKC All Breed Dog Show at Fairgrounds Park.
Nashville – Spend the weekend with friends and a bottle of wine at Natchez Hills Winery at Fontanel. The free concert series Rhythm and Vine features local artists every Saturday and Sunday in the tasting room or on the patio depending on weather.
March 24+31
Franklin – If you’re feeling cooped up, journey outside with a Wildflower Hike 9:30-11:30 a.m. at Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary. Hikes will also be held on Saturdays in April.
Chattanooga – The haunt will be returning for Scream Break Blood Hunt at Dread Hollow in the Haunted Cavern at Ruby Falls. Tickets are $15 for this two-day event.
March 25
Nashville – See your favorite stars from CMT’s “Nashville” in concert. Clare Bowen, Charles Esten, Chris Carmack, Jonathan Jackson, Sam Palladio, Maisy and Lennon Stella will perform at the Grand Ole Opry.
Nashville – Bring your pets for Pet Photo Night with the Easter Bunny at Opry Mills Mall. Visiting the Easter Bunny is free, but picture package prices vary.
Hampshire – Sample wine and satisfy your Cajun craving with Gumbo Sunday 12:30 – 3 p.m. at Amber Falls Winery. Acoustic duo Laura Lane will take the stage 1-5 p.m.
Knoxville – Civil War curator Joan Markel continues her Civil War Lecture Series 2 p.m. at McClung Museum about preservation efforts at Fort Dickerson, Fort Higley and the Battle Field Loop section of Urban Wilderness.
Chattanooga – Enjoy a Sunday afternoon of yoga and meditation 3:30 p.m. at Hunter Museum of American Art. The program Artful Meditation is free and open to all guests. Just remember to bring a yoga mat.
Greeneville – Experience the Tony Award-winning musical inspired by the recording session that brought Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins together as The Million Dollar Quartet takes over Niswonger Performing Arts Center.
March 26
Memphis – The Stax Museum will host a free screening of the award-winning documentary I AM A MAN 7:30 p.m., along with a gallery talk by photographer Richard Copley, whose images of the 1968 Sanitation Workers Strike are on display.
Memphis –Join Indie Memphis 7 p.m. at Clayborn Temple for a free viewing of The Quiet One, part documentary, part poetry on film and a story of a human being’s search for love.
Jonesborough –The original storytelling radio hour Yarn Exchange: Ballad of Strong Women 7 p.m. live at the International Storytelling Center tells stories about strong women of Jonesborough, past and present. Tatum Spears will perform.
March 26-27
Nashville – View the Violins of Hope in person at Nashville’s Main Public Library downtown. Learn the remarkable stories behind these instruments, which survived the Holocaust and, in many cases, long and dangerous journeys.
Knoxville – Action, environmental and adventure films will be screened during the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour at the historic Bijou Theatre. Shows start at 7 p.m. both nights.
March 26-March 30
Murfreesboro – The Spring Break Camp at Discovery Center focuses on finding the science, technology, engineering, art and math hidden in our favorite toys! Kids in kindergarten-fourth grades can attend.
March 27
Memphis –Soulsville Charter School, Stax Music Academy and Metropolitan Baptist Church Choirs celebrate music that inspired and was inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 7 p.m. at Metropolitan Baptist Church. The event is free.
Nashville – Conductor Brent Havens, vocalist James Delisco and the Grammy-winning Nashville Symphony perform the incredible songs from King of Pop Michael Jackson’s 40-year career at Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
Nashville – The modern traditional country duo The Young Fables perform a live debut performance of their upcoming album Old Songs 8 p.m. at City Winery.
Limestone – Hike a trail by the light of a lantern 7:45-9 p.m. at David Crockett Birthplace State Park. The ranger-led hike will start at the Visitor Center and wind through the Crockett Homestead.
Knoxville – Sing along to Disney Junior’s greatest hits as the Disney Junior Dance Party on Tour takes over the Tennessee Theatre, 6 p.m. Kids of all ages can play games and join the biggest dance party around.
March 28
Nashville – Disney Junior Dance Party on Tour brings the biggest dance party around to the Grand Ole Opry stage, 6 p.m. Sing along to Disney’s greatest hits, play games and bust a move.
Vonore – Want to learn a new language? Sequoyah Birthplace Museum is offering beginner Cherokee language classes at the Vonore Community Center. The first of four sessions starts March 28. Call 423-884-6246 or email seqmus@tds.net to register.
Burns – Explore the Park After Dark 6:30 p.m. at Montgomery Bell State Park. Meet Ranger Megan in Church Hollow and hike the moderately strenuous Ore Pit Loop Trail. Bring a water bottle, flashlight or head lamp. Tickets are just $3.
March 28-April 1
Memphis – The Mountaintop, a fictional play about Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.’s last night on earth set entirely in Room 306 of the Lorraine Motel, transfixes audiences with its powerful message at the Orpheum Theatre.
March 28-April 22
Nashville – What happened in the Land of Oz before Dorothy & Toto arrived? Wicked, the untold true story of the witches of Oz, soars into the Tennessee Performing Arts Center.
March 29
Nashville – An exciting celebration of the songs that made Music City, Opry Country Classics features Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers and more 7 p.m. at the historic Ryman Auditorium.
Byrdstown – Enjoy an evening of traditional Irish music by Open the Door for Three 7-9 p.m. at Pickett Community Center. Money raised will protect the Cordell Hull Museum and support programs at Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park.
March 29-June 30
Nashville – The Rolling Stones Exhibit at the Musicians Hall of Fame tells the story of the most influential rock band in history through more than 500 artifacts and memorabilia, including a recreation of a Stones’ recording studio complete with their original instruments, plus a backstage-to-onstage 3D concert experience and Keith Richards’ 1963 diary.
March 29-31
Gatlinburg – Find unique handcrafted gifts and products at the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community Easter Show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center.
March 30
Memphis – Join an evening of conversation with Tony and Grammy winning artist Leslie Odom, Jr. 7 p.m. at the Orpheum Theatre. He will discuss personal stories that inspired his new book, Failing Up. A short performance with a live band will follow.
Knoxville – Open the Door for Three performs traditional Irish music and centuries-old tunes 8 p.m. at the Laurel Theatre.
Nashville Learn about Nashville’s important role in the Civil Rights movement as the exhibit We Shall Overcome: Civil Rights and the Nashville Press, 1957-1968 opens at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts.
Eagleville –Come see Peter Cottontail at the Easter Festival at Lucky Ladd Farms, Tennessee’s largest petting farm. The festival features fun games, crafts, baby farm animals and non-stop egg hunts with prize packs for the kids.
March 30-31
Chattanooga – Have a hopping good time at Hug-a-Bunny Days at the Chattanooga Zoo. Guests can get their photo made with the Easter Bunny, enjoy springtime games and crafts, hunt for Easter eggs and watch the zoo animals search for eggs.
Crossville – Bring a basket, hunt for Easter eggs, get prizes, bounce sky high on the mega jumping pillow, sail the open seas on the Pirate Ship or race down 40-foot slides 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Easter Egg Hunt Hoopla at Autumn Acres.
Jackson – Join Donnell Century Farm for the Scavenger Egg Hunt Easter Festival with zip lines, barnyard animal buddies, a tractor pulled hayride, corn hole, jellybean storybook wooded trail and more.
March 31
Maynardsville – Bring kids age 10 and under to the fun, annual Big Ridge State Park Easter Egg Hunt, featuring 12,000 treat-filled eggs and prizes.
Livingston – Kids of all ages are invited to hunt for 10,000 candy-filled Easter eggs at the Easter Egg Hunt and $300 in cash prizes at Standing Stone State Park.
Memphis – Join the Family Egg Hunt at the 96-acre Memphis Botanical Garden with the Easter Bunny, kids’ crafts, lawn games and outdoor activities throughout the day.
Union City – Scoop up thousands of eggs at Discovery Park of America’s Dino Hunt. Other activities include face painting, a balloon artist, sno cones, bounce houses, bubbles and hula-hooping.
Hurricane Mills – Hop over to Loretta Lynn’s Ranch for the Spring Fling featuring an Easter egg hunt, live music, concessions, games and fun family activities 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Silver Point – Join a park ranger for the Birds, Blooms and Butterflies Hike 2 p.m. at Edgar Evins State Park. Meet at the Millennium Trail Parking area. Remember to bring sturdy shoes, water and a camera for the moderate 2-mile hike.
Nashville –The 26th Annual Spring Art Hop at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens features 25 egg hunts, performances by Mr. Steve, the Music Man and Bright Star Theatre, art’ivities, new garden games, food trucks and more.
Nashville –Hop into spring at Nashville Zoo’s Eggstravaganzoo featuring a zoo-wide hunt for golden eggs, spring-themed games, bounce houses and face painting 9 a.m. to4 p.m.
Nashville – Join The Hermitage Annual Easter Egg Hunt on the beautiful lawn of Tulip Grove Mansion. Families can hunt for eggs filled with special prizes, make springtime crafts, decorate cookies, play historic lawn games and enjoy story time.
Knoxville – Bring a basket for the Easter Egg Roll at Marble Springs State Historic Site with craft activities, storytelling and games on the historic 35-acre property. Admission is a suggested $3 donation.
Eagleville – Perfect for date night or a night out, the Bunny & Brew Adult Easter Egg Hunt 6-9 p.m. at Lucky Ladd Farms features entertainment, games, live music, light bites and unlimited refills.
Nashville – Inebriated Shakespeare presents A Midsummer Night’s Dream at City Winery. Anything can happen when actors take the stage at 10 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 day of show.
Franklin – The Everly Brothers Experience featuring the Zmed Brothers’ five-piece band wows crowds at the Franklin Theatre.
Granville– Starkey & Clark will have you stomping your feet at Sutton Ole Time Music Hour 6-8 p.m. at the T.B. Sutton General Store. Tickets are $20 for dinner and admission.
Savannah – The Generals Breakfast at Cherry Mansion brings the past to life. $15 tickets include a continental breakfast, storytelling program and a tour of the historic home. The event is part of the 156th anniversary of the Battle of Shiloh.
Knoxville – Dennis Stroughmatt et L’Esprit Creole performs French Creole music from the Illinois country 8 p.m. at the Laurel Theatre.
