Locals appreciate the thinner crowds compared to summer or fall. Hotel prices drop. The event calendar remains packed with concerts, sports, cultural celebrations, and family-friendly activities.

January 2026 brings a series of major events, including MLK Day celebrations, Predators hockey, Monster Jam, big-name concerts at the Ryman, and the legendary Grand Ole Opry. Plus museum exhibits, comedy shows, kid-friendly activities, and the kind of live music Nashville does better than anywhere else.

Whether you're planning a staycation, a winter getaway, or scoping out Nashville as a potential home, January gives you a chance to see the city in its everyday rhythm—with plenty of excitement mixed in.

Quick January Nashville Tips

• Purchase Predators tickets early: Hockey games sell out fast, especially weekend matchups
• Dress in layers: January weather swings from 30s to 60s, depending on the day
• Check Opry schedules weekly: The winter Ryman residency adds shows throughout the month
• Visit museums on cold days: Many offer discounts in January or free admission
• Plan around MLK weekend: Hotels fill up, but the celebrations are worth experiencing
• Make restaurant reservations: Even with fewer tourists, popular spots book up on weekends
• Follow venue social media: Last-minute shows and ticket deals pop up regularly

Why January Is a Great Time to Be in Nashville

January offers something summer tourists miss: authentic Nashville.

The city slows down just enough that you can actually get into restaurants. You can tour the top Nashville neighborhoods without fighting crowds. And if you're house-hunting, real estate agents have more time to show you around.

You'll see Nashville in "everyday mode." Coffee shops full of locals. Neighborhood bars with regular crowds. The real rhythm of the city, instead of the tourist version.

The weather stays mild compared to northern cities. Highs typically range from the high 40s to the low 50s, with occasional warmer days reaching into the 60s. Nights get cold (20s–30s), so layers are key. Most days, you can walk around comfortably with a good jacket.

Music never stops—it’s one of the best parts of living in Nashville. January brings major concerts, intimate club shows, and the Opry's winter home at the historic Ryman Auditorium. Sports fans get Predators hockey in full swing. There’s even more excitement to find at museums, comedy shows, and Monster Jam.

January 2026 Nashville Events Calendar

Here's what's happening week by week.

Week 1: New Year's & First Weekend (January 1–4)

Start the year with outdoor activities and live music.

First Day Hikes at Tennessee State Parks kick off on January 1. Free guided hikes at multiple state parks near Nashville, including Radnor Lake. All skill levels welcome. Gets you outside and active to start the year right.

Opry at the Ryman runs January 2–3 and 9–10. The Grand Ole Opry moves to the Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville every winter. The "Mother Church of Country Music" boasts incredible acoustics and a rich history. Friday and Saturday shows throughout the run.

The Petty Junkies play 3rd & Lindsley on January 2nd. Tom Petty tribute band in an intimate venue in the vibrant SoBro neighborhood (adjacent to downtown). Perfect for rock fans who want a smaller club atmosphere.

Several January-long tours and shows start this week:

• Nashville Trolley Tours (hop-on, hop-off sightseeing)
• Shiners Nashville (new adult comedy/variety show)
• Grand Ole Opry Backstage Tours (through January 10)

Week 2: Concerts, Classes, & Indoor Fun (January 5–11)

Cold snap expected mid-month? Indoor activities have you covered.

The Ryman Auditorium continues hosting Opry shows through January 10. Get tickets while you can—these always sell well.

Nashville Antiques & Garden Show returns January 9–11 at the Music City Center.

Finally, the Nashville Predators' home schedule begins to really heat up this week. They've gone from an upstart NHL team started in 1998 to one of the things Nashville is known for.

• vs. NY Islanders: January 8
• vs. Chicago Blackhawks: January 10
• vs. Washington Capitals: January 11

Week 3: MLK Day & Big Event Weekend (January 12–18)

This is Nashville's biggest weekend of the month. To get it started, head to Bridgestone Arena on Tuesday, January 13, as the Predators play host to the Edmonton Oilers—the two-time defending Western Conference champions.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day falls on January 19, 2026. Events include:

• MLK Day March typically starts at Jefferson Street Baptist Church, ending at TSU's Gentry Center (near West Nashville)
• Youth rallies and symposiums (January 12–20)
• Community convocation
• Special concerts and services

Bridgestone Arena has much more to offer than just NHL games, concerts, and one of the biggest rodeos in Nashville. Monster Jam: Freestyle Mania hits Bridgestone Arena January 17–18. Kid-friendly motorsports with Grave Digger, Dragon, and other famous monster trucks. Loud, high-energy, kids love it. Bring ear protection.

Ruston Kelly performs at the Ryman on January 17th. Singer-songwriter with Nashville roots. Intimate show in an iconic venue.

Weeks 4–5: Late-January Headliners (January 19–31)

The month finishes strong with major shows and sports.

The Preds host three home games:

• vs. Buffalo Sabres: January 20
• vs. Ottawa Senators: January 22
• vs. Utah Mammoth: January 24

Ryman Auditorium brings serious talent in late January, from big-time musical artists to headliner comedy shows.

Harlem Globetrotters play at Bridgestone Arena on January 31st. A night of fun for all ages with basketball tricks, comedy, and audience participation.

Big Events to Put on Your January 2026 Bucket List

Live Music & Concerts

Nashville’s "Music City" nickname is well-deserved, and January proves it.

Opry at the Ryman (January 2–10) tops every Nashville bucket list. The Grand Ole Opry has broadcast from various venues since 1925. Every winter, it returns to the Ryman Auditorium, where it lived from 1943 to 1974.

The building's acoustics are legendary. The history is palpable. Friday and Saturday shows feature rotating country artists, many making surprise appearances.

The Ryman Auditorium hosts numerous January shows beyond the Opry:

• Ruston Kelly (January 17): Nashville-based singer-songwriter
• Peter Rowan with Sam Grisman Project (January 23): bluegrass legends
• Mavis Staples (January 24): soul and gospel icon
• "NASHVILLE: The Encore Tour" (January 25): cast from the TV show performing fan favorites

Smaller venues offer intimate experiences. 3rd & Lindsley books rock and Americana acts. The Brooklyn Bowl combines live music, bowling, and food in the Germantown neighborhood. The Basement East showcases up-and-coming artists in the Historic Edgefield area.

Check Songkick, Nashville.com, and individual venue calendars for the complete January lineup. Shows will be added throughout the month.

Theatre, Comedy & Special Performances

Zanies Comedy Club and The Lab at Zanies bring stand-up to the hip 12 South community every week. National touring comics plus local talent. The Ryman hosts bigger comedy names like Hannah Berner (January 29) and Sheng Wang (January 30).

Candlelight Concerts at the Parthenon continue into February 2026. String quartets perform tributes to Coldplay, The Beatles, and other artists in the historic Midtown neighborhood setting. Intimate, atmospheric shows lit entirely by candles.

Line dancing classes run throughout January at multiple venues. Beginners welcome. Learn two-step, country swing, and classic line dances. Great way to experience Nashville's music culture hands-on.

Cultural Celebrations & Annual Events

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January 19–20) stands as one of Nashville's most important annual observances. The city hosts one of the nation's oldest MLK commemorative marches, running for over 30 years.

Visit the Civil Rights Collection at Nashville Public Library for historical context. The National Museum of African American Music—one of the best museums in Nashville—is another standout, especially during MLK week.

As mentioned earlier, the Nashville Antiques & Garden Show is back on January 9–11 at the Music City Center in The Gulch. This annual event features over 150 exhibitors, renowned speakers, and home/garden design inspiration. There’s also a preview party on Thursday, January 8, from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Kid-Approved January Activities for Families

Indoor Museums & Hands-On Fun

Cold day? These museums encompass a range of attractions, from world-renowned landmarks to some of Nashville’s top kid-friendly activities.

Adventure Science Center, located adjacent to the Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood, offers interactive exhibits that kids can actually touch. The planetarium shows space films on a massive dome. The BodyQuest exhibit lets kids climb through a giant human body. Science demonstrations happen throughout the day.

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum isn't just for adults. Kids love the Elvis exhibits, Johnny Cash's tour bus, and interactive recording booths. January crowds are lighter than in summer. Many locals visit when it's too cold to play outside.

The Tennessee State Museum stays free year-round. Tennessee history from prehistoric times to the present. Younger kids enjoy the old furniture, fashion displays, and hands-on elements.

The National Museum of African American Music opened in 2021. Interactive exhibits let kids try instruments, hear music evolution, and learn about genres from gospel to hip-hop.

Travellers Rest Historic House Museum offers guided tours throughout January. Tours take place from Tuesday through Saturday, with five tours offered per day, starting at the top of every hour from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The house sits on nine acres in southeast Nashville, just east of the beautiful Oak Hill community.

Outdoor Winter Fun on Milder Days

Nashville's January weather allows outdoor time on warmer days.

Radnor Lake State Park offers some of Nashville’s best hiking trails around a pristine lake. The First Day Hikes on January 1st are free and guided. Other days, go at your own pace. Great bird watching in winter when trees are bare.

Centennial Park centers on a full-scale replica of the Parthenon. Kids run around the open spaces. You can tour inside the Parthenon to see the massive Athena statue. If you're attending a Candlelight Concert there, arrive early to explore the grounds.

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park sits near the Tennessee State Museum downtown. Wide open spaces, fountains (off in winter), and the 95-bell carillon that plays on the hour. Educational markers explain Tennessee history.

Where to Eat and Drink Around January Events

Near Major Venues

Bridgestone Arena/Broadway District: Before the game or concert, you have options throughout the vibrant neighborhoods in downtown Nashville. Hot chicken at Hattie B's or Prince's. BBQ at Martin's or Peg Leg Porker. Broadway bars overflow with live music and bar food. Acme Feed & Seed or The Southern Steak & Oyster offer sit-down meals, views, and better acoustics than the honky-tonks.

Ryman Auditorium/Downtown: Pre-show dinner works best away from Broadway's chaos. Walk to The Gulch (10 minutes) for upscale options like Adele's or The Pharmacy Burger. Germantown (five-minute drive) offers City House for pizza or Rolf & Daughters for pasta. After shows, Broadway bars stay open late.

Opry House/Opry Mills Area: The Grand Ole Opry sits east of downtown. Opry Mills mall offers chain restaurants (Aquarium Restaurant, Rainforest Cafe). Gaylord Opryland Resort (next door) has multiple restaurants, from casual to upscale.

Dry January & Mocktail Scene

Nashville bars and breweries embrace Dry January with creative non-alcoholic options.

Southern Grist Brewing Co. offers NA beer selections at its West and East Nashville locations. Other top Nashville breweries follow suit with zero-proof options. Several cocktail bars craft elaborate mocktails—same creativity, no alcohol.

Plan an evening around a concert, accompanied by mocktails at a bar that celebrates Dry January. Or visit a brewery's taproom for NA beers before a show. You can still experience Nashville's social scene without the hangover.

Making the Most of January in Music City

January gives you Nashville without overwhelming.

You can explore Broadway and spend a night out in downtown Nashville without shoulder-to-shoulder crowds. Museums have space to breathe. Restaurant reservations open up. The calendar remains packed with concerts, sports, cultural events, and kid-friendly activities.

If you're visiting, you'll get authentic Nashville. If you're house-hunting, you'll see neighborhoods in real-life mode—not peak tourist season. Either way, January proves Music City thrives year-round.

If the opportunities of Nashville excite you, contact The Ashton Real Estate Group of RE/MAX Advantage with Nashville's MLS at (615) 603-3602 to get in touch with local real estate agents who can help find the perfect Nashville home for you today.