Events

THE CONTRIBUTOR CALENDAR

Nashville’s Best Free Events Downtown

Whether you’ve lived in Nashville for years or you’re just in town for a few days, there’s always a way to get out and about without spending a ton. Every two weeks, The Contributor rounds up some of the best local fun to help you navigate all the city has to offer as well as volunteer opportunities and the occasional quick hot tips for the tourists from a vendor.

‘HOMESICK’ SCREENING

May 25 | Christ Church Cathedral, 900 Broadway

The short film “Homesick,” which looks at Tennessee's controversial "anti-camping" bill, is slated for a free public showing on May 25 at Christ Church Cathedral. In a description of the film, it's said to dive into “the implications public policy has on its most impacted community, people experiencing homelessness.” It will be presented by Dr. Terence Lester and Love Beyond Walls, which is a “movement focused on amplifying awareness of the realities and needs of those experiencing homelessness and extreme poverty.” Dr. Lester leads campaigns to bring awareness, educate and mobilize communities addressing homelessness and he brings an, “approach to eradicating systemic poverty [that] starts with challenging the public’s perception of the poor and equipping communities with the power of empathy to influence social change.” The screening is free in part thanks to Open Table Nashville, Christ Church Cathedral and Urban Bicycle Food Ministry.

MUSICIANS CORNER

May 19-June 17 | Centennial Park, 2500 West End Ave.

Musicians Corner, Nashville’s free concert series, will begin its five-week season on May 19 with performances from Alanna Royale, Lilly Hart, the Seratones and more. On May 20, Nikki Lane, Jackie Venson, Roanoke, Hobo cane and Luke Schneider will play. The multi-genre series will showcase a variety of performers at 12 concerts over the course of five weeks. Musicians Corner will take place every Friday from 5-9 p.m. and Saturday from noon to 6 p.m. from May 19 to June 17, with a special Sunday performance over Memorial Day Weekend with a special Thursday performance on June 8 by the Nashville Symphony.

THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING: A DISPLAY OF MAYORAL GIFTS

Through July 30 | Metro Archives, 615 Church Street

This exhibit at Metro Archives includes a display of items given to the Mayor’s Office over the years. Among the various treasures are paper weights, jerseys, bottles of rare liquor, beautiful artwork and other “random ephemera.”

STATEHOOD DAY CELEBRATION

June 1 | Tennessee State Museum, 1000 Rosa L Parks Blvd.

The Tennessee State Museum is celebrating Tennessee’s 227th Statehood Day with an all-day event on June 1. All events are free, including activities for families, a keynote lecture, cupcakes, print shop demonstrations and more. The day will include storytime, cupcakes and free tours as well as a keynote lecture from Tennessee State Museum Chief Curator Richard White on "The Steps to Statehood Through Material Culture."

MOVIES IN THE PARK

May 27-Aug. 26 | Church Street Park, 600 Church Street

These free movie screenings will happen throughout the summer at Church Street Park across from the library. Attendees are welcome to bring their own food and drink and a blanket to watch a movie under the stars. Clifford The Big Red Dog will be shown May 27 and Lyle, Lyle Crocodile on June 24. Food will be available for purchase.