Activities

A free literary festival with author readings, panels and signings at Bicentennial Capitol Mall and nearby downtown venues.

A million lights across Cheekwood's gardens on select nights from late November into January, with seasonal food and drink.

Gaylord Opryland's holiday season: millions of lights, ICE!, shows, ice skating and seasonal dining under the atriums.

A week of talks, tours, workshops and studio visits across Nashville's design community.

Nashville Zoo's Chinese lantern festival, with enormous illuminated displays lighting the grounds from mid-November into February.

A Centennial Park festival for dogs and their people, with contests, demonstrations, rescue groups and pet vendors.

Nashville Zoo's family Halloween event on select October nights, with trick-or-treating, costumes and seasonal activities.

Cheekwood's fall season: thousands of mums, a scarecrow trail, pumpkin displays and family activities from September into November.

A free Centennial Park festival built for young children, with hands-on activities, entertainment and family resources.

A Fourth of July morning race at Centennial Park with a 5K, a 1-mile race and a kids run before the city's big celebrations begin.

A free day of fall activities, Touch-a-Truck and nature programs at Bowie Nature Park, typically a Saturday in October.

A free fall festival at Bowie Nature Park with nature activities, craft vendors and live entertainment, typically in September.