Experience something unique in 2018. Kick off the new year with music, theatre and events throughout the state. Many communities will honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the 50th anniversary of his assassination. For a complete list of events, visit tnvacation.com/calendar.
Ongoing
Pulaski – Schedule a fudge tour at Milky Way Farm.
See the 1930s home of candy legend Frank Mars for a hot cup of coffee, a fudge brownie & ice cream to enjoy at the historic table.
Jan. 2-28
Tiptonville – American Bald Eagle & Waterfowl Tours at Reelfoot Lake State Park are two hours, leaving 10 a.m. daily from the Visitor’s Center.
Jan. 4-28
Nashville – The Nashville Shakespeare Festival’s 30th anniversary season kicks off with Hamlet at Belmont’s Troutt Theatre.
Jan. 11
Bristol – Radio Bristol breathes new life into the historic Radio Program Farm & Fun Time with an energetic show broadcasted live from the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.
Nashville – Called one of the “finest jazz violinists of his time,” Bill Contreras, a Belmont University professor described with a music style of jazz, jam and bluegrass, performs a free concert 6 p.m. at The Frist Center for the Visual Arts.
Memphis – Stand-up comedian Brian Regan brings laughter to the stage at the Orpheum Theatre.
Jan. 11-14
Nashville - Jersey Boys, the Tony,® Grammy,® and Olivier Award-winning Best Musical about Rock n’ Roll Hall of Famers The Four Seasons, takes center stage at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center.
Jan. 12-14
Red Boiling Springs – Experience thrills and chills with an overnight Ghost Hunt of the historic Thomas House Hotel. The event includes your lodging, meals and fully-guided tours of the property.
South Pittsburg – Shadow figures, disembodied voices and cold spots. Brave an overnight ghost hunt at the Old South Pittsburg Hospital for indoor style camping, light snacks, drinks and a tour.
Franklin – The talented kids Act Too Players bring Disney’s The Lion King Jr. to life at Franklin Theatre.
Jan. 12
Brownsville – The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center launches its exhibit, I Have a Voice: Tennessee’s African American Musical Heritage, a snapshot of Tennessee’s rich African American musical heritage and its influence on worldwide musical genres.
Memphis – The stage of the Orpheum Theatre transforms with Elvis Back to Live, a multimedia musical stage production based on the career of The King and his return to LIVE performance in Las Vegas.
Nashville – See rare items from award-winning singer-songwriter Don McLean in the Sing Me Home exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame, including a signature acoustic guitar and manuscript pages from “Vincent.”
Jan. 13
Knoxville – Relive the classic action of Indiana Jones as The Knoxville Symphony Orchestra performs John Williams’ epic score life for the Raiders of the Lost Ark in concert at Knoxville Civic Auditorium.
Knoxville – The Tennessee Sheiks bring acoustic swing to the Laurel Theatre.
Jackson – It’s time for the 21st Annual CBR Bud Light Bull Riding Classic! Come see 24 of the top bull riders in the world compete for a spot in the finals on The Road to Cheyenne at theOman Arena.
Union City –Roll out of bed in your pajamas and head to Discovery Park of America for a hot breakfast of pancakes at 8:30 a.m. during the PJ’s and Pancakes event. Ticket holders will be admitted to the park at 9 a.m.
Clarksville – Explore an entire city block featuring fine art, science and history with free admission the second Saturday of every month at Customs House Museum.
Franklin – The Franklin Improv All Stars brings short form improve games and long form scenes to the historic stage at The Little Brick Theatre in the Factory at Franklin.
Jonesborough – Are you or your child interested in art classes, music, guitar lessons, dance or film and don’t know where to start? Join the McKinney Center for its Annual Spring Expofrom 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Maryville – A mini-performance of Puccini’s Turandot Opera by the Knoxville Opera Company takes the stage 11 a.m. at the Blount County Library. Director Maestro Salesky will answer questions from the audience after the show.
Nashville – Experience the aurora borealis as if you were there or take in a Michael Jackson or Pink-Floyd themed laser show at The Adventure Science Center’s Second Saturday.
Granville – The Kody Norris Bluegrass Band will make you laugh, cry and stomp your feet with a performance at the Sutton Ole Time Music Hour.
Jan. 13-14
Birchwood – At the Tennessee Sandhill Crane Festival, join in the celebration of thousands of sandhill cranes that spend the winter at the confluence of the Hiwassee and Tennessee rivers.
Knoxville - The Great Smoky Mountains Outdoor Expo features quality exhibitors and vendors in an interactive, family environment for outdoor enthusiasts at Chilhowee Park.
Chapel Hill – Start the New Year off right for the Back Country Freeze Out at Henry Horton State Park, hiking three miles each day, exploring caves, rappelling, cooking over an open fire and camping out.
Nashville – Let Freedom Sing! is a free concert at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center that honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Knoxville – Yonder Mountain String Band, one of the most popular live bands of their generation, takes the stage with their bluegrass-fueled Americana tunes at Bijou Theatre.
Jan. 15
Memphis – The National Civil Rights Museum honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on his birthday with exhibits, performances, youth-centered entertainment and healthy community pavilion.
Memphis – The Children’s Museum of Memphis hosts the DREAM KIDS 2018 project for MLK Day of Service. Families and the community will work together to prepare kits for the homeless and high-needs schools.
Chattanooga – The River Gorge Explorer logs its final Sandhill Crane Cruises after 9 years.
Nashville – The Frist Center for the Visual Arts presents Senior Mondays, offering $6 admission, a 15 percent discount in the gift shop and café, live music and special activities throughout the day.
Murfreesboro – Celebrate the legacy and life’s work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with performances, art and science experiments with free admission at the Discovery Center.
Jonesborough – The McKinney Center will mark the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a Day of Service. The event draws on Dr. King’s teachings and will honor men from Jonesborough who practiced selfless service.
Jan. 16
Nashville – Snag a seat at the bar in Henley for the new happy hour celebrating American whiskies and the Manhattan cocktail. Every day from 4-6 p.m., a variety of eight different Manhattans will be available for $8.
Jan. 16-Feb. 18
Gray - Be Miocene!
Our love of fossils will never go extinct, and we hope yours won’t either! Join us and discover why we love the fossil specimens found right here in our “backyard” and why they have a special place in our hearts. Programs announced periodically throughout each day.Be Miocene! opens at Gray Fossil Site & Museum, uncovering fossil specimens found in their own backyard. Programs are announced periodically each day.
Jan. 16-20
Memphis – The International Blues Challenge turns all of Beale Street into a four-day venue for more than 120 blues acts from around the world.
Jan. 17
Johnson City – Tinker, make, craft, build, design, learn and DIY with an array of materials for Kid Inventors Day at the Hands On! Museum.
Jan. 18
Nashville – Chauhan Ale & Masala House offers a rotating chef’s tasting menu for $35 every Tuesday night. Guests sample three liquors or wine & choose one for dinner. Reservations are available through Open Table.
Jan. 18-20
Nashville – It’s a night celebrating the songs of Elvis Presley at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Special guest Priscilla Presley will share stories and memories of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Jan. 20
Maryville – The Sound of Music, the spirited, romantic and beloved music story of Maria and the Von Trapp family thrills audiences at the Clayton Center for the Arts.
Knoxville – Join the McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture for a free Family Fun Day featuring activities, crafts, tours and more.
Jan. 21
Memphis – Enjoy an opening reception for Alchemy 4 at the newest exhibit at the Metal Museum. A gallery talk with the curator begins at 4 p.m.