Start 2019 off with a new skill. Learn how to foxtrot, ice skate, build a bluebird nest box, make clay art, write a song or vinyasa at a yoga festival. Listen to storytellers and songwriters, go on a scavenger hunt or coffee crawl. Here’s a look at what’s going on across Tennessee this month. For a complete list of events, visit tnvacation.com/calendar.
Jan.
10
Chattanooga – Experience the collection Dancing to Life with an in-gallery performance by MTSU Assistant Professor of Dance Isadora Duncan 6 p.m. at Hunter Museum of Art. Tickets are $15 and include museum admission.
Bristol – Radio Bristol presents the Farm and Fun Time Variety Show live at 7 p.m. from the Birthplace of Country Music Museum featuring a special celebration of Appalachian Balladry. Tickets are $35.
Jan. 10-13
Nashville – The 33rd annual Nashville Boat Show 2-5 p.m. at Music City Center features pontoons, fishing and wake board boats, cruisers, camping and outdoor equipment, travel displays, outfitters, a wing-a-thon eating contest and more.
Jan. 10-20
Knoxville – A play of simplicity and beauty about an elderly couple enjoying their latest summer in a cottage on a Maine lake, On Golden Pond, gives audiences a memorable experience at Theatre Knoxville Downtown.
Jan. 10-21
Clarksville – Downtown Commons Winter Ice Rink returns to Downtown Commons for its second season for $10 per person.
Nashville – Hit the ice to get into the holiday spirit with public skate sessions during the Smashville Holiday Festival at Ascend Amphitheatre.
Murfreesboro – Ice skate on the rink, enjoy beautiful holiday decorations and musical performances on the plaza during Winterfest at Fountains at Gateway.
Chattanooga – Immerse in nostalgia and lace up your ice skates for Ice on the Landing in the open-air rink starting at 6 p.m. at Chattanooga Choo Choo Gardens. Rink-side vending includes hot chocolate, coffee, Nutella crepes and ham and cheese crepes.
Jan. 10-27
Nashville – Conspiracy lurks in the shadows and dark corners of Rome as Nashville Shakespeare Festival presents Julius Caesar at Belmont University’s Troutt Theatre.
Murfreesboro – Hop aboard the Birdwell Island ferry and journey to the world of Adventures with Clifford the Big Red Dog. The exhibit at Discovery Center offers immersive paws-on adventures.
Jan. 11
Memphis – Hear from local GRAMMY Award-winning writer and filmmaker Robert Gordon following the screening of the newly released Sonic Youth film, Daydream Nation 7:30 p.m. in the Crosstown Arts Theater at Crosstown Concourse.
Crossville – Grinder House Coffee Shop Presents “In the House” 6 p.m. a live singer-songwriter show with a performance by Kayley Hill.
Chattanooga – Learn a new skill in 2019 with a Foxtrot Dance Lesson 7:30-10:30 p.m. at Ballroom Magic Dance Center. The lesson is $10 and is followed by a two-hour ballroom dance social.
Jan. 11-12
Chattanooga – Laughs abound in the story of Nick and Nigel Bottom, two brothers desperate to write a hit play in the shadow of William Shakespeare in Something Rotten! at Tivoli Theatre.
Jan. 11-13
Nashville – Find everything to spruce up your décor during The Home Show at The Fairgrounds Nashville with exhibits, demonstrations, seminars, whirlpools, flat-screen televisions, fireplaces and flooring products.
Nashville – The Nashville Symphony performs Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9, “From the New World” with footage of deep space captured by NASA in Cosmos: An HD Odyssey atSchermerhorn Symphony Center.
Cookeville – Kick off the new year at the inaugural 385 Yoga Festival. Experience a vinyasa in the beautiful setting of DelMonaco Winery & Vineyards. The fest includes classes, local health and wellness vendors and food trucks.
Jan. 11-17
Chattanooga – Watch the journey of Alex Honnold scaling the 3,000-foot vertical face of Yosemite National Park’s legendary El Capitan without ropes or safety equipment in the National Geographic film Free Solo at Tennessee Aquarium’s IMAX Theater.
Jan. 12
Memphis – GRAMMY Award-winner, global superstar and Memphis native Justin Timberlake takes over FedEx Forum 7:30 p.m. with his Man of the Woods tour.
Granville – Clearview 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.
Wildersville – Park rangers will share stories and work with guests on various projects including trail building, bridge construction, habitat improvement and exotic species removal 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Natchez Trace State Park.
Knoxville – Time to put your holidays behind and get your brain into a different creative cycle by learning how to make your own leather moccasins 10 a.m. at Historic Ramsey House. The class is $20.
Knoxville – Explore the Decorative Experience gallery, look at objects from Asia and celebrate the Chinese New Year with crafts and activities during Family Day: Legends from the Far East 1-4 p.m. at the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture.
Maryville – Kinky Boots comes to Clayton Center for the Arts with songs by GRAMMY and Tony Award-winning pop icon Cyndi Lauper. Broadway’s huge-hearted, high-heeled hit is about the friendships we discover.
Jonesborough – Think you can separate fact from fiction? Take Jonesborough’s Mythbusting Tour 2:30 p.m. around the oldest town in Tennessee and Storytelling Capitol of the World. Tickets are $5.
Greeneville – Experience the King of Pop’s biggest hits including “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and “Smooth Criminal” in the Michael Jackson tribute show, MJ Live 7:30 p.m. at Niswonger Performing Arts Center.
Rocky Top – Lace up your shoes or cheer from the sidelines with a crock pot of chili 11 a.m. for the Norris Dam 12K Challenge. The race starts at and finishes at Norris Dam State Park Headquarters, followed by a chili cooking competition.
Jan. 12-13
Nashville – Shop a unique collection of gemstone beads, metal beads and findings, freshwater pearls, glass beads and embellishments at the Intergalactic Bead Show at Nashville Fairgrounds.
Jan. 12, 19 and 26
Gatlinburg – Take a guided trolley tour of Gatlinburg Winter Magic’s one-of-a-kind LED lighting displays. Trolleys depart 6:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. from Ripley’s Aquarium Trolley Station. Book your seats online here.
Jan. 13
Jackson – Meet wedding professionals at the largest Bridal Show in West Tennessee noon to 5 p.m. at Carl Perkins Civic Center. Brides-to-be can grab lots of swag and show-only specials that can save thousands on your dream wedding.
Jan. 14
Nashville – Get up close and personal with legendary hit songwriters and rising stars at Big Stage Mondays 2:30 p.m. at 3rd and Lindsley featuring Monty Holmes, Ray Stephenson with Tigirlily & Chris Harris.
Jan. 15
Murfreesboro – Challenge your neurons and test your patience for a night of free Nerd Trivia 7-9 p.m. at Puckett’s.
Jan. 15-20
Memphis – Brought to life by a groundbreaking all-female creative team, Waitress tells the story of Jenna, a waitress and expert pie maker who dreams of a way out of her small town and loveless marriage, on stage at Orpheum Theatre.
Jan. 16
Nashville – Learn fun facts, search for clues and solve puzzles during the Schermerhorn Scavenger Hunt 5 p.m. at Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Tickets are $25.
Jan. 17
Gray – Stop by the Make It. Take it. Tinkering and maker space for Kid Inventors Day 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Hands On! Discovery Center for fun, inventive and creative challenges. The event is free with paid general admission.
Jan. 17-20
Pigeon Forge – Enjoy acclaimed storytellers and songwriters bring together the beauty and inspiration of story and song at Lyrics and Lore at Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, all while learning to showcase your own stories.
Jan. 18
Memphis – Fill up your glass and drink in the knowledge of how beer is made at the Science of Beer 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Pink Palace Museum. Money raised benefits the museum’s education department.
Clarksville - Sample sweet & savory delights, champagne, wine, beer, live auction and live music during the 10th annual Champaign & Chocolate 6-9 p.m. at the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center. Tickets are $50 and benefit the museum.
Jan. 18-20
Paris – The Wings of Winter, Kentucky & Barley Lake Birding Festival offers birding on lakes, rivers, tributaries and river bottoms with guided field trips.
Red Boiling Springs – Join paranormal investigators for thrills and chills at the overnight Ghost Hunt at the Thomas House Hotel Friday or Saturday night. The event includes lodging, a meal and guided tours of the property.
Jan. 19
Memphis – GRAMMY Award-winning singer, songwriter and musician Rick Springfield returns to Memphis to perform 8 p.m. on the Graceland Soundstage. Tickets start at $40.
Jackson – Join the Dream Center of Jackson for the 9th annual Night in the Caribbean with a dinner, silent auction and Kaleidoscope Eyes, a Beatles tribute band, 6 p.m. at Carl Perkins Civic Center.
Nashville – Write a song as a group in the Songwriting 101 Workshop 10:30 a.m. at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Guests will learn the form and fundamentals of songwriting and listen to a song from the civil rights movement for inspiration.
Nashville – Experience the only daytime hit songwriters party at Backstage Nashville 12:30 p.m. at 3rd and Lindsley featuring Mark Nesler, Clint Daniels, Ray Stephenson and Catie Offerman.
Brentwood – Hike the bluebird nest box trail at Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You’ll build your own bluebird nest box in preparation for spring and learn how to find the perfect spot to mount it in your yard.
Granville – Take in a Southern meal and live music at Sutton Ole Time Music Hour 6-8 p.m. at the T.B. Sutton General Store. Tickets are $20 for dinner and admission. Ray Cardwell will perform.
Chattanooga – Head to Creative Discovery Museum noon to 4 p.m. for the grand opening of the exhibit, Native Voices. Guests can interact and learn about the Eastern Band Cherokee and meet artists that reflect their traditions of flute making and pottery.
Bristol – Time to Do Si Do! Get ready for a fun, old-fashioned Square Dance 7 p.m. at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum. The dance is free, though donations are greatly appreciated. Reserve your spot here.
Jan. 19-20
Birchwood – Join in the celebration of thousands of Sandhill cranes that spend the winter at the confluence of the Hiwassee and Tennessee rivers at the Tennessee Sandhill Crane Festival. Festival activities will be held at several locations in the area.
Jan. 20
Nashville – Let Freedom Sing 7 p.m. at Schermerhorn Symphony Center honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as the Nashville Symphony and Celebration Youth Chorus perform inspiring music honoring the civil rights movement.
Jan 21
Nashville – Listen to legendary hit songwriters at Big Stage Mondays 2:30 p.m. at 3rd & Lindsley featuring Brice Long with Ray Stephenson, Molly Brown & Lenny Martelli.
Jan. 21-27
Nashville – Warm up with $5 hot chicken dishes for lunch and dinner all week long during Nashville Scene’s Hot Chicken Week. Participating restaurants include Pepperfire, The Nations Bar & Grill, The Slider House, Germantown Pub and more.
Nashville – Dine out for a good cause and on a budget with specialty deals on lunches & dinners during Nashville Restaurant Week at places like Bavarian Bierhaus, Germantown Café, Puckett’s and Suzy Wong’s House of Yum.
Jan. 22-26
Memphis – The Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge turns all of Beale Street into a five-day venue for more than 120 blues acts around the world.
Jan. 23-24
Knoxville – The Violins of Hope, more than 30 violins played by Jewish musicians during the Holocaust, will sound again in a powerful, emotional performance at the historic Tennessee Theatre.
Jan. 25
Union City – Savor a four-course menu, paired perfectly with wine and cocktails at the Cork and Fork Fundraising Dinner beginning 6 p.m. at Discovery Park of America. Tickets are $80.
Jan. 25-27
Chattanooga – Book, science-fiction and fantasy lovers unite at ChattaCon, a literary convention at The Read House.
Townsend – Celebrate the history, natural beauty and cultural traditions of Townsend, Cades Cove and Great Smoky Mountains National Park during the Winter Heritage Festival in the Smokies.
Jan. 26
Brownsville – In honor of the blues pioneer Sleepy John Estes’ 120th Birthday; bring your instruments, voice and/or your love of music for an Open Blues Jam 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center. The event is free.
McKenzie – Brides-to-be can get expert advice on how to plan the perfect wedding at the Bridal Expo & Fashion Show 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Bella Barn Event Venue. Admission is $5. A portion of proceeds will go to the Carroll County Human Society.
Jackson – Enjoy hors d’oeuvres, champagne, a silent auction, buffet-style dinner and live music at the 2019 Crystal Ball 6-10 p.m. at Carl Perkins Civic Center. Proceeds support The Jackson Symphony.
Jackson – The second annual Guns & Hoses Chili, Craft Beer & Music Festival 2-6 p.m. at Jackson TN Fairgrounds Park will have a chili cook-off, live music, silent auction, games & cornhole. Must be 21 to attend.
Granville – Stoney River takes the stage at Sutton Old Time Music Hour at T.B. Sutton General Store. Tickets are $20 for the show and a Southern dinner.
Jan. 27-29
Gatlinburg – Tennessee Winter Special Olympics competitions include ice-skating, snowboarding and snow skiing at Ober Gatlinburg. Opening ceremonies will be at W.L. Mills Auditorium.
Jan. 28
Jonesborough – The award-winning Jonesborough Yarn Exchange, a monthly, story-based, old-time radio performance, kicks off at 7 p.m. at the International Storytelling Center with an opening gala. The series includes actors, storytellers and musicians.
Ongoing
Tiptonville – Explore nature and spot wildlife during the new year with American Bald Eagle & Waterfowl Tours at Reelfoot Lake State Park. Tours leave from the Visitor’s Center 10 a.m. daily. Saturday and Sunday buses leave at 10 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
Chattanooga – Get your caffeine fix on the Pints and Pedals Chattanooga Coffee Crawl 9-11 a.m. every Saturday in January. Explore local coffee shops and bakeries down Main Street and scenic back roads.
Chattanooga – Tweak your onstage performance skills, showcase new or experienced talent and network with other musicians and poets during Open Mic Night 8-10 p.m. at The Well.
Jonesborough – The Jonesborough Storytelling Guild features four of the region’s finest tellers 7 p.m. each Tuesday. Performers weave folktales, fairytales, tall tales, historic and personal Stories ‘N More in a family-friendly environment.
Clinton – The Appalachian Arts Craft Center offers multiple classes like “Stained Glass Lantern,” “Try the Wheel” and “Handbuilding with Clay.” Learn a new craft and have fun! Call 865-494-9854 for class and registration information.
Oak Ridge – Find hand-roasted coffee, local produce, meat, eggs and cheese from more than 30 food and artisan vendors at the Winter Farmers Market 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday at St. Mary’s School gym.
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.