Itching for a day out in Nashville? While the city is bursting with entertainment options for locals and tourists alike, so are its college and university campuses.
In addition to offering a wide swath of academic opportunities, many schools also offer events and activities that are open to the public. Here’s a rundown of things to do at some of Music City’s many colleges and universities.
Sports, plays, art, music and more
Belmont University
- Cheer on the Belmont Bruins. From baseball to golf, Belmont’s athletics schedule is hopping with games.
- See an event at Fisher Center. The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts is host to lectures, concerts, storytelling events and more. Pro tip: Go around sunset to see the lobby fill with countless rainbows through the floor-to-ceiling prism windows.
- Stroll through a gallery exhibit. Belmont is home to the Leu Art Gallery, along with the Gallery of Iconic Guitars and the Frederick Hart Studio Museum.
Belmont also offers theater and dance performances, among other events. Learn more at belmont.edu.
Fisk University
- Hear the Fisk Jubilee Singers. The world-renowned singing group has been around for more than 150 years. Learn more about what they’re up to at fiskjubileesingers.org.
- Visit a gallery. Fisk University is known widely for its art and is home to two galleries on campus, along with a rotation of special collections. Find out what’s on exhibit at fisk.edu/galleries.
- Catch a festival. The university hosts an arts festival every year, typically in early April, along with other festivals throughout the year. Check the events calendar to see what’s coming up at fisk.edu/events.
Fisk, one of Nashville’s historically Black colleges and universities, is also home to a variety of sports and a marching band known as the Music City Sound. Learn more at fisk.edu.
Lipscomb University
- Listen to live music. From jazz ensembles to the university chorale, Lipscomb always has musical performances on its event calendar.
- Check out Fashion Week. Lipscomb has a fashion school, which hosts an annual fashion show each spring. In October, it also launched a temporary exhibition that features pieces of Dolly Parton’s wardrobe through the years.
- Visiting at Christmas? Head to the Green. Lipscomb hosts its annual Lighting of the Green, usually at the end of November, with a free annual concert and festivities to kick off the holiday season.
Lipscomb, a small private Christian college, also has a full slate of athletics, including baseball, basketball, tennis and more. Learn more at lipscomb.edu.
Tennessee State University
- Attend the African Street Festival. Tennessee State University throws a big party on campus to celebrate this annual festival, typically held in September. In 2023, more than 40,000 people attended and explored around 125 vendors.
- Visiting in October? Don’t miss out on Homecoming. TSU Homecoming is arguably one of its biggest events each year, between the high-stepping Aristocrat of Bands marching their way through the parade to the homecoming football game held at Nissan Stadium.
- Visit the Hiram Van Gordon Gallery. The university’s art gallery runs several exhibitions each year that feature the work of TSU students, faculty and alumni and a variety of other artists.
TSU, which is another one of Nashville’s HBCUs, also has a wide variety of athletics and other events, including lectures, films and concerts. Learn more at tnstate.edu.
Trevecca Nazarene University
- Tour the farm. The Trevecca Urban Farm grounds features goats, pigs, chickens and other animals, along with an orchard, greenhouse and gardens. Tours are available for a small suggested donation. More information is available at trevecca.edu/community-life/urban-farm-and-garden.
- Catch a sporting event. Along with offerings like baseball, basketball and other sports, Trevecca also has a stunt team. Think cheerleading but with more technical and athletic components at the center.
- Enjoy a concert. Trevecca hosts a variety of musical events throughout the year, including jazz, recitals and even songwriters nights.
Learn more about Trevecca at trevecca.edu.
Vanderbilt University
- Stroll the campus. Did you know Vanderbilt University was designated as an arboretum in 1988? The campus is home to more than 300 tree and shrub varieties, along with tons of historic buildings.
- Check out an exhibition, play, concert or more. Vanderbilt is home to a wide variety of arts programs and events.
- Root for the Commodores. Vanderbilt athletics features basketball, tennis, baseball and even a women’s bowling team.
Learn more about Vanderbilt, which is Nashville’s largest university, at vanderbilt.edu.
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