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.

MUSIC OF APPALACHIA: THE SOUNDS OF THE SMOKIES

Nov. 12 | 1-3:30 p.m. at the Tennessee State Museum, 1000 Rosa L. Parks Blvd.

The Tennessee State Museum is hosting Mark Freed, instructor of Appalachian Music at Appalachian State University, as he lectures on Appalachian music. He’ll talk about music of the Cherokee, ballad singing, use of folk instruments, sacred sounds, blues, the early commercial radio and recording era, bluegrass, and songs of the coal fields. After the lecture, Freed will lead an Appalachian jam session and instruments will be available for hands-on demonstrations. Guests are welcome to bring their own instruments as well.

HIKE FOR SAFE HAVEN

Nov. 12 | 10 a.m. at Percy Warner Park, 7199 Highway 100

Safe Haven Family Shelter is hosting its 18th annual Hike for Safe Haven, where Nashvillians can come out for a day of outdoor fun at Percy Warner Park. The event includes hiking on paved trails, food, live music, children’s activities and more. It is free, but there’s a T-shirt for everyone who donates $35 or more to the organization.

NASHVILLE PUBLIC TELEVISION'S HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT SCREENING AND DISCUSSION

Nov. 17 | 6-7:30 p.m. at Hillsboro High School, 3812 Hillsboro Pike Nashville

Nashville Public Television, WPLN and Metro Nashville Public Schools are hosting a screening of Ken Burns' film Hiding In Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness. After the screening, WPLN's Khalil Ekulona, host of This is Nashville, will lead a panel discussion with Monica Coverson, MNPS Director of Social Work & Trauma Informed Schools; Will "Big Fella" Simms, MNPS parent and community leader; along with local youth voices and others. There will be refreshments and information about local youth and family resources and support for mental wellness.

FAMILY PROGRAM: DESIGN YOUR OWN AWARD

Nov. 19 | 1 p.m. at the Country Music Hall of Fame, 222 Rep. John Lewis Way S.

This program at the Country Music Hall of Fame is free to students under 18 years old and to members. The crafting experience draws from the exhibition Chris Stapleton: Since 1978, which features many of Stapleton’s awards, including a Waffle House Tunie award for having the most-played song on Waffle House jukeboxes. Attendees are encouraged to imagine an award they would like to receive some day, and think of the hard work they’ll need to put in and the steps to follow to reach the goal, and “solidify your aspirations in this program by creating a version of your dream top prize using commonly found objects.”