I love the feeling a new year brings, when you can wipe the slate clean and start fresh with brand new goals and unlimited possibilities. If you’re anything like me, you’ve got a list a mile long of all the new things you want to experience in 2026. Your list might include new family dining spots, debuting entertainment venues, celebrations of beloved local institutions. Whatever is on your list for 2026, Nashville’s got you covered. There is no shortage of new things coming to Nashville and its surrounding areas this year.
Check out this list of not-to-be missed family-friendly additions coming to Nashville in 2026!
Attractions & Entertainment
Dolly Parton’s SongTeller Hotel
This isn’t just a hotel. This is an experience. From the moment your family walks through the front door you’ll be enveloped in the warm, sweet spirit that Dolly is known and loved for. Her Southern charm and artistic style are reflected in every space you’ll experience from the lobby and dining rooms to the signature suites. The hotel will also feature Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum located on the third floor inviting guests to experience Dolly’s career and primitive years that developed her tenacious spirit. The hotel is located in the heart of downtown Nashville on Third Ave. N. Opening in June, this is an absolute must-see for 2026!
The Arcade
The Arcade has been an iconic Nashville landmark since 1902 and as the saying goes “If walls could talk…” this place would never shut up. From witnessing sit-ins during the Civil Rights Movement to rumors of its inevitable demise, it has forged ahead, thanks to many invested locals, and has experienced a beautiful revitilization. Originally built to resemble the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II shopping mall in Milan, the property that spans two city blocks is breathing new life and brimming with over 30 restaurants, bars and shops. New additions coming in 2026 include Bar Roze, NADC Burger, Naked Farmer, Whitney’s Cookies, and Show Stop.
Nashville Yards
This massive mixed-use development, located just a block from the bustling sounds of Broadway, is fully thriving as intended. Nashville Yards will be welcoming several new businesses to its retail, dining and hospitality offerings in 2026. A few highly anticipated establishments coming this year include Puesto, Ocean Prime, Prime and Proper, and Hooky Entertainment.
Slick City Action Park
Coming to Opry Mills in January 2026 is one of the craziest indoor playgrounds you will ever see. The focus? Slides! For the adrenaline junkies and even the littles, this park is all about thrills, speed and, of course, fun! Slick City delivers the speed and sensation of a waterslide—without the water—truly unlike anything else on the market. In addition to slides, the park also offers laser tag, an arcade, a freestyle air court, and special programs like sensory nights and family days.
Little Diggers Nashville
The rumors are true. Nashville is getting its own Little Diggers location this year! This is not your average sandbox. Little Diggers allows kids 7 and under to dig and build with hundreds of construction-themed toys in the biggest sandbox they will ever see! Nashville’s location will have 1,200 square feet of clean, soft sand for your little construction worker to spend hours of constructive and imaginative fun. Sign up for email updates to learn more about their location, opening timeline and early access to birthday party bookings.
PopStroke Nashville
While technically this golf oasis opened on December 28, 2025, it will inevitably be hailed as one of the best family entertainment and event venues of 2026. This one-of-a-kind golf experience, created by Tiger Woods, is located east of downtown Nashville in Antioch. It includes three mini-golf courses, a playground, outdoor gaming, rooftop bar, ice cream parlor and a delicious full service restaurant. It fits the bill for everyone in your group. And speaking of bills, it’s reasonably priced with day passes starting at $30 for adults/$20 for kids as well as memberships for $30/month.
The Truth
As if the Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood couldn’t get any cooler, it is about to welcome Nashville’s newest music venue. “The Truth” is set to open this fall with an indoor capacity of 4,400 and ready to welcome a range of talent from global hitmakers to local singer-songwriters. The venue will give a “writers in the round” feel, but on a larger scale. It will house an exclusive two-story listening lounge, elevated food and beverage menus highlighting local favorites, and a whiskey bar, paying homage to legendary songwriter Harlan Howard, who is credited by saying “All you need for a good country song is three chords and the truth.” Definitely keep this place on your radar!
Buc-ee’s Murfreesboro
Who ever thought a rest stop could develop a cult following? This popular Texas travel center has grown in popularity since its humble beginnings in 1982 and has recently expanded rapidly across the Southeast and into Tennessee. Its latest Tennessee location is expected to open in Murfreesboro this November offering 220 gas pumps, brisket sandwiches, Beaver Nuggets, snacks, souvenirs and their famously clean bathrooms. Current Tennessee locations include Crossville and Sevierville.
Dining
Chaipolitan Teahouse & Cafe
This unique and cozy cafe will open the doors to its flagship location this fall in The Moore Building located in the Music Row District. Chaipolitan will be heavily tea-focused offering a range of distinct chai blends along with herbal teas and Kombucha on tap. Coffee and espresso drinks will also be available as well as elevated small plate options inspired by the comforting and distinct flavors of Indian culture.
In-N-Out Burger Franklin/Berry Farms
Unless you’ve been living under a rock the past few months, you’ve most likely heard the terms “double double,” “four by four,” and “animal style” flying around. Good news, you’re not going crazy. This is the result of the In-N-Out craze happening all over Nashville right now. Antioch, Murfreesboro and Lebanon debuted the first three Tennessee locations for In-N-Out Burger in 2025, soon-to-be four coming to the Franklin/Berry Farms neighborhood in early 2026.
PopUp Bagels
Hailing from the Northeast, I know a good bagel when I taste one, which is why I was so excited to see PopUp Bagels coming to Nashville. Opening early 2026 in The Gulch, this place focuses straight-up on bagels and schmear. Not only that, but they come piping hot and baked to perfection. Choose from their signature New York-Style baked bagels including poppyseed, plain, salt, sesame and everything and a variety of their sweet or savory schmears.
Museums & Exhibits
Museum of Christian & Gospel Music
Sometimes it’s easy to forget that, underneath the glitz, glamour and twangy sounds of Broadway, run the deep roots of Christian and Gospel music. Nashville is now home to the brand new Museum of Christian & Gospel Music showcasing the moments, movements and artists that shaped this musical genre. Tickets are on sale now. Adults $19.95 and children under 12 are free.
Orangutan Exhibit at the Nashville Zoo
Breaking ground this year at Nashville’s beloved zoo is their most ambitious exhibit yet: the Orangutan habitat! This exciting new space will highlight one of the world’s most intelligent and endangered species along with other animals from Asia’s tropical habitats. The exhibit will feature a two-story viewing building and a second-floor observation level, allowing guests to view orangutans eye-to-eye as they move through the treetops. This exhibit will take plenty of time and care so while you won’t be invited to a grand opening this year, you’ll see plenty of dirt moving around. Exact opening date TBD.
Tennessee Wings of Liberty Museum
The Fort Campbell Historical Foundation will finally see a long-time vision come to life in 2026. The Tennessee Wings of Liberty Museum will be dedicated to honoring the legacy of the units that call Fort Campbell home. Through thoughtful displays, educational exhibits and powerful storytelling, this 40,000 square-foot facility has set its sights on becoming a world-class military museum that will leave visitors with renewed appreciation and respect for the soldiers of Fort Campbell. The expected grand opening is schedule for March 2026.
Dolly Parton’s Life of Many Colors Museum
How has Nashville gone this long without a museum showcasing the life and legacy of Miss Dolly Parton? Well, the wait is over my friends! Dolly’s new Life of Many Colors Museum will officially open in 2026 inside her brand new SongTeller Hotel located in the heart of downtown Nashville. The museum is open to the public and is the largest exhibit to-date celebrating her expansive career, personal memories and her “rags to rhinstones” story. The museum will be open daily beginning in June 2026 with admission starting around $30.
Milestone Celebrations
Loveless Cafe 75th Anniversary
This beloved Nashville institution known for its legendary biscuits and “Meat ‘N’ Three” menu will celebrate its 75th anniversary this year. What began as a roadside rest stop in 1951 has since become one of the most celebrated culinary experiences in Nashville. Throughout the year, expect special celebrations honoring this milestone anniversary. Check their events page for special happenings.
Grand Ole Opry 100 Year Celebration
The Grand Ole Opry will continue its 100 year celebration in 2026 as the world’s longest running radio show. The Opry will be offering more live shows than ever before so even more people can get the chance to experience this iconic show in person. The celebration will honor legendary country musicians like Hank Williams, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash and many more. Check out the calendar and get your tickets to experience this centennial celebration.
National Museum of African American Music 5 Year Anniversary
The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) will be celebrating 5 years of education and inspiration focused on the many music genres influenced by African Americans. The museum’s celebration will be held on MLK Day (January 19th) honoring Dr. King’s legacy. The celebration will include live musical performances, family education, the official NMAAM radio launch, DJ, special anniversary exhibition and much more!
America’s 250th Birthday
This year will mark the 250th anniversary of America. Special celebrations will stretch across the Unites States and here in Tennessee you can expect to find many attractions honoring this important milestone celebration and sharing the history of Tennessee’s role in shaping America. Local Nashville attractions participating will include Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, Fort Nashborough, Tennessee State Museum, Historic Travelers Rest, and more. Check the Tennessee America 250 website for more details and a list of special events.
There will be plenty more coming to Nashville this year.
What are you most excited to experience?
