Alvin Ailey Dance and Bluegrass Legends: Your Nashville Sunday Guide

A Vibrant Sunday in the Music City

Nashville is alive with a diverse array of cultural and artistic offerings this Sunday, February 22, 2026. From world-class dance performances to intimate bluegrass sets and immersive art exhibitions, there is something for every taste in the city today. Whether you are looking to spend your afternoon in a gallery or your evening at a historic music venue, here is your curated guide to the best of Nashville today.

Performing Arts and Theater

The spotlight is on the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC) today with two major productions concluding their weekend runs. The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater takes the stage at Andrew Jackson Hall for a 1:00 PM matinee. Under the direction of Artistic Director Alicia Graf Mack, the company continues to push the boundaries of modern dance while honoring the legacy of its founder. Expect a powerful performance that blends athleticism with deep emotional storytelling.

For those seeking contemporary drama, the Nashville Repertory Theatre presents Fat Ham at the Andrew Johnson Theater. This Pulitzer Prize-winning play offers a bold, southern-fried reimagining of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, set at a family barbecue. Performances are scheduled for 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM, providing a final chance to catch this acclaimed production before it wraps up.

Live Music and Local Rhythms

Music remains the heartbeat of the city today. While the legendary Billy Strings holds court at the Ryman Auditorium for a sold-out evening performance, there are plenty of other soulful sounds to enjoy across town at some of Nashville's most iconic intimate venues:

• The Station Inn: Keep the tradition alive with Sunday Gospel featuring Val Storey and Larry Cordle starting at 3:00 PM.
• 3rd & Lindsley: Catch the Kyle Tuttle Band for a high-energy midday set at 12:30 PM.
• City Winery: The venue hosts the genre-defying Robert Glasper for two shows at 5:00 PM and 8:30 PM.
• Bluebird Cafe: The Sunday Spotlight features Lost Hollow at 6:00 PM for a classic Nashville songwriter experience.
• The Listening Room Cafe: Lexie Hayden takes the stage at 6:00 PM for a night of local storytelling and music.

Art Exhibitions and Gallery Walks

For a more reflective Sunday, the local art scene offers several compelling exhibitions. The Frist Art Museum is currently hosting "In Her Place: Nashville Artists in the Twenty-First Century." This exhibition highlights nearly 100 works from 28 intergenerational women artists, exploring themes of place and identity. The museum is open today from 1:00 PM to 5:30 PM.

Additionally, the "Print Fair" at The Browsing Room Gallery at the Downtown Presbyterian Church is open to the public, featuring socially engaged artworks rooted in community. On the Vanderbilt campus, visitors can also find the "Seeds from Svalbard" installation at Buttrick Hall, a building-wide exhibition exploring climate change through film and photography.

Culinary Highlights

Today also marks National Margarita Day, with celebrations across the city. STK Nashville is featuring special menus, while Sports & Social Green Hills is hosting a margarita-making class for those looking to hone their mixology skills. These events coincide with the month-long "Dine Nashville: The Music City Way" celebration, which offers exclusive discounts at various local food retailers and unique chef collaborations throughout the city.