Nashville summer camps to book before they fill up
Vanderbilt’s baseball camps focus on “fundamentals in a fun atmosphere” — that means occasionally turning practice into a splash zone. | Photo via Vanderbilt University
Between homework and after-school activities, summer camp planning can sneak up fast. From STEM to sports to stage time, Nashville offers a wide-ranging slate of camps for kids of all ages.
Vanderbilt University | June-July | Price varies per program
With a wide-ranging slate of academic, athletic, music, leadership, and specialty programs, Vanderbilt offers one of the most expansive summer camp menus in the city.
Nashville Ballet | June-July | $300 per week
Half-day camps for ages 3-9 bring beloved stories to life through choreography, crafts, and themed adventures — from magical creatures to Broadway hits — all culminating in a final performance for family and friends.
Climb Nashville | June-August | $420+ per week
Kids ages 6-12 can spend full days scaling walls and building confidence at the West location, with a 10% sibling discount for those registered in the same week.
School of Rock | June-July | $350+ per week
Spots are filling fast for weeklong camps where kids ages 7-18 dive into music themes such as “Pop Legends,” “Rock 101,”and “Pearl Jam vs. Nirvana,” then take the stage for live performances.
The Nashville Shakespeare Festival | June | $250+ per week
Young actors in grades 5-8 can step into the world of Shakespeare with a camp focused on monologues, movement, and audition prep before stepping onstage for a final showcase.
Film Camp | July 13-17 | $475+
Hosted by the Frist Art Museum and Nashville Film Festival, this camp gives teens in grades 10-12 the chance to create a short film from start to finish — developing a concept, scripting, shooting on professional gear, and premiering their work at week’s end.
Photo via Nashville Zoo
Nashville Zoo | May-July | $300+ per week
While some age groups are sold out, select programs still have availability for campers interested in animal encounters, team challenges, and exploration across the zoo.
Adventure Science Center | May-July | $399+ per week
From chemistry and invention to space and physics, these weeklong camps give rising 1st-5th graders hands-on science experiences all summer long, with new specialty options available for rising 6th-8th graders.
Cheekwood | June-July | $152+ per week
From art-making to garden exploring, these weeklong camps turn Cheekwood’s grounds into one big creative playground.
Belmont University | June-July | Price varies per week
The university hosts more than 20 camps across disciplines, including STEM intensives, music and theater programs, youth and teen art, sports camps, and a preschool Little Bruins option.
Ford Ice Center | June-July | $575+ per week
Hockey School and Goaltending Camp give ages 6-17 structured, high-intensity training on the ice, complete with professional instruction and a camp jersey to take home.
YMCA | May-August | $155+ per week
With new weekly themes, daily swim time, and plenty of outdoor play, YMCA of Middle Tennessee’s day camps keep ages 5-17 busy all summer long
MNPS Promising Scholars Summer Program | Late May-Late June | Free
This no-cost summer program offers classroom learning, physical activity, and other fun experiences, with bus transportation and meals included.
Events
Today, May 1
Girl Named Tom | Monday, May 1 | 7:30 p.m. | CMA Theater, 222 Rep. John Lewis Way S. | $35 | The sibling trio won Season 21 of NBC’s “The Voice” and will be joined by supporting artist Brandon Ratcliff.
Tuesday, May 2
Bird Banding at Warner Park | Tuesday, May 2 | 8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Warner Park Nature Center, 7311 Hwy. 100 | Free | Stop by the park to observe how federally licensed bird banders collect information at the park.
Goth Babe | Tuesday, May 2 | 8 p.m. | Marathon Music Works, 1402 Clinton St. | $28.50+ | The Tennessee-native indie artist will be joined by Yoke Lore.
Wednesday, May 3
Nate Smith Album Release | Wednesday, May 3 | 5:30-9 p.m. | Skydeck at Assembly Hall, 5055 Broadway | Free | Admission is first come, first serve for the country singer’s album release concert.
Battle of the Burger | Wednesday, May 3 | 6-8 p.m. | The Yard at oneC1TY, 8 City Blvd. | $35 | Tickets include all burger samples, one complimentary cocktail, and entertainment.
Thursday, May 4
Music City Walk of Fame Induction Ceremony | Thursday, May 4 | 11 a.m. | Music City Walk of Fame Park, 121 4th Ave. S. | Free | Watch as Eric Church, Butch Spyridon, and Joe and Linda Chambers are inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame.
Taylor Swift-themed Scavenger Hunt | Thursday, May 4-Sunday, May 7 | Locations vary | $35 | Snap photos at 10+ locations using Taylor Swift song clues + get exclusive deals from participating vendors.
Friday, May 5
Backyard Sessions | Friday, May 5 | 5-7 p.m. | Bobby Hotel Rooftop Lounge, 230 4th Ave. N. | Free | Celebrate Bobby Hotel’s 5th birthday with a live rooftop performance by Betty Who and special guest DJ Brandi Cyrus.
Keep your eyes peeled fore this. Tiger Woods-backed golf and entertainment venue PopStroke is set to open at Antioch’s Century Farms in the second half of 2024. Patrons can expect 36 holes indoors, 18 holes outdoors, and a restaurant. (WKRN)
Sports
The Tennessee Titans made six picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, including first-round pick Peter Skoronski. Let’s meet the newest members of the team. (NBC Sports)
Nashville SC beat Atlanta United 3-1 over the weekend, marking the team’s second straight win after defeating San Antonio FC in a US Open Cup third-round game Wednesday. Nashville will host Chicago Fire FC Saturday, May 6. (The Tennessean)
Announced
Alan Jackson invited Jon Pardi to be the 225th member of the Grand Ole Opry during his set at the Stagecoach Festival. The country star was joined on stage by Guy Fieri and Opry vice president and executive producer Dan Rogers to receive the video message. (The Tennessean)
Eat
Here’s a hen-t, get in line early. Raising Cane’s will officially open on White Bridge Pike (near Trader Joe’s) on Wednesday, May 31. This will be the Nashville’s first location. (WSMV)
Concert
We’re just “Thinking Out Loud,” but you might want tickets to this. Ed Sheeran will bring his “Subtract” tour to Ryman Auditorium with special guest Ben Kweller on Friday, July 21. Tickets go on sale tomorrow, May 2.
The Franklin Theatre will honor late jazz pianist Beegie Adair during a free concert on Friday, June 9. Fans can expect performances by Delbert McClinton, Monica Ramey, Charlie McCoy, and many others. Reservations are required + the event will be live streamed.
State
Tennesseans won’t have to pay the grocery tax during visits to the supermarket from August to October after lawmakers passed legislation for the three-month holiday. The ~$400 million cut is one of the largest in state history. (WSMV)
Number
14 days. That’s how long you have until Mother’s Day. The good news? That gives you just enough time to order a gift from Quince — a brand offering high-end and sustainable products at affordable prices. Think: European linen shorts, silk slip dresses, cashmere crewnecks + Italian leather totes. Shop now.
Biz
Let’s celebrate National Small Business Week in a big way
Shop local: Celebrating National Small Business Week in Nashville
We’ve got the scoop on some local businesses you should visit. | Photo by @gracegamboa_
Supporting local is as easy as ABC. In conjunction with National Small Business Week (Sunday, April 30-Saturday, May 6), shop your way through the alphabet with these Nashville businesses beginning with each letter.
Happy May, Nashville. There’s so much happening as spring ends and summer nears. Consider this your friendly reminder to visit our events calendar to start planning your month. Plus, here are some happenings we’re looking forward to.
Missed Friday’s newsletter? Tennessee Whiskey Week is on the horizon — here’s your guide.
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