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City Cast Nashville

Find the best that Nashville has to offer.

Margaret Kingsbury

May is one of my favorite months of the year in Nashville. Whether you’re looking for ways to celebrate the moms in your life or local festivals, here are some of the best things to do this month.

Mother’s Day is May 10. My biggest suggestion every Mother’s Day is to know your mom! Not every mom wants cut flowers and 

. Bookish moms like me might like to check out Brentwood’s newest indie, 

, which is a cozy bookstore and bar. I like to pick out gifts and plants with my mom at 

 in Kingston Springs. Here are some more ideas:

! Tickets can be pricey here, so that’s a great deal.

Set sail on the General Jackson Showboat for a 

Go square dancing with your mama and shop at a vintage market at 

Don your finest doublets (or shorts) and travel forthwith to Arrington for the 

, every weekend in May, and Memorial Day. Make sure to bring cash to tip performers.

 on May 2 will have live music, vendors, art, food, and more.

85th Annual Middle Tennessee Strawberry Festival

 runs May 8 and 9 in Portland. Check out the fireworks on May 8, and on May 9, watch a parade, attend magic shows, listen to live music, and, of course, eat plenty of strawberries.

Breeden’s Orchard in Mt. Juliet is hosting a 

 on May 16 and 17. RSVP now if you want to attend; tickets will sell out!

May is Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month! Here are some ways to celebrate our AANHPI community.

 at our new Chinatown in Antioch runs May 9 and 10.

Also check out Pakistani American artist 

Every month is a good month for biking, but if it’s been a while since you’ve gone for a ride, this month’s beautiful weather makes it great for biking. 

 are always open for bikers, but here are some biking events happening this month.

. Keep an eye out for biking kiddos on your commute that morning!

. There will be snacks and swag at Riverfront Station that morning.

 at Centennial Park starts Friday, May 15, and runs every weekend through mid June! This is one of the best free music events in Nashville. The lineup includes Amanda Shires, Madi Diaz, the Nashville Symphony, and many more. The City Cast Nashville team will be there on May 24, so come say hi!

And you have two more chances to see us at 

 tonight and May 8, where there will also be live music and food trucks!

🎉 More May Activities

Here’s your guide to all the fun stuff happening in Nashville in May, from ways to celebrate Mother’s Day to must-see concerts.

Your Guide to Nashville in May 2026

Find the best of everything that Nashville has to offer.

Nashville’s Best

Nashville's Best

April’s warm weather brings allergies here in Nashville, but at least we have plenty to keep us busy this month, from pop-up thrift stores to Easter egg hunts galore. Just don’t forget the allergy meds and tissues! Here are our top picks for what to do in Nashville this month, and 

 runs every day this month (except Sundays), and ends May 2. It’s located right across from Centennial Women’s Hospital in West Nashville. Find lots of good quality women’s and men’s clothes, plus household items. The ladies there are SO nice, and it’s such a great shopping experience. The 120-year-old local nonprofit uses proceeds from the pop-up to provide emergency food, clothing, and bill assistance to Nashville folks in need.

Here are some other thrifting opportunities this month: The 

 is April 2-6 at the Fairgrounds, there’s a 

 at the Fairgrounds April 10-12, and The Nations has a 

If spring cleaning is on your agenda, here’s a list of 

This weekend is Easter! There are heaps of Easter activities for the family. For kiddos, search for eggs at Cheekwood’s 

. Kids can also have brunch with the Easter bunny at 

Lots of local restaurants are serving up special Easter Sunday meals, including 

 with a special three-course menu and egg hunts on the patio.

April 18 is Record Store Day. While we’re grieving the closure of The Groove, Nashville still has a 

list of stores participating in Record Store Day

If books are more your thing (or you’re a reader + vinyl listener), Independent Bookstore Day is April 25. Participate in the 

 by picking up a passport at any participating bookstore, and collecting a stamp for each purchase. There are 12 participating bookstores in Davidson County alone. Turn in your passport for a chance to win a grand prize.

 celebration at Centennial Park on April 18. Find free trees, live music, yoga, lots of food trucks, 75+ vendors, and more. It’s a super fun, free event.

If you can’t make it, there are plenty of other ways to take care of the Earth this month. Find heaps of 

 happening in April on the Nashville.gov website, or check the 

 for volunteer opportunities with local gardens or parks.

🌸 More April Activities

April’s warm weather brings allergies here in Nashville, but at least we have plenty to keep us busy this month, from pop-up thrift stores to Easter egg hunts galore.

Your Guide to Nashville in April 2026

Daniel Sumstine

In a city famous for songwriting and live performances, these local music shops are where the sound begins. Spend an afternoon exploring them, and you’ll quickly see how Nashville’s music culture isn’t just heard — it’s built piece by piece, instrument by instrument. From vintage guitars with decades of stories to neighborhood spots where musicians still gather to talk about gear, these stores are part of the creative backbone of Music City.

Founded by longtime drummer and drum tech Bryson Nelson, this shop is known for its knowledgeable employees and friendly, musician-first vibe. Walk in, and you’ll find a wall of snares, cymbals from every major maker, and staff who can talk shop about everything from jazz tuning techniques to modern touring setups. The shop is also home to 

, a unique coffee pop-up tucked right inside the store.

For decades, Corner Music was an iconic hangout in 12 South where local musicians would browse gear, talk shop, and inevitably run into someone they knew. But as the neighborhood grew more expensive, the longtime shop was pushed out of its original home. Today, Corner Music carries on that legacy at its new location on Dickerson Pike. The shop offers a wide selection of guitars, keyboards, and recording gear, along with the same welcoming, atmosphere that made it beloved in the first place.

Part music shop, part cultural space, Fanny’s House of Music has become one of Nashville’s most beloved creative hangouts. Located in East Nashville, the store focuses on guitars, basses, and vintage gear, but its mission goes beyond selling instruments. Fanny’s actively supports women and marginalized musicians through workshops, community events, and an inclusive vibe that makes everyone feel like they belong. It’s also just a fun place to browse, with colorful instruments lining the walls and a friendly staff who are always happy to answer questions.

For guitar lovers, Carter Vintage is basically a museum where everything happens to be for sale. The shop specializes in rare and collectible instruments — think vintage Martins, Gibsons, and Fenders played by generations of musicians. Walking through the showroom and seeing pieces of music history up close is unforgettable. Don’t be surprised if you spot a touring artist quietly testing out a guitar in the corner.

If your musical gear needs repairs, British Audio is the place to go. Musicians from across the country ship their amps here to be serviced by technicians who know these circuits inside and out. I had my studio monitors repaired here, and the team was incredibly helpful throughout the process. It’s also a place where Nashville’s tone obsessives go when they want their gear to sound perfect.

🎵 Our best music venues

Here are Nashville’s best music shops, from vintage guitar havens to community drum stores. 

Exploring Nashville’s Best Music Stores

The Best Music Stores in Nashville

I don’t know about you, but after such a hard winter, I’m more than ready for spring! Here are some great ways to enjoy March in Nashville, from wrangling weeds to eating pie.

 is a one-day volunteer effort to rid parks of invasive species. The initiative started in Nashville, and has since spread nationwide. This year’s Wrangle is on March 7. Volunteer at 

, or find numerous local Weed Wrangles using the 

If you’re busy on March 7 but still want to volunteer, find your favorite park’s “Friends of” organization and see if there are any opportunities. While most parks have reopened after Winter Storm Fern, many still have significant damage and need volunteers.

Pi Day is March 14. Honor the mathematical constant by eating some of our 

. If you’d rather stick to math, Cheekwood is hosting 

 among the flowers with mimosas, live music, food trucks, and a math fair.

It’s spring break this month! For MNPS kids, spring break runs from March 7-15. Here’s 

 from last year, and we’ll have more spring break content in the coming days. You might also consider heading to a beach — here are 

Spring is storm season. Consider signing up for a virtual National Weather Service 

Celebrate Women’s History Month by seeing “

St. Patrick’s Day is March 14. I’ll be rounding up a list of St. Patty’s events soon, but make sure to go to 

Two queens perform at the Opry House this month: 

 with the Nashville Symphony on March 19-21, though note that Dolly will not be making an appearance this year.

, the world’s largest songwriters festival, runs from March 24-28. It will feature 400+ songwriters!

💐 Your Spring Break Guide

Here are some great ways to enjoy March in Nashville, from wrangling weeds to eating pie.

March Events and Activities in Nashville 2026

Your Guide to Nashville in March 2026

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. If you haven’t made any plans with your sweetheart yet, here are eight ideas that still have availability, from dancing the night away to family-friendly meals.

Hop on a trolley with your plus one and explore three local favorites: Honeytree Meadery, East Nashville Beer Works, and Donut Distillery. As of writing this, there are only three spots left, so don’t wait! If you miss it, check out more tours with 

Share a meal at Butcher & Bee, which has recently been updated with new decor and a new menu in celebration of its 10th anniversary. New menu items include fried potato cash rolls and whole grilled branzino, but don’t worry, the whipped feta is still there.

Sweetheart Dance Lessons at Skinny Dennis

Learn how to two-step with or without a partner at 7 p.m., then listen to love songs while snacking on treats from a special V-Day food and drink menu from Sully’s Smoke Shack.

Maybe you’d rather swing dance with Debbi Bailes’ Big Band at Shelby Park Community Center. In addition to dance lessons, some desserts and non-alcoholic beverages will be available.

Our Love Is Here To SLAY at Rudy’s Jazz Room

Listen to “The Siren of the South” Stephanie Adlington sing love songs and murder ballads — that’s right, murder ballads — at Rudy’s Jazz Room on both Feb. 13 and 14. Rudy’s has a full dinner menu to enjoy with your date.

“In Her Place” at the Frist Art Museum

Celebrate women’s artistic genius by taking your date to the Frist Art Museum’s newest exhibits: “In Her Place” and “Sistah Griot.” Afterwards, feast on grilled cheeses and tomato soup at the Café Cheeserie.

My kid absolutely wants in on Valentine’s Day, too. Jasper’s is serving heart-shaped pizza for the whole family, along with themed coloring sheets to keep kids busy while they wait for the food to arrive. Special desserts for the day include red velvet cake gelato.

Couple Up and Cocktail at Tall Tales Rooftop

If you want to keep the Valentine’s Day vibe the entire weekend, take a couples mixology class at Tall Tales Rooftop on Sunday, Feb. 15. Learn how to craft three cocktails, enjoy canapés, and receive an exclusive gift bag.

❤️ More Date Ideas

Still need to make Valentine's Day plans? Here are eight great ideas in Nashville.

The Best Valentine's Day Date Ideas in Nashville

8 Ways To Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Nashville

Despite being the shortest month of the year, February has 

. Here are some ways to enjoy the last full month of winter, from helping neighbors recover from Winter Storm Fern to Lunar New Year and Mardi Gras celebrations.

The impact of Winter Storm Fern will continue to affect Nashville in February. 

 by shopping small. Find volunteer opportunities on the 

. Do you need help? We continue to update our 

Winter Storm Help

The Super Bowl is this Sunday, Feb. 8. Watch the big game at one of 

. Personally, you can find me at the Nashville Zoo enjoying the 

The 2026 Winter Olympics run Feb. 6-22. You can see the 

 matches all month long at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium.

Nashville SC hosts their home opener on Feb. 21 with 

 is a month-long celebration of our food scene featuring chef collaborations.

We’ll have lots of Valentine’s Day ideas for you this month, but in the meantime, here are some of our 

Celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse with Lunar New Year events. Arrive early for a 

performance by master of the guzheng Wu Fei

 on Feb. 15 to enjoy special activities and Chinese drumming. Plaza Mariachi is 

 is hosting a celebration at Centennial Park on Feb. 21.

 are hosting a Mardi Gras weekend from Feb. 13 through Feb. 17, with Cajun food and Carnival vibes. 

 annual event is Feb. 17, with a buffet and live jazz.

🎵 More February Activities

Here are some ways to enjoy February in Nashville, from helping neighbors recover from Winter Storm Fern to Lunar New Year and Mardi Gras celebrations.

February Events and Activities in Nashville 2026

Your Guide to Nashville in February 2026

Nashville is home to some of the most talented songwriters in the world. Whether you’re a seasoned writer with a catalog of cuts or someone new looking to try out fresh material, these open mics and listening rooms are where songs get workshopped and discovered.

Just six blocks off Lower Broadway in SoBro, The Listening Room Cafe puts songwriters front and center, from newcomers to hitmakers. With typically two shows a night, it’s an intimate, no-frills listening experience that treats songwriting with a level of respect you don’t find in many places anymore. One of its most meaningful fixtures is Song Suffragettes, a weekly all-female songwriter round that has become a true cornerstone of Nashville’s music community.

Arguably the most famous songwriter room in all of Music City, The Bluebird Cafe is a cozy, 90-seat listening room that’s been launching careers since the early ‘80s. Their legendary open mic starts at 6 p.m. every Monday night, with doors opening at 5:30 and online sign-ups starting at 11 a.m. Taylor Swift and Garth Brooks both got their start here, and getting on that Bluebird stage is a rite of passage for a lot of Nashville songwriters.

Walking into Douglas Corner feels like stepping into a time capsule from a Nashville that’s becoming harder and harder to find. The room hasn’t been polished or rebranded — it still feels like someone’s living room, right down to the carpeted floors and the window shades. That’s part of the magic. There’s no pretense here, just songwriters sitting close together, sharing unfinished ideas and hard-earned stories in a space that hasn’t changed much because it never needed to.

Tucked away just off Broadway in SoBro, 3rd and Lindsley is the kind of place where discovery and connection still come first. The room is unpretentious and worn in, with the feel of a smoky old club from back in the day. It’s also home to one of Nashville’s longest-running music traditions: Lightning 100’s live broadcast on Sunday nights. The weekly show turns the room into a communal listening party, spotlighting local and touring artists in real time.

Live Oak is part bar and part live music hangout, with regular writer’s rounds and live sets that feature local musicians and artists testing out new sounds. The vibe here is more clubby and energetic than intimate, making it a solid pick if you’re looking for a livelier night out.

Every Monday evening at Tennessee Brew Works, local songwriters and anyone with a guitar can take the mic and share originals or covers in a relaxed, open mic setting. It’s free to attend and feels less competitive than other open mics in town — just a friendly room of folks enjoying music, craft beer, and good vibes to kick off the week.

Nashville’s best music venues outside downtown

Discover Nashville’s best open mic nights for songwriters, from legendary rooms like The Bluebird Cafe to hidden gems like Douglas Corner.

Exploring Nashville’s Best Open Mic Nights for Songwriters

The Best Open Mic Nights for Songwriters in Nashville

Nobody understands a city’s pulse quite like a City Cast host — their knack for spotting what matters proved them to be a reliable voice for 2025’s biggest local stories. Now, we’re turning to them to forecast what’s in store for 2026. From political shifts to data centers, their perspectives offer a candid preview of the issues and surprises that could shape our hometowns.

Curious what’s around the corner? Catch their unique insights 

, where all 13 hosts predicted this year’s biggest stories. Here’s a preview of that conversation:

Zohran Mamdani’s election in New York has energized Democratic Socialists across the U.S. 

 with the election of Katie Wilson, but it’s yet to be seen if she has the same star power or sway inside City Hall.

City Cast Seattle host Jane C. Hu says the linchpin of Wilson’s election is likely to come with this summer’s FIFA World Cup, as advocates for the city’s unhoused population watch whether Wilson will sweep encampments as previous mayors have.

“It’s going to be interesting to see what she decides there, because there's going to be tension between what people elected her for and what action she’s actually able to take,” Hu says.

Many City Cast cities are seeing a surge in data center development. “It’s going to be a doozy” of a conversation in 2026, as our CEO David Plotz pointed out.

In Madison, the mayor and much of the City Council last year proposed a 

one-year moratorium on zoning certificates

 for new data centers while they try to better understand how data centers could impact the electric grid and energy bills. City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin says Madisonians are “up in arms.”

“Folks are concerned that this might be a bubble, that this could be another dot-com bubble where Silicon Valley folks rush in, move to scale, and then they’re like, let’s abandon ship,” Martin says.

But aren’t data centers great for the economy? Plotz 

, suggesting that data centers contributed to the tech economy in Washington, D.C. Well, that got the group fired up.

“We’re also talking about doing it in really beautiful green spaces that we don’t want to be cluttered with this kind of nonsense,” says City Cast Pittsburgh host, Megan Harris.

And the conversation didn’t end there. From an affordability crisis to massive infrastructure changes, here’s what each of our hosts predicted for this year’s biggest news.

 gives Democrats a safe congressional seat — and candidates are chomping at the bit to announce their bids. But now that they don’t have to court Republican voters, Salt Lake is wondering: Could Democrats explore Mamdani-level progressivism?

. There’s a housing crisis, a stagnant population, and a nearly 50-year-old reputation for economic gloom they can’t seem to outrun. Tax increases may help, but Pittsburgh’s got to figure out how to attract more people if the city ever wants to really evolve.

? With rising homelessness, controversial city spending, and Austin voters overwhelmingly rejecting Prop Q, which would have raised property taxes, Austinites will be focused on what the city is spending on and why it’s not being spent more equitably.

. With real estate investment lagging, downtown Portland will likely see an increase in unique, temporary, and creative storefronts as property managers and the city will shift toward a “punk rock mall” model.

, which could open the door to a competitive primary and potentially transform a new generation of Democratic leadership.

The Twin Cities, a longtime hub for legal immigration, is facing rising tension as 

ICE continues to target the Somali community

. One Republican state representative has already spoken out against Trump’s rhetoric, but there are also voices supporting the president’s language. Which way will things shift in 2026?

Elon Musk’s The Boring Company is building twin 9.5-mile 

 between downtown Nashville and the airport, with future extensions proposed. Is this the right move for Nashvillians? In 2026, locals will continue to question safety, oversight, and a lack of geological testing, especially considering the city’s limestone terrain is vulnerable to sinkholes.

Denver wants to help build new stadiums for the Broncos

 and its first National Women's Soccer League team, sparking debates over public funding, community benefits, and transparency. Pushback includes concerns about backroom deals and threats from NWSL owners to leave if demands aren’t met. The teams are promising huge economic impacts for the whole city. We expect Denver to look very different in the years to come.

 is uncertain amid mass firings, agencies possibly relocating, and a Supreme Court case threatening civil service rules. The city’s economy, housing market, and politics all hinge on whether the federal workforce remains.

 in our lifetime. Driven by increased marketing efforts and major events, including an NCAA tournament, MLB All-Star Game, FIFA World Cup, and the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding, Philly is determined to expose the world to the city.

Nevada’s new crime bill, which goes into effect this year, will allow judges to “order out” anyone with a criminal charge from the 

. What are the implications for the city’s tourist corridor when individual rights are sacrificed for the goal of encouraging tourism? And how could similar bills affect tourism nationwide?

Nobody understands a city’s pulse quite like a City Cast host. So we’re turning to all 13 of our hosts, including Nashville's Marie Cecile Anderson, to share the biggest stories shaping their hometowns in 2026.

2026 Predictions for Nashville and Across the City Cast Network

The Biggest Stories We Predict for Nashville in 2026

January in Nashville is a month for staying warm, taking stock of goals, and finding fun even when things get more than a little chilly. Here are some ideas for spending a wonderful January in Nashville.

Drink a tortie latte, snuggle with cats, and support young adults who have experienced homelessness at the 

, and get started on your reading for the year.

Head to East Nashville’s new teahouse, 

Here are some ideas for spending a wonderful January in Nashville, from cozy hangouts to keeping things dry.

Nashville's Best

Your Guide to Nashville in May 2026

Your Guide to Nashville in April 2026

The Best Music Stores in Nashville

Latest articles

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8 Ways To Celebrate Valentine’s Day in Nashville

Your Guide to Nashville in February 2026

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The Biggest Stories We Predict for Nashville in 2026

Your Guide to Nashville in January 2026

Your Guide to Nashville in December 2025