Lucky you. You just found NASHtoday’s Plan Ahead, a list of some of the biggest events to plan for that are taking place throughout Nashville each month.
New year, new events — January offers plenty to do indoors and out. Bookmark this guide and check back often — it’s updated monthly with new events you won’t want to miss.
(Don’t see anything you like? Check out our full events calendar.)
See it on stage
“The Gruffalo” | Sunday, Jan. 18 | 3 p.m. | Schermerhorn Symphony Center | $26+ | The popular children’s story hits the stage with live narration and music.
“Les Misérables” | Tuesday, Jan. 20-Sunday, Jan. 25 | Times vary | TPAC’s Jackson Hall | $73+ | Don’t miss your chance to see a Tony Award-winning musical right here in Music City.
Disney’s “Frozen” in Concert | Friday, Jan. 23-Sunday, Jan. 25 | Times vary | Schermerhorn Symphony Center | $50+ | Watch “Frozen” on the big screen accompanied by a full orchestra.
“The Magic of Motown” | Saturday, Jan. 24 | 7:30 p.m. | TPAC’s Polk Theater | $52+ | Hear Motown favorites made famous by groups such as The Temptations and The Supremes.
Hannah Berner | Thursday, Jan. 29 7:30 p.m. | Ryman Auditorium | $49+ | Catch the comedian and “Giggly Squad” co-host’s latest stand-up tour.
Beatles Rooftop Anniversary Concert | Thursday, Jan 29 | 7:30 p.m. | Mockingbird Theater, Franklin | $20+ | Mark the anniversary of the band’s 1969 rooftop concert with a tribute show from The WannaBeatles.
TPAC’s Family Day | Saturday, Jan. 31 | 1:30-4:30 p.m. | Tennessee Performing Arts Center | $35+ | Follow the yellow brick road to take part in family-friendly activities inspired by Oz.
Move to the music
Dolly Parton’s Birthday Bash | Saturday, Jan. 24 | 1-7 p.m. | Tennessee Brew Works | Free | Celebrate Dolly’s 80th birthday with local brews and live tribute performances.
Mavis Staples with MJ Lenderman | Saturday, Jan. 24 | 8 p.m. | Ryman Auditorium | $69+ | Hear the GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement winner perform highlights from her 70-year music career.
“Nashville” - The Encore Tour | Sunday, Jan. 25 | 7:30 p.m. | Ryman Auditorium | $69+ | Sing along as “Nashville” cast members perform hits from the show.
ECHO Chamber Music Series: TSU’s Meistersingers & Kyshona | Sunday, Jan. 25 | 7:30-8:30 p.m. | The Parthenon | $25+ | The ensemble performs a wide variety of literature, from Renaissance to current popular music genres.
All about action
FCS National Championship Game | Monday, Jan. 5 | 6:30 p.m. | FirstBank Stadium | $158+ | Head to the stadium to watch Illinois State vs. Montana State play for the FCS championship title.
Nashville Predators: Dierks Bentley Bobblehead Night | 7 p.m. | Bridgestone Arena | $27+ | The first 10,000 fans in attendance will receive a special edition bobblehead.
Monster Jam Freestyle Mania | Saturday, Jan. 17-Sunday, Jan. 18 | Times vary | Bridgestone Arena | $34+ | Cheer on Monster Trucks like Grave Digger and El Toro Loco as they team up with motocross bikes to deliver gravity-defying stunts.
WWE Presents: “NXT Live” | Friday, Jan. 30 | 7:30 p.m. | The Pinnacle | $44+ | See WWE’s NXT roster compete in live matches the night before the 2026 Royal Rumble.
The Harlem Globetrotters: 100 Year Tour | Saturday, Jan. 31 | Times vary | Bridgestone Arena | $52+ | Celebrate 100 years of Globetrotters basketball with slam dunks and trick shots.
Honor Martin Luther King Jr.
MLK Commemorative Speaker Event | Thursday, Jan. 15 | 5-6 p.m. | Sarratt Student Center at Vanderbilt | Free | The community is invited to hear from author, civil engineer, and Nashville native Cheryl McKissack Daniel.
Nashville MLK Day Convocation | Monday, Jan. 19 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | TSU’s Gentry Center | Free | The annual convocation will feature music, poetry, and a keynote program honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
MLK Joint Day of Service | Saturday, Jan. 14 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Locations vary | Free | Volunteers must be 18+ and must be current students, faculty, or staff at Nashville-area colleges and universities.
Food and drink fun
Killjoy Dry Jan Drink Tasting Market | Sunday, Jan. 4 | 12-3 p.m. | Killjoy Berry Hill | Free | Sample alcohol-free beer, wine, and spirits from vendors such as Curious Elixirs and Ritual Zero Proof.
Whisk & Bloom: The Art of Matcha Class | Friday, Jan. 23 | 1 p.m. | Bluestone Lane | $27 | Learn the basics of whisking and preparing traditional matcha.
Hot Chicken Week | Monday, Jan. 26-Sunday, Feb. 1 | Times vary | Locations vary | Cost of purchase | Score $8 hot chicken specials across participating restaurants.
Outdoor adventures
Writing in the Wild | Friday, Jan. 9 | 10-11 a.m. | Shelby Bottoms Nature Center | Free | Write outdoors during this guided journaling session focused on nature observation.
Winter Snack Time with Mocha the Squirrel | Saturday, Jan. 10 | 1-3 p.m. | Warner Park Nature Center | Free with RSVP | Meet Mocha, Harmony Wildlife’s ambassador squirrel, and learn how squirrels forage and store food in winter.
Winter Star Party | Saturday, Jan. 24 | 6-8 p.m. | Edwin Warner Model Airplane Field | Free | Join Nashville’s Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society to view the night sky through telescopes.