NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The summer calendar is heating up at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, with a lineup of activities and programs visitors won’t want to miss. From exhibitions by world-renowned artists to captivating evening concerts and a celebration of Black art and culture, there is something for everyone to enjoy at Cheekwood from May through August.
TROLLS: Save the Humans
May 2 – September 1
The imaginative exhibition Trolls: Save the Humans by artist Thomas Dambo blends art, nature, and messages of sustainability. Six giant trolls are intertwined with Cheekwood’s unique gardens, trees, and historic landscape for a one-of-a-kind storytelling experience. Denmark-based recycle artist Thomas Dambo brings a creative approach to his multifaceted installations. Dambo’s vision is to create art that inspires people to have adventures in nature and demonstrate that trash can be turned into something beautiful. Children and adults alike will enjoy imagining each of the six featured trolls’ tales while considering their messages to humankind.
INTERVENTIONS: Ann Carrington
June 29 – October 27
International sculptor Ann Carrington’s ornate work will be on display as a part of the latest installment of the INTERVENTIONS series. Carrington is well-known for working with discarded and found objects. Her eccentric and elegant pieces breathe new life into otherwise mundane items like knives, spoons, buttons, cans, and coins by unraveling their associations and assigning new meaning as sculpture. INTERVENTIONS: Ann Carrington will be the largest iteration of the series, featuring 33 works throughout the period rooms in the historic mansion inspired by Cheekwood's gardens and the Cheek family.
Exposition of Elegance: Classic Cars at Cheekwood
June 15 and 16
Cruise into Cheekwood and celebrate Father’s Day weekend while strolling among over 100 impeccably maintained classic cars and vintage motorcycles at the historic estate. See the original components, accessories, and detailing that make these automobiles special. Vintage motorcycles, including a 1933 Harley Davidson VC with sidecar, will also be on display inside Massey Hall. Visitors can step back to the mid-20th century and enjoy the sounds of a barbershop quartet, hands-on activities for children, cold brews and cocktails, and tasty fare from local food trucks. The weekend culminates with a Tour d’Elegance through the streets of the city of Belle Meade. Members are invited to reserve discounted tickets during the special pre-sale from April 16-22. Tickets go on sale to the public on April 23.
Under the Stars Concert Series
The Under the Stars Concert Series returns, offering the unforgettable opportunity to enjoy the sounds of music’s most in-demand performers and players from across the nation, under the night sky at Cheekwood. Over five magical evenings, music fills the air while food trucks prepare mouthwatering bites and vendors offer wines by the bottle, local brews, and craft cocktails. The diverse music lineup includes jazz, bluegrass, and songwriters’ nights. Tickets are already on sale.
Jazz Under the Stars | July 19 | 7 p.m.
The genre-defying New Orleans icons The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, headline this extraordinary night. Their sound, self-described as a “musical gumbo,” is renowned globally, promising an unforgettable sonic journey. Known for high-energy performances, this group is synonymous with exhilarating shows where they combine a dynamic fusion of upbeat brass arrangements with bebop jazz, funk, and R&B. This freewheeling celebration kicks off with a stellar performance by the 18-piece Ryan Middagh Jazz Orchestra. Special thanks to Jazz Under the Stars Media Partner Jazzy 88 WFSK.
Tickets: $55 Members | $65 Not Yet Members
Songwriters Under the Stars | August 23, 24, 25 | 7 p.m.
Top Nashville hitmakers and musicians perform in a one-of-a-kind setting. Nestled on gorgeous Swan Lawn, the concert features chart-toppers Wendell Mobley, Kelly Archer, and Lee Thomas Miller, sharing songs and stories, accompanied by the renowned String Light Symphony.
Tickets: $65 | Not-yet members: $75
Premium Packages: Each Premium Package ticket includes one concert ticket with exclusive, front-of-stage viewing in an Eno Lounger SL chair, two drink tickets, and access to premium parking with a golf cart shuttle to the concert location.
Premium Package Tickets: Members: $150 | Not-yet members: $175
Bluegrass Under the Stars | September 6 | 7 p.m.
Iconic bluegrass legend Sam Bush performs against the picturesque backdrop of Cheekwood’s gardens. The multifaceted Bush is a national champion fiddler, an award-winning mandolin player, and a trailblazing vocalist and musician whose influence resonates across generations. The bluegrass titan is decorated with multiple accolades including Grammys and International Bluegrass Music Awards. This will be an unforgettable night of mastery and timeless tunes under the starlit sky. Opening the show is the all-female bluegrass supergroup Davidson County String Band, featuring Cristina Vane, Brenna MacMillan, Libby Weitnauer, and Vicki Vaughn.
Tickets: $55 Members | $65 Not Yet Members
The Under the Stars Concert Series is presented by GSRM Law.
Black Arts Bash
August 17
One of the most anticipated events of the summer pays tribute to Black history, art, and culture. From morning until night, Cheekwood celebrates Black artists with music, dance, spoken word, visual art, and more. Attendees can explore and experience the many forms of Black musical expression and traditions. Other offerings include hands-on activities for kids, and southern homecooked favorites made by local Black chefs available for purchase. In addition, an exhibition of art from emerging and established artists will be on view in the Frist Learning Center.
Thursday Night Out
May 2 - October 26 from 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Enjoy an enchanting experience set amidst the breathtaking beauty of the gardens. The weekly event features a blend of food, drink, and a diverse range of music. Guests can enjoy seasonal beers, expertly crafted cocktails, and delicious bites created by Café 29 and local food trucks. On Thursday nights in August, visitors are invited to bring their best four-legged friends for Dog Nights of Summer. Human and canine participants can browse dog-themed vendors and enjoy music, libations, and dog-friendly fun.
For the full list of summer programming and events, visit cheekwood.org.
About Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
With its intact and picturesque vistas, Cheekwood is distinguished as one of the leading Country Place Era estates in the nation. Formerly the family home of Mabel and Leslie Cheek, the 1930s estate, with its 30,000-square-foot Mansion and 55-acres of gardens, today serves the public as a botanical garden, arboretum, and art museum with furnished period rooms and permanent collection galleries devoted to American art from the 18th to mid-20th centuries. The property includes 13 distinct gardens including the Blevins Japanese Garden and the Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden, as well as a 1.5-mile woodland trail featuring outdoor monumental sculpture. Each year, Cheekwood hosts seasonal festivals including Cheekwood in Bloom, Summertime at Cheekwood, Cheekwood Harvest, and Holiday LIGHTS. Cheekwood is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and nationally as a Level II Arboretum. It is a three-time voted USA Today Top 10 Botanical Garden and in 2021, was recognized by Fodor’s as one of the 12 Most Beautiful Gardens in the American South. Cheekwood is located eight miles southwest of downtown Nashville at 1200 Forrest Park Drive. It is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. –5 p.m., with extended days and hours of operation depending on the season. Check cheekwood.org for current hours and to purchase advance tickets required for admission.
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