Celebrations, Events & Opportunities – May 2026

Posted on by Pathfinder
A bright spring-themed graphic with a soft yellow and green blurred background and flowers along the bottom, including yellow daffodils and small blue blossoms. Large navy text across the top and center reads, “Celebrations, Events & Opportunities.” The Pathfinder compass logo appears near the flowers on the left, and black text on the lower right reads, “May 2026.” The overall design feels cheerful, seasonal, and welcoming for a May newsletter events section.

Each month brings a new set of celebrations, awareness observances, community gatherings, and local events happening across Tennessee. From statewide disability awareness months to family‑friendly activities, workshops, resource fairs, and special community spotlights, there’s always something meaningful to explore.

Find what’s happening in your area by visiting our Community Calendar, where you can discover events that support your goals, spark connections, and enhance your everyday experiences.

And don’t forget to follow Pathfinder on social media to stay updated on monthly celebrations, community happenings, and upcoming opportunities across Tennessee.

Pathfinder Events

Next Week!

Navigating Financial Assistance Resources for Technology & Equipment

Details
🗓 Thursday, May 21, 2026
⏰ 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM CT
💻 Virtual via Zoom. Presented in English.
Presented by Tennessee Technology Access Program (TTAP)

Join us for the final webinar in the Navigating Financial Assistance Resources Series: Navigating Financial Assistance Resources for Technology & Equipment.

This session will explore financial assistance options for assistive technology and equipment, helping individuals, families, and professionals better understand where to start and what supports may be available.

Interpreter Support:
ASL and Spanish interpretation will be available.

Register today:

Community Events

 

Join TriStar Hendersonville and partner HCA hospitals for the Color Our Community Safer 5K, a free community event taking place May 30, 2026, at Drake’s Creek Park in Hendersonville, TN. This event, held in recognition of Trauma Awareness Month and National Stop the Bleed Month, will also include a one-mile fun run/walk and a community safety fair.

Participants are invited to run, walk, or explore a variety of health, wellness, and safety booths. The event is open to individuals, families, and community members looking to connect, learn, and engage in a fun and supportive environment.

Organizers are currently seeking runners, walkers, vendors for health, wellness, and safety booths, and volunteers. Those interested in participating in the 5K or one-mile run/walk can register using the QR code on the event flyer. Organizations interested in sharing resources with the community are also encouraged to inquire about booth opportunities.

 

A promotional graphic for the Tennessee Disability MegaConference. At the top, large text reads “Tennessee Disability MegaConference,” with a colorful circular logo on the left and the words “Empowerment,” “Inclusion,” “Self-Determination,” and “Choice” underneath. Three photo-style images are displayed across the middle: one shows three women standing behind an exhibit table, one shows a woman smiling while seated at a table, and one shows a person setting up or organizing materials at a vendor table. The lower section states that the Tennessee Disability MegaConference will take place on Friday, August 21, 2026, at the Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro, and encourages people to scan the QR code to reserve a booth. A large QR code appears on the lower right side of the graphic.

 

The Tennessee Disability MegaConference is on Friday, August 21, 2026, at the Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro!

This annual event brings together individuals, families, professionals, and community organizations for a full day of learning, connection, and practical information.

The call for proposals is now open for breakout session presenters. This is an opportunity to share insights, tools, and strategies that support Tennesseans across a wide range of needs and life stages.

Interested in presenting? Scan the QR code in the image or submit your session proposal here: https://forms.gle/i79PxurjN2DoG9G36

 

Pathfinder & Community Celebrations

A teal celebration graphic reads “Congrats on your Milestone” above a photo labeled “Mimi” with “5 Years” below. The image features a smiling woman wearing a floral top and bright pink tassel earrings. Decorative confetti-style lines appear around the design, along with the Tennessee Disability Pathfinder compass logo.
Congratulations to Mimi on 5 years — thank you for the dedication, support, and impact you bring every day.

A colorful birthday graphic with balloons and confetti reads “Happy Birthday April!” A circular photo shows a smiling woman holding a white cane, labeled “Information & Referral Coordinator,” with the date “April 20” below. The Tennessee Disability Pathfinder logo appears on a balloon in the design.
Happy Birthday to our Information & Referral Coordinator! Wishing you a wonderful day on April 20.

A recognition graphic reads “Congratulations on your Award” beside a photo of a plaque presented to Sheena Adams-Avery for the B.E.A.T.S. Recognition Award. The plaque acknowledges exceptional leadership and guidance in empowering the community, dated March 26, 2026. A portrait of Sheena appears alongside the award, with the Tennessee Disability Pathfinder logo in the corner.
Congratulations to Sheena Adams-Avery on receiving the B.E.A.T.S. Recognition Award for exceptional leadership and community impact.

A graphic for Autism Acceptance Month shows a globe surrounded by colorful human-shaped figures arranged in a circle, representing community and connection. A rainbow infinity symbol overlays the globe beside the words “Autism Acceptance Month.” The Tennessee Disability Pathfinder logo appears in the corner, and the words “Awareness, Understanding, Connection, Support” are displayed at the bottom.
Autism Acceptance Month is a time to center understanding, celebrate differences, and strengthen connections.

A soft pastel awareness graphic for Functional Neurological Disorder Awareness Month featuring a large teal and purple awareness ribbon centered on a light glowing background. Surrounding the ribbon are butterflies, sparkles, and a lotus flower, with a faint illustration of a brain on the left. The Tennessee Disability Pathfinder logo appears on the ribbon. Curved text at the top reads “Functional Neurological Disorder,” and bold text at the bottom reads “Awareness Month.”
Functional Neurological Disorder Awareness Month highlights a condition that affects how the brain and body communicate. Raising awareness helps increase understanding, reduce stigma, and connect individuals to support and resources.

Two athletes with lower-limb prosthetics stand on a rocky mountain overlook at sunrise. One person runs forward using a curved running blade prosthetic, while the other stands with a hiking backpack and raises a prosthetic leg overhead in celebration. A warm golden sky and mountain landscape fill the background. The Tennessee Disability Pathfinder logo appears at the top center. At the bottom, an orange awareness ribbon appears next to bold text reading “Limb Loss Awareness Month,” with “Awareness Month” displayed on an orange banner.
April is Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, which highlights resilience, innovation, and the many ways individuals with limb loss and limb difference live, work, and stay active in their communities. Awareness helps reduce stigma and connects supports.

A graphic for Parkinson’s Awareness Month shows a collage of older adults from diverse backgrounds arranged inside green ribbon-shaped elements. The Tennessee Disability Pathfinder logo appears on the right, alongside text reading “Parkinson’s Awareness Month” and “April 2026.”
Parkinson’s Awareness Month highlights the experiences of individuals and families affected by Parkinson’s. This month, we recognize the importance of awareness, education, and meaningful support. Resources and connections can make a difference every step of the way.

A collage graphic titled “Black Women’s History Month” features a group of Black women from past and present arranged together. The image includes historic and contemporary figures, along with two Tennessee Disability Pathfinder team members in the foreground. The background uses warm brown tones to unify the portraits and highlight the theme of leadership, resilience, and lasting impact.
Black Women’s History Month honors the leadership, resilience, and lasting contributions of Black women past and present. We’re proud to recognize members of our  team alongside these trailblazers. Their work and dedication help move our mission forward every day.
Older Americans Month Celebration — Nashville
Join GNRC and aging and disability partners for an Older Americans Month open house featuring learning sessions, community resources, and onsite services to help older adults stay active, safe, and engaged. The event is Tuesday, May 19, from 9 a.m. to noon at GNRC’s main office in Nashville. https://www.gnrc.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=1218&utm_source=chatgpt.com
Senior Lifestyle, Health & Home Expo — Nashville/Brentwood
This free senior-focused expo will offer health screenings, immunizations, prizes, giveaways, free admission, and free parking. The event is Thursday, May 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at SpringHill Suites by Marriott Nashville Brentwood.
Southwest Senior Expo 2026 — Jackson
Southwest Area Agency on Aging and Disability will host the Southwest Senior Expo at the Carl Perkins Civic Center in Jackson. The event is Thursday, May 21, beginning at 10 a.m., with senior-focused resources and community information. https://expo4seniors.com/nashville-tn-5-14-26/
PNA Senior Expo — Memphis
The PNA Senior Expo is a free consumer fair for seniors featuring information on senior-related topics, sponsor and vendor booths, and door prize opportunities. The event is Thursday, May 14, at Agricenter International in Memphis. https://pnamidsouth.org/senior-expo/
Senior Golf Cart Tour
Germantown’s 50+ Active Aging program will host a free Senior Golf Cart Tour through two local parks. The tour takes place Thursday, May 14, 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. (rain date May 21)
Pickering Center 7771 Poplar Pike
Free.
Join in the fun and ride an 8 passenger golf cart around two of Germantown’s finest parks. You will be guided by Park Ranger Michelle Rodgers who has a degree in Parks and Recreation from University of Mississippi, studied Wildlife and Fisheries at UT Knoxville and is certified as a Tennessee Naturalist. registration is required. Register by emailing ActiveAging@Germantown-TN.gov
Encore Concert Series — Memphis
Hope Church’s Encore Senior Adult Ministry will host a free concert featuring Joyce Henderson, followed by food and fellowship. The concert is Saturday, May 16, at 11 a.m. at the Youth Pavilion at Entrance 6. https://www.hopepres.com/events-at-hope-church/event/3876161