This post covers the top things to do in January in Nashville (updated for 2022), including nighttime activities, free things to do, and family-friendly options.
Be sure to read our master post on things to do in Nashville for even more ideas.
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TOP 10 EVENTS AND THINGS TO DO IN JANUARY
This top 10 list has concerts, events, attractions, and festivals to check out during January. Don't forget to check out our popular Nashville posts:
- Hop-On-Hop-Off Tours
- Tourist Attraction Discount Passes
- Country Music Hall of Fame
- Madame Tussauds
- Andrew Jackson's Hermitage
1. Go to a Comedy Show
There will be a few well-known comedians coming to Nashville in January 2022. If you're in need of a good laugh, this is a great time to see some stand-up comedy.
Here are a few of the best performers to see this month:
- Trevor Wallace | Jan 7th - 9th
- Tom Segura | Jan 15th, 16th
- Bobcat Goldthwait | Jan 21st, 22nd
- Whitney Cummings | Jan 28th
If you're willing to travel outside of Nashville, there are a lot of other comedians performing in Knoxville during January. Check this list of stand-up comedy shows in and around Nashville for more details.
2. Go to a Museum at Night
There are a lot of great museums in Nashville which are usually open during the day, and in some cases also at night.
Indoor activities are preferred on a chilly January night, but it's not just the bars open after dark.
The George Jones Museum stays open late!
The George Jones Museum open 11:00 am to 10:00 pm most days, and open until 1:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays.
3. Nashville MLK Day
Celebrate MLK Day in Nashville this January with a number of great activities hosted by the city.
For one, Nashville hosts one of the oldest Martin Luther King Day commemorative marches in the country, going on 31 years.
Leading up to MLK Day are a number of activities as well, like the Worship Service, Labor Breakfast, and more.
4. Go on a Free Sightseeing Tour
Take one of the great walking tours available in Nashville. The tours last 90 minutes and are led by a local Nashvillian.
You'll get a nice welcome to the city with many recommendations for other things to do and places to eat/drink/dance, but it is light on history.
There is a lot of history in downtown Nashville to cover in 90 minutes so if you’re interested in some of the hidden stories, check out Atlantis Audio Tours self-guided tour to downtown Nashville.
5. See a Concert
If you’re looking for a concert, Music City is usually the place to find it. It should come as no surprise that there will be plenty of great concerts to attend in Nashville this month.
Click through to see what concerts are happening this January.
Here are some of the best performers you can see this month:
- Styx | Jan 6th
- Frankie Valli | Jan 9th
- Buckcherry | Jan 15th
- Brian McKnight | Jan 17th
- DaBaby | Jan 19th
- Dwight Yoakam | Jan 19th - 21st
- Still Woozy | Jan 29th
- Yungblud | Jan 29th
Keep an eye on the schedule at the Grand Ole Opry and the Nashville Symphony to see if they also end up having a few more shows this month.
Check out all the Nashville concerts here, or see what other nightlife you can find on our full post.
6. Attend Monster Jam
Who doesn't love monster trucks? If you're a fan of motorsports, you'll be happy to hear that Monster Jam is coming to the Bridgestone Arena on January 29th and 30th, 2022.
This event features some of the biggest monster trucks in the world performing a variety of incredible stunts and competing in contests to see which driver is the most impressive.
Some of the competitions are voted on by the audience, which means you'll have the opportunity to take part in deciding who wins!
Purchase Monster Jam tickets or learn more.
7. Go to a Sporting Event
Nashville is a competitive city that loves its sports! Check out the teams playing in Nashville this January.
Ice Hockey
Football
Most sporting events will either be postponed or closed off from the public due to the pandemic, but if you're lucky, they might lift some of the restrictions so that fans can see live games once again.
Take a look at all the sporting events happening in January here.
For more family-friendly activities, check out our full post.
8. Enjoy The Lion King Musical
Music City isn’t just all concerts. You can find theatre performances too!
From January 6th - 23rd, The Lion King will be hosted by the Tennessee Performing Arts Center for a limited run at Andrew Jackson Hall.
It should be noted that all guests 6 and up must wear a mask, and guests over the age of 12 must provide proof of vaccination.
Tickets range from about $70-$170 and they are selling out fast.
Purchase The Lion King tickets or learn more.
9. Marshmallow Hikes
Owl's Hill Nature Sanctuary is hosting hikes through the woods this January that conclude with hot chocolate and marshmallows, which we think is the perfect reward for a chilly activity!
This annual event takes place at 9:30 am on the first and second Saturday of the month. Tickets are $10 early (online) or $12 the day of.
To learn more and grab tickets for the hike, click here.
For more family-friendly activities, check out our kids' section below.
10. Save Money with a Tourist Attraction Discount Pass
With all the exciting things there are to do in Music City, we suggest getting a tourist city pass for Nashville.
All-inclusive passes are available, and others can include up to 55% discounts on retail prices for select attraction admission, gift shops, and restaurants.
Featured on Various Passes:
- Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
- Musician’s Hall of Fame
- Madame Tussauds
- Hop-On-Hop-Off Tours
- Hard Rock Cafe
See our full tourist attraction discount pass comparison here.
UNDETERMINED: Nashville Restaurant Week
A great way to get to know the cuisine of Nashville is Restaurant Week!
Over 60 local restaurants participate, showcasing a 3-course tasting menu for a set price.
This is a great way to support locally-owned restaurants and make for a great date night or treating the whole family.
To learn more and plan your feasting, check out their website here.
NOTE: Official dates have not been announced for this event in 2022.
THINGS TO DO AT NIGHT IN NASHVILLE
Nashville has some incredible things to do after dark in January, including the concerts at the venues we've listed in our top ten section above.
Here are a few more night time activities for the month of January.
For more nighttime activities, visit our post on things to do at night in Nashville.
11. Find a Film at Belcourt Theatre
Escape the January cold at the Belcourt Theatre. This is a nonprofit, historic movie theatre and film center that has been in operation since the 1920s.
You can find showings for big Hollywood movies, small screenings from independent filmmakers, or special re-releases of classics.
12. Visit a Comedy Club
While most big cities have comedy clubs, each is unique to their location. It's a great way to meet locals and get a sense of a city.
In Nashville, Zanies has been around for over 30 years and it a great place to catch a stand-up routine.
Professional comedians from across the country pass through its doors, and you can catch a show almost every night of the week.
There's also food and drink available to turn it into dinner and a show.
13. Adventure Science Center Star Gazing
Adventure Science Center is a great way to spend a day exploring science!
They also have the incredible Sudekum Planetarium, which is a giant 63-foot dome where you can see the stars and enjoy activities like laser shows, concerts, and even Yoga Under the Stars!
They are open late until 9:00 pm on the second Saturday of every month, so be sure to check out their website for special events. Their website also offers star charts if you want to explore the real stars on your own.
14. Celebrate the New Year!
Ring in the New Year in Nashville! With a number of parties and events to attend, there's plenty to do to usher in 2022 with a bang. Some free events to attend:
Jack Daniel's Music City Midnight
This free event has country star Keith Urban headlining and has a lineup of some incredible performers. The event takes place at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park and gates open at 4:00 pm.
Walden Bar's Onesie New Year's Eve Party
Who says you can't be comfortable at a New Year's party? This event encourages guests dressed up in their favorite fuzzy onesie!
This free event takes place at Walden's Bar from 4:00 pm on December 31 to 2:00 am on January 1, 2022.
It's free to attend, although you can participate in their beer pong tournament for $30 per team.
For more nighttime activities, visit our post on things to do at night in Nashville.
FREE THINGS TO DO IN NASHVILLE
Nashville has a bunch of free stuff to do year-round. Here are a few more free things to do in Nashville in January.
For even more budget-friendly ideas, check out our post on free things to do in Nashville.
15. Arts & Music at Wedgewood-Houston
This free art walk takes place on the first Saturday of each month and is a great way to get out and peruse the pop-ups, the studios, and art galleries in Nashville.
This is a great way to enjoy the evening, as the event starts at 6:00 pm. To see the lineup and plan your visit, click here.
16. Hatch Show Print
A fun and unique thing to do in Nashville is visiting the Hatch Show Print, which has been in business since the late 19th century.
It's one of the leading printmaking shops in Nashville, and their posters can be found throughout the city.
Visiting the shop is free, and you can also go on a tour for $20 if you're interested.
For even more budget-friendly ideas, check out our post on free things to do in Nashville.
THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS IN JANUARY
Nashville is super family-friendly!
Here are a few more kid-friendly things to do in January.
Be sure to read our master post on things to do with kids in Nashville for even more ideas.
17. Visit the Tennessee State Capitol
Visiting the Tennessee State Capitol is a great educational way to spend the day, plus it's free!
Built in 1859, it's one of the oldest state capitol buildings in the country.
You can even go on a free guided tour of the historic State Capitol and the grounds surrounding the building offered by the staff of the Tennessee State Museum.
Tours take place Monday-Friday on the hour from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm (skipping 12:00 pm).
For more free things to do in Nashville in January, check out our free section above.
18. Storytime at the Tennessee State Museum
The Tennessee State Museum is a free museum and has the most comprehensive display of the state's history.
While great for all ages, they also host a storytime for children every Friday and Saturday.
This event is geared towards children ages 3 to 6, and a staff member will read to the children. Free crafts are also supplied!
Be sure to read our master post on things to do with kids in Nashville for even more ideas.
UNCONFIRMED: Zoolumination
Visiting the zoo is a great family activity, but this January you can also enjoy over 500 silk lanterns in fun animal-shaped displays at night.
These custom Chinese lanterns are usually on display throughout the month of January, but they have yet to announce dates for 2022.
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