As promised, this edition of Sounds Like Fun – Nashville will exclusively mention activities that don’t require a ticket purchase or mandatory fee. (Which isn’t to say that you couldn’t spring for dinner or something while you’re out of the house…!) I’m already a few days behind, so let’s get started…here are some free activities in January 2018.
Saturday, January 6 – Arts & Music at Wedgewood/Houston
Named the “Best Renegade Art Crawl” by Nashville Scene magazine, this monthly event featuring over a dozen venues has been free and open to the public since 2014. Galleries open at 6pm, and free parking is available throughout, including lots at 516 Hagan St. and 1211 4th Ave. South.
Saturday, January 13 – Recharge: Where educators come to re-energize the school year
Lipscomb University’s College of Education is hosting their 3rd annual Recharge event from 8:15am to 12:30pm. This free professional development is open to all current and former educators. Lipscomb faculty will host break-out sessions that cover current hot topics in education. Registration is requested.
Monday, January 15 – MLK Day of Service
If your school or employer observes this holiday, what better way to get in the spirit than volunteering to serve with a community organization? If you want to volunteer, but don’t know where to start, check out the volunteer opportunities calendar at Hands On Nashville.
Sunday, January 21 – Vanderbilt University Concerto Competition Finals
For this event, the best and brightest from the Blair School of Music go head-to-head in public competition. The judges will announce the winners at the end of the evening, and those talented musicians will perform as featured soloists with the Vanderbilt Wind Symphony in March, and the Vanderbilt University Orchestra in April. The event will be held at Ingram Hall, 2400 Blakemore Avenue, starting at 7pm. Parking is available for free in the West Garage (2500 Children’s Way).
Monday, January 22 – TenX9 Nashville Storytelling at Douglas Corner Cafe
TedX9 Nashville is a Belfast-originated monthly community storytelling night where nine people have up to ten minutes each to tell a real story from their lives. This month’s theme is “OMG!” You do not have to tell a story to attend – just come and listen. Or come and share. Either way, come and enjoy. The event runs from 7:30 – 9:30pm. (If you do want to tell a story, offer your submission to the Tenx9 Nashville website.)
Thursday, January 25 – Aquatic Biodiversity in Tennessee
The unusual high biodiversity in Tennessee is not random, but the result of natural history variables that can be readily explained. Join Jonathan Burr, Deputy Director at the Tennessee Department f Environment and Conservation, to learn more about how our region became so rich in biodiversity and see photos of some rarely observed organisms. This event is sponsored by The Cumberland River Compact and will be held in their space on the 3rd Floor of The Bridge Building, 2 Victory Ave. The talk is free, and you are welcome to bring your lunch. Sack lunches will be available for purchase for $8. Doors open at 11:30am; the presentation will run from 12:00 – 12:50pm and will be followed by a question and answer session.
Friday, January 26 – Final Day, 10th Annual Middle Tennessee Regional Student Art Exhibition
This juried exhibition showcases exceptional middle and high school student artwork from around the region. The exhibition opens Monday, January 8 and is located in Gallery 121 at Belmont University, 1919 Belmont Blvd. Gallery hours for January 26 are 9am – 5pm.
