Free things to do this weekend in and around Nashville

Nashville's Top Picks for FREE family-friendly fun Friday, May 1, 2026 to Sunday, May 3, 2026.

(Scroll down for full, detailed list of free weekend activities.)

• Friday's by the River - Riverview Pavilion at Shelby Park, Nashville, TN 37206, Friday, May 1, 2026, 3pm - 8pm
• Kidsville Storybook Walk - 2500 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203, Friday, May 1, 2026 to Sunday, May 3, 2026, Park hours, 6 AM - 8 PM
• Vanderbilt University Preschool Language and Brain Study - Vanderbilt University, West End Avenue, Nashville, TN, Friday, May 1, 2026 to Sunday, May 3, 2026, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Earn Money by Participating in Research - Vanderbilt University - LIVE Building, Wilson Hall, MRB III, Friday, May 1, 2026 to Sunday, May 3, 2026, 9am to 6pm
• Kindergarten Readiness Fair - Lentz Public Health Department, 2500 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209, Saturday, May 2, 2026, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• 1st Saturday Family Fun - Nashville Public Library (Thompson Lane Branch) - Nashville Public Library - Thompson Lane Branch: 380 Thompson Lane Nashville, TN, 37211, Saturday, May 2, 2026, See website for details.
• Storytime in the Children’s Gallery - Tennessee State Museum - Tennessee State Museum, Rosa L Parks Boulevard, Nashville, TN, Saturday, May 2, 2026, 10:30 a.m.
• 2026 Summer Camp Open House Tours - Deer Run Camps and Retreats - Deer Run Camps & Retreats, Perkins Road, Thompson's Station, TN, Sunday, May 3, 2026, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m
• Walk to Cure Arthritis-Nashville - Fannie Mae Dees Park, 2400 Blakemore Ave, Nashville, TN 37212, Sunday, May 3, 2026, 1 PM
• Free spring mini photo session with Shoott! - Nashville area - Shoott, Broadway, New York, NY, Sunday, May 3, 2026, See link for times