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City Cast Nashville

Explainers

Margaret Kingsbury

, presented by Humanities Tennessee and Vanderbilt University! Founded in 1989, it’s one of the nation’s oldest literary festivals. Here’s my guide.

!), with the main festival running Oct. 17 from 9 a.m.-6 p.m., and Oct. 18 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, Tennessee State Library and Archives, and the Tennessee State Museum

There’s free parking at the museum and park, but it can fill up fast. Here’s a list of 

 I find the festival’s new spot at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park more accessible than its old downtown location, where vendors were on a steep hill. All vendors are located along paved paths, and a golf cart can take disabled visitors to their destinations. Find 

 and plan what authors to see before heading to the festival. Presentations overlap, so you might have to make some hard decisions about which authors to see! You can organize the schedule by topic and date. Planning ahead also means you can bring any books you want signed. After each presentation, authors go to the signing tent to sign books. One year I had so many books I wanted signed I brought them in a rolling cart! (In my defense, I was also pregnant.)

 will be on site selling books from presenting authors. Bring a sturdy tote for buying books, and consider waiting until the end of the day to shop so you’re not carrying a heavy bag all day. There will also be festival merch and lots of 

Between food trucks and the restaurants inside the 

, you'll have no trouble finding something to eat.

 includes many people we’ve interviewed on the City Cast Nashville podcast! Before seeing them at the festival, listen to our episodes with Nashville’s favorite naturalist 

, and leader of the Tennessee chapter of Authors Against Book Bans 

Other big-name authors speaking include Barbara Kingsolver, Ann Patchett, Elizabeth Kostova, Katheryn Stockett, Kevin Wilson, Alex Wright, and Olivie Blake.

In addition to the festival’s stellar list of children’s authors, there are heaps of kid activities in front of the Tennessee State Museum. Kids can watch the Nashville Puppet Truck present “Hansel and Gretel,” meet Little Critter, listen to authors read their picture books, and make crafts.

📚 Nashville’s best indie bookstores

This weekend is the 38th annual Southern Festival of Books! Here's your guide.

What To See and Do at the Southern Festival of Books in Nashville

Your Guide to the Southern Festival of Books

What Nashvillians have been wondering. We break down why things in Nashville are the way they are and how they work.

Nashville, Explained

! We’re electing our next Tennessee governor, congressional representatives, U.S. Senator, and more. Here’s your guide.

 runs from Oct. 14-29, with Election Day on Nov. 3. The final day to 

 is Oct. 24. Photo ID is required to vote in Tennessee. Here are the 

. Tennessee doesn’t have same-day voter registration, so if you’re not registered to vote here, you’ll be unable to participate in this election. 

 throughout Davidson County where you can cast your ballot every day except Sunday during the early voting period. On Election Day, you must vote at your designated polling location. You can find your polling location on your voter registration card, or 

The Midterm Election determines who will be Tennessee’s next governor, as well as who will fill U.S. and state Senate and House seats. Many Nashvillians are in new congressional districts following 

 also appear on the ballot. The first would 

. The second would prohibit Tennessee from 

, which we haven’t done in 77 years. The third would 

In addition to the State and Federal Election, Belle Meade, Forest Hills, and Goodlettsville municipal elections are being held. You can find exactly 

 and interviews with Democratic gubernatorial candidate 

 have election guides and interviews with candidates. While Republican gubernatorial candidate U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn has refused to debate, Green, Pinkston, and Independent candidate David Hatley will be 

debating live at Middle Tennessee State University

 on Oct. 27. The event is closed to the public, but it will be live streamed.

💬 More info on the Midterm Elections

It’s time to vote in the 2026 State and Federal General Election, Nashville! Here's your guide.

The Nov. 3 State and Federal General Election Guide for Nashville

Your Guide to the Nov. 3 Midterm Election in Nashville

  Rachel Iacovone

I’m blessed to live on Nolensville Pike, where pretty much every Latino food truck is a safe bet for a great, affordable meal. I can play lotería or watch folklorico dancers weekly at 

. And I can even buy my furniture completely in Spanish at 

. But as Hispanic Heritage Month comes to a close, I’m realizing not every Nashvillian knows where they can support the community after Oct. 15. So here’s some places to start!

Get a dirty horchata and the Texas scramble at 

, the Good Morning Elena (guava, cheese and ham sandwich) at 

 brunch, the blackened salmon burrito at 

, and a completely out-of-the-box special at 

. As a Boricua, I also have to mention my people’s one and only option locally: 

 down in La Vergne, which serves sancocho as good as my abuelo’s.

There are too many Latine businesses to shout them all out. One of my personal favorites is 

 in the Nashville Scene’s Best of Nashville 2026. Other clothing options abound at 

, where you can buy everything from a guayabera shirt to your daughter’s quinceanera gown. While there are many, many Latine grocers, 

 has been my go-to for years. If any of my fellow Caribbeans have found a good quenepa source though, you give me a call first, okay?

Get your groove on — whether it’s weekly salsa, regular reggaeton or special bachata nights — at 

 also hosts weekly social dancing with free lessons beforehand. Keep an eye out for DJ pop-ups through groups like 

. (Big fan of the Bad Bunny ones!) National tours like 

, an all girls’ reggaeton party, also tend to make stops in Nashville annually.

Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition

. Take an immersive Spanish class through 

. Learn to pronounce “Dalé!” while chanting it with 

 at a Nashville SC game. Tutor Latine kids through 

’s weekly opportunities. Join a book club focused on Latine authors like 

. And consider sponsoring locally owned Spanish-language news like 

, which is covering our communities in our first language.

My fave Latine-owned business

Where’s your favorite Latine-owned business in town?

Here’s where to dine, shop and volunteer in Nashville’s Latino community, long after Hispanic Heritage Month.

Our Favorite Latine-Owned Nashville Businesses And Eateries

How To Celebrate Nashville’s Latine Community After Hispanic Heritage Month

We’re all devastated by Dolly Parton’s death. Dolly left behind such a beautiful legacy that goes far beyond her work as a musician. Over the years, Nashville artists have commemorated Dolly with murals around town. Here are 10 such murals. If you know of more, 

 in 2020, this Dolly Parton mural on the side of indie music venue The 5 Spot in East Nashville is perhaps the most popular. The mural includes a Black Lives Matter quote from Dolly.

Kim Radford was also commissioned by Dolly’s niece, Rebecca Seaver, to paint 

 of Dolly reading to her as a child. It’s my personal favorite Dolly mural, celebrating her early childhood literacy work through the Imagination Library.

Okay, one last mural from Kim Radford! She painted 

 on the side of Velvet Taco’s East Nashville location, right by the pickup window.

Head to one of our favorite Lower Broadway honky-tonks for 

 that says “If you want the rainbow, you've got to put up with the rain” in a ribbon around the musician’s portrait. Artist 

While you’re on Lower Broadway, stop at this mural on the side of the Legends Corner honky-tonk. 

 painted the mural, and it features many country music legends, including Dolly.

l on the side of Urban Cookhouse says “I Will Always Love You, Nashville,” with Dolly’s silhouette playing guitar in the “I.”

Turn off Bransford Avenue onto East Iris Drive in Berry Hill to find this mural of famous musicians, including Dolly, painted on the side of fences, right by Columbine Park. Nashville artist 

This series also includes multiple portraits of 

, such as Dolly, on the side of a supplier’s warehouse.

Hop up to the second floor of the Grand Ole Opry for 

While you’re in the area, head to The Nashville Palace for the “

💖 Remembering Dolly

Over the years, Nashville artists have commemorated Dolly with murals around town. Here are 10 such murals.

Check Out These 10 Dolly Parton Murals in Nashville

Where To Find Dolly Parton Murals in Nashville

We asked you for your memories of Dolly Parton, and your emails keep pouring in. Dolly was such a shining light in this world. Here are some of your Dolly memories.

 books for my granddaughter, born in 2013, who received your books in 2020. You will be missed but not forgotten.”

“She was the hallmark of grace and compassion in the industry with a huge heart, a smile, and a song for everyone. God bless Dolly, and may she be with her family during this time.”

“My daughter was almost three when the pandemic hit. She first knew Dolly as an angel who funded the vaccine that saved millions of lives and safeguarded hers.

We arrived in Nashville when she was four — just one month before her brother was born. Representatives of Dolly’s came to the hospital room where my son was born to register the kids in her Imagination Library, where they each got the gift of one book every month until they turned five.

My son just received his last book, and a special happy birthday and happy graduation video from Dolly.

We all know her and love her for different things. Wonderful things. She moved us all. What an incredible person and incredible life. The very definition of leaving the campsite better than you found it.”

“Dolly was pure love and joy, she bridged sexes, politics, skin color, any and all that divide us. Incredible woman who could laugh at herself, make self-deprecating jokes, and still shine on!”

“She was always herself. She did have children, we her fans are her children, that she loved. [She was] so genuine to the end, told us always what was what. Now she is with Carl, loved ones, and the Lord!! I look forward to meeting her and hearing her sing in heaven!! We will always love you!”

“In college, I did tech theatre. One of the things I did, and it was good money for college, was called Load In/Load Out where you would help traveling shows set up and break down. One of these shows was Dolly Parton. I didn't fully see the show because this was a relatively rural college and tickets were long gone, but I did do Load In/Load Out and, this was more than 20 years ago so my memory is a bit fuzzy, but either after setting up or before breaking down she took a moment to have us all come out and thanked the crew. [She] knew most of us were all college students and said we'd all go on to make the world a little bit brighter and never forget our time in a little rural college that brought art to the people there.

I ended up pursuing education for my own additional reasons of expanding opportunities for those that need it most and have always respected the Imagination Library. As a new parent, one of the first things we did when our child was born was sign them up to get their book a month. It's a joy seeing that little book come in mail and being able to share that new book and reread the others to my kid every night. I hope my kid still gets that letter from the late Ms. Parton when they turn five.

I'd like to share that Nashville Public Library has its own local initiative to build on that work with Begin Bright, adding resources to early learning educators and parents of young children in collaboration with the Imagination Library, and I would hope you share this information with your listeners. People can contribute and take advantage of that work at 

“Walked to the mural while listening to the 

 of City Cast Nashville, passing several Imagination Library license plates on the way. It was what I needed. Dolly truly loved TN and TN truly loved her.”

🦋 Our Memories of Dolly

Dolly Parton is one of Tennessee's greatest contributions to the world. Nashville locals share their memories of the late music icon.

Nashville Locals Remember Dolly Parton

Your Memories of Dolly

August and September are the biggest months for fairs in Tennessee. If you’re feeling nostalgic for funnel cakes, pig races, Ferris wheels, and dubiously maintained fair rides, then here are five of the best fairs in the Nashville area.

 Williamson County Agricultural EXPO Park, Franklin

 $14 for adults, $7 for kids, free for ages 5 and under, ride wristbands $25-35

In addition to all the classic fair rides and games, check out the birthing pigs exhibit, come face to face with dragons, enjoy historic reenactments, and stay late for fireworks on Friday and Saturday night.

Tennessee State Fair / Wilson County Fair

 James E. Ward Agricultural Center, Lebanon

 $14+ for adults, $5+ for kids, free for ages 5 and under, ride wristbands $25-30

This is the largest local fair, and considered one of the best in the country. Prepare yourself for crowds; over 700,000 people attend every year. I recommend taking advantage of their satellite parking and riding a shuttle over (pulled by a tractor!). This year’s theme, “Tennessee Voices and Volunteers Celebrating America 250!,” honors the nation’s 250th anniversary, while the fair also celebrates 2026 as the Year of Forestry.

 This small-town favorite features one-of-a-kind rides like the iconic 

” featuring a range of poultry exhibits and an ugly chicken contest.

 $15+, kids 12 and under are free, ride armbands $25+

 This year’s theme is “Starry Nights & Midway Lights,” and as the theme suggests, the Midway schedule is booming, with a rodeo, tractor pull, motocross, and more. A livestock show runs alongside the fair.

 $10 for adults, $8 for kids and seniors, free for ages 5 and under, ride wristbands $35

 This is the least crowded fair, and therefore my favorite. It doesn’t have quite the level of fair food and unique performances as the state fair, but it does have all the classics, and it’s right in our own backyard. My favorite part is 

🎡 A History of the Tennessee State Fair

It's fair season! Here are five of the best Nashville area fairs.

5 of the Best Nashville Area Fairs

Your Guide to Nashville Area Fairs

Elissa Castles

This week, the U.S. House of Representatives 

passed a bipartisan bill that would make daylight saving time permanent

, forever eliminating the biannual clock change ritual. The legislation would also allow states to opt-out, but Tennessee has already passed a law saying it would adopt year-round daylight saving time if Congress gave the green light. So that got us wondering: If you had a say, what would you choose?

Test your Nashville knowledge with these other weekly news quizzes:

Which Musician Signed a Record Deal at The Bluebird Cafe?

How much is the average residential electric bill in Nashville?

What’s the most popular flight out of Nashville?

What was Nashville’s most visited tourist attraction in 2025?

What’s the tallest building in Nashville?

How many hours a year do Nashvillians spend in traffic?

What was Nashville’s first hot chicken restaurant?

What was Dolly Parton’s first song to hit number one on the country music charts?

How many miles of sidewalks did Nashville add in 2025?

Which of these is NOT an In-N-Out Burger location?

Why can we sometimes see the northern lights in Nashville?

What's Nashville's most popular Halloween costume?

How well do you know Nashville's neighborhoods?

Which one of these celebrated Nashville authors has won a Pulitzer Prize?

What’s the average annual salary in Tennessee?

Which of these movies was NOT shot in Nashville?

What’s the average monthly rent of a two-bedroom apartment in Nashville?

Before it was called the Speedway, what kind of races were held on the Fairgrounds’ track?

What's the most popular dog name in Tennessee?

How much is yearly infant child care in Nashville?

Which members-only gathering would you be most excited about?

Guess These Iconic Nashville Locations Based on Their One-Star Reviews

What is Jeni’s most popular ice cream flavor in Nashville?

How much does the average single-family home cost in Nashville?

Who was the first non-country music artist to perform at CMA Fest?

Could You Pass the Third-Grade TCAP Test?

How many acres of park land does Nashville have?

Where did the Fisk Jubilee Singers first go on tour?

How many items were checked out from the Nashville Public Library last year?

What’s the name of Centennial Park’s lake?

What’s the most popular baby name in Tennessee?

How many speed bumps does Nashville have?

Which musician has yet to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame?

What's the farthest the Vanderbilt men's basketball team has ever advanced in the NCAA Tournament?

What's downtown Nashville's oldest building?

Who performed opening night at The Pinnacle?

How many weddings happened in Nashville in 2023?

How many times have the Tennessee Titans played in the Super Bowl?

What famous Nashville stage did Dolly Parton first perform on?

What’s the coldest day on record in Nashville?

Which of these Civil Rights leaders lived in Nashville?

How Well Do You Know Nashville?: Streets Edition

If you like what you see, subscribe to the 

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If you had a say, would you approve permanent daylight saving time?

Nashville, Explained

Your Guide to the Southern Festival of Books

Your Guide to the Nov. 3 Midterm Election in Nashville

How To Celebrate Nashville’s Latine Community After Hispanic Heritage Month

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