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May 20, 2025

Where Every Family Matters

Top THINGS TO DO for Parents This Memorial Day Weekend

It's Full Moon Pickin' Party time at Nashville's Warner Park! Plus, Spring Hill’s Pickin’ in the Park; Summer Songwriter Series at Rock Castle; a Kayak Float in Smyrna and more.

The couple that plays together stays together! Try to find a sitter and take a look at some of our favorite things to do for parents (and older kids!).  

Click on the links for more information about each event.

Top THINGS TO DO for Parents THIS Weekend:

Full Moon Pickin’ Parties

Friday, May 23

This unique bluegrass music series has been a beloved Nashville tradition for over 25 years, attracting families and friends from all over to hear bluegrass under the stars in Percy Warner Park from 6 – 10 p.m. With events running from May to September, you can enjoy live bluegrass, local food trucks, cold brews and more, all summer long!


Candlelight: Rings & Dragons and A Tribute to Adele

Friday, May 23

This is not your normal tribute concert — Candlelight concerts feature a talented string quartet playing your favorite anthems. Experience a warm and relaxing ambiance inside The Parthenon (2500 West End Ave., Nashville) bathed in candlelight. Rings & Dragons starts at 6:45 p.m. and A Tribute to Adele starts at 8:45 p.m. and tickets start at $33.


Saturday, May 24

Enjoy this special family-friendly live music night, as well as baby goat cuddling, at Noble Springs Dairy Farm (3144 Blazer Road, Franklin) from 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person. Children 2 and under are free.


Saturday, May 24

The 13th annual Pickin’ in the Park concert series will return to Harvey Park (4001 Miles Johnson Parkway, Spring Hill) starting in May. The fun family-friendly event features local musicians and songwriters. Bring chairs and blankets, and enjoy an evening of music! Food trucks will be on site.


Sweeney Todd at HPAC

Thursday, May 22 – Sunday, May 25

The musical thriller by Stephen Sondheim based on the 19th-century tale of a barber who seeks revenge on a corrupt judge who ruined his life comes to Hendersonville Performing Arts Company (260 West Main St., Suite 204, Hendersonville). Performances are Thursdays – Sundays, May 15 – June 1. Tickets are $22 – $25. Recommended for ages 12 and up.


Summer Songwriter Series at Rock Castle

Saturday, May 24

The Summer Songwriter Series at Rock Castle (39 Rockcastle Lane, Hendersonville) features food trucks, inflatables, yard games and original music from Nashville’s brightest rising stars! The series features four single-day mini-festivals from 5 – 9 p.m. spread out over the summer months of May through August. Adults are $10 and children are free.


Glow in the Park

Saturday, May 24

Let’s Gloooooooowwwwww! Zipline through trees lit up by glow attire, colored LED lights, music and more at The Adventure Park at Nashville (801 Percy Warner Blvd., Nashville) beginning at 5 p.m. Your ticket includes 30 minutes for a Safety Briefing and Self Harnessing session plus two hours of self guided climbing in the trees! Cost is $47.


Jazz on the Hillside / Bluegrass at the Barn

Saturday, May 24 & Sunday, May 25

Come out to Arrington Vineyards (6211 Patton Road, Arrington) for free live jazz and bluegrass bands on Saturdays starting at 3 p.m. and Sundays starting at 1 p.m. Food will be available. No reservations required.


Kayak Float in Smyrna

Sunday, May 25

Join on the water at Volunteer Park (850 8th Ave., Smyrna) and learn all about kayaks! Boats, PFD’s and paddles provided; sunscreen and bug spray recommended; bring a bottle of water and clothes that can get wet. Happens at 10 a.m. Cost is $5; for ages 12 and up.

 

 

 

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About the Author

Michael Aldrich

Michael Aldrich is Nashville Parent's Managing Editor and a Middle Tennessee arts writer. He and his wife, Alison, are the proud parents of 4-year-old Ezra and baby Norah.