Member Orientation. An opportunity to learn about member benefits and involvement opportunities from Chamber staff. Attendees will also learn how each business plays a role in the Chamber’s mission of creating regional economic prosperity. Lunch provided. Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, 211 Commerce Street, Suite 100. Thursday, 11:30 a.m. registration, 11:50 a.m. program. Fee: complimentary to new Chamber members. Information
THURSDAY, MAY 3
Street Eats
A gathering of up to 20 local food trucks parked along Deaderick Street between 4th Avenue North and 5th Avenue North each Tuesday and Thursday. 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
FRIDAY, MAY 4
The Business Case for High-quality Early Education
This new half-day event will explore why business leaders should engage in discussion and action on early education, particularly Pre-K, for children ages 0-5. Spark Downtown, 147 Fourth Ave. N. 8-11:30 a.m. Registration required. Information
State of Metro Address
The public is encouraged to attend. RSVP at 55som.eventbrite.com. Seating will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. Grand Reading Room, Nashville Public Library, 615 Church Street. 10 a.m. Information
Eat the Street
Franklin’s first festival of trucks will feature more than 30 food trucks. Great food and fun, benefiting 21st District Recovery Court in their ongoing battle against addiction. Bicentennial Park, 400 5th Avenue N., Franklin. 5-10 p.m. Information
MAY 4-6
Spring Tennessee Craft Fair
Tennessee Craft hosts its annual celebration of craft on the lower lawn of Centennial Park. The public is invited to browse handmade crafts presented by veteran craftsmen and artist. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Information: http://tennesseecraft.org/springfair/exhibitors
SATURDAY, MAY 5
Multicultural Arts Festival
Arts & crafts, African Dancers and Drummers, Chinese Dancers, Afro Latin Dancers, School exhibits and kids events. Free. Springfield Civic Center, 401 N. Main Street, Springfield. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Information
Strawberry Jubilee
Local grown strawberries, live music, cooking demonstrations, cake contest and kids activities. The Nashville Farmers Market, 900 Rosa L. Parks Blvd. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Franklin Hot Air Balloon Festival
Westhaven community will host festival featuring live music, food trucks, local craft and artisan vendors, kid’s zone and more. General admission $15, VIP $50. Parking is free, chairs, blankets and pets welcome. Highway 96 West, Franklin. Information
Downtown Derby Bed Race
A competition benefitting the T.J. Martell Foundation in which teams build and decorate their own “beds” to race up 5th Avenue South to Bridgestone Plaza, all in support of cancer research. Teams that raise the most money can earn “head starts” on race day. The winning team will be presented with the Winners’ Cup at a post-race ceremony at Bridgestone Plaza. “Best Decorated” and “Best in Spirit” will also be crowned. Registration: $500 for team of five. Parade of beds at 9:30 a.m. Race at 10 a.m. Fifth Avenue at Broadway. Information
Great Features Gala
Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee will welcome country music superstar Brad Paisley to its annual Great Features Gala. Paisley will headline the event supporting outreach programs serving more than 4,000 youth. Tickets are $350 per person. Tables for 10 $3,000, with a portion tax deductible. Omni Hotel, 250 5th Avenue South, 5-9 p.m. Information and tickets: www.BGCMT.org or 983-6836.
First Saturday Art Crawl
Art galleries throughout downtown host receptions and art openings, presenting local and world-renowned artists and artwork. The galleries offer rare opportunities to view diverse exhibitions featuring every genre of art. Admission: Free. Most galleries serve free wine and other refreshments. Information
SUNDAY, MAY 6
Spartacus
Frist Art Museum Auditorium. Free; first-come, first-served seating. 2 p.m. (length – 187 minutes, rated – PG-13. This film is being shown in conjunction with the exhibition Rome: City and Empire, on view through May 28, 2018. Information
TUESDAY, MAY 8
Gallatin Chamber Networking Power Lunch
Lunch and casual networking each Tuesday at various restaurants in the area. All attendees are responsible for the cost of their own meal. Cancun Lagoon, 382 Sumner Hall Drive. 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. Information: 452-4000
SATURDAY, MAY 12
Iroquois Steeplechase
The Iroquois Steeplechase is the premier spring race in American steeplechase and Music City’s traditional rite of spring. Seven races are held throughout the day at Percy Warner Park, and the event typically attracts more than 25,000 spectators. Benefitting Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital. Tickets: General admission $20, Tailgating $600, includes 8 armbands. 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 2500 Old Hickory Blvd, 37221. Information