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Shared Interest Groups

Shared Interest Groups are an opportunity to meet outside of the classroom with those who share a common interest. They are intended to offer a smaller and more hands-on experience than traditional OLLI classes. The size and nature of the groups will vary.

Groups are free and open to all active OLLI members, which is anyone who registers for a class or event during the academic year. They are volunteer-led and maintained by OLLI members.

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About a Book: In-Person Book Club

We meet in person to discuss the latest book we're reading. 

Books in a pile for About a Book Book Club, a Special Interest Group at OLLI.

When You Join

When: Second Thursday of the month

Time: 11 a.m.–noon

Location: St. George's Episcopal Church, 4715 Harding Pike, Nashville

Group Leader: Ann Wheeler

Sign up to participate

Upcoming Events

All in-person meetings take place at:
St. George's Episcopal Church, Room 218, 4715 Harding Pike, Nashville

  • Thursday, June 11, 11 a.m.–noon. Discussion guided by F Clark Williams
    Mother Mary Comes to Me by Arundhati Roy
  • Thursday, July 9, 11 a.m. - noon. Discussion guided by Jennifer Austin 
    The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunnyby Koran Desai;
  • Thursday, August 13, 11 a.m. - noon. Discussion guided by Alice Fitzgibbon
    The Swerveby Stephen Greenblatt:
  • Thursday, September 10, 11 a.m. - noon. Discussion guided by Kay Johnson
    The Silent Patientby Alex Michaelides
  • Thursday, October 8, 11 a.m. - noon. Discussion guided by Linda Fisher
    The Sistersby Jonas Hassan Khemiri
  • Thursday, November 12, 11 a.m. - noon. Discussion guided by Phyllis Polinsky
     Broken Countryby Clare Leslie Hall
  • Thursday, December 10, 11 a.m. - noon. Discussion guided by Mary Raffety
    Atmosphereby Taylor Jenkins Reid

Past Book Selections

  • 2025

    October
    How to Read a Book by Monica Wood

    December 
    Buckeye by Patric Ryan

  • 2026

    January 2026
    The Correspondent
    by Virginia Evans

    February 2026
    The Distance Between Us by Maggie O'Farrell

    March 2026
    The Long Ships by Frans G. Bengstrom

    April 2026 
    The World Walk by Tom Turcich

    May 2026
    Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte MaConaghy

Afterthoughts: Online Book Club

We meet over Zoom to discuss the latest book we're reading. 

Books in a pile for Afterthoughts: Book Club, a Special Interest Group at OLLI.

When You Join

When: First Monday of each month

2025 Dates: Jan. 6, Feb. 3, March 3, April 7, June 2, July 7, Aug. 4, Sept. 8, Oct. 6, Nov. 3

Time: 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. CST

Location: Online via Zoom

Group Leader: Anne Brandt

Sign up to participate

2026 Afterthoughts Book Club Selections

June 2026
Heartwood by Amity Gaige

July 2026
The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vyong

August 2026
Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult

Past Book Selections

  • 2026

    January 2026
    Confederates in the Attic: Dispatches from the Unfinished Civil War by Tony Horowitz

    Feb. 2026
    The Silk Roads: A New History of the World by Peter Frankopan

    March 2026
    How to Read a Book, by Monica Wood

    April 2026
    The Correspondent by Virginia Evans

    May 2026
    Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte MaConaghy

  • 2025

    January
    The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie

    February
    A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

    March
    I Am Not Sidney Poitier by Percival Everett

    April

    Amsterdam by Ian McEwan

    June
    Shakespeare - The Man who Pays the Rent by Judy Dench

    July
    The Mighty Red by Louise Erdrich

    August
    The Kamogawa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwai

    September
    Patriot by Alexei Navalny

    November
    Henry V by Dan Jones 

    December
    The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende 

  • 2024

    January 
    Open Throat by Henry Hoke

    February 
    The Socrates Express by Eric Weiner

    March 
    The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store by James McBride

    April 
    A Day in the Life of Abed Salama: Anatomy of a Jerusalem Tragedy by Nathan Thrall

    May
    Prophet Song by Paul Lynch

    June 
    The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters

    July 
    The Canceling of the American Mind: How Cancel Culture Undermines Trust, Destroys Institutions, and Threatens Us All by Greg Lukianoff and Rikki Schlott

    August
    The Fraud by Zadie Smith

    September
    Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting: A Novel by Clare Pooley

    October
    An Unfinished Love Story by Doris Kearns Goodwin

    November
    Death at La Fenice by Donna Leon

    December
    Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Bollywood & Beyond

Bollywood & Beyond is a community gateway to joy, culture, and connection. Inspired by the vibrant spirit of Mumbai, we bring people together in Nashville through movies, music, dance, cuisine, outdoor adventures, guest speakers, and cultural experiences. From soulful concerts to flavorful food, poetry to travel, we celebrate the magic and masala of life—building friendship, fellowship, and fun along the way. See more information about Bollywood & Beyond.

colorful theater seats

If You Join

When: Dates vary, typically on weekends

Time: Times vary

Location: Locations vary

Group Leader: Vinny Lalka

Sign up to participate

Upcoming Bollywood & Beyond Events

To RSVP to events, text Vinny at 865-692-4829, email vinvin1984@aol.com.

Tuesday, June 30, 5:30 pm, World Cup FIFA Soccer Matches at Amruth Sports Bar 
Experience the World Cup soccer excitement with your fellow OLLI friends. Ample parking onsite. 
RSVP directly to Vinny at 865-692-4829, or email vinvin1984@aol.com.

Wednesday, July 1, 7:00 pm, Mariachi Plaza, 3955 Nolensville Pk, Nashville
Experience the World Cup soccer excitement with your fellow OLLI friends. USA vs Bosnia & Herzegovina. Ample parking on site. Sports bar, restaurants and a very festive spirit and is a must-visit if you have not been there before.
RSVP directly to Vinny at 865-692-4829, or email vinvin1984@aol.com.

Friday, July 3, 5:00 pm, Mariachi Plaza, 3955 Nolensville Pk, Nashville
Experience the World Cup soccer excitement with your fellow OLLI friends. Argentina vs Cabo Verde. Ample parking on site. Sports bar, restaurants and a very festive spirit and is a must-visit if you have not been there before.
RSVP directly to Vinny at 865-692-4829, or email vinvin1984@aol.com.

Saturday, July 4th, 7:00 pm, Let Freedom Sing! Music City, July 4th
The US Semiquincentennial is a historic milestone. Let Music fill the air and our songs uplift us to a better tomorrow.

We meet at RiverFront Park at, 7pm. RiverFront Park is the center of the action - the main stage, the best sightlines and the highest crowd density. As a second option, Bicentennial Capital Mall State Park, located a short walk from the river, offers a quieter viewing spot with excellent fireworks visibility. 

Recommend using WeGo - https://www.wegotransit.com/
The Elizabeth Duff Transit Center at WeGo Central located at: 400 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd is an excellent point to all the activities

You can bring a blanket or a lawn chair, water bottles (refill stations available), comfortable walking shoes, and a portable phone charger. Pets are not recommended.  RSVP directly to Vinny at 865-692-4829, or email vinvin1984@aol.com.

Mahjong

Join fellow OLLI members for open play Mahjong on Fridays from 1–4 p.m. This Shared Interest Group offers a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where players of all experience levels—from beginners to seasoned players—can enjoy America-style Mahjong together. Bring your own set and Mahjong League Card, and come ready for conversation, connection and lots of fun. Players should be able to complete games without assistance. Formal instruction is not provided.

OLLI member holding up winning mahjong tiles

If You Join

When: Fridays

Time: 1–4 p.m.

Location: Second Presbyterian Church, Cafe Space, 3511 Belmont Blvd., Nashville

Group Leader: Joy Marini and Kathi Whalen

Sign up to participate

OLLI at the Arts

OLLI at the Arts group attends concerts and musical events each month during the academic year, featuring Vanderbilt Blair School of Music, Belmont University School of Performing Arts and other local academic and community cultural organizations. The group gathers pre- or post-concert for socializing over lunch or dinner. 

OLLI at the Arts attending show

When You Join

When: Dates vary

Time: Times vary

Location: Vanderbilt Blair School of Music and other locations 

Event Tickets: Purchase on you own using links below

Group Leader: Jim and Perkie Cannon

Sign up to let us know you are attending

Upcoming Events

Sign up for events

Thursday, July 9th, Frist Museum & Music in the Café concert – Frist Art Museum | 919 Broadway, Nashville, TN 6:30pm. 
After visiting the Frist’s International Surrealism from Tate exhibit, join us for a performance by Duo Sudeste in Frist Museum’s Café Cheeserie (dinner options available). Formed in 2008, Nashville-based classical guitarists Robert Thompson and Joey Butler merged their love of Latin music and classical guitar with an extensive knowledge of Latin rhythms to form a guitar duo specializing in composers from South America.  Note: Seniors (65+): $16 (discount only available when purchasing tickets in person). Frist has limited parking (carpooling recommended). Three-hour discounted parking available with an in-person Frist Art Museum ticket. Frist information.

Thursday, July 16th, Dolly Parton's Threads: My Songs in Symphony – Schermerhorn Symphony Center | 6:00 PM
Following the sold-out world premiere, Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony returns to the Schermerhorn for an exclusive limited summer series with the Nashville Symphony. This multimedia concert event brings Dolly’s favorite songs and the stories behind them to life with guest vocalists, new orchestrations, and narration from Dolly herself on the big screen. Thursday, July 16, 2026 | 6:00 PM  Purchase Tickets. Sign Up

Tuesday, July 21st, Bluegrass @ Ryman - Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder Ryman Auditorium | 116 Rep. John Lewis Way N, Nashville. 7:30pm 
Fifteen-time Grammy® Award-winner Ricky Skaggs is among the most significant bluegrass performers in recent country music history. A virtuoso mandolin player, Ricky Skaggs shares his love of bluegrass with his Kentucky Thunder band (8-time winners of the IBMA ‘Instrumental Group of the Year’). Pre-concert dinner at Assembly Hall (5th & Broad). Recommend parking at Music City Center. Purchase Tickets.

Friday, Aug 21st, Nashville Shakespeare Festival - A Midsummer Night’s Dream - Centennial Park Bandshell | 7:00pm
Shakespeare is back at the Bandshell in Centennial Park! Full of wonder, whimsy, and enchantment, A Midsummer Night’s Dream is Shakespeare at his most playful. Magic, mischief, and moonlight fill the Athenian forest in this joyful tangle of love, laughter, and theatrical mayhem. When mischievous fairies meddle with runaway lovers and an unsuspecting troupe of amateur actors, dreams blur with reality and anything can happen. General Admission ($20 Donation per Person). Bring a blanket or chair to sit on. Blankets can sit closest to the stage, with bleachers provided in the rear. Blanket space is limited, so arrive early for best availability. Food & beverages available on site or bring your own picnic. Reserved seat options available Purchase Tickets. Sign up.

Friday,  Sept 25, Full Moon Pickin’ Party @ Percy Warner Equestrian Barn | 2500 Old Hickory Blvd, Nashville TN | 6pm – 10pm 
The Full Moon Pickin’ Party bluegrass music series has been a beloved Nashville tradition for nearly 30 years, bringing the community together for bluegrass under the stars in Percy Warner Park. With events running May-September, you can enjoy live bluegrass, local food trucks, cold brews, and more! Proceeds from Full Moon Pickin’ Parties benefit Friends of Warner Parks, a nonprofit organization working to preserve and protect Percy and Edwin Warner Parks. Bring chairs and picnic dinner and/or purchase at food trucks. Tickets $25/person - must be purchased online in advance (no tickets will be sold at the door). Purchase Tickets. Please send questions to friends@warnerparks.org

On Film

We come together to watch a film, followed by a post-screen discussion. 

Empty movie theater with red seats facing a large, blank white screen, dim lighting

When You Join

When: Meeting dates vary

Time: Times vary

Location: The Belcourt Theatre

Group Leader: F. Clark Williams

Sign up to participate

Upcoming Film Events

Sign up to learn about upcoming film screenings and discussions.

  • Past Films
    • Nights of Cabiria
    • Zola
    • Shadow of a Doubt
    • What She Said: The Art of Pauline Kael
      Rebecca
    • Portrait of a Lady on Fire
    • Redoubt
    • Picnic at Hanging Rock
    • Key Largo
    • The Asphalt Jungle
    • Leave Her to Heaven
    • The Postman Always Rings Twice
    • Invisible Life
    • A Hidden Life
    • Satantango
    • Pain and Glory
    • Volver
    • The Wind Will Carry Us
    • A Taste of Cherry
    • First Love
    • Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice
    • Anthropocene
    • Official Secrets
    • Broadcast News
    • Raise Hell
    • Ace in the Hole
    • The Nightingale
    • Be Natural: The Untold Story of Alice Guy Blache'
    • Biggest Little Farm
    • Wild Nights with Emily
    • Hail Satan
    • Faces
    • High Life
    • Charade
    • Ash Is The Purest White
    • Amazing Grace
    • The Mustang
    • The Juniper Tree
    • Transit
    • Never Look Away
    • Everybody Knows
    • All that Jazz
    • Roma
    • Capernaum
    • Cold War
    • Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
    • Monrovia, Indiana
    • Walkabout
    • Shoplifters

OLLI on the Move

We enjoy a walk outside exploring different locations in and around Nashville. Benefits of a daily walk. 

Group of hikers in colorful jackets walking on a leafy trail under a canopy of green trees.

When You Join

When: Weekly

Cancellations: The walk will be canceled if the weather is raining, sleeting, snowing or other extreme conditions.

Group Leader: Jan Goddard

RSVP: Please RSVP via the link below. RSVP is required.

RSVP

Upcoming Walks (weather permiting)

Suggested to bring personal hydration, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, and other supplies you may need for the activity.
If the weather requires cancellation, the notice will be posted on this website at 8:00 AM. If the weather is questionable, be sure to check the website before you go to the activity.

 

Friday July 3
We will be celebrating the 4th of July 🇺🇲, dress in red, white & blue!
There will actually be a Costume Contest with unbiased judges. Prizes will be awarded!!!  
Location: Radnor Lake State Park,  1160 Otter Creek Road, Nashville, TN
Meet: 8:30 AM in front of the Walter Criley Visitor Center 
Trail: There are several trail options at Radnor Lake - something for everyone.
Optional brunch after hike. RSVP

Friday July 10
Location: Stones River Greenway, Percy Priest Dam Trailhead, 3778 Bell Rd., Hermitage, TN, 37076
Meet: 8:30 AM at the Percy Priest Dam Trailhead. Turn right onto Stewarts Ferry Pike and drive for roughly half a mile until you reach the traffic light at Bell Road.  Turn left onto Bell Road. Drive another half mile; the entrance to the main trailhead parking lot will be on your right just before you cross over the top of the dam.
Trail: Paved and mostly shaded and usually has a nice breeze from the Stones River.
Optional brunch after hike. RSVP

Friday July 17
Location: Richland Creek Greenway,  4601 Murphy Rd, Nashville, TN 37209
Meet: 8:30 AM, beside the McCabe Golf Course Clubhouse
Trail: The McCabe Loop is paved and relatively flat and 75% shaded by dense tree lines. The path crosses multiple bridges over rocky, flowing streams and features beautiful seasonal wildflowers.
Optional brunch after hike. RSVP

Friday, July 24
Location: The Cumberland River Bicentennial Trail, 177 Chapmansboro Road, Ashland City , TN 37015
Meet: 8:30 AM at the trailhead by the parking lot
Trail: The trail is paved and relatively flat, heavily shaded by a canopy of mature, 100-year-old trees. The path runs directly alongside the Cumberland River, Sycamore Creek, and surrounding wetlands. We will pass streams, jagged limestone bluffs, and small cascading waterfalls dropping down the embankments.
Optional brunch after hike. RSVP

Friday, July 31
Location: Harpeth River Greenway (Coley Davis Trailhead), 7820 Coley Davis Rd, Nashville, TN 37221. 
Meet: 8:30 AM at the Coley Davis Trailhead parking lot right by the large greenway map kiosk. It features plenty of parking and a public restroom building right at the entrance.
Trail: An out-and-back route along the Harpeth River Greenway. Starting from the parking area, we will walk west toward the Pegram flatlands under a dense forest canopy that keeps the paved path remarkably cool and well-shaded. The trail is wide, completely flat, smooth, and fully paved. The path along the river features beautiful water views, we will cross over a couple of wooden boardwalk sections and have an excellent chance of spotting local deer and herons.
Optional brunch after hike. RSVP

 

 

  • Past Walks
    • Percy Warner Park
    • Nashville City Cemetary
    • Ransom Mills Dam, Murfreesboro Greenway System
    • Peeler Park and Greenway
    • Gaucho Road Trailhead, Percy Warner Park
    • Mound Bottom Archaeological Area in Cheatham County
    • Long Hunter State Park
    • Centennial Park
    • Marcella Vivrette Smith Park
    • Cumberland River Greenway
    • Ellington Agricultural Center (Rogers Walk Trail)
    • Taylor Hollow State Natural Area
    • Larkspur Conservation
    • Granny White Park
    • Bowie Nature Park
    • Beaman Park, Henry Hollow Trail
    • Edwin Warner Park, Burch Reserve Trail
    • Deep Wells Entrance, Percy Warner
    • Park, Mossy Ridge (Red Trail)
    • Richland Creek Greenway, McCabe Trailhead
    • Montgomery Bell State Park
    • Shelby Bottoms Greenway and Nature Area
    • Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary
    • Aspen Grove Park Trails
    • Deerwood Arboretum
    • Harpeth Woods Trail (Blue Trail) at Edwin Warner Park
    • Radnor Lake State Park Aviary Education Center
    • Crockett Park
    • Hidden Lake Trail at the Harpeth River State Park
    • Belmont University Campus
    • Vanderbilt University Campus
    • Ganier Ridge at Radnor Lake
    • White Trail at Percy Warner Park
    • Moss Ridge Trail
    • Burch Reserve Trail
    • Parmer Park
    • Richland Creek Greenway
    • Harpeth River Greenway
    • Percy Warner Park
    • Sevier Park
    • Green Hills Park
    • Radnor Lake State Park
    • Edwin Warner Park Blue Trail

Vanderbilt Explorers

Explore Vanderbilt University through interactive experiences.  Engage in tours and experiences covering anything from architecture history, landscapes, the Wondr'y, food, and more.

Vanderbilt University

When You Join

When: Monthly

Time: Times vary

Location: Vanderbilt University Campus

Group Leader: Tracy Stadnick

Sign up to participate

Upcoming Explorer Events

More events coming soon!

Volunteer with OLLI

Join other OLLI members for a monthly experience of volunteering in the community. The group will visit different nonprofits each month.

OLLI group volunteering at Second Harvest Food Bank

When You Join

When: Monthly

Time: Times vary

Location: Locations vary

Registration: Use links listed below to sign up

Group Leader: Jan Hulme Shepard

Sign up to let us know you are attending

Upcoming Volunteer Events

July 9th, Thursday, 10:00 a.m. - noon 
Community Resource Center, 15 people
Join us as we work with the "Nashville Hygiene Hub" team. Volunteer activities include unpacking donations, assembling hygiene & cleaning kits for distribution to our neighbors via 100+ local partners. Limited seating available. Sign up to volunteer

August 5th, Wednesday, 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Ronald McDonald House Charities, 15 people
Join us & the Ronald McDonald House team as we create a welcoming "home away from home" space for families with a loved one in a nearby hospital. Activities include sorting & shelving donations, packaging individual snacks & light cleaning of toys & books. Limited seating is available. Sign up to volunteer.


Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Vanderbilt logo

PMB 407760
2301 Vanderbilt Place
Nashville, TN 37240
615-343-0700
Email