Best Things to Do in Nashville in February (Updated for 2025)
Nashville slows down a bit in the winter, but there are still plenty of things going on in February.
Crowds are thinner than the rest of the year with the exception of Valentine’s Day activities.
The weather is probably cold and kind of dreary (possibly with snow some years), but that just means you’ll want to bundle up when you’re outside. Personally, I plan to spend most of February indoors except on the rare warmer days.
If you’re looking for things to do in Nashville in February, I’ve got suggestions for you. I’ll start with special events, then Valentine’s Day ideas and events, and finally good indoor activities for the chilly weather.
Make sure to read my full guide to Nashville as well!
February Events in Nashville
Winter Shakespeare
2025 Event Dates: February 20 – March 2, 2025
The Nashville Shakespeare Festival takes place in the summer, but the organization still works to bring quality theater experiences to the public during the winter.
This year’s winter production is an adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice written by Kate Hamill. The show is at Belmont University’s Troutt Theater. Tickets start at $32 for adults and are free for Belmont students and faculty
Zoolumination
2025 Event Dates: Runs every night Nov. 14 – Jan. 5, runs Thurs – Sun night Jan. 9 – Feb. 9
The Christmas season is over, but the lights at the zoo continue all the way through February. Visitors can enjoy the colorful and bright designs.
The lights are the main attraction at this after hours event. However, a few animals are still up until 8:30 pm.
Admission is $25 for adults and teens, $21 for kids ages 2-12, and free for kids under 2. Buying tickets in advance is recommended. You can also add on a ticket to the ice rink for $12. Discounts are available for zoo members.
Chinese New Year Celebration
2025 Event Date: February 10
The Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville (CAAN) is hosting a Chinese New Year Celebration in the city for the 9th year. There are lots of different programs and fun stations to check out including the CAAN’s Lion Dance, a calligraphy demonstration, music and dance, photo ops, and more.
The free event takes place from 11 am to 3 pm at Centennial Park. Advanced Registrations are encouraged for planning purposes.
Chinese Arts Alliance of Nashville Website
The Antiques and Garden Show
2025 Event Dates: January 31 – February 2
Those who love antiques, art, and gardens will be interested in the Antiques and Garden Show At Music City Center. More than 150 vendors will attend, and there are garden showcases, live music, and special events on the schedule. Guest speakers include Booke Shields, Sheryl Crow, Shane Connolly, and Willow Crossley.
Standard general admission tickets are $30. Tickets to lectures are an additional fee. Theshow raises funds for Cheekwood and ECON Charities.
The Antiques and Garden Show Website
The Mountaintop – Tennessee Performing Arts Center
2025 Event Dates: February 14 – 23
The Mountaintop is a play written by Tennessean Katori Hall that re-imagines the hours between his “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” speech and his assassination.
The play is presented by the Nashville Repertory Theatre. Tickets start at $58.50.
Tennessee Performing Arts Center Website
Shows & Live Music
The music doesn’t stop in Nashville just because it’s cold outside. You can listen to live music at most of the bars in Downtown and other parts of Nashville.
I also recommend checking the lineup at different indoor music venues around town including 5 Spot, Basement East, the Ryman, the Grand Ole Opry, and Bridgestone Arena.
Valentine’s Ideas in Nashville
Hidden Bar
The Hidden Bar at Noelle has some of the best themed pop-ups with carefully put-together decor, drinks, and food. It’s a fun spot for a special night out in Downtown without the craziness you might find at other spots.
Pins Mechanical
Pins Mechanical offers old-school fun including retro arcade games. Pinball machines, and my favorite, duckpin bowling. The venue offers craft cocktails. Most nights you can grab a bite to eat at one of the food trucks. Outside food is allowed, but outside beverages are not.
Eastside Bowl
Bowling is not a particularly original date idea, but you’ll still want to check out Eastside Bowl. The 70s retro venue has bowling, billiards, food, drinks, and even two stages with ticketed shows most nights of the week. It’s absolutely an experience.
Folk
Folk is just upscale enough to feel special, but while still being casual. It’s a friendly neighborhood restaurant in East Nashville with a seasonal menu. The pizzas are always good (especially the clam pizza), but you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.
Reservations recommended.
Peninsula
Peninsula flies under the radar sometimes, but I think that’s because people are afraid they won’t be able to get a seat if they tell everyone how good it is. The restaurant serves French and Spanish-inspired cuisine. People especially love their gin & tonic options. The intimate restaurant is perfect for a romantic night.
You’ll need a reservation for this one.
Urban Grub
Urban Grub in 12 South offers fine dining in a cozy atmosphere. It’s a beautiful space with comfy seating and crackling fireplaces. The specialties here are seafood and southern cuisine.
The restaurant does a Valentine’s Day Menu each year. It’s worth visiting any time for a date night though. You’ll need advanced reservations either way.
Luogo
Luogo is a romantic restaurant serving Italian food. The trendy restaurant in the Gulch has delicious Mediterranean food from pastas to chicken marsala. Their dessert menu is especially nice with an outstanding tiramisu that makes the perfect ending for a date night.
Reservations are needed here.
Blue Aster
Located in the Conrad Hotel, Blue Aster is an upscale dining destination. The food here is based around regional flavors as well as seafood that is incredibly fresh for a landlocked state. The hotel serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner depending on the day, so there are plenty of options for a date if the traditional dinner date isn’t what you’re looking for.
See my full review of Blue Aster here.
Indoor Activities for February
Civil Rights Room
The Civil Rights Room houses the Nashville Public Library’s collection of Civil Rights materials in the Downtown library branch. The room explains the history of the movement in Nashville and has several special features.
See my full list of reasons to visit the Nashville Public Library here.
Nashville Public Library Website
National Museum of African American Music
The National Museum of African American Music has six galleries showcasing the history of Black music in the United States. The museum explores over 50 music genres and allows visitors to view artifacts, clothing, and other memorabilia.
Regular admission for adults is $26.95.
National Museum of African American Music Website
Frist Art Museum
The Frist is Nashville’s art museum located in the Gulch. The museum does not have a permanent collection and instead hosts traveling exhibitions.
Exhibitions in February include Journey through Japan: Myths to Magna, 2024 Young Tennessee Artists, Farm to Table: Art, Food, and Identity in the Age of Impressionism, Tennessee Harvest: 1870s-1920s, and M. Florine Démosthène and Didier William: What the Body Carries.
Tennessee State Museum
The Tennessee State Museum is a free museum with exhibits about the history of Tennessee from thousands of years ago until today. There’s so much to see with something for everyone. The museum even has a Children’s Gallery, which is the perfect place for indoor fun and learning when it’s cold outside!
See my full guide to the Tennessee State Museum here.
Tennessee State Museum Website
–
Thanks for reading my suggestions for things to do in Nashville in February! Hopefully, you found something to enjoy in Music City during this month!
–
Read Next:
Best Things to Do in Nashville in January
