Civil War Sesquicentennial Classes. As the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War draws to a close, Davidson County Historian Dr. Carole Bucy is offering a series of classes for the public each Thursday in which she will provide an in-depth look at the experiences of Nashvillians and the residents of Davidson County during the decade from 1860 to 1870. Topics include:

• April 23: Living and Working in Occupied Nashville & Beyond

• April 30: The Meaning of the End of the War for Nashville

Classes will be held at the Fort Negley Visitors Center, 10:30 a.m.-noon. The $25 fee for this series is tax-deductible with all proceeds going to benefit the Encyclopedia of Nashville & Davidson County project. Information: 615-862-7970615-862-7970.

FRIDAY, APRIL 24

Zoo Outdoor Movie Series

Nashville Zoo’s outdoor movie series. Guests can pack a picnic, put down a blanket and enjoy Epic as the sun goes down. Zoovies take place after the Zoo closes at 6 p.m. Guests can enjoy inflatables and games, face painters and rides on the Wild Animal Carousel. Additional dates include:

• May 15: Toy Story

• June 12: Ice Age

• Sept. 4: How to Train Your Dragon

Zoovies are included with Zoo admission or membership. For non-members arriving after the Zoo closes at 6 p.m., the cost is $6. Wild Animal Carousel and face painting are additional fees.

TUESDAY, APRIL 28

Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Business Awards

Join more than 250 business and community leaders, allies and LGBT-friendly businesses at the Wildhorse Saloon. Nashville’s most successful and most inclusive businesses and organizations will be celebrated and recognized for their mutually beneficial contributions to the Nashville economy and local LGBT community. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Information: http://nashvilleglbtchamber.org/excellence-in-business-awards-2

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29

Crafting a Creative City

Briefing and Q&A session examining Metro Arts’ five-year strategic plan. 1:30-2:30 p.m., Nashville Children’s Theatre, 25 Middleton St, Nashville.

3rd annual Beer & Cheese Tasting to Benefit the Tennessee Respite Coalition

Bounty Bev craft brewers, The Bloomy Rind artisan cheese shoppe, Jackalope Brewing Company and NashvilleUniverse.com are teaming up with the Tennessee Respite Coalition to raise awareness and funds for family caregivers across the state of Tennessee. Now in its third year, the Beer & Cheese Tasting takes place 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Jackalope Brewing Company, 701 Eighth Avenue South in Nashville. Information: www.tnrespite.org/event/beer-cheese, eventbrite.com, 615-269-8687615-269-8687.

THURSDAY, APRIL 30

Business Studio: Creating Company Culture

How does a company become one of the “Best Places to Work” in Nashville for five straight years? Ask James Fields. He founded Concept Technology in 2003 with no real investors or potential clients, and has built the company over the past 11 years to a staff of more than 40. Concept created a customer-centric and employee-rewarding culture, focused on hiring for cultural fit and creating a place where people want to come to work every day. His company culture has carried over into company performance; Concept Technology has been on Inc.’s 500|5000 list for four years in a row. The company has also been named to Fortune’s Inner City 100 list of the fastest-growing inner-city businesses in America three times. 5-7 p.m., Concept Technology, Inc., 1009 3rd Avenue North, Suite 200, Nashville. Information: nashvillechamber.com, 615-743-3060615-743-3060.

May 8-9

East Nashville Chicken Chase

The second Chicken Chase weekend kicks off with A Taste of the Wild Wild East saloon at The Pavillion East (1006 Fatherland St, Nashville) featuring music from the HogSlop String Band, Moonshine and Whiskey Tastings, Gourmet Cowboy Cuisine, Texas Hold ‘Em and more. Guests may take souvenir photos with outlaws and infamous characters including Mae East and former East Nashvillian, Jesse James. 6-10 p.m. On Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., the fun-filled celebration will feature live music and entertainment, Hen Den Farmhouse Spa in the City, Hot Hen Fashion Show, Rooster Coop with hot wings/beer/and bingo, photo booth, Best Hen Hat Contest, food from 8 Lavender Lane, local chef cook-off, boutique shopping, kids corral with complimentary childcare, petting zoo, a cast of characters and more. There also will be a live chicken chase in which contenders will race one another for their chance to win a Golden Eggcelent Trophy. Tickets and Information: www.eastnashvillechickenchase.com/tickets/