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City Cast Nashville

Margaret Kingsbury

Think you know what it costs to live in Nashville? Take our quiz and guess the rent on these local listings.

Whitney Pastorek

The challenge: Can we eat at an authentic restaurant for every country in the 

, owned by (or at least cheffed by) someone from the country in question? Well, no — but you’ll be surprised at how many options we 

 have. As the world comes together for this Copa Mundial, let’s support these local faves, as sorted by FIFA region.

A well-represented group! For Iranian food, 

 come recommended, with the latter offering some Jordanian cuisine as well. (We are waiving the rules for the talented Palestinians at J.R., because we made the rules.) 

 have us covered for Uzbek food. Don’t miss 

Of the 10 countries representing Africa at this year’s World Cup, I could only find authentic options for two of them. Ragab Rashwan serves up terrific Egyptian fare at 

 (a must-eat on your way to the zoo), and 

 food truck/catering service specializes in Congolese. Plenty of other restaurants offer African fare from non-World Cup countries, though, and we will forever shout out 

CONCACAF (North and Central America, Caribbean) + CONMEBOL (South America)

 — a great place for a watch party — to the ice cream at 

, this region is rockin’. You can’t skip the Mexican masas at 

, and Colombia fans have great choices in 

. We trust you know where to find North American food on your own. As for Canada? It’s 

 time — unless we cheat again to include the tandoori poutine at 

 executive chef lives in Spain, and the brothers at 

 grew up in a German-speaking household. You gotta try the French pastries at 

 bakes up sweet treats from their home in Hendersonville. But the big winner in this region is Türkiye, repped by both 

 (shout out to our local Kurdish community) and 

, where you should order the mixed grill if you want to happily fall asleep before halftime.

World Cup restaurant

Who did we leave out?

​​Nashville’s international restaurant scene is booming. Here are some of our best eats from around the globe, inspired by the World Cup.

Explore the World Via Nashville Restaurants

Dine Around the World in Nashville

The latest on the best and newest restaurants and bars in Nashville. We'll help you find where to eat, drink, and socialize.

Nashville Food & Drink

Food & Drink

 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

Summer is here, and there’s no better way to spend a hot summer day than in a pool. Here’s your guide to Nashville’s public pools, from community center dips to hotel rooftop destinations.

, both indoor and outdoor. While we used to have more, segregation led to the closure of some public pools, like 

 for open swim hours. While most Metro Parks pools are free, 

 charge $10-$12 for admission. Centennial SportsPlex is running a 

 for June, though keep in mind that their pool is closed on weekends. Many community center pools host children’s swim classes for as low as $4.

Most YMCAs in Middle Tennessee have indoor or outdoor pools, and sometimes both. Use the 

 to find out which facilities have pools. Membership is required, but you can apply for 

 (including veterans and retirees). Both current and prospective members receive a 20% discount through 

The Gordon JCC in Bellevue also has great outdoor and indoor pools, and 

Did you know that many hotels in Nashville offer pool passes for locals? You can book hotel pool passes on 

. Pool passes typically run $20-$75 a day. Some of our favorites include the 

 at the Graduate, and our newest hotel pool, Salt Ranch, which is offering a 

. Wave Country is the cheapest option, and folks can bring their own food and drink. Tickets to Nashville Shores cost $50+ (grab a 

 if you plan to go more than once), and the water park has three different pools in addition to slides and other attractions. SoundWaves no longer offers day passes, but locals 

 by purchasing a party room, Crowd Surfer FlowRider Party, or Sun Deck Group Pass. These will cost you around $60-$100 per person.

🛟 Nashville’s lake beaches

It's pool season. Here's your guide to public pools in Nashville.

Where Are the Public Pools in Nashville?

Your Guide to Nashville’s Public Pools

Life Hacks

Tips and tricks for living your best Nashville life, by locals, for locals.

Nashville Life Hacks

Margaret Littman

 Not all of us locals love negotiating the big crowds of CMA Fest and Bonnaroo to see live music, so I thought this would be a good time to chat about shopping for vinyl. What better time to find some new tunes and hole up at home to listen without paying for parking downtown?

 offers the dream combination: A big record selection and a full bar. Browse racks of new and used vinyl, then talk about it with your friends while you enjoy a cocktail or two. If you’re a dedicated record collector, join their 

 that earns you $33.33 after 10 new record purchases of $30 or more.

 is one of Nashville’s leading independent music spots. New releases are popular draws (check the 

 for the details each week), but collectors also like to spend time combing through bins on two floors. Don’t skip the 

. The murals on the exterior are photo-op favorites.

The sleek black exterior that houses Jack White’s 

 hides a shop full of riotous color and fun discovery. The store, of course, stocks music from the Third Man label, plus other novelties. Reserve a spot in advance for $30 to take a 

 of the recording facility. Their adjoining venue, 

, hosts everything from concerts to game and trivia nights.

 is one of my favorite places to look around and pretend I live in a house that looks like a retro movie set. 

 is located inside that Trinity Lane shop, and stocks some rare finds — check their Instagram for new arrivals. (Anybody else experiencing extreme nostalgia at the sight of 

Perhaps you want to be a little farther away from the city this weekend, so I’ve got some ideas for vinyl shops that are worth paying current gas prices. Each of these are in towns about an hour away, and are easy destinations for a day trip.

I’m a diehard fan of Columbia, Tennessee and that’s in part because of its public square, chock-full of cool shops like 

. Make a day of it and eat well while there. I love 

 with my whole heart (bring me a pastrami, please), and people who frequented Savarino’s when it was in Hillsboro Village will be happy to visit their market in Columbia.

, is a woman-owned gem open 7 a.m-10 p.m. daily, so there’s no time that they won’t be able to cure your jonesing for a new album. And, of course, The Factory has plenty of other shops, restaurants, bars, and even a restored 

People sometimes roll their eyes at me when I tell them I am headed to 

. It takes me less time to get there from Inglewood than it takes to get to Franklin, but I guess because it is in a different state, it seems far. Once there I can check out 

 in Bowling Green. It wasn’t until last year that I learned he was a real person from Bowling Green, and not just a name on a cake mix.

 is a great place to window shop and check out public art galleries and the 

, an old-school shop where the staff want to chat with you about your favorite finds.

My fave vinyl spot

What's your favorite record shop?

If the crowds from music festival season are getting you down, try these record shops and day trips to find some new tunes you can enjoy at home.

Great Vinyl Shops in and Around Nashville

Local Shops and Day Trips for Vinyl Lovers

Keep It Local

Sign up for Keep It Local from City Cast Nashville

Subscribe to City Cast Nashville's newest newsletter Keep It Local about shopping small

Keep It Local from City Cast Nashville

Kaela Cote-Stemmermann

, Nashville has a long history of supporting and celebrating LGBTQ+ folks. Here’s what to know about Pride Month in Nashville, and ways to celebrate.

 in New York City’s Greenwich Village and patrons fought back. The ensuing fights outside the bar continued for six days and fundamentally changed the discourse of LGBTQ+ activism. 

 that Stonewall was primarily a shift in how white cisgender people viewed queer rights and that it was actually a culmination of years of activist efforts.

On the uprising’s first anniversary, Pride solidarity marches were held in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago. More and more cities joined until the federal government 

Nashville held its first Pride parade on June 25, 1988. According to 

Nashville Pride President Nicholas Gulick

, “Pride celebrations have been going on in Nashville for well over 50 years. In fact, we know of some picnics that were held in Nashville as a direct result of the Stonewall riots.”

 attended that first Pride parade, which began at Fannie Mae Dees Park and ended at Centennial Park, 

March with the City Cast Nashville team at the 

 on June 27! The parade begins at 10 a.m., and we’ll be lining up at 9:15. Look for the yellow City Cast Nashville banner. 

 is after the parade, and runs 11 a.m.-8 p.m. at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. Performers include Fancy Hagood, Molly Grace, Saaneah, Gay Ole Opry, and more. There’s also a kids’ section, and heaps of vendors.

Celebrate all month by attending nearby Pride festivals in 

 to queer-owned Margot Café & Bar on June 6.

On June 6, STRUT takes over Rosemary & Beauty Queen’s backyard for a 

 on June 20 as they prepare for hosting the Sumner County Pride Festival in September.

🏳️‍🌈 More Nashville queer history

Pride’s roots trace back to uprisings in 1969 for LGBTQ+ equality. Here’s why we celebrate in June, and how you can get involved in Nashville.

How To Celebrate Pride Month in Nashville

People, places, and scenes from Nashville's past.

Nashville History

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

There’s so much cool stuff to do in Nashville every summer, and of course, that means we need fits that keep us cool in the Music City heat. But stuff’s expensive these days, and not everyone has bank. Here are some of my favorite second-hand places for finding that perfect summer wardrobe.

If you’re a dedicated thrifter, I hope these places in East Nashville and Donelson help you find some new gems. And if traditional thrift stores (with mounds of unsorted stuff) aren’t your jam, you might like these more curated experiences. Once you get into second-hand shopping, you’re going to be amazed by what’s out there.

Keara Sexton opened this store in the old Brassfield’s space earlier this year, with help from her mom, former consignment shop owner Karen Goddard. They focus on trending styles from quality brands: Frances Valentine, Frye, and Farm Rio. There’s even a whole rack of 

 (during the week, no intake on weekends). But leave the fast fashion at home: Cherry Picked stocks both men’s and women’s styles. Of course, clothes don’t have gender. Wear whatever you want!

This destination on Dickerson Pike stocks men’s and women’s clothes and shoes, plus some higher-end designer pieces in the back — that back room is perfect for stage wear. Proceeds are used to help 

 and its treatments. This store is packed with merchandise, so come prepared to flip through the racks.

has impeccable taste. Take advantage of it by shopping at

her Inglewood store, stocked with a curated selection of cowboy boots, belts, jewelry and more. HCH shares a parking lot space with 

, which boasts a selection of 1960s and 1970s clothing, records, patches and other blasts from the past.

Shopping as a plus-sized person is a pain in the ass, pardon my French. Many brands don’t carry extended sizes, and when they do, they are only available online. Julie Hollis and Shannon Clemons opened 

 in Donelson so that you can actually try on plus-size clothes in person. Emphasis is on women’s styles from affordable, but not fast-fashion brands (no Shein here). They 

 is more than just a store — technically, it is two stores, both in small houses across the street from one another. It’s also a nonprofit that gives young women enrolled in their programs $100 to shop at their stores four times a year. That means women in need get to have some agency in the clothes they receive, and get to build their own sense of style, whether they are shopping for school or work.

 either by shopping at TenThirtyFive, where proceeds fund those programs, or by donating good-quality used clothes. The 

 with formal gowns (if you are going to an award ceremony, stop here first), workout clothes, sundresses, handbags and more. Sometimes you’ll find discounted, brand-new Draper James clothing, donated by the brand. Styles tend to fit the store’s mission, with clothes you could wear to work or workout, with relatively modest cuts.

Inventory is well organized, clean and in excellent condition. Sizing is inclusive and lighting and dressing rooms make it easy to shop second-hand.

Need a bite at the end of all that shopping? Pop by Donelson’s 

 for tea, baked goods and a place to talk about your new treasures.

We need fits that keep us cool in the Nashville heat. But stuff’s expensive these days, and not everyone has bank. Here are some of our favorite second-hand places for finding that perfect summer wardrobe. 


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Guess the Rent in Nashville

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