March in Nashville is virtually unparalleled by any other month in terms of activities and events. The weather is in the perfect sweet spot between the blazing heat of summer and the chilly winds of winter and it’s now warm enough to begin easing into outdoor activities and shows.
It’s the perfect time to go hiking, camping, and fishing, get a beer on your favorite patio, or see some music in the park without overheating or having to worry about applying bug spray every 20 minutes.
In this article, we’ll outline 25+ of such activities and more starting with our top 5 picks.
Our Top 5 Picks
1. Hit up the Nashville Elvis Festival on March 21st - 24th. While you’ll have to make the trip to Memphis to visit Graceland, Nashville will host its 6th annual festival celebrating the king of rock and roll. The event will host a variety of award-winning Elvis impersonators and their tributes.
2. Check out Cheekwood in Bloom. Every year from March through April, Cheekwood Estate and Gardens hosts a month-long garden party featuring live music as well as beer, cocktails, and other beverages. Come out and see the beautiful blooming tulips on display!
3. See Fall Out Boy on March 31st at Bridgestone Arena. Your favorite emo band from the early 2000s is coming to Nashville’s largest music venue this March for their So Much For (2our) tour accompanied by Jimmy Eat World.
4. Get tickets to Travis Tritt on March 1st at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts. Catch the legendary two-time Grammy winner and seven platinum record-producing Travis Tritt this March at the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts.
5. Catch the Predators face-off against the Avalanche on March 2nd at Bridgestone Arena. There are a variety of Predators home games scheduled, but many are most looking forward to their game against the Colorado Avalanche this March at Bridgestone Arena.
Other Great Nashville Activities In March
6. Take a trip to Long Hunter State Park
Just outside of the Nashville city limits lies 2,600 acres of beautiful woodlands on the edge of Percy Priest Lake. Here you can find many miles of trails for hiking, backpacking, and cycling. There are several camping spots available, making it an ideal spot for a day trip of fishing or swimming, or an overnight adventure.
Another unique aspect of the park is its notable archaeological significance — a mid-16th century Mississippian mound located at the park serves as an educational experience for individuals or families. Also fun for kids is the Alpine Tower Adventure Park, a rope climbing structure available for large parties.
7. See Greensky Bluegrass at the Ryman Auditorium on March 8th and 9th
Greensky Bluegrass is one of the most recognizable bluegrass (or better described as “new-grass”) bands touring today. Their most popular tracks include “Windshield”, “Forget Everything”, and their cover of Pink Floyd’s “Time > Breathe”.
Notably, Greensky Bluegrass also incorporates the styles of jam bands in their music, and they’ve collaborated with many well-known jam band artists including Phil Lesh, John Fishman, and Railroad Earth. Get your tickets soon as they are likely to sell out soon!
8. Take a street art tour
One of the lesser-mentioned attractions in Nashville is the many pieces of street art and mural installations throughout the city. This is a perfect activity for those who want to get some exercise, enjoy the mild March weather, and view the many beautiful pieces of public (and free) art on display.
There are nearly a hundred unique pieces dispersed in the Nashville metropolitan area so if you desire, you can easily fill up an entire day on your tour. Most notable pieces include a giant cassette tape, Dolly Parton, and the famous “I Believe in Nashville” mural.
9. Get tickets to Cristela Alonzo at Zanies Comedy Club on March 14th
Cristina Alonzo is a hilarious comedian who has been performing regularly on stage for nearly 20 years. Her style of comedy is typically described as observational humor with a focus on Latin American, sexism, and social topics.
Apart from her stand-up routines, she’s also known for her podcast, “To Be Continued” as well as her primetime television show, “Cristela”, and a variety of acting roles. She released her memoir, “Music to My Years: A Mixtape-Memoir of Growing Up and Standing Up” in 2019, and since has been touring regularly. See her live at Zanies this March!
10. Visit Centennial Park and the Nashville Parthenon
One of the first things that Nashvillians do once winter is lifted and warmer weather starts to settle in is spend some time in Centennial Park. While most of the regular events such as the Musician’s Corner series won’t be starting for another month, Centennial Park is still a fantastic place to spend an afternoon in March picnicking, reading a book, or tossing a ball around.
However, if the weather this March is a little too mild, another feature of the park might be more suitable. Towards the center of Centennial Park is a full-sized replica of The Parthenon which houses an art museum and a massive statue of Athena, open for public viewing.
11. See Beetlejuice live at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center March 12th - 17th
Halloween is over, but true fans of Beetlejuice will be happy to hear that the classic story of this lovable demon and his shenanigans will be coming to Nashville in musical form. The current lineup for this play includes Justin Collete as the title role and Isabella Ester as Lydia Deetz. The show will take place at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center.
This show is fully accessible including American Sign Language interpretation and audio description options, as well as wheelchair access. While the whole family is invited to share in the laughs, please be reminded that some jokes may not be suitable for children. Get your tickets now on the TPAC website!
12. Visit Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
Andrew Jackson, America’s seventh president spent most of his life living in Nashville, and his non-presidential home, The Hermitage, is located here near the center of town. There are several activities available to those who would like to learn more about the president’s life, or about property itself including guided or self-guided tours focused on architecture, the president and his family, and the lives of those enslaved at The Hermitage.
For those uninterested in history, there are still plenty of other things to do at The Hermitage; sign up for a wine tasting at the onsite winery, get a bite to eat at the restaurant, or simply take a day to walk around the 1,120 acres of gardens and trails and enjoy the temperate March weather.
13. Catch KC and the Sunshine Band at the Ryman Auditorium on March 14th
KC and the Sunshine Band are celebrating 50 years of “booty-shaking” hits this year at the historic Ryman Auditorium. KC and the Sunshine Band are pioneers in the genre of disco with songs like “Boogie Man”, “Get Down Tonight” and “Shake Your Booty”. But their cultivated style also notably blends Caribbean, R&B, and funk styles as well.
If you’re looking for a classic band performing music designed to dance to, you need to get tickets to see KC and the Sunshine Band this spring.
14. Go golfing at Two Rivers Golf Course
Two Rivers Golf Course is a municipal golf course located just a short distance from downtown. This is a great option for those who enjoy the sport of golf without having to invest in the cost typically associated with membership at a country club, or for tourists who aren’t a member of a local country club.
They even provide clubs and carts for rental should you need equipment. All-in-all, a day of golfing this spring could cost you as little as $13.
15. Check out the Nashville Stamp and Postcard Show from March 10th - March 11th
The biggest stamp expo in the entire Southeast region happens every year at the Gallatin Civic Center just outside of Nashville. There will be a variety of rare and historical exhibits, competitions, lectures, and stamps for sale, and admission and parking are completely free.
Free stamps are available for kids and teens ages 16 and younger, and there will be booths with information on how to join your local stamp collector’s club.
16. Go fishing at Percy Priest Lake
Fishing is a simple and wholesome pastime and is especially enjoyable during Nashville’s warmer March weather. One of the best places to go fishing in the Nashville area is Percy Priest Lake.
There are plenty of docks to cast off of, but there are also boats available for rent if you’d like to get out on the lake and go for bottom dwellers. Additionally, there are also campgrounds and hiking trails nearby so there’s no need to secure lodging in town should you want to come out for the weekend.
17. Catch Beartooth at Marathon Music Works on March 13th
Beartooth is an award-winning metalcore band mentioned in Rolling Stone’s “10 Artists You Need To Know” and regularly tours with bands such as Slipknot, Bring Me The Horizon, and A Day to Remember.
This March, they’ll return to Nashville with The Plot In You, Invent Animate, and Sleep Theory for a show you won’t want to miss. Get your tickets here!
18. Get a beer at Southern Grist
Now that spring is around the corner, you may be on the lookout for a patio for warm-weather beer drinking. There are plenty of special patios in Nashville, but few Nashville patios also have delicious craft beer brewed on-site.
In their mere eight years of operation, Southern Grist has concocted over 1,100 unique recipes, along with a steady rotation of seasonal beers available at least once a year. They also serve up a delicious brunch on Sundays, as well as lunch and dinner Monday through Thursday. Stop by to celebrate spring!
19. Get tickets to Encanto in Concert on March 16th and 17th at the Nashville Symphony
If your family hasn’t gotten the chance to see Disney Pixar’s Encanto yet, the Nashville Symphony has a special opportunity to finally experience this heartwarming story live. A special performance of the Encanto soundtrack will be performed live while the movie plays on a live screen for the audience.
Encanto’s story relays a timeless message of family, charity, and purpose through the eyes of a Columbian family’s journey. The music itself broke multiple records, including being the first Disney soundtrack to be featured on the Billboard Hot 100. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime performance!
20. Go for a bike ride on the Greenway
If you’re an avid cyclist looking for a fun adventure in Nashville, you’re in luck! Nashville has over 300 miles of multi-use trails that take you through almost every section of town and can connect you with rivers, wooded areas, and downtown in a matter of minutes. Left your bike at home? No problem! Nashville has hundreds of bikes available for rent! Find a bike to rent here!
21. See Kelsy Karter and The Heroines at Exit/In on March 24th
Kelsy Karter and The Heroines is a glam punk band from Australia that is becoming increasingly popular in the US and worldwide.
In the eight years that she’s been performing, Kelsy Karter has received recognition for her single “Children of My Hometown” and her debut album, Missing Person. In 2023, she went on tour as the opener for Billy Idol and Palais Royal. This March, She and The Heroines will appear at Exit/In for their Love on the Run US Tour.
22. Go for a walk at Percy Warner Park
There are a number of fantastic places to go hiking in the greater Nashville area, but if you’d like to stay within the city limits, check out Percy Warner Park.
The park offers over 3,000 acres of forests and fields located right outside of the downtown area. Whether you’re just looking for a quick workout in the woods, or a day filled with birdwatching and plant or tree identification opportunities, Percy Warner Park is a great option for a warm March morning jaunt.
23. Get tickets to see Air Supply at the Nashville Symphony on March 10th
Air Supply is an Australian soft rock duo that gained popularity in the 70s and 80s with hits like “Lost in Love” and “All Out of Love.” Today, they continue to charm American and international audiences with their tender lyrics, passionate guitar solos, and epic vocals. You can catch their old and new hits this March at the Nashville Symphony. Get tickets here!
24. Get a coffee and pastry and Milk and Honey Gultch
For those brisk but not too cold March mornings, consider getting a hot cup of coffee and a freshly baked pastry on Milk and Honey Gulch’s patio! Milk and Honey Gulch is a locally owned cafe and espresso bar and fancy bites at a modest price. Their signature lattes include lavender and honey, burnt sugar, and Nutella.
If you’re looking for something a little more substantial, Milk and Honey Gulch also has a brunch menu that includes soups, salads, and sandwiches, as well as a full bar, served every day from 6 am until 3 pm, perfect for an early morning cup or an afternoon pick me up.
25. See Annie live at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center March 27th - 31st
The classic heartwarming story of the adorable curly-haired orphan and her pup on their search for a family in the big city. This award-winning musical has captured audiences for nearly fifty years, and this year, you can catch all of the beloved songs and memorable moments for yourself at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. Get tickets here!
26. Check out the Music City Walk of Fame
Similarly to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Music City Walk of Fame celebrates and memorializes the stars industry contributors of the Nashville music industry.
The walk is located in a charming park right in close proximity to the Country Music Hall of Fame, so once you’re done with the indoor exhibits, make your way outside to view the star walk honoring Nashville legends such as Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, and Emmylou Harris.
