A talking dog, fairy tale mash-up, making monsters and the science of music are just a few of the unique events going on across the state this week. For a complete list, visit tnvacation.com/calendar.
Ongoing
Pulaski – Schedule a fudge tour at Milky Way Farm to see the 1930s home of candy legend Frank Mars.
Enjoy a hot cup of coffee, a fudge brownie and ice cream at the historic table.
Memphis – Experience the ‘Hollywood Backlot’ that includes a tour through the sets of the CMT show “Sun Records” at Elvis Presley’s Memphis.
Jan. 16-20
Memphis – The International Blues Challenge turns all of Beale Street into a four-day venue for more than 120 blues acts from around the world.
Jan. 18
Nashville – Look in on a free open rehearsal as the Nashville Ballet prepares for the premiere of Light/The Holocaust & Humanity Project, 5-7 p.m. at Nashville Ballet Studio A.
Jan. 18-28
Nashville – The Nashville Shakespeare Festival celebrates its 30th anniversary season with performances of Hamlet at Belmont University’s Troutt Theatre.
Tiptonville – American Bald Eagle and Waterfowl Tours are two-hour tours, leaving 10 a.m. daily from the Visitor’s Center at Reelfoot Lake State Park.
Jan. 18-20
Nashville – It’s a night celebrating the songs of Elvis Presley at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Special guest Priscilla Presley will share stories and memories of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
Jan. 19
Union City – Guests interact with live animals as the Nature’s Ninjas exhibit kicks off at Discovery Park of America.
Union City – Roll on the floor laughing and enjoy the Cocktails and Comedy Show at Discovery Park of America. Todd Oliver is hilarious and you’ll love his talking dog. Tickets include one drink and appetizers before the show.
Knoxville – Poet, songwriter, playwright and actor RB Morris is joined by musical accompanist Hector Qirko, a versatile guitarist known for his work with the HQ Band, at the Laurel Theater.
Jan. 19-20
Shelbyville – Rev up for two full days of racing at the Tennessee Indoor Motocross Championship at the Calsonic Arena. The action-packed event features up-and-coming amateurs and pros.
Jan. 19-Feb. 4
Knoxville – Whatever Happened to Little Red Riding Hood? Knoxville Children’s Theatre presents the hilarious fairy tale mash-up about Red, Granny, along with Rapunzel, Hansel and Gretel, Rumpelstiltskin and many more.
Jan. 29-Feb. 17
Nashville – A mom and daughter switch bodies in a new twist as Disney’s Freaky Friday: The Musical opens at Chaffins Barn Theatre. The buffet starts at 6 p.m. and the show kicks off at8 p.m.
Jan. 19-Feb. 18
Knoxville – Flying Anvil Theatre kicks off the 2018 season with the award-winning play Mary’s Wedding, a love story during World War I.
Jan. 20
Maryville – The Sound of Music, the spirited, romantic and beloved music story of Maria and the Von Trapp Family thrills audiences at the Clayton Center for the Arts.
Granville – Ray Cardwell and Tennessee Moon perform at Sutton Ole Time Music Hour! Listen to some music and grab a family-style country dinner at T.B. Sutton General Store.
Knoxville – Family Fun Day at McClung Museum of Natural History & Culture features activities, theatrical productions, storytelling, crafts, art and more. The program is free.
Knoxville – The Freight Hoppers take us back to old-time string music with raw, emotional excitement that will make you want to dance at the Laurel Theater, presented by Jubilee Community Arts.
Hendersonville – Lace up your shoes for a 3.5-mile hike led by the Sumner Trails Chapter of Tennessee Trails in Bledsoe Creek State Park.
Hendersonville – Local songwriters take the stage with their original works during a limited engagement performance with a Winter House Concert at Historic Rock Castle.
Jackson – The Dream Center of Jackson presents the 8th annual A Night in the Caribbean featuring The Atlantic City Boys! Dinner by Coyote Blues, live and silent auctions and testimonies by residents past and present are featured.
Huntingdon – Spend an afternoon with “Whispering Bill,” a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame as Bill Anderson takes the stage at 2 p.m. at The Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center.
Nashville – Mary Shelley’s classic tale comes to life as the Adventure Science Center celebrates Frankenstein’s 200th anniversary. Activities teach about electricity, robots, making monsters and what it means to be innovators.
Nashville – Get up close and personal with hit songwriters at Backstage Nashville. Nashville’s only daytime hit songwriters party at noon at 3rd & Lindsley features Kylie Sackley, Justin Wilson, Ray Stephenson and Morgan Myles.
Murfreesboro – Learn about surprising ways science and music connect as the Science of Music exhibit opens at the Discovery Center. Feel the rhythm, find the pitch and take the stage in an interactive exploration of sound.
Jan. 20-21
Franklin – The talented teens with Act Too Players bring beloved stories to life with performances like Peter Pan, Smoky Joe’s Café and Heathers the Musical: High School Edition at theFranklin Theatre.
Memphis – Enjoy an opening reception and gallery talk for Alchemy 4 at the newest exhibit at the Metal Museum.
Jackson – Browse guns, hunting gear and military surplus supplies and outdoor gear at the TN Gun Show at Jackson Park Fairgrounds.
Jan. 20-28
Memphis – The musical based on the Academy-Award winning film, Finding Neverland, tells the story behind one of the world’s most beloved characters: Peter Pan, taking center stage at the Orpheum Theatre.
Jan. 22
Jonesborough – The Yarn Exchange Radio Show kicks off at the International Storytelling Center. The live skits and performance in the style of an old-time radio show features local stories and regional acts.
Memphis – Hope Presbyterian Church will host distinguished guest speaker Reverend Dr. James A. Forbes Jr. for worship and a reception for Moral Mondays, inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s work and legacy.
Nashville – The Million Dollar Show at the Ryman Auditorium raises money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Keith Urban, Maren Morris, Luke Combs and newcomer Nikita Karmen will perform.
Knoxville – Families and their little ones can take a free stroller tour through the Wild Wild West as a museum educator leads gallery tours to look at objects in the McClung Museum of Natural History and Culture’s collection.
Jan. 23
Murfreesboro – Hear how Patrick Henry Hughes, born without eyes and the ability to straighten his arms and legs, overcame his physical challenges to excel as a musician and performer. The event is free at Discovery Center.
Bristol – Tune in to Radio Bristol’s Facebook Live at noon EST for a special “Born in the Mountain and Country Classics” live from Joe Bussard’s Basement, digging through his world famous collection of 78s.
Jan. 23-24
Memphis – Families with toddlers can enjoy fun-filled stories, music and movement, nature-inspired art and adventure hikes at Caterpillar Club: It Will Sprout at Memphis Botanical Garden.
Jan. 24
Oak Ridge – An open house showcases the expansion of the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge along with a Parks in Focus photography exhibit. Museum admission is free from 3-6p.m.
Jan. 25
Clarksville – Champagne and Chocolate is back for its ninth year to benefit the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. at the museum for the signature winter event.
Jan. 25-28
Sevierville – Cherry Pit will sponsor a second annual quilt retreat at Dollywood DreamMore Resort. Cost of the retreat covers fabric, pattern, three meals and teacher fee. Attendees will need to make a reservation and cover their room fee.
Jan. 26
Union City – Travel to a little piece of Italy at the Cork & Fork Wine Pairing Dinner at Discovery Park of America. Lupo’s will cater a four-course meal with a wine pairing for each course, perfect for a date night or girls’ night out.
Memphis – Inspire the artist in you during an evening of art, drinks and hors d’oeuvres at Incognito! Art Soiree and Silent Auction at Memphis Botanical Garden. Art and ticket sales benefit Memphis Botanical Garden.
Nashville – Unpredictable, wild and highly entertaining, check out Inebriated Shakespeare in the Lounge with a performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream at City Winery. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door.
Jan. 26-28
Townsend – Local historians share stories that created our past at the Winter Heritage Festival at the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center. The Blount County Fire Dept.’s cooking team will provide a Cast Iron Lunch.
Knoxville – Leave your troubles outside as you experience the Tony-Award winning musical CABARET at Tennessee Theatre.
Jan. 26-Feb. 3
Pulaski – At STAAR Theatre at Antoinette Hall, meet the charming and innocent ladies of Arsenic and Old Lace, a must-see comedy favorite on stages from New York to small theatres since 1939.
Jan. 27
Jackson – Have a ball for a good cause. The Crystal Ball at the Carl Perkins Civil Center at 6 p.m. features champagne, hors d’oeuvres, buffet-style dinner, live and silent auctions, all benefiting the Jackson Symphony.
Memphis – Grit, grind and groove at the Staxtacular fundraiser for Stax Music Academy. The event at Stax Museum of American Soul Music features dining, dancing, live music, cocktails, live and silent auctions.
Nashville – Join a herd of runners at Zoo Run Run. The winter race or walk is a 5K adventure through the Nashville Zoo. All proceeds benefit the zoo, providing educational programs for children and the care of animals.
Nashville – Lay out your mat at 9 a.m. for Yoga Under the Stars at Adventure Science Center.
Nashville – Experience Music City Roots “Live From City Winery” featuring John Oates, Derek Hoke, Greg Garing and Ms. Adventure. There will be a pre-show screening of Music City Roots’ new season on PBS.
Jan. 27-28
Knoxville – Relive the magic of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets with the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra at Knoxville Civic Auditorium.
Jan. 28
Nashville – The 12th season of Jazz on the Move features free performances by jazz artists at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts. The series starts 3 p.m. Sunday with a tribute to saxophonist Arnett Cobb.