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Your Guide to Nashville in May 2025

Posted on May 1, 2025   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
Margaret Kingsbury

Margaret Kingsbury

A wooden play structure with a slide and rope climber in the shape of a castle. It's in a grassy field with trees in the background.

An enchanted castle at Cheekwood. (Courtesy of Cheekwood Estate & Gardens)

It’s the magical month of May, and in Nashville that means enchanted castles, our Renaissance Festival, Star Wars, and much more. Here’s your guide to making the most out of May in Nashville.

City Cast

Your Guide to May 2025 in Nashville

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⭐ May the 4th Be With You

Where are my Star Wars fans? Here are some May activities for you:

  • Head to Ascend Amphitheater on May 4 for an epic night under the stars listening to the Nashville Symphony play highlights from the “Star Wars” movies.
  • Attend the Adventure Science Center’s Family Star Wars Day, with Jedi training and Yoda and lightsaber crafts. Costumes are encouraged!
  • If you want a 21+ event, check out the Adventure Science Center’s Way Late Play Date: Science Strikes Back on May 2, with a special planetarium show, a cantina serving ice-cold blue milk, and lightsaber fun.
  • Really lean into the stars by attending a spring star-gazing party at the Warner Park Nature Center on May 3.

City Cast

Feeling Stressed? A Medieval Battle Might Help.

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🏰 The Magical Month of May

  • The Tennessee Renaissance Festival in Williamson County is every Saturday and Sunday in May, plus Memorial Day. Tour Castle Gwynn, cheer on jousters, meet Queen Elizabeth I, and laugh with jesters. Heads up: If you haven’t been in a while, alcohol is no longer served, and I’ve heard their dress code doesn’t allow for excessive cleavage! 😱
  • Enchanted Castles at Cheekwood runs from May 1 through mid-August, with five locally-crafted castle play structures, like the Flower Fairy Palace and Wizard’s Watchtower. I could not be more excited! Here’s my guide to Cheekwood.

🍣 Asian American Heritage Month

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! Here are some ways to support and celebrate our AAPI community.

🍓 So Many Strawberries

May is also National Strawberry Month. Here are some yummy strawberry-themed festivals.

  • The Strawberry Jam Festival at Lucky Ladd Farms on May 2-3 has a strawberry pie eating contest, spring market, and plenty of kid activities.
  • Head to Portland, about 45 minutes North of Nashville, for the 84th Annual Middle Tennessee Strawberry Festival on May 9-10, with fireworks, magic shows, and live music.
  • The Nashville Farmers’ Market is having their inaugural free Strawberry Jubilee Festival on May 10, with cooking demonstrations, animal encounters, and, of course, plenty of strawberries.
🤱 More May Activities!

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