austin

Austin

chicago

Chicago

denver

Denver

lasvegas

Las Vegas

madison

Madison

nashville

Nashville

philly

Philly

pittsburgh

Pittsburgh

portland

Portland

saltlake

Salt Lake

seattle

Seattle

twincities

Twin Cities

We make podcasts and newsletters that connect people with the cities they love.

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.

” was created in the aftermath of The Covenant School shooting to make space for important conversations on gun control, and what it looks like to move forward with compassion. On May 11, The Belcourt Theatre is holding 

, with a 60-minute version airing that same evening on Nashville PBS. I spoke with two of the documentary’s creators, Ketch Secor from Old Crow Medicine Show and NPR Morning Edition host David Greene, to learn more.

Why was making this documentary important to y’all?

David: “I have built a career in journalism on the belief that listening — truly listening, with an open and curious mind — can bring change. That kind of listening sounds easy. And yet we rarely do it, especially in today’s society. Our documentary is meant to show, by example, that this rare experience — sitting down with people who share a passion, like music, or people who happen to be your neighbors — can be so meaningful. The experience may help drag you out of your echo chambers, open your mind to new ideas, and put you in a mindset where you can collaborate with fellow humans to solve problems — even some of the most polarizing and intractable ones of our day, like gun violence.”

Ketch: “Three years ago, a shooting at The Covenant School felt like it put all our community’s schools, teachers, and children in the crosshairs of the national gun violence epidemic. I wanted to do something.”

Does one conversation from the film in particular stand out to you now?

David: “There were so many powerful conversations. One that stands out to me was an exchange at a Nashville restaurant. Tennessee Rep. Shaundelle Brooks, whose son was killed in a 2018 shooting at a Waffle House outside Nashville, sat across the table from Bill Robeson, a gun owner who learned to shoot when he was five years old. Bill argued passionately that we should all feel safer because we have gun owners there to protect us. Shaundelle shared that after her son’s murder, ‘people would come up to me and say I wanna take their guns — I don’t wanna take your guns, I want to be safe.’ She added, ‘not all gun owners are irresponsible.’

“I was struck by the nuance and rawness of this exchange, and the entire conversation that night in Nashville. This just never happens in society today. And it must.

“Bill shared that evening that his friend’s older brother shot and killed his younger brother — then five years old — and that his friend’s family has been tortured ever since. ‘They weren’t locked,’ Bill said of the firearm used in the tragedy. ‘Mine are locked.’ It was a moment that drove home for me that gun owners like Bill know more about gun safety than anyone else in the conversation. How can people fighting to end gun violence not be willing to listen to people like Bill?

“As we talked about Shaundelle’s experience, and how some gun owners seem to look for any reason to accuse people of trying to take their guns away, Bill acknowledged, ‘that happens a lot.’ Bill brought things home that night with, to me, one of the most memorable moments from the film: ‘I appreciate everyone’s opinion,’ he said. ‘I’ve never been opposed to doing things that make sense. And I think a lot of gun owners are the same way. They just feel attacked. And both sides feel attacked. Everyone feels attacked. Why do we have to be like that? Can we not just be adults and have a conversation?’

Ketch: “I once met a father of a teenage daughter in a prisoner’s support group who had recently finished serving a lengthy jail sentence, and now faced the challenge of being ineligible to own a firearm. He talked about how scared he felt that he couldn’t protect his child. Meanwhile, I felt scared for my child, thinking of there being a firearm in my house. We couldn’t have been looking at the same issue any differently; we both shared the desire to protect our kids. This man helped me see that even opposites can agree, and it makes me more hopeful that by defining those places of overlap, we can find a compromise for the protection of our nation's most vulnerable.”

What do you hope people leave with after watching this film?

David: “I hope people leave with a willingness to TRY this. Look for relationships or disagreements in your lives that you have avoided because you don’t see a way forward. Maybe it just feels too toxic or too impossible. I’m not saying radical listening will work every time, or even once. But what if it does? What if you judged another person unfairly, or wrongly assumed there’s no way forward with someone, and that robbed you of the chance to tackle something hard together? Wouldn’t you rather seek out things that might bring you together — like country music, or bowling, or love of a sports team — and explore where that might take you? What if a surprising connection develops and you’re able to listen to one another in ways you never expected? Isn’t trying it better than the alternative?”

Ketch: “I hope that our viewers will consider sitting down with somebody they think they’ll probably disagree with on the topic of gun violence, gun reform, the Second Amendment, etc., and just talk about it. Sometimes it feels like this problem is too colossal for us to solve, and yet it’s people sharing ideas and working together that will solve not only this seemingly insurmountable issue but many many more.”

🎥 Watch the Film at the Belcourt

“Louder Than Guns” was created in the aftermath of The Covenant School shooting, with the goal of making space for important conversations on gun control.

Inside the Making of "Louder Than Guns"

The Local Documentary Asking Tough Questions About Gun Violence

What Nashville celebrities, public figures and key citizens have to say about living here.

3 Questions With Nashville Public Figures

3 Questions With

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

Find the best of everything that Nashville has to offer.

Nashville’s Best

Nashville's Best

“Parents helping parents, helping children” is the tagline for Tennessee’s free Regional Intervention Program, currently being rebranded as 

. I know I’m not the only parent who has felt overwhelmed, so I spoke with the program’s Director of Infant and Early Childhood Initiatives, Melissa Binkley, to learn more.

“The Regional Intervention Program and Parenting That Works is native to Tennessee! The program started in 1969 at Vanderbilt’s Peabody College, and has been growing ever since. Parenting That Works has been replicated locally, nationally, and internationally. I started with the department in 2015, first as the training coordinator and now as director, and I’ve learned so much about children and families from the people who pass through our doors. I wish I could have begun my career here!”

What kind of services does the program offer parents?

“RIP and Parenting That Works is a positive parenting program that supports children ages two through five and their families who are dealing with challenging behaviors — both big and small. Parenting That Works is FREE! There’s no diagnosis or income requirement. Families participate together over the course of 4-6 months, and their commitment leads to positive results. Parents who complete the program express more confidence in their own parenting skills, lower parenting stress, and improved social skills and behavior from their children. We see parents as the experts on their own children, and here they will have a chance to learn and practice strategies alongside other parents and children, while receiving support from staff members who completed the program themselves.”

What advice would you give to new Nashville parents?

“Parenting is HARD WORK! And you don’t have to go it alone — or scroll social media’s endless supply of ‘parenting hacks.’ At RIP, and within the Parenting that Works program, you will find a community excited to support you and your child! As one parent shared, ‘Learning from and being supported by other families in similar situations has been both normalizing and encouraging beyond words.’"

 on May 9 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. They’ll have family fun including touch-a-trucks, a puppet show, face painting, community resources, and program tours and information.

🚸 Find Out More About Parenting That Works

Learn more about this free program helping Nashville parents.

Check Out This Free Parenting Program in Nashville

Parenting That Works: Nashville’s Free Parenting Program

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

Hungry? Nashville has so many excellent new restaurants and bars opening every month. Here are our favorites!

Salemtown has a new grocery store! This small, charming grocer also serves breakfast and lunch. Grab an espresso, pastry, or sandwich, and bring your pup along for some treats. In the future, Basket Case plans to include a wine and beer bar.

In celebration of its fifth anniversary, Maíz de la Vida chef Julio Hernandez is returning to the restaurant’s tortilla shop roots with Fonda Fina, which opens today, April 29. The 12-seat restaurant will be open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., serving tacos, burritos, flautas, and more.

This Austin staple has opened its first Nashville location inside Dream Nashville, in Printer’s Alley. This dog-friendly coffee shop doesn’t just serve coffee; you’ll find heaps of other beverages in addition to breakfast tacos on its menu.

Earls has restaurants across the U.S. and Canada, and its first Nashville location is inside The Pinnacle. Earls dubs itself as “casually sophisticated,” and its international menu includes Szechuan shrimp and pork dumplings, spicy Calabrian pasta, and black truffle butter steak.

This nationally acclaimed seafood restaurant recently opened in Nashville Yards. It’s best known for its towering seafood towers and steaks. There’s also a raw bar and sushi. It’s open for lunch during the week and dinner every night.

Salt Ranch is a new Dickerson Road boutique hotel that’s also home to a cozy bar in the hotel’s restored early 1800s main house. With hot weather right around the corner, you might want to sign up for the hotel’s 

For more swimming fun, head over to W Nashville’s new rooftop poolside bar, Glowbird, under the direction of celebrity chef José Andrés. Find frozen cocktails, lobster rolls, and a great view.

Butterfly is chef José Andrés’s third concept at W Nashville (

 opened in February). This rooftop Mexican restaurant is inspired by the monarch butterfly’s annual migration across borders. Menu items include tacos and ceviches.

The team behind Edley’s Bar-B-Que has opened this taco restaurant in Sylvan Park, with a second location in Melrose opening in May. Pick a protein and style, then dress that taco up with guac or queso. Don’t forget the margarita. There’s a nice patio perfect for the spring.

This fancy, tavern-style spot also recently opened in Sylvan Park, from James Beard-recognized chef Robbie Wilson (who opened 

 last year) and Emily Perry Wilson. Find hearth-fired meals like Appalachian trout, striploin, and swordfish, a selection of cocktails, and a raw bar.

Bellevue’s newest tavern has opened in Corner Pub’s former home. The family-owned bar hopes to become a neighborhood staple and serves classic fare like wings and burgers, as well as Southern-style meat-and-three options.

This open-air East Nashville gathering spot recently opened and has heaps of new restaurants and food trucks: 

. It’s going to be the place to hang out in this nice weather!

The popular East Nashville restaurant Soy Cubano just opened a location on the west side in The Nations! For now, its new location is only open for breakfast and lunch. Find Cuban coffee, sandwiches, and snacks.

Meanwhile, The Nations’ pizzeria Midnight Oil has opened a second location in Donelson. It’s a great place to grab a beer or cocktail with a slice of pizza and watch a game, or meet up with friends.

 truck now has a storefront inside the Nashville Farmers’ Market, where they also hold ice cream-making classes. Their ice cream is SO delicious! Make sure to grab some next time you’re at the market.

Indigo Road Hospitality Group, based in Charleston, is opening its third Nashville restaurant in Germantown. Indaco is an Italian restaurant open for dinner nightly, and for brunch on the weekends. The menu includes artichoke pasta, braised rabbit, and lobster tortellini.

Coa is a Tulum-inspired rooftop bar and restaurant located on the Canopy by Hilton rooftop in The Gulch. Expect a modern take on Mexican cuisine, with the city’s largest agave menu. It has both indoor and outdoor eating spaces, with three terraces and an agave garden.

This locally owned smashburger restaurant opened its fourth location in The Gulch yesterday. They serve unique takes on smashburgers, from the Skippy Thai Yay to the Bleus Brothers, and the entire restaurant is covered in newspapers, magazines, and memorabilia from the ‘80s and ‘90s. It’s one of my 

Present Tense has reopened in a new, more intimate Wedgewood-Houston location. Chef Ryan Costanza has scaled down the restaurant from 120 to 40 seats, and it now shares a building with the nightclub 

. The new menu features about a dozen items that blend Japanese, French, and Italian cuisines.

This farmers market favorite now has a brick-and-mortar store in 12 South. While the Mexico City-inspired menu focuses on a wide variety of tacos, Ofelia’s also serves street corn, dulce de leche, and margaritas.

Wedgewood-Houston’s Deir Café, run by a Nashville-born Palestinian doctor, has opened a second location in Antioch, which they’re saying is 

! Deir blends “the soul of Palestine with the creativity of Nashville.” Make sure to try the shawarma.

Under the direction of celebrity chef José Andrés, Zaytinya’s menu is inspired by Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese cuisines, with small plates alongside larger dishes. It’s located inside W Nashville. The José Andrés Group plans to also open Bar Mar in W Nashville soon.

Locally owned meal prep and catering company Prepped Palate recently soft opened its grab-and-go storefront in Wedgewood-Houston. Expect healthy and delicious quick lunches.

Heirloom Hospitality has brought this fine dining steakhouse to Nashville Yards, within the Grand Hyatt. Open for dinner seven nights a week, the menu also includes seafood and a raw bar.

This Music Row coffee shop has opened a second location in Brentwood, right across the street from REI. It’s open every day from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Grab some coffee and avocado toast.

Radish has several locations across Nashville and Franklin, and now East Nashville can enjoy its signature salads and grain bowls. It’s located near Butcher & Bee.

JINYA is a large ramen chain, with more than 60 locations across the nation. Its Tennessee debut is in downtown Nashville, where customers can expect slow-simmered broth, sushi, rice bowls, craft beers, and cocktails.

This popular bagel chain is opening its first Tennessee storefront in The Gulch tomorrow, Feb. 27. They’ll be serving a limited-edition Nashville HOT schmear for the 

This Austin-based burger joint also has its grand opening tomorrow, Feb. 27, at The Arcade. Its name stands for “Not a Damn Chance Burger,” and they serve one option: A double Wagyu cheeseburger with secret sauce.

Hungry? These are the best new restaurants and bars in Nashville to check out this spring.

Check Out These New Nashville Restaurants and Bars in April 2026

Nashville's Best New Restaurants and Bars

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

Many farms in the Nashville area allow visitors to pick their own produce. Right now, strawberries are in season, with more berries and fruits on the way. Before you head out to a farm, check its social media page for hours and availability. Bring cash, as some farms don’t accept cards, and a bag for produce. Here are some of our favorite you-pick farms!

Check this large Bellevue farm’s website and social media pages for pop-up, you-pick strawberry picking. Otherwise, you can find fresh strawberries at its market. The market contains heaps of excellent produce and other farm goodies. It’s also a great place to snag lunch.

Also located in Bellevue, this farm currently offers you-pick flowers and strawberries. The farm’s CSA season begins soon, too, if you want to support them beyond a carton of strawberries.

This woman-owned Smyrna farm is in week two of strawberry picking. Flowers are available for picking, too. I recommend visiting on Farm Fridays, where you can find local vendors in addition to fresh produce and flowers.

Strawberry picking is in full swing at this Castalian Springs farm, located just outside Lebanon. This farm also grows blackberries, blueberries, peaches, and raspberries, which will be available later in the year.

 says this year’s strawberry crop is its best! Located in College Grove, right outside Arrington, this farm announces picking dates on social media. Starting in May, the farm hosts the Arrington farmers market every Wednesday.

You can currently pick strawberries at this Spring Hill farm, with blueberry season right around the corner. Blackberries and raspberries will be available later in the summer, too. The farm’s store sells pie kits and jam, and if you’re lucky, two very friendly dogs will come say hi.

Bradley Kountry Acres is located in Cottontown, and strawberries have just ripened! Buy plants for your garden while you’re there, and blueberries and blackberries will be available for picking later in the summer.

Take a day trip to the Kentucky border to visit this woman-owned farm, where, in addition to you-pick strawberries, you can find flowers, meats, fresh produce, and homemade ice cream. Plus, it’s open every day of the week!

Breedan’s Orchard kicks off their pick-your-own-peaches season on June 24. You-pick reservations sell out fast, so keep an eye out for when tickets become available. They have a great market and frequent events throughout the year.

You-Pick Farms

🧑‍🌾 Nashville-Area CSAs

Wondering where to pick strawberries and fruit in Nashville? Check out these local farms.

Where To Pick Strawberries and Fruit in the Nashville Area

Your Guide to You-Pick Strawberry & Fruit Farms Near Nashville

Get to know the natural side of Nashville: the plants, animals, weather and more that make our city unique.

Nashville Urban Almanac

Urban Almanac

St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series

 is returning to Nashville this weekend, on April 25 and 26. This annual racing event helps raise money for the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and is Nashville’s most popular race. To learn more, I spoke with race director Adam Zocks and runner Susy Meade.

How has the St. Jude Rock ’n’ Roll Running Series Nashville changed over the years?

Zocks: “Over the last 25 years, the St. Jude Rock’ n’ Roll Running Series Nashville has grown into a full race weekend that really showcases the spirit of Music City. What started primarily as a marathon and half-marathon has expanded to include a 10K, 5K, 1 Mile, KiDS ROCK, and the Doggie Dash. With live music along the course and thousands of runners filling the streets of downtown Nashville, it has become a major community event that brings together runners, spectators, and volunteers while supporting the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.”

How can people get involved with the race?

Zocks: “There are several ways for people in Nashville to be part of race weekend. In addition to running or walking, the event relies on hundreds of volunteers who help make the weekend possible. Volunteers assist at the free two-day Health & Fitness Expo, support runners along the course at water stations, and help hand out finisher medals at the finish line. Many participants also choose to run as St. Jude Heroes, raising funds to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. It truly becomes a citywide effort where the community comes together to support the runners and the mission.”

What's your favorite part of the Nashville race course?

Meade: “My favorite part of the Nashville course is running through the heart of downtown with the live bands and crowds cheering you on. The energy is incredible, and you can feel the whole city supporting the runners. But the most meaningful moments are when you see the St. Jude signs and families along the course. It reminds you why you’re out there running and fundraising, and it gives you an extra boost to keep going.”

🏃 Find Out More

The St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series is returning to Nashville this weekend, on April 25 and 26. Here's more about the annual event.

Your Guide to Nashville's Rock 'n' Roll Running Series

Run for a Cause With the St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series

Nashville’s big Earth Day celebration is this Saturday, April 18, at Centennial Park. City Cast Nashville is proud to be one of the sponsors of this family-friendly event, featuring interactive exhibits, free trees, live music, and so much more. To learn more about 

, I spoke with Justin Branam, Centennial Park Conservancy's Vice President of Programming.

How did the Nashville Earth Day festival get started?

“I’m no historian, though I believe that the first ever Nashville Earth Day celebration was in 1990, and presented in collaboration with the Earth Day Coalition, Mayor Bill Boner’s Office, and Rosanne Cash’s Earth Communications Office. It was held at Riverfront Park, and included a concert by Rosanne Cash, The Bellamy Brothers, and Rodney Crowell. The festival moved to Centennial Park in the early 2000s, and is now held at the historic bandshell in Centennial Park, where it welcomes about 13,000 people each year.”

What are your favorite new activities happening at this year’s festival?

“This year, we have lined up a really impressive group of speakers, who will give short presentations at the festival across several topics in the sustainability, nature, and environmentalism space. As always, we’ll have incredible 

 at the bandshell, as well as great food options, activities for children, and more.”

What do you hope people leave with after attending the festival?

“I hope the day serves as an opportunity to celebrate what Earth has given to each of us, and also an opportunity to reflect on how we can better care for Earth. I hope that attendees leave with practical knowledge and tools to take small steps towards sustainability in their own everyday lives.”

More than 75 vendors will be in attendance, including Small World Yoga, The Science Guys, and Turnip Green Creative Reuse. There will also be 16 food trucks, like The Grilled Cheeserie, Hoss’ Loaded Burgers, and NashBowls Açaí.

🌎 More Event Details

Learn more about the history and event schedule of this year's Nashville Earth Day celebration.

Learn More About the Nashville Earth Day Festival

Celebrate the Earth at Nashville’s Greenest Festival

Can You Guess the Rent on These Nashville Listings?