Monday Through Friday in Nashville

Swing into a song and dance

Mondays are when Nashville comes alive with the sound of singer-songwriters. “Big Stage Mondays” at 3rd and Lindsley is where you can see musicians take the spotlight to play their newest melodies. The lineup changes on a weekly basis, but many of the musicians you’ll see have written songs for hit country music acts like Garth Brooks, Keith Urban and Faith Hill. Presented by Backstage Nashville, the concert is just $20 per ticket and starts at 2:30 p.m., giving you plenty of time to make your way to The 5 Spot for swing dancing and drink specials beginning at 8 p.m. Entrance to the party is free, but you must be 21 years old and over to get in.

Get your full fixin’ of art

Collectors and patrons of the arts can get their fill of Nashville’s galleries on Tuesdays. Start at the Arts Company, where you can enjoy local contemporary photography, paintings and sculptures. Just around the corner is Tinney Contemporary, which features rotating exhibitions of modern art that you can buy and take home. Next stop is Hatch Show Print, one of the oldest-working letterpress print shops in the country. Guided tours give you the chance to see fresh prints of iconic posters and new work from local artists. For an added treat, end your art crawl at Saint Anejo, where Tequila Tuesday gets you half-priced flights and more.

Stroll through Centennial Park

The middle of the week is ideal for getting outdoors and enjoying one of Nashville’s premier urban parks. Centennial Park—located on West End and 25th Ave. North—is a 132-acre city oasis with a variety of attractions, including a one-mile walking trail, a beautiful sunken garden and historical monuments. At the heart of the park are full-scale replicas of the Parthenon and the Athena statue. Inside the classical Greek structure is a permanent collection of 19th and 20th century American art. When hunger strikes, Hattie B’s is only one mile from Centennial Park and offers a weekday hot chicken sandwich lunch special that simply can’t be beat.

Step back in time at the Ryman

Ryman Auditorium was the home of the Grand Ol’ Opry from 1943 through the 1970s, and no trip to Music City would be complete without a visit. Daily tours are available starting at 9 a.m., but Thursdays are when the Opry comes back to the Ryman stage to celebrate Opry Country Classics. You’ll be entertained by a celebrity host who brings guest performers on stage to sing their original songs as well as the songs of their favorite music icons, including Elvis and Patsy Cline. If you have time between touring the Ryman and seeing the show, you can stop into Café Lula at the Ryman for a light snack and drinks. The café is open until 8 p.m. on show nights.

Buzz into Friday fun on Music Row

Music Row is famous for being the business hub of country music, with record label offices, radio stations and recording studios creating a proverbial street of dreams. SiriusXM’s show “The Highway” has taken the area’s reputation to a new level with the Music Row Happy Hour with Buzz Brainard every Friday afternoon. Join Buzz as he walks down Broadway from his studio at Bridgestone Arena to kick off a country music bonanza at Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Restaurant. The event is open to all ages on a first come, first serve basis, so get there early to boogie your way into a spot next to the energetic host.