Welcome back ‘dores! Whether you spent your summer struggling though a tedious summer job or enjoying an exotic vacation, moving back onto campus can be a shocking change of pace. Take advantage of whatever free time you have before classes start: get organized, eat well and go on as many Nashville adventures as possible. Here’s our guide to making the most of this first week. For more offerings, check out Anchor Link.
Disclaimer: Sources of event information are Anchor Link and Facebook
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Educational
What: Vanderbilt Toastmasters
When: Wednesday, August 22 at 6 p.m.
Where: Buttrick 301
Why: Join the Toastmasters to practice your public speaking in a fun and welcoming environment. The group meets every other week on Wednesdays throughout the year, and no experience is necessary.
Who: Vanderbilt Toastmasters
What: Student Involvement Fair
When: Friday, August 24 at 3 p.m. t0 5 p.m.
Where: Recreation Center Field House
Why: It’s that time of year again. Student orgs will be setting up booths offering stickers, snacks and the opportunity to get involved on campus right away. There’s something for everyone there, be it the club that will define your college legacy or a fun-sized Snickers bar. Either way, you can’t lose.
Who: Student Organizations
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Cultural
What: Shakespeare in the Park: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
When: Thursday-Sunday (until September 16) at 6 p.m.
Where: Centennial Park
Why: Get a dose of culture while enjoying a Nashville landmark. Even if you haven’t picked up a Shakespearean play since high school, there’s no better way to casually listen to Elizabethan English than outside with friends. There is a suggested donation of $10 per attendee.
Who: Nashville Shakespeare Festival
What: Full Moon Pickin’ Party
When: Friday, August 24 at 7 p.m.
Where: Percy Warner Park
Why: Enjoy some bluegrass in one of its most authentic settings: lit by a full moon, in a park, with musicians jamming out in picking circles under the trees. Headliners include GrassTime, Ivy Phillips and Lateral Blue. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here.
Who: Friends of Percy Warner Park
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Recreational
What: Parks & Recreation Trivia Night
When: Friday, August 24 at 5:30 p.m.
Where: The Soda Parlor
Why: If you sometimes wish you were a resident of Pawnee, this is for you. Bring up to five other Parks & Rec fanatics and get ready for an epic night of trivia. Tickets can be bought here for $10, and cover the entire group. Study materials are available here.
Who:
What: Hasan Minhaj: Before the Storm
When: Sunday, August 26 at 7 p.m.
Where: Ryman Auditorium
Why: Acclaimed comedian Hasan Minhaj is coming to Nashville again; last time he was here, he took the stage at Langford Auditorium for VPB’s IMPACT symposium. After his stint as a correspondent on The Daily Show, he toured his solo show Homecoming King (available on Netflix) and hosted the White House Correspondents Dinner. Bottom line: expect to laugh. Tickets start at $33.50 and are available here.
Who: Hasan Minhaj
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Arts
What: OTR II
When: Thursday, August 23 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Vanderbilt Stadium
Why: When Beyoncé and Jay-Z specifically visit Vanderbilt on their legendary tour, you just have to be there. Tickets, starting at $49.50, are available here.
Who: Beyoncé and Jay-Z
What: VPAC Spotlight
When: Friday and Saturday, August 24 and 25 at 7 p.m.
Where: Langford Auditorium
Why: Come and bask in the talent of Vanderbilt’s performers over the course of two nights, the first being a night of movement and the second a night of music. It’s the perfect opportunity to support your friends, scout out groups you may want to join, or just sit back and enjoy being back on campus. Tickets are free for students and can be found at Sarratt Box Office, the Student Org Fair or at the door.
Who: Vanderbilt Performing Arts Community
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Health & Wellness
What: Walk through Centennial Park
When: Anytime
Where: Centennial Park
Why: Re-adjust to life in Nashville at one of its most famous landmarks. Even better, bring a friend and catch up on all of their summer adventures.
Who: You and a pal
What: Take a class at the Rec
When: Anytime
Where: Recreation and Wellness Center
Why: Sweat out any first day anxiety with a killer class at the rec. With classes ranging from Zumba to yoga to early morning indoor cycling, there is sure to be something that will pique your interest. Check out your options here.
Who: Recreation and Wellness Center
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