Cities and attractions will offer special deals and ceremonies for Veterans Day in honor of their service. Get in the holiday spirit at holiday markets and seasonal musts like Elvis Presley’s Graceland Lighting Ceremony, A Country Christmas at Gaylord Opryland, Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas and Gatlinburg Winter Magic. Enjoy a Parents’ Night Out, head to the drive-in for a Time Warp Movie Night or solve a crime at a Murder Mystery Dinner. Here’s what’s going on across Tennessee this week.
For a complete list of events, visit tnvacation.com/calendar.
Nov. 8
Memphis – The Stax Museum of American Soul Music and Crosstown Arts team up for a Soul Cinemas screening of the 1971 film “Shaft” at 7 p.m. at Crosstown Concourse Arts East Atrium.
Memphis – Share a sip and the sounds of Pure Memphis 7:30 p.m. at the Old Dominick Pure Memphis Music Series. The Wealthy West will perform. Tickets are $20 with $5 from every ticket going directly to the nonprofit, The Consortium MMT.
Collierville – Round up the usual suspects and bring them to the Morton Museum of Collierville History 7 p.m. for Classic Movie Night with a showing of “Casablanca.” Snacks will be available for purchase. The suggested donation is $10.
Murfreesboro – Acoustic musicians are welcome at The Murfreesboro Old Time Jam 6-8 p.m. at Mayday Brewery. Admission is free. A food truck and tasty craft brews will be available for purchase.
Gatlinburg – Enjoy a guided trolley tour of Gatlinburg Winter Magic’s Trolley Ride of Lights. The trolley leaves at 6:30, 7:30 and 8:30 p.m. from Ripley’s Aquarium Trolley Station. Book your seats on-line by visiting www.gatlinburg.com/events.
Greeneville – Come on down and spin the wheel. The Price is Right Live showcase heads to the Niswonger Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 8-10
Franklin – Guests can meet Civil War re-enactors; get hands-on experience with clothes, trades and weapons of the past. At both Carter House and Carnton, the living history experience Blue & Gray Days is the perfect field trip and great for families.
Nov. 8-11
Memphis – A vivid, dramatic and moving experience under a traveling tent, experience a performance of European style with Cirque Italia featuring the new gold unit with a state-of-the-art water show at Wolfchase Galleria.
Memphis – Memphis’ most-popular dining experience continues with Downtown Dining Week 2018 with three course dinners, special lunch menus, two-for-one lunches and special menus for $20.18.
Nov. 8-17
Woodbury – The winner of 10 Tony Awards, Hello Dolly!, is a classic family-friendly musical at The Arts Center of Cannon Co.
Nov. 9
Memphis – Unwind after hours, cozy up around campfires and get competitive with Campfire Date Night Game Night 7-10 p.m. at Memphis Botanic Garden. Tickets are $15. Hot dogs and s’mores are included. There will be a cash bar.
Nashville – Experience the Academy Award-winning film, Gigi 7 p.m. at the Frist Art Museum Auditorium. The movie is free, first come, first seated.
Murfreesboro – It’s movie night 5:30-9:30 p.m. for Parents’ Night Out at Discovery Center. Parents can make wizard wands, take part in fun crafts, watch Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, enjoy dinner and explore the museum.
Murfreesboro – Salute our veterans with the Murfreesboro Symphony for Around the World with USO: A Salute to our Veterans featuring a big band performance with a singer 7:30-9 p.m. at First United Methodist Church.
Nov. 9-10
Jackson – Join a weekend of activities, programs, appreciation and Celebrating Our Veterans for the sacrifices they made for the U.S. at Englewood Baptist Church. The downtown Veterans Parade will be 11 a.m. Saturday.
Brownsville – Get a head start on holiday shopping with Holiday in Haywood at West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center. The two-day shopping event features local and regional merchants and booths filled with unique, functional and fun gifts.
Medina – The Mistletoe Mingle at White Oaks Farm features hand-selected vendors throughout the area that offer clothing, jewelry, greenery, décor, bath products, gift baskets, antique décor and specialized food.
Cookeville – Prowl around in Cookeville’s historic district and WestSide cultural district for Art Prowl, a free two-day walking art tour exploring more than 30 artists’ studios and galleries, demonstrations, kids’ activities and opportunities to meet artists.
Norris – Enjoy Fall Heritage Days at the Museum of Appalachia. Families and guests can take part in fun activities Nov. 10, including rag doll making, old-fashioned games, pottery making, weaving, square dancing and more.
Nov. 9-11
Nashville – Need the perfect holiday gift? You can shop for unique seasonal gifts, toys, clothing, jewelry, food items, pottery and collectibles during The Christmas Village at The Fairgrounds Nashville.
Tullahoma – The dark musical, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, takes center stage at South Jackson Civic Center. Tickets are $18.
Nov. 9-11, 15-18
Murfreesboro – Lots of bark and plenty of bite, Sylvia digs up the reality of relationships and growing up in a downright hilarious performance at Murfreesboro Little Theatre. The production is for mature audiences only.
Nov. 9-Jan. 1
Nashville –A Country Christmas at Gaylord Opryland features Cirque Dreams Holidaze Stage Spectacular, ICE! featuring Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, A Trace Adkins Christmas, holiday lights and more.
Nov. 10
Dover – Discover intriguing histories through photos and memorabilia as local historians help you relive the everyday struggles and joys of living between two rivers for Stewart County History Day 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Homeplace 1850s Working Farm.
Jackson – Enjoy a cocktail reception, silent auction, seated dinner, awards presentation, live music and dancing at the 29th Annual Charity Gala at Carl Perkins Civic Center. Proceeds benefit Ayers Children’s Medical Center and Kirkland Cancer Center.
Memphis – Get to the chopper! Head to the Summer Drive-In for Time Warp Movie Night with Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Sci-Fi Showdown, including “The Terminator”, “Predator”, “Total Recall” and “The Running Man.”
Wildersville – Park rangers will share stories, give unique insight and work on projects like trail building during Ranger Day 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Natchez Trace State Park. Participants earn five service hours for TN Promise, scholarships and clubs. Cost is $10.
Clarksville – Impersonators will present the stories of people from the history of Clarksville and Montgomery County during Day with the Dead 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fort Defiance Civil War Park & Interpretive Center.
Clarksville – The Veterans Day Celebration 5-9 p.m. at Kleeman Recreation Center will include a parade, fellowship, reflections, special presentations and an opportunity for veterans and families to connect with others to celebrate their service.
Nashville – Celebrate Reading at the Nashville Zoo. During the first two Saturdays in November, visitors will follow a story map to hear a different children’s book read to them at various stops around the zoo and hear great stories among animal habitats.
Nashville – The Music City Yoga Festival 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Rocketown is Small World Yoga’s annual fundraiser and celebration of yoga, fitness and wellness. Join another year of yoga, vendors, live music, local food and surprises.
Nashville – Sample a variety of premiere wines, gourmet food, listen to live music and shop artisan crafts during Sip TN 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Nashville Farmers Market.
Nashville – Join street vendors and local businesses while enjoying great food, live performances and a pup parade at the Making Merry Street Festival 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Berry Hill Neighborhood. A Very Merry 5K kicks off at 7:30 a.m.
Nashville – Grab your gear and Hike for the Homeless at Edwin Warner Park. The event includes hiking on two paved trails, food, live music and children’s activities. The event is pet and stroller-friendly. Registration begins at 9 a.m.
Centerville – Experience a power house Americana show with The Grinders Switch Hour, a live radio show on Public Square 10-11:30 a.m. featuring Tom Blizzard and the Honky Tonk Jets.
Linden – Play a character or just watch and help solve a crime at the interactive Murder Mystery Dinner at the Commodore Hotel. Call 931-589-3224 to reserve your spot and for more information.
Granville – Craig Morris & King Cotton take the stage at Sutton Ole Time Music Hour 6-8 p.m. at the T.B. Sutton General Store. Tickets are $20 for dinner and admission.
Murfreesboro – Join the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Rutherford County 8 a.m. to noon at MTSU Track & Soccer Stadium. The walk is held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide to raise awareness and funds for care, support and research.
Sevierville – Aspiring vocalists get the chance to showcase their voices during the Smoky Mountain Sing Off: Youth Vocal Competition 1 p.m. at NASCAR SpeedPark.
Nov. 10-11
Clarksville – Treat yourself or someone you love to something special at Handmade Holidays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center. The two-day, indoor designer craft market features art, designers, crafters and handmade gifts.
Elizabethton – Spend a day visiting some of the finest fiber producers and artists. The Fall Fiber Fair at Fort Watauga will include workshops, vendors, handmade items for sale, raw fibers and demonstrations of spinning, weaving and more.
Elizabethton – Celebrate the changing season at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Colonial Harvest Celebration with re-enactments, spinning, weaving and hand carding demonstrations with handmade items for sale.
Nov. 10-12
Nashville – The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will commemorate Veterans Day with free admission to all active duty and retired armed services members and their families as a thank you for their service.
Nov. 10-Jan. 5.
Pigeon Forge – Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Christmas is even better this season. Experience the largest expansion ever featuring more than 4 million lights, fun rides and attractions, plus award-winning holiday shows.
Nov. 10-Jan. 7
Bristol – The For All the World To See: Visual Culture and the Struggle for Civil Rights exhibit at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum examines the role visual culture played in shaping and transforming the struggle for racial equality in America through a compelling assortment of photographs, TV clips, art posters and historic artifacts.
Nov. 11
Dover – Come to the Homeplace 1850s Working Farm to experience the hustle and bustle in the kitchen to prepare for the Thanksgiving meal and celebrate 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for theGather around the Table Harvest Dinner.
Union City – Discovery Park of America thanks and honors those who served our country and continue to serve by offering all veterans, military service members and their dependentsfree admission 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Veterans Day.
Halls – Remember all who served at the Veterans Day Celebration 2 p.m. at the Veterans Museum. There will be a courtyard re-dedication and program to honor those who have a new brick installed and veterans from all branches of service.
Nashville – Learn the history of Tennesseans in military service, send a card to a veteran and hear stories from real Tennessee veterans 1-5 p.m. at the Tennessee State Museum. Visit the temporary exhibit, The Great War: A Centennial Exhibition.
Nashville – Celebrate one of rock’s most iconic bands with the Music of the Rolling Stones live with the Nashville Symphony 7:30 p.m. in a high-energy performance with a dynamic vocalist at Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
Nashville – Come on down! The interactive stage show, The Price is Right, gives eligible contestants the chance to play classic games from TV’s most popular game show 7 p.m. at theTennessee Performing Arts Center.
Nashville – Active military, veterans and their immediate families will receive free admission during Military Appreciation Day at the Nashville Zoo.
Smyrna- Honor our veterans with the Veterans Day Ceremony 11 a.m. at the Captain Jeff Kuss USMC Memorial. The Stewarts Creek High School Brass Choir will perform, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony.
Knoxville – A Veterans Day special bus tour “History in Brass and Stone: Remembering Knoxville’s Military Heritage” takes place 2-4 p.m. at McClung Museum of History and Cultureto show the “Volunteer” legacy of military sacrifice in Knoxville.
Gatlinburg – Join the city of Gatlinburg saluting the men and women who have served in the Armed Forces in a Veterans Day Celebration 11 a.m. at Ripley’s Aquarium Plaza that includes stirring musical tributes, ceremony and veteran recognition.
Nov. 12, 19 & 26
Vonore – Want to learn a new language? Why not try Cherokee. The Sequoyah Birthplace Museum is offering beginner and advanced beginner Cherokee Language Classes from 6-8 p.m. The cost is $50 for new students & $40 for returning students.
Nov. 13-18
Nashville – Start the holiday season with a timeless tale of good will and joy for Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center.
Nov. 14
Memphis – Enjoy a four-course culinary experience at An Evening with Old Dominick Head Distillery Alex Castle with Chef Felicia Suzanne 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Old Dominick Distillery. Tickets are $75.
Nov. 15
Memphis – Scotty McCreery and Marty Stuart will flip the switch on the traditional lights and decorations 6 p.m. at Elvis Presley’s Graceland Lighting Ceremony, with a live performance by Scotty McCreery.
Chattanooga – Teenagers can express their hopes and dreams through self-reflection, art making and find inspiration among artwork at Becoming: A Workshop for Teen Girls 10 a.m. to noon at Hunter Museum of American Art.
Bristol – Learn about Graphic Novels and Under-Represented Stories: A Talk About Persons of Color in Comic and Graphic Novels 6:30 p.m. at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. Tickets are free and seating is first-come, first serve.
Nov. 15-18
Jackson – Find the perfect gift for Christmas shopping from more than 125 merchants and enjoy several special events during the USJ Holiday Mart at Carl Perkins Civic Center.
Nov. 17
Westmoreland – The whole family can enjoy Grandpa’s Opry 6-9 p.m. at Grandpa’s Music. Grandpa’s Opry plays a variety of folk, bluegrass, country and gospel hymns accompanied by talented singers. The cover is $7 per person.
Nashville – Beer lovers and barbecue connoisseurs can sample barbecue, taste spirits, enjoy live music, compete in interactive lawn games during the BrewBQ, kicking off at noon inWest Park. Festgoers can also vote on The Best Wings in the Nation.
Murfreesboro – Get prepared for Ralph Breaks the Internet with a fun day of activities 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Discovery Center. Visitors can experience virtual reality, learn about circuits and make a cart for their own Sugar Rush derby.
Granville – David Parmley & Cardinal tradition perform at Sutton Ole Time Music Hour 6-8 p.m. at the T.B. Sutton General Store. Tickets are $20 for dinner and admission.
Chattanooga – May the force be with you at Star Wars Day 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Chattanooga Zoo. Come dressed as your favorite character as you blast into fun activities, meet Stormtroopers and participate in zoo activities with animals.
Nov. 18
Hendersonville – Come see boats decked out in their finest holiday attire during the Deck the Halls Boat Parade 5-8 p.m. at Mallard Point Park on Old Hickory Lake. The event is free.
Ongoing
Clarksville – See hundreds of porcelain pieces, moving parts, lights and even a model train making its way through the village in Christmas Town at the Customs House Museum. Admission is $7.
Hendersonville – The Guitars & Cadillacs exhibit at Monthaven Arts & Cultural Center features country singer Marty Stuart’s photographs of the people and places surrounding him since he first went on tour as a boy.
Nashville – Start the holiday season off right by giving. The Frist Art Museum will offer free admission on Mondays in November and December to guests who bring a nonperishable food item for Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee.
Nashville – Opry at the Ryman returns to the Mother Church of Country Music with performances by Carly Pearce, Little Big Town, Josh Turner, Scotty McCreery, Kelsea Ballerini and more. See the full schedule here.
Arrington – Enjoy free live jazz, award-winning wines and breathtaking wine country views in the new heated pavilion for Jazz in the Pavilion 4-8 p.m. Saturdays and 2-6 p.m. Sundays at Arrington Vineyards.
Crossville – Cumberland County Playhouse rings in the start to the holiday season with the delightful musical Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn inspired by the Oscar-winning 1942 film.
Pigeon Forge – Head to Patriot Park for the 29th annual Smoky Mountain Winterfest Celebration. Draped in more than 5 million holiday lights, Pigeon Forge creates a winter wonderland for guests and locals through the end of February.
Gatlinburg – The Smoky Mountains Harvest Festival is a 12-week celebration of the fall season with new decorations, 3-dimensional scarecrow people and area events including a chili cook-off to let guests experience autumn in the Smokies.