YOU MADE IT.

Sure, you’ve made it to the end of the week before. This particular time had higher stakes – whether it be acing your last final, turning in your last work assignment, or getting your last-minute Christmas shopping done for your super hard-to-buy-for mom (hint: get her a candle or something with Barry Manilow). Wanna celebrate? Awwwww yeah. Here are 10 awesome things to do in Nashville this weekend!

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Get Blinded With Science (And Beer)

Science Of Beer

WHAT IT IS:

The smartest way to get your drink on, y’all! Adventure Science Center is hosting its annual Science Of Beer event, and we couldn’t be more pumped. You’ll walk away with a souvenir pint glass, a belly full of 70+ craft brews (though you probably shouldn’t try ALL 70) and liquid nitrogen beer ice cream, and a head full of beer and science knowledge. It’s an after-hours adults only event with some of the best attractions around (if you haven’t been in the planetarium before, you’re missing out). Best news is – Wannado has your EXCLUSIVE tickets! Get them HERE before they’re gone!

GOOD FOR:

Your happy hour group. Keep the beer flowin’ and add in some funtivities, champ.

MAKE A NIGHT OF IT:

If you want to grab some food before (though there will be awesome food trucks on-site), stop by the nearby Pour House for some burgers. You’ll need some carbs before you get all those beers in your system.

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Every Time You Visit Belcourt, An Angel Gets Its Wings

It’s A Wonderful Life

WHAT IT IS:

Buffalo gals, won’t you come out tonight/this late afternoon? This Frank Capra film starring Jimmy Stewart has turned into a beloved Christmas classic (although it was deemed too schmaltzy for its time and was initially a critical flop). A movie with charm and morality, it still seems completely authentic and somehow brims with positivity. You’re going to want to see it on the big screen with someone you love!

GOOD FOR:

Taking off early from work (and if you have cool coworkers, you should all go together).

MAKE A DAY OF IT:

Eat, drink, and be merry with your loved ones after this film. If you’re willing to travel, Marche Artisan Foods on the east side has some of the best mulled wine ever made – it’s like Christmas in a cup! If you want to stay nearby, grab some seasonal drinks and pipin’ hot lobster mac and cheese at nearby Cabana.

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Local Bands, Lyric Sheets, & Christmas Tunes

3rd Annual Christmas Carol Party

WHAT IT IS:

Your dream of being in a band for a night: FULFILLED. The Stone Fox puts on some killer programming for West Nashville folks (and those who like to visit). The holidays are no exception. Don’t fade into the tinsel-decorated background at this shindig – be a part of it! 20 local bands will take the stage to perform a Christmas song – Alanna Royale, *repeat repeat, Tesla Rossa, The Hot Tub Club, Twiggs, & more. You’ll have the lyrics sheet, so join in!

GOOD FOR:

Your big group of friends who don’t feel like aimlessly bar hopping on Friday night. This provides some much needed structure!

MAKE A NIGHT OF IT:

If you just can’t stop belting out some “All I Want For Christmas”, take the after party to Santa’s Pub. The cash only double wide trailer bar will be bringin’ the karaoke late into the night (and yeah, the owner looks like Santa – or maybe he IS Santa).

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The Prince Of Pop Is Bringing Sexy Back (Again!)

Justin Timberlake

WHAT IT IS:

Yes, we already covered this in our “10 Must See Shows This Week” feature (check it out if you haven’t). However, JT deserves all the mentions. Why? He can rock a suit and tie. He has been called this generation’s MJ (go ahead, call it blasphemous. Then go see this show and say we’re still wrong). He is a Memphis boy who does a cover of “Heartbreak Hotel”. He rocked a lot of ribbed turtlenecks, pleather pants, and frosted tips and somehow escaped the late 90s/2000s unscathed. Get those Craigslist tickets, y’all – they’re worth it! It’s the second to last stop on the last leg of his world tour.

GOOD FOR:

A surprise early Christmas gift for your significant other/best friend.

MAKE A NIGHT OF IT:

If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of JT, we know he loves him some southern eats. Last time the 20/20 tour came through town, he dined at Puckett’s Grocery (one of our faves) in Leiper’s Fork. If you want to make a whole day of it, check out our (imaginary) Nashville itinerary for a Timberlake visit. 

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Serve It Up To Serve Your Community

Fresh Food Giveaway

WHAT IT IS:

This is a wonderful place to volunteer! Every first and third Friday of the month, people in the Nashville community gather for the Fresh Food Giveaway. A joint venture between Catholic Charities’ Loaves and Fishes and Second Harvest Food Bank, the volunteering opportunity allows you to hand out tons of fresh food to those without. The fellowship is always a blessing to both volunteers and participants. Come on down, y’all!

GOOD FOR:

Your early holiday visitors – kick the weekend before Christmas off right by serving together!

MAKE A NIGHT OF IT:

Head to Green Hills for a night of Christmas shopping, and here’s the challenge: for every food item you buy yourself (there’s a lot of seasonal goodies at Whole Foods), buy one for a family in need. ‘Tis the season!

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Enjoy A Brand-New Rockumentary

Hard Working Americans “The First Waltz” Screening

WHAT IT IS:

Nashville loves a good supergroup. With so many amazing musicians in this town, we are used to some of the best teaming up for one-off projects; however, Hard Working Americans is something special. The band consists of singer Todd Snider, bassist Dave Schools from Widespread Panic, Neal Casal of Chris Robinson Brotherhood on guitar and vocals, Chad Staehly of Great American Taxi on keyboards and Duane Trucks, younger brother to Derek on drums. The documentary covers their beginnings and tour, and proceeds will benefit Nashville Rescue Mission.

GOOD FOR:

Your out-of-town guest who wants to see Lower Broadway from a local perspective. Acme Feed and Seed is hoppin’!

MAKE A NIGHT OF IT:

Like we said, Acme is a destination venue with tons of amenities. If you decide to venture out, walk down 2nd Ave. for impressive Christmas lights and a lot of great stop-in bars on the strip!

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We’re Up All Night To Get Tacky

The 10th Annual Terrible Christmas Sweater Party

WHAT IT IS:

They were uncool before being uncool was cool. The longest running tacky Christmas sweater party in all of Nashville is celebrating its 10th anniversary with (lack of) style. The Blue Bar blowout is the loudest dance party of the season (the noise level kind of increases when the majority of dancers have bells all over their clothes), and the Jaegermeister-sponsored bash will have tons of drink specials for you. The bonus? It all benefits Boys and Girls Club of Middle TN.

GOOD FOR:

That friend who always complains about the lack of real dancing at concerts and such. Bust a move, kid!

MAKE A NIGHT OF IT:

You are going to need to get your fill at dinner before you drink and sweat for a million hours. Get a delectable meal from a place within walking distance! Tavern has a menu everyone will love – the kale salad is amazing, and the smores at your table? That’s what dreams are made of. If your group is feeling some Mexican, drown in queso (and love it) at Chuy’s.

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See A Modern-Day Blues Goddess

Shemekia Copeland

WHAT IT IS:

Shemekia Copeland can SANG. This blues singer has quite the prestigious rap sheet: opened for the Rolling Stones, headlined the Chicago Blues Festival, shared the stage with Buddy Guy, B.B. King, Mick Jagger, and Eric Clapton, and has performed at the White House. Yeah. She’s kind of a big deal. She’ll be playing the tambourine (and the vocal chords) at City Winery, and you don’t want to miss it!

GOOD FOR:

Anyone with Christmas fatigue. This will also be a great date night!

MAKE A NIGHT OF IT:

The show is on the earlier side. When you inevitably get your second wind post-show, we suggest you go kick up your heels at BB Kings downtown. There are old men in zoot suits, middle aged women drinking alcohol out of fishbowls, and most importantly LOTS of dancing. Bring your comfy shoes (or your hot shoes – life is short).

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A Variety Of Christmas Music At The Most Enchanting Place In Town

Craig Duncan Presents: A Smoky Mountain Christmas

WHAT IT IS:

Cheekwood is one of Nashville’s prettiest institutions, and even MORE so at the holidays. Besides their Holiday At Cheekwood exhibit, they’ll have a special musical program this weekend that has something for everyone. You into hand bells? They got it. Choral vocals? Done. Big band? You bet. Make the trek to Cheekwood and you won’t be sorry!

GOOD FOR:

A charming family outing with your visiting/grown up kids.

MAKE A DAY OF IT:

Get some hot peppermint tea or cocoa from Dose and cruise! Cheekwood is in the Belle Meade area, and those neighborhoods have some of the best Christmas light displays in Tennessee. Roll those windows up, turn on some Nat King Cole, and get cozy!

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Trunk Muzik Takes Nashville

Yelawolf

WHAT IT IS:

He may be a fairly new name in hip hop, but Yelawolf isn’t making any rookie mistakes. The rapper is signed to Shady Records (yeah, Eminem’s label) and Interscope, and he has amassed a huge following with Trunk Muzik and Trunk Muzik Returns. His next record is called “Love Story” and is slated for a 2015 release – come to this intimate show so you can say you saw him right before he was selling out arenas!

GOOD FOR:

People who complain there’s no good hip hop in Nashville.

MAKE A NIGHT OF IT:

Want a delicious and filling Sunday night dinner? Head to new Gulch spot Party Fowl before the show for some hot chicken that will make your head spin (and your eyes water).

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There you have it, Nashville! It may be the week before Christmas, but that doesn’t mean you can’t schedule some fun in your city before the relatives come in town. For all your Nashville needs (and your visitors), download Wannado for free! From live music to happy hours to tacky Christmas sweater parties, we’ve got you covered.