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City Cast Nashville

Find the best that Nashville has to offer.

Margaret Kingsbury

 kicks off today, June 11, and runs until July 19. Here are some of the best places to watch World Cup games in Nashville, from epic kick-off parties to rooftop bars.

Plaza Mariachi is encouraging everyone to bring their flags and wear jerseys to its epic 

 today, from 1:30 p.m. to midnight. There will be huge LED screens inside and outside, plus food trucks and special drink offerings. Plaza Mariachi is hosting a 

Join Nashville SC for free watch parties for the U.S. Men’s National Team’s group stage games on June 12, June 19, and June 25. You’ll find fan activities, food, drinks, and a live showing of the USA’s matches on the World Stage. June 19’s party will be at Centennial Park, so folks can head over to the 

 afterward. The other two matches will be at GEODIS Park’s Publix Plaza.

Both ENBW locations have watch parties for the U.S. game on June 12, starting at 8 p.m. Grab a pint and some snacks, and get there early to 

hang out with the City Cast Nashville team

Cheer on teams at Chapstick in East Nashville with the 

 on June 12. Chapstick will host watch parties for every World Cup game on the big screen, with sound.

On June 12, Brooklyn Bowl is hosting a free viewing party with drink and food specials. The game will be on 13 screens with full concert sound.

Head to The Nations to watch games from hundreds of TVs with sound on, while enjoying drink specials and shareable plates. There will also be giveaways! They’re expecting a 

, so get there early, and bring lawn chairs and blankets.

 at Music Row’s TailGate Brewery to watch every single World Cup game. I’ve heard TailGate’s new 

Downtown Nashville’s British premier soccer pub features a rooftop bar, lawn bowling, and a full restaurant, and will be showing all the World Cup games. If you want guaranteed pub space, 

, though the rooftop is first-come, first-served.

⚽ Nashville’s rich soccer history

Here are some of the best places to watch World Cup games in Nashville, from epic kick-off parties to rooftop bars.

Where To Watch the World Cup in Nashville

The Best World Cup Watch Parties in Nashville

Find the best of everything that Nashville has to offer.

Nashville’s Best

Nashville's Best

Whitney Pastorek

June is possibly the busiest month in Nashville. There’s SO MUCH going on, from music festivals to movie ticket deals. Before you head outside for all these community celebrations and events, make sure you know 

Starting this Friday, June 5, the City Cast Nashville team will be holding 

 at East Nashville Beer Works. Come hang out with us while we work from 2-5 p.m. every Friday until Aug. 7. We’d love to see you! And if you become a 

Nashville has lots of ways to celebrate Freedom Day around town.

Head to Buchanan Street on June 13 for The Equity Alliance’s 

Feast at these Black-owned restaurants for 

4th Annual Music City Juneteenth Freedom Day 5K Run/Walk

 on June 19 will include craft activities, story times, musical guests, and historical speakers.

, is moving to Centennial Park this year. The party runs from 5-9:30 p.m. on June 19.

Keep the celebration going at historic Hadley Park for the 

🎶 Get Your Music on at These Festivals

 takes over the city June 4-7, so it’s time to brace for nightly fireworks. Happily, the festival comes with a healthy slate of free concerts every year. Head down to the Riverfront stage to catch Nashville faves Kaitlin Butts and Molly Tuttle, or hit the Dr Pepper stage at Ascend to throw it back with Melissa Etheridge and Pam Tillis. Save some energy to head down to Manchester the following weekend, where 

 will try to actually happen this year. Our fingers are crossed!

From family-friendly films to “Jaws,” here are the hottest local movie deals this June.

 deal on select dates this summer, where kid-friendly movie tickets are only $1. Or check out their $99 

, which gets you a bowling game, $100 arcade game card, movie ticket, and more.

 tickets for kids’ movies. Who wants to join me at the “K-Pop Demon Hunters Sing-Along Event?”

 promotion gets you discounted tickets to kids’ movies on Mondays and Wednesdays starting June 22.

Or head outside for free outdoor movie events at 

Father’s Day is Sunday, June 21. Here are some ideas for celebrating him this month.

Find the perfect gift at CoolSpring Galleria’s 

Does the dad in your life like cars? Cheekwood’s 

Exposition of Elegance: Classic Cars & Motorcycles

, where dads get in free on Father’s Day.

Toast Dad on the Cumberland River aboard a 

15th Annual Jazz on the Cumberland Concert Series

☀️ More June Activities

June is one of the busiest month's in Nashville. Here's your guide to all the fun stuff to do, from music festivals to Juneteenth celebrations.

Your Guide to Nashville in June 2026

Wondering what to read this spring and summer? Here are the newest book releases by Nashville authors, from local activity guides to weedy gardens.

This delightfully weird gothic novel reexamining the biblical figure through a modern feminist lens releases today! Celebrate with the author 

” by Rev. James Lawson Jr. & Emily Yellin

Before his death in 2024, Rev. James Lawson — a central player in 

 — collaborated on this memoir with journalist Emily Yellin. If you’ve been meaning to learn more about this pivotal figure in U.S. history, now’s the time. Also check out “

,” about Vanderbilt University’s decision to expel Lawson.

Looking for local summer adventure ideas? Check out this updated “Moon Tennessee” travel guide written by our very own City Cast Nashville contributor, Margaret Littman! From whitewater rafting to distillery tours, she’s got you covered.

” by Andrew Ho, Andrew Samia, & Sean Wen

If you can’t get enough of Curry Boys BBQ, then this cookbook is for you. The three chefs behind the popular Texas BBQ plus Thai curry chain are revealing their secrets in this photo-rich cookbook.

Retired Mt. Juliet astronaut Barry Wilmore shares his experiences as a NASA astronaut stranded aboard the International Space Station for nearly a year, and how his relationship with God helped him become who he is today. While you wait for the book to arrive, listen to 

Local music journalist Erin Osmon delves into the origins of heartland rock and its influence on musicians in the 1980s. From “American Girl” to “Born in the U.S.A.,” Osmon argues these rock classics played a vital role in opposing ’80s conservatism.

Follow college student Suzannah in the summer of 1969 when an illicit trip to Woodstock transforms her life. This is local author Lisa Patton’s fifth novel.

 account when she was just 13, and now she’s turned her Taylor Swift love into a book! “The Story of Us” celebrates the Swiftie fandom, from unexpected friendships to Ticketmaster drama.

How are the menfolk doing? That’s the central question in this sociological examination of what it means to be a man in America today through a deep dive into the lives of four men, and why so many people ask, “What’s wrong with men?”

Middle school and adult D&D gamers alike will enjoy this graphic novel series about anthropomorphized dogs enjoying their favorite tabletop game. This is the second book in the series; read “

Acclaimed local naturalist Margaret Renkl makes her children’s lit debut in this beautifully illustrated picture book about observing all the wondrous critters in a backyard garden. Adults can read this to the kiddos in their life, then listen to our episode with Margaret about 

Nashville-based author Rebecca Rose Mooradian bases this lyrical picture book on her great-grandmother’s escape from the Armenian Genocide in the early 1900s. Follow Dzovinar as she flees her home, makes her way to France, then finally settles in the United States.

📚 Nashville’s Best Indie Bookstores

Here are the newest book releases by Nashville authors, from local activity guides to weedy gardens.

New Books by Nashville Authors in 2026

The Best New Books by Nashville Authors in 2026

Amelia Edelman

Feeling stressed? I mean, aren’t we all. If you’re looking for a relaxation hack that goes well beyond a basic massage, Nashville’s got you covered. The city’s wellness scene does 

 shy away from the strange when it comes to spa treatments that alchemize, scrub, and just plain pour oil on your face. Here are some of Nashville’s most delightfully weird spa experiences worth booking.

Welp, I haven’t liked anything AI has done yet — but if anything might change my mind, it’s 

 on the west side. Their Aescape system uses AI and robotic arms to deliver a customized, full-body massage. Its 3D body scan maps your muscles, and you control everything (pressure, focus areas) via touchscreen — no small talk required. The future is now?!

What, you’ve never dreamed of climbing into a dark, silent tank filled with saltwater? Don’t knock it ‘til you try it. The goal of a float tank is to reduce sensory input, which can help with relaxation, sleep, and mental clarity. 

 at Float Nashville and take a tip from Modest Mouse: We’ll all float on.

 in East Nashville, olive oil is the star of the show — you can get it custom-blended for any massage. But the weirdest (and most fun) option here is the DIY mud lounge, where you literally smear herbal mud on your body, let it dry, and then scrub it off. It’s messy, good for your skin, and definitely reminded me of summer camp 1992 (apologies to those counselors).

Beware: Once you’ve experienced the scalp consultation at Germantown’s chic Poppy & Monroe, 

 next. During the consult, you’ll view your scalp under a microscope (terrifying!), flakes and all. Then, after the treatment — deep cleansing, exfoliation, and massage — you’ll get to see the “after” shot, where your scalp is fresh and clean and smooth as a baby’s butt.

At The Lotus Room over in Hillsboro Village, 

 is the spa’s strangest, most otherworldly treatment. Rooted in Ayurveda, it involves a steady stream of warm herbal oil poured across your forehead — the “third eye” area. The sensation is absurdly calming, supports circulation to the brain, and eases you into a meditative, blissed-out state.

If you’re stumped on where to start on your strange self-care journey, you can’t go wrong with just about any service at Sylvan Park’s 

, which offers “skin alchemy, nail divinity, and lash enchantments.” Sure, the treatments sound a little weird, but that’s exactly why they’re worth trying. Worst case? You get a great story. Best case? You accidentally fix your stress / heal the world / who knows. 

Studio Strange

💆 Even More Local Spa Options

Here are some of Nashville’s most delightfully weird spa experiences worth booking.

The Best Weird Spa Treatments in Nashville

Nashville’s Best Weird Spa Treatments

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

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.

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

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Your Guide to Nashville in June 2026

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