The inaugural Tennessee Songwriters Week is the last full week of February, celebrating the foundation of the craft, recognizing past and present songwriters and paving the way for future artists at open mic nights and sessions across the state. February also features events honoring Black History Month and unique date nights for Valentine’s Day. For a complete list of events across Tennessee, visit tnvacation.com/calendar.
Feb.
1
Memphis – Enter a high stakes drawing game with prizes for best and worst sketches at Drunk ‘N’ Draw: Groundhog’s Eve 7-9 p.m. at Ghost River Brewing. Get ready for plenty of puns and a slew of gold-spray painted items. It’s $5 to play.
Franklin – Experience local artwork, food and music the First Friday of each month 6-9 p.m. to celebrate local artists at the Visitor Center, along Main Street and across downtown.
Crossville – Grinder House Coffee Shop presents the live “In the House” singer-songwriter show 6-8 p.m. with a performance by Derryl Perry.
Knoxville – The Arts & Culture Alliance presents three new exhibitions at the Emporium Center downtown. A reception will take place from 5-9 p.m. as part of the First Friday activities where guests can meet artists, view artwork and listen to music.
Knoxville – Relive the magic with Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in Concert with a live symphony orchestra 7:30 p.m. at Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum.
Bristol – The special exhibit, Reading Appalachia: Voices from Children’s Literature, opens at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. The opening reception begins at 6 p.m.
Greeneville – Five outstanding acoustic musicians from North Carolina, Balsam Range, bring their home country sound 7:30 p.m. at Niswonger Performing Arts Center. Tickets start at $15.
Feb. 1-3
Tiptonville- Enjoy family time at the 15th annual Reelfoot Lake Eagle Festival with eagle tours, birds of prey shows, art & photography contests, photography tours, amazing animals, wildlife education and painting at Reelfoot Lake State Park.
Memphis – Get carried away with Cirque du Soleil’s latest and most enchanting production, Corteo at FedExForum.
Nashville – Shop for unique pieces at the Antiques and Garden Show at Music City Center featuring a keynote discussion from Faith Hill, lectures, book signings, music and a bourbon party Friday night.
Knoxville – The Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, Rodgers + Hammerstein’s CINDERELLA, brings the pumpkin, the glass slipper, masked ball and surprising new twists to the stage of the historic Tennessee Theatre.
Feb. 1-18
Nashville – Learn ancient tales of meaningful connections in the Life, Love & Marriage Chests in Renaissance Italy exhibit at Frist Art Museum.
Feb. 2
Clarksville – A Chocolate Affair at Wilma Rudolph Event Center will feature sweet and savory treats from local and national businesses. A kid-friendly event is 2-4 p.m. while an adult soiree with dancing and a cash bar will be 6-8 p.m.
Nashville – Fashion for a Fraction 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at City Winery brings Nashville’s best designer boutiques together under one roof where fashionistas and bargain hunters can take home clothing, handbags, jewelry and accessories. Tickets are $25.
Granville – The bluegrass band, Nick Chandler and Delivered, delivers 6-8 p.m. at Sutton Old Time Music Hour at T.B. Sutton General Store. The $20 ticket includes dinner and the show.
Knoxville – Learn the art of working with tin in the Tinsmithing Workshop 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Historic Ramsey House. Participants will learn to use hand tools, lay out a pattern, cut and piece a design and leave with a completed candleholder.
Maryville – RIOULT Dance NY presents “Women on the Edge” 7:30 p.m. at Clayton Center for the Arts. The trilogy of dances is inspired by Euripedes’ tragic heroines Iphigenia, Helen of Troy and Cassandra.
Feb. 2-3
Memphis – Find something to make you shine at the Intergalactic Bead & Jewelry Show at the Agricenter. Admission is $5.
Feb. 2-10
Chattanooga – With its catch Caribbean-flavored musical score and vibrant costumes, the production, Once on this Island, Jr. congers up orange sunsets and ocean breezes when this enchanting Calypso folktale opens at Chattanooga Theater Centre.
Feb. 3
Nashville – Families can make letterpress art with Hatch Show Print noon, 1 p.m. or 2 p.m. at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Program passes are distributed 30 minutes before each first-come, first-serve session.
Feb. 4-March 14
Memphis – Hear fascinating stories about Memphis’ history from the 1800s to today with historian Jimmy Ogle’s Storytelling Series noon to 1 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays at thePink Palace Mansion Theater. The event is free.
Feb. 7
Nashville – The music variety show, Nashville House Concerts 7 p.m. at War Memorial Auditorium features artists Lindsay Ell, Philip Creamer, Gabe Dixon, The Watson Twins, Emily West and Hilary Williams. Tickets start at $30.
Nashville – Learn the skills you need to survive with apocalyptic activities, teambuilding challenges and craft brews at the Way Late Play Date: Dystopian Worlds 6:30-10 p.m. atAdventure Science Center. Food trucks will be on site.
Chattanooga – Talented Poets of Rhyme ‘n’ Chatt bring new voices with Vision + Verse 6 p.m. to the Hunter Museum of American Art . The program is free and open to the public, exploring works representing the American South.
Feb. 8
Memphis – Grit, grind, groove and get funky. Staxtacular 2019 at Stax Museum of American Soul Music features a live show by the legendary Bar-Kays 7 p.m. Tickets are $175 and benefit Stax Music Academy.
Memphis – More than 20 musicians and singers bring the legendary Glenn Miller sound and perform classics like “In the Mood” and “Chattanooga Choo Choo” 7 p.m. at the Orpheum Theater.
Murfreesboro – The Boro Art Crawl kicks off the 2019 season with a celebration of the Chinese New Year. Catch the Dragon Dance 6 p.m. on the Murfreesboro Downtown Square.
Murfreesboro – Don’t hire a sitter; drop the kids off at the Discovery Center for a movie night. Parents’ Night Out 5:30-9:30 p.m. features a dinner, museum exploration time, fun educational games and more for children ages 4-12.
Bristol – Radio Bristol Sessions showcase today’s roots music artists. Rayland Baxter performs during the live recorded performance 2 p.m. at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. Everyone is invited to be a part of the studio audience.
Feb. 8-10
Nashville – The wonderful Wizard of Oz follows the yellow brick road to Nashville with breathtaking special effects, dazzling choreography and classic songs at Tennessee Performing Arts Center.
Feb. 8-23
Woodbury – Singin’ in the Rain dances onto the stage at The Arts Center of Cannon County. See the toe-tapping trio as they take on Tinsel Town in the stage adaptation of the beloved film.
Feb. 9
Memphis – Up your Valentine’s Day game this year with perfect pairings from Philip Ashley chocolates with Whiskey, Wine and Chocolates 7-10 p.m. at Memphis Botanic Garden. $50 tickets include live music, hors d’oeuvres and a fireside cocktail lounge.
Memphis – “I, Too, Am America” recounts the lives of African-American historic figures like Ida B. Wells and Sojourner Truth 10 a.m. at the Halloran Centre at Orpheum Theatre. Tickets are $15.
Covington – Just in time for Valentine’s Day, take a Chocolate Tour around Covington’s Historic Square while sampling delicious chocolate candies and desserts from local shops.
Kenton – All you need is love and wine. White Squirrel Winery hosts its Valentine’s Dinner. Tickets are $200 per couple and include a five-course dinner, five wines (featuring the new chocolate strawberry dessert wine) and live music.
Halls – Taste a multitude of gourmet chocolate treats during Chocolate Bliss 2-4 p.m. at Halls First United Methodist. Tickets are $10.
Murfreesboro – Calling all princesses! Wear your tiara, gown or costume for Princess Day as you browse the exhibit “Wedding Dresses through the Decades” 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. atOaklands Mansion. Every gown tells a story of love and history.
Granville – Avery Trace takes 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.
Jonesborough – Chocolate lovers won’t want to miss the 4th annual Chocolate Fest 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. downtown. Sample handmade chocolates, enjoy live music and indulge in chocolate-inspired food and drinks at local restaurants.
Elizabethton – Nature enthusiasts unite for the 12th annual Winter Roan Mountain Naturalists’ Rally kicking off at 9:30 a.m. at Roan Mountain State Park Conference Center. Guests can listen to speakers, field experts and take guided hikes.
Pigeon Forge – Climb aboard the First Class Valentine’s Dinner at the Titanic Museum. Reserve your spot at 800-381-7670.
Feb. 9-17
Chattanooga – Looking for something unique to do for Valentine’s Day? Experience an intimate tour of Ruby Falls with Romance at Ruby. The date night includes a special lantern tour, keepsake photo, rose and the story of a legendary romance.
Feb. 10
Union City – Guests can have an up-close encounter with a bald eagle, a red-tailed hawk and even a barred owl at Birds of Prey 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Discovery Park of America. The event is free with membership or museum admission.
Feb. 10-14
Bristol – The Birthplace of Country Music Museum Celebrates 100 Years of Tennessee Ernie Ford with special events, a musical performance, a conversation with Ford’s son Buck, a special church service, show screenings and birthday cake.
Feb. 12-17
Nashville – It’s Jersey Boys meets West Side Story in Broadway’s new hit musical, A Bronx Tale, at Tennessee Performing Arts Center. The crowd-pleaser takes the audience to the stoops of the Bronx in the 1960s.
Feb. 13
Jackson – Step under the big top for Garden Bros. Circus 4:30 or 7:30 p.m. at Oman Arena with a human pyramid, elephants, daring aerial artists’ motorcycles in the Sphere of Fear, Chinese acrobats, death defying trapeze artists, clowns and jugglers.
Feb. 14
Union City – Treat your special someone to dinner among the dinosaurs and the starlit bar in the tower at Discovery Park of America. Dinner is served at 7 p.m. Tickets are $150 per couple and all proceeds benefit Discovery Park of America.
Leiper’s Fork – Leiper’s Fork Distillery hosts Romance & Spirits 6:30 p.m. with a curated four-course meal. The Sweetheart Soiree is $150 per couple, which includes dinner and two cocktails.
Nashville – Celebrate Valentine’s Day with loved ones at Love Struck 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Frist Art Museum. The $50 ticket includes one admission to the Life, Love & Marriage Chests in Renaissance Italy exhibit, two drink tickets, assorted light bites and parking validation.
Nashville – Enjoy an intimate and guided pairing of Natchez Hills wines and a sampling of locally-curated meats, cheeses and truffles 6-7 p.m. with happy hour to follow inside theNashville Farmers Market. Tickets are $20 per guest.
Bristol – Radio Bristol presents Farm and Fun Time 7 p.m. at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum featuring Rachel Baiman, Beth Snap and host band Bill and the Belles.
Johnson City – Get your feet moving with the country bands of ETSU’s Bluegrass, Old-Time and Country Music Studies program for a night of dancing and country music 7 p.m. at theValentine’s Country Dance at the Down Home. The show is $10.
Feb. 14-17
Memphis – Find magic and wonder under the big top at the Agricenter for the Shrine Circus. Performance times vary. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children and kids 2 and under get in free.
Nashville – Enjoy a concert, take in a sports game, see the latest art exhibit or get some laughs at a comedy show. Here’s how you can spend Valentine’s Day weekend in Music City.
Feb. 15
Crossville – Parker Pressley takes the stage for the singer-songwriter show “In the House” 6 p.m. at Grinder House Coffee Shop.
Knoxville – Experience an intimate evening with Erick Baker, Americana singer-songwriter, Emmy Award-winning writer and host of the national PBS travel TV series Tennessee Valley Uncharted, 8 p.m. at the Bijou Theatre.
Feb. 15-16
Gatlinburg- Join the fun at Ripley’s Aquarium of the Smokies for Sips & Sharks. The 21+ over event offers a behind-the-scenes tour of the aquarium, a couple of complimentary beverages, chances to play trivia and hors d’oeuvres.
Feb. 15-17
Memphis – Skip the cold weather and imagine what it’s like to be on the water during the Mid-South Sports Boat & RV Show at the Agricenter. Admission is $10 for adults. Children 12 and under get in free.
Feb. 16
Brentwood – Solve riddles and clues during Geocaching Day 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary. Geocaches are hidden in containers that can be found using a GPS or smartphone. New sites are set up to be found. Tickets are $10.
Hendersonville – Echoes of Conversations is a tribute to African Americans in art, literature and poetry featuring Nashville artist Michael J. McBride. The opening reception is 6-9 p.m. at Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center. The exhibit is open through March 17.
Linden – Elvis tribute artist Jason Whited performs some of Elvis’ most iconic songs such as “Love Me Tender” and “Jailhouse Rock” at Commodore Hotel Linden.
Granville – East Nash Grass takes 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.
Chattanooga – Celebrate the season of love among the animals during Valentine’s Day at the Zoo 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Chattanooga Zoo.
Knoxville – Learn a new skill in the Beginner Crochet Workshop 10-11:30 a.m. at Historic Ramsey House. The class will start with a simple dish cloth or scarf, go over basic techniques and discuss supplies. All materials will be provided.
Rugby – Fall in love with a village. Fall in love with tea. Historic Rugby, Inc. will host Hearts & High Tea 4:30-6:30 p.m. at Historic Newbury House. Reservations are $30 per person.
Pulaski – Charge up Valentine’s weekend with a delicious country breakfast 10 a.m. at Milky Way Farm Manor House and then take a guided tour exploring the historic barns of Milky Way Farm. Tickets are $40. Reserve by calling 931-808-2281.
Feb. 16-17
Jackson – West Tennessee’s largest exotic event is back with face painting, mini pigs, sugar gliders, food, kids’ toys, monkeys, scorpions and other critters at the Exotic Pet Show atJackson Fairgrounds. Admission is $2. Kids 12 and under get in free.
Feb. 17
Elizabethton – Sample finger foods, appetizers, pastries, coffee and tea at the Early 19th Century Formal Sweetheart Tea 2-4 p.m. at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park. Space is limited. Reserve early by calling 423-543-5808.
Feb. 18
Nashville – Get up close and personal with legendary hit songwriters and Nashville’s hottest rising stars at Big Stage Mondays Hit Songwriters Show presented by Backstage Nashville at3rd & Lindsley 2:30 p.m. featuring Ray Stephenson..
Murfreesboro – School is out, camp is in. Kids will make craft projects, participate in an edible science experiment and walk away with a start to their own scientific recipe book duringPresidents’ Day Camp 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Discovery Center.
Feb. 1
Memphis - Twenty-five songwriters compete during one of four Open Mic Night Roadshows 7 p.m. at Lafayette’s Music Room. The top songwriter from each of the four events will perform March 31 at The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville.
Feb. 21
Chattanooga - Twenty-five songwriters compete during one of four Open Mic Night Roadshows 7 p.m. at The Camp House. The top songwriter from each of the four events will perform March 31 at The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville.
Farragut – Grab your friends and enjoy a ladies night out. Three local female singer-songwriters share their music at the inaugural Ladies Night Songwriters Showcase 7-9 p.m. at The Casual Pint.
Pulaski – The Songwriter’s Dream Series 7 p.m. at Martin Methodist College reveals the stories behind the songs with performances by Mo Pitney and Bobby Tomberlin.
Feb. 22
Murfreesboro – Grab a group of friends and enjoy Ladies Night 6-8 p.m. at Oaklands Mansion. Ladies can step back in time and enjoy the exhibit “Wedding Dresses through the Decades.” Tickets are $10.
Crossville – Three-time No. 1 hit Billboard Country songwriter Dave Pahanish takes the stage 6 p.m. at Grinder House Coffee Shop’s live “In the House” singer-songwriter show.
Knoxville – Twenty-five songwriters compete during one of four Open Mic Night Roadshows 7 p.m. at WDVX at Visit Knoxville. The top songwriter from each of the four events will perform March 31 at The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville.
Feb. 23
Nashville – “Miss Country Soul” Jeannie Seely with special guest Tim Atwood host a Songwriter Session 11:30 a.m. at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Attendees must have a program pass and seating is limited.
Nashville – Get up close and personal with legendary songwriters at Nashville’s only daytime Backstage Nashville! Songwriters Show 12:30 p.m. at 3rd and Lindsley featuring Ray Stephenson.
Granville – The Kevin Prater Band takes 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.
Johnson City – Twenty-five songwriters compete during one of four Open Mic Night Roadshows 7 p.m. at The Down Home. The top songwriter from each of the four events will perform March 31 at The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville.
Sevierville – Readers of all ages can celebrate authors and literature at the Rose Glen Literary Festival featuring book signings, workshops, well-known speakers and lectures atSevierville Convention Center.
Oak Ridge – Discover the world’s cultures through performances, food, crafts, children’s activities and booths highlighting countries and regions of the world at the International Festival 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Children’ Museum of Oak Ridge.
Waverly – Local songwriters showcase their talent during Songwriter’s Open Mic Night 7-9 p.m. at SoulShine. Songwriters get a chance to win an opening performance with Tayla Lynn and Tre Twitty on July 6 at Loretta Lynn’s Ranch.
Farragut – Celebrate Tennessee Songwriters Week with the inaugural Songwriters Showcase: Songwriters in the Round 7-11 p.m. at The Casual Pint with four singer/songwriters.
Feb. 24
Elizabethton – Enjoy rich musical traditions of the region at the Old Time Music Jam 1:30-4 p.m. at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park. Musicians of all levels are welcome. Guests who don’t play can kick back and enjoy the tunes.
Feb. 25
Huntingdon – The University of Tennessee, Martin Department of Music Showcase 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. or 7 p.m. will feature outstanding musical performances at The Dixie Carter Performing Arts and Academic Enrichment Center.
Jonesborough – The Jonesborough Yarn Exchange: Affrilachia 7 p.m. at the International Storytelling Center tells real-life stories from the region performed by African American artists and leaders. Tickets are $5.
Feb. 28-March 3
Nashville – Come experience the timeless appeal and importance of gardens at The Fairgrounds Nashville. Each year, the Nashville Lawn and Garden Show brings a new theme with floral displays, speakers and more.
Ongoing
Tiptonville – Explore nature and spot wildlife during the new year with American Bald Eagle & Waterfowl Tours at Reelfoot Lake State Park. Tours leave 10 a.m. daily from the Visitor’s Center. Saturday and Sunday buses leave at 10 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
Union City – Discovery Park of America’s newest exhibit, Towers of Tomorrow with Lego Bricks, is on display through May 5. Experience skyscrapers from around the world and head to the building table to create your own.
Brownsville – The exhibit, Portraits in Soul, at West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center features legendary performers such as Isaac Hayes, Steve Cropper and Rufus Thomas. The exhibit is open through March 5.
Nashville – Check out the Lonely Hearts Club pop-up at the eclectic Bobby Hotel with over-the-top décor, including a ceiling full of lights and paper lanterns, neon signs, interactive chalkboard and drink specials like the Cool Hand ‘Cuke.
Nashville – Get up close and personal with legendary hit songwriters and Nashville’s hottest rising stars at Big Stage Mondays 2:30 p.m. at 3rd and Lindsley.
Murfreesboro – Celebrate Black History Past, Present and Future all month at Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center. The museum will celebrate the culture and history of African Americans with music, authentic dishes, history and inventions.
Chattanooga – During the month of February, college students and scouting organizations will get a 50% discount on admission to the Tennessee Aquarium and to screenings at the IMAX 3D Theater.
Chattanooga – Experience a daredevil feat on the big screen. See the Academy Award-nominated documentary, Free Solo, at Tennessee Aquarium’s IMAX Theater. The film tells the story of Alex Hannold’s scaling of Yosemite National Park’s El Capitan without ropes or safety equipment.
Jonesborough – Each Tuesday at 7 p.m., the Jonesborough Storytelling Guild features four of the region’s finest tellers. Performers weave folktales, fairytales, tall tales, historic and personal Stories ‘N More in a family-friendly environment.
Knoxville – February is Heart Month and Art Market Gallery is celebrating with heart-themed art all month, including pieces such as “Love Makes the World Go Round.” The gallery also has gifts sweethearts will love.
Pulaski – Grab a hot cup of coffee, a fudge brownie and ice cream and take a tour of Milky Way Farm to see the 1930s home of candy legend Frank Mars.
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.