MLK Day Marches and Dolly’s Birthday Bash: What’s On in Nashville Today

Honoring a Legacy: The Annual MLK Day March

Today, Nashville commemorates the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with several significant community gatherings. The cornerstone of the day is the annual MLK Day March, organized by the Interdenominational Ministers Fellowship. The march typically begins at the Jefferson Street Baptist Church and concludes with a powerful convocation at the Tennessee State University Gentry Center. This long-standing tradition brings together thousands of residents, community leaders, and students for a morning of reflection and calls for social justice. The theme for 2026, "Legacy in Action," encourages participants to turn the dream into tangible community service.

Celebrating Five Years at the National Museum of African American Music

It is a double celebration today at the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM). In addition to honoring Dr. King, the museum is celebrating its 5th anniversary with a special MLK Day Community Day. From 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, the museum offers free admission to the public. Visitors can enjoy live performances from local artists such as The BoykinZ and DJ Smoke, as well as educational workshops like the "From Nothing 2 Something" body percussion series. The day also features the unveiling of a new lobby exhibition dedicated to The McCrary Sisters and the official launch of the museum’s global digital platform.

Dolly’s Birthday and Local Gatherings

Music City also turns its attention to a local icon today as fans celebrate Dolly Parton’s birthday. Head over to White Limozeen, the pink-clad rooftop bar at the Graduate Hotel, for a festive birthday celebration in honor of the Queen of Country. For those looking for a more relaxed evening, Nicky’s Coal Fired is hosting its signature Monday Family Night, providing a community-focused dining experience perfect for those enjoying the federal holiday with loved ones.

Cinema, Science, and the Great Outdoors

The cultural calendar is packed with unique opportunities this Monday evening:

• The Belcourt Theatre: Catch a special screening of "You Got Gold: A Celebration of John Prine" at 8:00 PM, or enjoy the 35mm presentation of "The Testament of Ann Lee" in the afternoon.
• Radnor Lake State Park: Join the Nashville Hiking Meetup for a 5-mile trek starting at 3:00 PM to enjoy the crisp winter air.
• Tech Meetup: For those interested in the future of technology, the "Practical AI Agents" meetup begins at 6:00 PM, offering a deep dive into modern data science.