DinoTrek is a large-scale animatronic dinosaur exhibit at Nashville Zoo that returns for a multi-week run in spring–summer 2026. The exhibit features nearly 50 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs representing more than 20 species (including a 23-foot brachiosaurus and T. rex) along a wooded path near the Grassmere Historic Home. DinoTrek runs daily during the zoo’s regular hours from March 6 through July 26, 2026. Access to DinoTrek is $5 per person (children under 2 free) and is not included with general zoo admission or membership; each DinoTrek ticket is valid for one-time use on any DinoTrek date and can be purchased online or at the zoo. Sensory-friendly DinoTrek mornings (no movement or sound) are offered 9:00–10:00 AM on select dates (March 29, April 19, May 17, June 28, and July 19).
Details →Nashville
Week of May 4 – May 10, 2026
What the Duck is happening in Nashville
Whether your crew wants to stomp through a DinoTrek or cozy up with baby goats, Nashville is serving up hands-on fun for every age this week. From strawberry festivals and Renaissance revelry to STEM storytime and a Mother’s Day climb that puts moms on the guest list, expect music, food, and lots of kid-friendly surprises. Flip through for quick picks, age-friendly tips, and the best spots to grab snacks and shade for a perfect family day out.
Monday
Early Explorers STEM Storytime
Adventure Science Center
A weekly themed storytime for preschoolers that pairs a children’s book with a hands-on STEM activity. Attendees can enjoy the Adventure Science Center’s exhibits, then join storytime and a simple related activity in the Eureka Theatre on the second floor. The program is best for children 5 and under and is led by the science center’s education staff. When: Mondays at 9:30 a.m. (check the center calendar for specific dates). Cost: included with general admission (members typically receive free admission).
Open Mic hosted by Barbara Cloyd
Bluebird Cafe
A long-running Bluebird Cafe open mic night hosted by songwriter and mentor Barbara Cloyd. Songwriters of all ages and genres perform original material; sign-ups open online at 11:00 AM CST on the day of the show and the first 18 performers are chosen. Doors typically open at 5:30 PM and the program begins at 6:00 PM, running roughly 75 minutes (many nights run later). Seats are first-come, first-served. The evening is songwriter-focused and features a mix of novice and experienced performers.
Bluebird Cafe
Blue Monday is The Bluebird Cafe’s long-running weekly plugged-in blues night led by the venue’s house blues band. This edition features top Nashville studio players Kevin McKendree (keys/guitar), George Sluppick (drums), Steve Mackey (bass) and Yates McKendree, delivering a full-band electric blues set that contrasts with the Cafe’s usual in-the-round songwriter format. The show is Monday, May 4, 2026 — performance at 9:00 PM (doors 8:30 PM). There are 18 tables available for reservation; remaining bar and pew seats are first-come, first-served when doors open. Ticket reservations require a non-refundable cover charge and a $15 per-seat food/drink minimum. Age: All ages. Tickets go on sale April 27, 2026. Official event page: https://bluebirdcafe.com/tm-event/blue-monday-with-kevin-mckendree-george-sluppick-steve-mackey-yates-mckendree/
Tuesday
NCAA college baseball game: the Vanderbilt Commodores host the Louisville Cardinals at Hawkins Field. First pitch is scheduled for May 5, 2026 at 7:00 PM CDT. This is a ticketed event — tickets are available through Vanderbilt Athletics (official box office/eVenue) and Ticketmaster: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/Z7r9jZ1A7OFkv. Family-friendly; accessible seating is available via the Vanderbilt athletics ticket office or the event ticketing pages.
Details →Disclosure with Malugi
The Pinnacle
Electronic music duo Disclosure perform live in Nashville with support from MALUGI. The show is scheduled for Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at The Pinnacle in Nashville. Doors are listed at 7:00 PM with the performance starting around 8:00 PM. Tickets are available through the event's ticketing page (see URL). This is an all-ages show; ticket prices and availability vary by seller.
Wednesday
A hands-on winemaking workshop hosted by Prohibition at Hop Springs. Attendees will learn basic winemaking techniques and participate in a guided session to make their own wine. The class is led by instructors from Prohibition (homebrewing/winemaking specialists) and is suitable for beginners. Date & time: Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 5:30 PM. Tickets are required and the event is listed as all-ages. For tickets and full event details see the venue listing: https://www.hopspringstn.com/tm-event/make-your-own-wine-with-prohibition-2/
Details →CKY
Hop Springs
American rock band CKY performs at Hop Springs Beerpark in Murfreesboro on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. Show time is 8:00 PM CDT (doors at 7:00 PM). Tickets are available via the event page and are listed starting around $43.52. The show is all ages. Hop Springs is primarily a standing-room outdoor beer park; a limited number of seats may be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees may bring lawn chairs at their discretion but could be asked to move for show elements or safety. For venue questions, the organizer lists contact mhagen@lifeisbrewing.com.
Thursday
Opry Country Classics is a special Grand Ole Opry concert spotlighting classic country hits and Opry favorites. The April 2, 2026 performance at the Grand Ole Opry House features Shenandoah with support from Linda Davis and Mae Estes; other artists listed on public show listings include The Gatlin Brothers and T.G. Sheppard. The show starts at 7:00 PM. Tickets are available through the Opry event page (see URL). The Grand Ole Opry House is an all-ages venue — check the ticketing page for any age-specific notes and for accessibility accommodations for this performance.
Details →Friday
An immersive, music-filled theatrical adventure for children ages 0–5. Written by Ernie Nolan and presented as part of Nashville Children’s Theatre’s NCT Snuggery series, Bingo’s Birthday invites young audiences to join Farmers Pickle and Tickle as they search for the missing guest of honor at a barnyard birthday bash. The production embraces movement and participation—there’s no intermission, and performances are intentionally brief to suit young attention spans. Preshow lobby activities begin an hour before each performance. Accessibility and inclusion are emphasized: all NCT shows are sensory-friendly, and this production schedules Neuro-Inclusive and ASL-interpreted performances. Practical details: the run is April 11–May 24, 2026; the show is designed specifically for ages 0–5. Single tickets went on sale July 1, 2025. For full schedule and tickets, visit the official event page.
Details →Middle Tennessee Strawberry Festival
The 85th Annual Middle Tennessee Strawberry Festival takes place May 8–9, 2026 in downtown Portland, TN. The weekend opens Friday, May 8 with the free Strawberry Jam Concert & Fireworks on E. Market Street (food vendors and live music beginning at 5:00 PM; Nashville Yacht Club headlines the main stage at 6:00 PM and fireworks are scheduled for 8:30 PM). Main Festival Day is Saturday, May 9 and features 250+ vendors (food, crafts and souvenirs), a Strawberry Stride 5K (8:00 AM), Portland Rotary pancake breakfast, KidTown USA (all-day play for $5), live music on multiple stages, magic shows, historic home tours (Moye-Green House, Cold Springs School), strawberry farmers (strawberries available while supplies last), a carnival, and a 4:00 PM parade with the 2026 theme “Berry Proud to be An American.” Free parking and shuttle service are provided on both days during posted times.
Downtown Portland
The Middle Tennessee Strawberry Festival is a two-day, family-friendly celebration in downtown Portland highlighting local strawberries, food, music and community traditions. The weekend opens Friday, May 8 with the Strawberry Jam Concert & Fireworks (live music and food vendors beginning at 5:00 PM; fireworks around 8:30 PM). The main festival day on Saturday, May 9 features 200+ vendors, a carnival, KidTown USA, the Strawberry Stride 5K walk/run, pancake breakfast, live music on multiple stages, magic shows, demonstrations, the annual parade (4:00 PM) and strawberry sales from local farmers (while supplies last).
Resurrection: A Journey Tribute
3rd and Lindsley
Resurrection: A Journey Tribute is a full-band Nashville tribute that faithfully reproduces the Steve Perry–era Journey arena-rock sound. The show features Journey favorites such as “Separate Ways,” “Faithfully,” “Any Way You Want It,” “Open Arms,” and “Don’t Stop Believin’,” and this run is presented as the band’s 2026 “Majestic Tour” with enhanced video content for an immersive concert experience. The band performs at 3rd and Lindsley on Friday, May 8, 2026. Doors open at 6:00 PM and the show starts at 8:00 PM. This is an all-ages event. General admission tickets are listed at $25, and limited reserved VIP tables for four are offered for $200; tickets are available through the venue and authorized sellers (see venue event page).
Saturday
The Iroquois Steeplechase is Nashville’s long-running “Rite of Spring” — a full day of National Steeplechase Association jump racing, Southern style, held at Percy Warner Park. The 85th running takes place Saturday, May 9, 2026, with gates and tailgating opening early (8:00 AM) and on-site activities running through the evening. Race-day highlights include the Opening Ceremony and Parade of Hounds, a slate of hurdle and timber races (first race about 1:00 PM), a children’s stick-horse race, live music in Steeplechase Central, food trucks and the Turf Tavern, and a variety of hospitality areas (Magnolia Garden, Royal 615, Paddock Club, Railside tents).
Details →Baby Goat Cuddling
Noble Springs Dairy
Spend a morning cuddling and petting baby goats (kids) at Noble Springs Dairy. The farm opens for Baby Goat Cuddling on Saturdays from 10:00 AM–1:00 PM (guided educational farm tour at 11:00 AM, tour lasts ~45–60 minutes). Guests can meet other farm animals, learn about the farmstead creamery and cheese-making, and purchase goat milk products and snacks on site. Admission is $12 per person; children 2 and under are free. Tickets are digital — a copy or screenshot of your receipt is your ticket. Events run seasonally (2026 season listed as Saturdays March 14–November 28, with a special opening on Friday March 13). Weather-related cancellations are possible; the goats are in a covered barn and rain checks are offered when dates are canceled.
Strawberry Fest
Nashville Farmers' Market
Strawberry Fest (market’s “Strawberry Jubilee”) is a free, family-friendly celebration of strawberry season at the Nashville Farmers’ Market. The festival runs Saturday, May 9, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and features live music on two stages (November Blue Band on the main stage and Brother Banter on the indoor stage), cooking demonstrations by Nossi College of Art’s culinary team (11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.), pony rides and a petting zoo, traditional Aztec dance performances (11:15 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.), a princess meet-and-greet (11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.), food trucks, vendor and produce specials, and plenty of fresh strawberries. The event is free and suitable for all ages.
Gallatin Bike Rodeo
Gallatin Civic Center | Parking Lot
Bring bikes and helmets to ride an obstacle course, learn basic bike safety, and enjoy bike and helmet giveaways. The community bike rodeo features hands-on safety instruction and a supervised obstacle course designed for kids and families. When: Saturday, May 9, 2026, 10:00 AM–12:00 PM CDT. Bring a bicycle and a helmet if you have one; giveaways are typically available while supplies last.
Hendersonville Arts Festival
Sanders Ferry Park
A free, family-friendly arts festival on the shores of Old Hickory Lake featuring juried artisans, live music, food trucks, kids’ art activities, installations, and hands-on workshops. Selected makers from around the country will show work across ceramics, glass, wood, metal, photography, painting, printmaking, sculpture, jewelry, mixed media and furniture. The festival also includes a food & drink court, community-focused programming, and artist booths for shopping and commissions. The festival runs Saturday, May 9, 2026 (10:00 AM–5:00 PM) and Sunday, May 10, 2026 (11:00 AM–5:00 PM). Admission is free and the event is family-friendly with dedicated kids’ art projects and scheduled entertainment throughout the weekend. For vendor info, entertainment schedule, and volunteer opportunities see the event website.
Sunday
The Tennessee Renaissance Festival returns for its 40th anniversary season at the foot of Castle Gwynn in Arrington, TN. The outdoor festival runs on select weekends in May 2026 and recreates the streets of the medieval village of Covington Glen with costumed characters, artisan marketplace, live entertainment, jousts and games, food and period demonstrations. The 2026 festival will be open on May 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 25 (Memorial Day), 30 and 31. Castle Gwynn grounds are open to visit from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (weather permitting) with the festival wristband of the day; bus rides to the Castle grounds are coordinated from the festival site. Tickets are required — see the official festival website for ticket types, pricing, season passes and accessibility information.
Details →Cow Cuddling
The Gentle Barn
Enjoy a beautiful Sunday at The Gentle Barn with self-guided time in the barnyard and opportunities to interact with rescued animals. During public Sunday hours guests can hug the cows, give pigs tummy rubs, cuddle turkeys, hold chickens, feed the horses and meet other animal ambassadors while learning their stories of rescue and resilience. The experience is family-friendly and suitable for children. This listing refers to the Gentle Barn’s regular Sunday public visit (typical hours listed as 10:00 AM–2:00 PM). Advance reservations or a Sunday pass may be required; check the event page or The Gentle Barn’s official site for current availability and booking details.
Seussical: The Musical
Nashville Children's Theatre
Dive into the fantastical world of Dr. Seuss in Seussical: The Musical, a Theatre for Young Audiences production that brings Horton, the Cat in the Hat, Jojo and other beloved characters to life with a lively score blending pop, gospel, blues and R&B. This production runs April 11–May 24, 2026; the May 10 performance is at 2:00 PM in the Hill Auditorium. All shows at Nashville Children’s Theatre are sensory-friendly and include unique preshow lobby activities an hour before curtain. Notable accessibility features: scheduled neuro-inclusive and ASL-interpreted performances, a sensory/chill room, booster seats and full wheelchair access. Content advisories: themes of loneliness and peer pressure, a fight scene, a circus capture, and louder musical/theatrical effects (e.g., dramatic eagle swoop, mob chant). Tickets and seating info are available from Nashville Children’s Theatre.
Embellished Instruments
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
A hands-on family program in the Taylor Swift Education Center where young designers personalize paper instrument cutouts. Drawing inspiration from stylized instruments on view in the museum galleries — including Taylor Swift’s Swarovski-encrusted Taylor acoustic — participants decorate guitars with symbols, colors, and patterns. Activity is suitable for all ages and is presented as a drop-in family program. The program is included with Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum admission and is free to museum members. Tennessee children ages 18 and under from Cheatham, Davidson, Robertson, Rutherford, Sumner, Williamson, and Wilson counties receive free museum admission (restrictions and proof of residency apply). For museum accessibility information, see the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum accessibility page.
Moms Climb Free on Mother's Day
The Adventure Park at Nashville
Celebrate Mother’s Day in the treetops: buy one 3-hour general-admission climb and get a second 3-hour ticket free for mom. The promotion is valid Sunday, May 10, 2026, with climbing hours 10:00 AM–5:00 PM. The park’s aerial ropes courses and ziplines are geared to participants ages 7 and up. Regular 3-hour ticket price is $54; the free ticket applies to mom with a qualifying purchase. Reservations are available online — offer valid only on May 10, 2026 and not combinable with other discounts.