Here’s our top things to do with kids — listed in no particular order — through Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 14.
Click on the links for more information about each event.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 in Concert
Friday, May 12 – Sunday, May 14
Harry’s last year at Hogwarts is here in part one of the epic finale Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 in Concert! See the film projected onto a giant screen while the Nashville Symphony plays the magical score live. Performances are at Schermerhorn Symphony Center (1 Symphony Pl., Nashville). Tickets start at $45.
Wishing Chair Puppet Show: ‘Tall Tale Circus’
Friday, May 12 & Saturday, May 13
Bring the kids ages 3 – 10 to see Pecos Bill, Calamity Jane, John Henry and Johnny Appleseed – live and in person, in this musical extravaganza for the whole family at Nashville Public Library (615 Church St., Nashville). Presented in the Children’s Theater at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. Running time is 30 minutes.
‘Violet’ at Nashville Repertory Theatre
Friday, May 12 – Sunday, May 21
This new show by Nashville Repertory Theatre is about healing and finding the beauty within. As a girl, Violet was struck by a wayward axe blade, leaving her with a visible scar across her face. She travels across the Deep South in 1964 and finds the healing touch of a TV evangelist who will make her beautiful. Although she may not succeed in having the scar on her face healed, Violet may be able to repair her scars within. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. with Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. TPAC’s Johnson Theater (505 Deaderick St., Nashville). Tickets are $55.
Middle Tennessee Strawberry Festival
Friday, May 12 & Saturday, May 13
On Friday, enjoy the Strawberry Jam Concert & Fireworks from 5 – 9 p.m. On Saturday, enjoy 175+ vendors, Portland Rotary pancake breakfast, Strawberry Stride 5K, multiple music stages, KidTown USA (all day play for $5), magic shows, robocars, bingo, strawberry farmers, mascot race and the parade at 4 p.m. to end the day! There will be free parking at Portland High School (600 College St., Portland) and a free shuttle to the festival area. Shuttles will run from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Then return shuttles will run after the parade until 6:30 p.m.
Franklin Rodeo Parade Kicks Off Rodeo Week
Saturday, May 13
Dust off your cowboy hat! The Franklin Rodeo Parade kicks off rodeo week at noon. To see the parade route, click here. Then, from May 18 – 20, it’s rodeo time at the Williamson County Ag Expo Center (4215 Long Lane, Franklin).
Iroquois Steeplechase
Saturday, May 13
The 82nd annual Iroquois Steeplechase is here! Watch the best horses and riders in the world race over hurdles and timber on a manicured turf track at Percy Warner Park (50 Vaughn Road, Nashville) from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. The race, sponsored by Bank of America and benefiting the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, is Middle Tennessee’s annual rite of spring. Tickets start at $50. Kids 12 and under get in free. If you are unable to attend in person, you can watch the races on live stream online.
Rock and Roll Playhouse — Mother’s Day
Sunday, May 14
Head out for a family-friendly Shania Twain concert that allows kids to move, play and sing! At each show, the Rock and Roll Playhouse introduces kids to rock classics while the band performs songs from some of the most iconic musicians. In addition, Rock and Roll Playhouse offers games, movement, stories and an opportunity to rock out for families with children ages 10 and younger. Doors open at 11 a.m. and the concert starts at 12 p.m. costs $15; free for babies under 1 years old.
Frist Family Sunday: Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature
Sunday, May 14
The exhibit is open now through September, so be sure to take the kids for a little culture and whimsy! Also, on the second Sunday of each month, it’s Family Sunday! Enjoy family tours, multi-sensory gallery experiences and a visit to the interactive Martin ArtQuest Gallery with themed Beatrix activities from 1 – 5:30 p.m. The Family Tour begins at 1:45 p.m. A Multi-sensory Exploration Station is available in the Upper-Level Galleries from 1 – 3 p.m. where you can touch, smell and listen to various materials featured in Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature.
Jazz on the Cumberland — Mother’s Day Edition
Sunday, May 14
The popular — and FREE — Jazz On The Cumberland concert series kicks off for the season this Sunday. Going forward, it’s is held on the third Sunday of the month through October from 5:30 – 8 p.m. Located at Nashville Cumberland Park (592 S. First St., Nashville), bring a blanket or lawn chairs to enjoy local, regional and national jazz artists performing live at this family- and pet-friendly event. Enjoy a variety of food trucks, concessions, vendors and even a “Kid’s Fun Play Zone.” (No alcohol, tents, umbrellas, or soliciting allowed).
