Nashville Small Business Forum. Mayor Karl Dean and the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce will host a small business forum and resource fair designed to help Nashville businesses, 9:30-11:30 a.m., at The Cordelle event space, 45 Lindsley Avenue.  A panel of Nashville government officials and public leaders will provide an overview of Nashville's small business incentives and assistance programs. Following the panel discussion, a business fair will feature representatives from more than 10 local, state and federal agencies and organizations all focused on helping small businesses. Panel participants include Terry Cobb, director of development services in the Mayor's Office of Economic and Community Development; Corey Davis, director of business growth initiatives at the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce; Michelle Hernandez Lane, minority and women business assistance director in the Metro Finance Department; Metro Council At-Large Councilman Jerry Maynard;  and Davita Taylor, business diversity development director at the Metro Nashville Airport Authority. No fee. Registration begins at 9:15 a.m.

THURSDAY, MAY 7

Goodwill Week

Six Goodwill Career Solutions centers in Davidson County will host more than 30 events through Thursday, including multiple-employer job fairs, LinkedIn workshops and a range of employment training classes. Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee plans about 140 events, including dozens of job fairs, at the 27 Goodwill Career Solutions centers across Middle and West Tennessee. The job fair will be from noon-4 p.m., May 4-7, at the Goodwill Career Solutions Center at 937 Herman St., Nashville. At least 19 employers will participate. Another job fair will take place 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on May 7 at the Goodwill Career Solutions Center in the Foster Street Community Center at Sam Levy Homes, 302 Foster St., Nashville. At least 13 employers will participate. Information on all events: www.giveit2goodwill.org/goodwillweek.

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/

WEDNESDAY, MAY 13

Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce Member Orientation

Learn how your business plays a role in the Chamber’s mission of creating regional economic prosperity. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, 211 Commerce St. Information: www.nashvillechamber.com, 615-743-3063615-743-3063.

THURSDAY, MAY 14

Wine & Whiskers

The Cheatham County Animal Awareness Foundation (CCAAF) will host its “Wine and Whiskers” fundraising event, 6-9:30 p.m. at the Harpeth Art Center & Gallery in Pegram. The event features the music of Grammy-nominated guitarist and producer, Denny Jiosa, and an encounter with the Music City Medium, Cindy Kaza, on her 2015 tour. Admission: $40-$65 per person. Wine and food will be provided by Red Wine and Spirits, Coco’s Italian Market, Monell’s and Nothing Bundt Cakes. The event also features art exhibits and both a live and silent auction. Auction items are being added daily, and anyone can follow the event’s Auction Donation page at www.WineandWhiskers.com. All proceeds from the fundraiser are used by CCAAF to cover the cost of spay/neuter and vet services for Cheatham County pet owners needing financial assistance, and to find responsible homes for dogs and cats abandoned to the county’s animal control facility. Information: www.WineandWhiskers.com.

MAY 14-16

Franklin Rodeo

One Gen Away, GraceWorks Ministries, Bridges Domestic Violence Center and the Williamson Medical Center’s Breast Health Center are among the organizations that will all receive proceeds from the 2015 Franklin Rodeo. Since the rodeo began in 1949, its proceeds have gone back to the community, including buying band uniforms and library books for the public school, and providing scholarships for physicians and nurses. Over $2 million has been given back by the Franklin Noon Rotary Club, who hosts the rodeo, in its 65 year history. This year’s rodeo starts at 7 p.m. each night at the Williamson Co. Ag Expo Center. Parade at noon on May 9 through downtown Franklin. Tickets range in price from $10 to $20 and can be purchased online at FranklinRodeo.com or at the gate. Information: 615-RODEO-11615-RODEO-11.

FRIDAY, MAY 15

Zoo Outdoor Movie Series

Nashville Zoo’s outdoor movie series. Guests can pack a picnic, put down a blanket and enjoy “Toy Story” 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:

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.

SATURDAY, MAY 16

Nashville Wine and Food Festival

The event promotes Nashville’s nationally recognized local cuisine and music, paired with high-end wines from around the country and the world. It will be held at Riverfront Park, noon-4 p.m., and will benefit the Nashville Symphony. Participants will gather to enjoy wines from around the world, along with food from some of Nashville’s top restaurants, including Adele’s, 1808 Grille, Watermark, 312 Pizza Company, Sole Mio, and Tempur Chocolate. There also will be cooking demonstrations from local chefs and wine seminars by some of the country’s top winemakers. Tickets: $79-$129. Information: www.thenashvillewineandfoodfestival.com.