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City Cast Nashville

Whitney Pastorek

How well do you know Nashville? We’re testing your local know-how with 

featuring photos of prominent streets around town. I’ll shout out every person who gets all nine locations correct in a future newsletter!

Toby Rose

Welcome to Nashville Nights, a new column where Nashville native and culture writer Toby Rose gives her top picks of restaurants and shows for the month. For more options, check out our running list of the 

If I had to choose one concert in July, it’d be 

,” is sun-faded and nostalgic. Vile’s laidback persona is turned on its head during his live shows, when he’s backed by his band The Violators, ripping complex guitar solos that reveal just how brilliant a technical musician he is.

To set the mood for the KV show, I’d hit up 

 across from the Ryman, where you can grab the Original sandwich: Fresh ribeye and Cheez Whiz served on a classic Amoroso roll. Talk about a light summer meal!

Dodge Nashville’s scorching temps by heading to 

, a vinyl bar in East Nashville. Climbing the stairs up to the 100-year-old attic space feels like entering a sunless speakeasy. At 4:30 every afternoon, the DJ plays a classic album from beginning to end to accompany your thoughtfully crafted cocktail. Inviting the world to pause and listen to Dave Brubeck’s “

” in its entirety is a holistic and charitable act. This would be the perfect place to wait out an afternoon storm.

When you’re done with the listening session, the tried and true 

 is directly across the street, or you could walk a mile over to 

. Their back courtyard features lush greenery and string lights, lulling you into a vacation vibe. I enjoy one of their new menu items, 

, a Moroccan roasted tomato dip with fresh pita. Brightly flavored with an herby kick, it screams summer.

🏊🏼‍♀️ The Chloe + The Belcourt

, a polished new boutique hotel in Hillsboro Village. We sampled most of 

 and loved the tomato and watermelon salad, pimento ham, twin stack burger, and butter pecan ice cream sandwich. Eat in their color-drenched dining room, or opt for a poolside table. Afterwards, end your night by walking over to 

, are especially enticing. Go in, escape the humidity, and have a long summer sit.

 (true romance), I am looking for the best rooftop in Nashville. Let me know if you have any recs!

My favorite rooftop bar

🌆 What’s your favorite rooftop bar?

Enjoy a great Nashville night out with our picks for dinner and a show combos this month.

Dinner and a Show Combos for July 2026

Nashville Nights: Dinner and a Show Picks for July 2026

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

Margaret Kingsbury

Tonight, July 7, will be Metro Council’s 

 addressing data center construction in Nashville. We talked to Drew Small, the man behind 

, about why he’s fighting projects proposed near the 

A reminder that if you’re headed to tonight’s council meeting, they have implemented 

 for those wishing to speak. The list will open at 5 p.m.

What could be the impacts of the zoo data center on your South Nashville neighbors?

Every concern we have for the animals at our zoo also applies to us, our children, our senior citizens, our unhoused neighbors, and the local wildlife we share this corridor with. There is a hidden healthcare cost to these facilities that keeps rising every year, with U.S. data centers now responsible for 

 annually in pollution and health damages, according to a 2026 Carnegie Mellon analysis. A single large facility can cost a local community $50-100 million a year in health damages alone. Put that into a community already struggling with a cost of living crisis, and you've got a recipe for disaster.

Why should Nashvillians be concerned about data centers, and how can people get involved?

Data centers are an everyone problem. What we're building today is so different from anything that's come before, and developers have shown they'll place them anywhere they're allowed to. It's not a question of if this reaches you, it's a question of when, at the pace these projects are moving. The good news is we still have time, and we still have power. Show up to local meetings, pay attention, and repeat. Then find local neighbors near you who are already doing the work. One person paying attention is useful, but a few hundred people paying attention quickly becomes a problem. Sometimes being a problem is the solution.

What advice would you give to someone who wanted to start a similar grassroots effort to change something about Nashville?

Better is always on the other side of boring. It's not the protest signs, or the public hearings where hundreds turn out. It's reading the permits, the geotechnical documentation, reading laws at 12:39 a.m. The people who win these fights aren't the ones with the most charisma, they're the ones who did the unglamorous work long enough to know more than the people trying to push the project through. In reality, you've got two options: worry about it, or work on it. In my experience, you don't get what you wish for, you get what you work for.

🎧 How data center regulation could work 

​​Drew Small from No New Data Centers explains why he’s trying to protect more than just the zoo.

Three Questions With Drew Small from No New Data Centers

The Man Leading Nashville’s Data Center Fight

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

3 Questions With Nashville Public Figures

3 Questions With

It’s hot, it’s sticky, it’s a Tennessee summer, but that doesn’t mean we can’t have a great July! Here are some of the best happenings this month, from indoor board game fun to exploring Nashville’s history.

🎆 Celebrate America’s 250th Birthday

Nashville is going all out for America’s 250th birthday, with two full days of fireworks, activities, and live music. It’s going to be the 

largest fireworks and drone show in Nashville history

. The lineup includes Boyz II Men, The All-American Rejects, NE-YO, Nick Jonas, and Sublime, which makes for some interesting musical combos.

If you’d like to watch the downtown fireworks without fighting crowds, 

 is serving up BBQ with live music and lawn games, the 

 is a great place to bring the kids, and check out these rooftop celebrations that still have tickets: 

For free options, try St. Thomas Midtown garage rooftops, Skyline Medical Center or the Walmart across the street, East Park, and Douglas Park.

Or you can stay home and watch the fireworks on ABC, or stream it on Hulu or Disney+. For Fourth of July fireworks in surrounding areas, 

While we’re celebrating America’s birthday, why not learn more about Nashville’s history? Here are some fun (and fascinating) tours of our city that locals will enjoy.

 has partnered with local historians to create a variety of themed walking, driving, and virtual tours. Learn more about Nashville’s 

Jefferson Street Historical Society’s Summer Strolls

 take folks on a two-mile walk to explore this iconic street’s cultural history. Keep an eye on the society’s event page for upcoming tours.

Learn more about Nashville’s music history with a 

It’s hot! To escape the summer heat, why not head inside and play some board games with friends? 

 at Bongo East is the place to go, with heaps of games to choose from. 

 (also in East) has lots of games, plus a massive craft station with friendship bracelet supplies. Game among greenery at 

Kids are back to school in August. Here are some ideas for enjoying the last full month of summer break:

, which closes on July 26. If you go on a Saturday, kids can get some water play in at the zoo’s 

 is stomping into The Fairgrounds Nashville on July 11-12, and the Adventure Science Center just 

 to complete its Fossils Frontier exhibit. Here are some 

 on July 25 centers “The Wizard of Oz,” with live performances, snacks, and activities. And check out these theater camps and classes that still have openings in July: 

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire

 is coming to Bridgestone Arena for three nights this month. And don’t sleep on the 

 at Parnassus Books on July 17, and always keep an eye on the 

☀️ More July Activities

From Fourth of July parties to board game cafes, here are the best things to do this month in Nashville.

The Best Events and Activities in Nashville for July 2026

Your Guide to Nashville in July 2026

Find the best of everything that Nashville has to offer.

Nashville’s Best

Nashville's Best

This year, Nashville is celebrating America’s 250th birthday with a 

. If you’re looking to celebrate the Fourth of July but don’t want to fight the downtown crowds, here are nine celebrations within an hour of Nashville. Make sure to pack picnic blankets or chairs.

Festivities run from 5-10 p.m., and include food trucks, family fun, live music, vendors, and more. This is Sumner County’s largest fireworks display.

Goodlettsville’s Independence Day Celebration

Goodlettsville also celebrates on July 3. Food vendors include Texas BBQ House, Bob’s Fish Fry, and Nashbowls Acai, with the party starting at 4 p.m. and fireworks at 9 p.m. Kids won’t want to miss the Fireman’s Foam at 5 p.m.

Nashville has more than one fireworks display. Head to Mill Ridge Park on July 3 for music, food trucks, and fireworks. Festivities begin at 7 p.m., and there’s overflow parking across the street at Cane Ridge High School.

Okay, this might be a smidge over an hour, but don’t you want to check out Dolly Parton’s new gas station in Pulaski? As part of its grand opening, the travel stop is throwing an Independence Day celebration on July 3, featuring a cornhole tournament, inflatables for kids, and food trucks.

Rubiks Groove is headlining Fairview’s Independence Day party on July 3, with festivities beginning at 2 p.m., and fireworks at 9:30 p.m. There will be lots of food trucks, kid activities, music, and giveaways.

Franklin’s Fourth of July celebration starts at 9 a.m. with a reading of the Declaration of Independence at Veterans Park. After that, head downtown for a patriotic pet parade, ice cream-eating contest, vintage car show, and more.

The Downtown Band will be headlining at Brentwood’s Fourth of July celebration, which starts at 5 p.m., with fireworks at 9 p.m. Drum and fife performers in Revolutionary War garb will perform first, and there will also be face painting and balloon animals for kids. Plus, Crockett Park has a really great playground.

Pegram’s 50th Annual Independence Day Celebration

This is one of my favorite nearby Fourth of July celebrations. It starts early in the morning with a pancake breakfast, followed by a parade, BBQ lunch, pickleball tournament, and watermelon-eating contest. Kids can enjoy bouncy houses, face painting, and two playgrounds. Fireworks are at 9:30 p.m.

Enjoy live music from Zone Status, food vendors like Kiwi Scoops and Ako’s, and family fun at La Vergne’s July Fourth fireworks festival. It starts at 6 p.m.

Fourth of July

🎆 How are you celebrating Independence Day?

Want to see fireworks without going downtown? Here are nine other Independence Day celebrations in the Nashville area.

Fourth of July Firework Celebrations in Middle Tennessee

The Best Fourth of July Celebrations in the Nashville Area

Margaret Littman

There’s a fair amount of research exploring the idea of multitasking being a myth. Seems like maybe our brains can’t actually do two things at once. This article in 

 suggests that even trying costs our brains a lot. And yet! Life and scheduling make efficiency appealing. As you know, Nashville parking is a challenge, so if we can find places to shop and eat or drink — 

ROOTED is a Nashville-based purveyor of sneakers, hoodies, sweaters, and other fits. Inside the Gulch shop is 

, a coffee shop where you can nab flavored lattes and the ROOTED Beer Float, a root beer float with a double shot of espresso and vanilla cold foam. That should give you the necessary sugar and caffeine fix to try on as many shoes as you like.

Yellow Rose by Kendra Scott in 12 South isn’t a locally owned purveyor of Western goods and jewelry: This is the Texas brand’s fourth store. But inside the shop is 

, a 40-seat cocktail lounge that doesn’t exist anywhere but Nashville. It's got a vibe that offers respite from the 12 South hubbub, while also taking advantage of the buzz.

 in East Nashville. It closed in 2022, and I thought it was just one of those places that made up Nashville’s past. Last year, Kettner Coffee Supply came back, opening inside Jade & Clover, a plant bar and gift shop in the Gulch.

There must be something about coffee shops and shopping. Two more options for double-dipping include East Nashville’s Forevermore and Donelson’s Bagelshop. Forevermore offers jewelry and handmade goods by local artists — plus a photobooth — in addition to their popular matcha. Bagelshop has a small but mighty selection of cheeky, bagel-themed goods. I love their merch with their signature saying, “Thanks a lox.”

In some circles, the word "mall" is a four-letter word. Hanging out, going from store to store, people-watching, and grabbing a snack may not have the allure they did in previous generations. (For a nostalgia boost, 

listen to the City Cast Nashville team reminisce

But the idea of a place with lots of different entertainment, food, and shopping options under one roof still brings people in. Here are three spots in Nashville that are home to collections of small businesses and locally-owned shops to check out; just don’t call them malls.

A former hosiery mill and restaurant equipment warehouse, Charlotte Avenue’s 

 is now a collection of places to shop and eat. Stop by 

 has everything you could want for your kids, from party supplies to toys to clothing. 

 stocks casual women’s clothing, jewelry, and even its own line of signature scents. Fuel up with a snack from 

In Germantown, a former slaughterhouse has become Nashville’s best mixed-use development. With local restaurants like 

 is a go-to for dining out. Grab a fit from 

 for men’s and women’s clothing. Dress your house in style, too, at 

 may be known for its fruit-and-vegetable stands, but once you arrive, you’ll quickly see it’s also a place for beer, ice cream, and wood-fired pizza, plus shopping for knick-knacks, plants, and bath soaps. The selection both inside the market house and outside in the farm sheds means it’s never the same place twice. A full list of outdoor vendors is listed 

. Inside also depends on your mood, with 

. Plus, where else can you eat and shop next to 

Nashville's parking situation is dire. Here are some one-stop options where you can shop and eat without having to move the car.

Where in Nashville to shop, eat … and park once

Two-for-One Shopping Stops in Nashville

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

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

Restaurateur Kevin Boehm has opened three Nashville restaurants this month right next to each other in Wedgewood-Houston. Momotaro serves elegant Japanese fare, Alla Vita focuses on wood-fired pizza and handmade pasta, with Middleman, a cocktail and spirits lounge, between them.

Wedgewood-Houston is also now home to Nashville’s first frozen Greek yogurt cafe, Culture Club. Cool down with delicious sundaes like the Momma Bear, featuring granola, blueberries, and artisan honey, or the Roses Are Red, topped with raspberries, pistachio cream, and rose petals.

Wedgewood-Houston is truly hopping, and this new neighborhood spot has a diner feel. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with brunch on the weekends. Check out their happy hour deals and patio.

This national chain opens on June 30 in The Gulch, and is partnering with Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee to donate one meal for every purchase at its grand opening. Sweetgreen serves salads, wraps, and protein bowls.

This popular New York City pizza place is opening its first Tennessee location at Fifth + Broadway. It’s known for its square pizzas and spicy vodka sauce.

Located in North Nashville, Vannie’s Table is open every day and offers coffee, beer, snacks, and a market full of groceries and other local goodies.

This popular cookie brand got its start in Nashville, and has once again opened a physical store in Nashville Yards. Now you can find their freshly baked cookies straight out of the oven every day of the week.

Parents rejoice: East Nashville’s newest coffee shop has a giant playground and outdoor area that’s both kid and dog-friendly. Grab a chai and a pastry and come hang out.

This new Madison dive bar is open until 3 a.m. every day. Pick a tune on the jukebox, play darts or pool, enjoy the patio with your fur children, and don’t forget the corndogs and draft beers.

Giannini’s is a new family-owned restaurant in Hermitage, with a menu of classic Italian favorites like lasagna, fettuccine alfredo, tiramisu, and wood-fired pizza. They’re open Tuesday through Saturday from 4-9 p.m.

This beloved restaurant right on Old Hickory Lake in Lebanon 

, and while it closed a few years ago, its new owners have officially reopened it. Rent a boat at the Cherokee Marina, then get a bite to eat and listen to live music at the steakhouse.

Enjoy a bite of France in the Gulch at this new café founded by 20-year-old pastry chef Mathis Combaluzier and his father. Inside is decorated with antique furniture with nods to France, but there’s also patio seating. Find croissants, crepes, and all sorts of delectable pastries from 

Head to downtown’s The Arcade for cocktails from 4 p.m.-2 a.m. at Bar Roza, from the chef behind Roze Pony and Cafe Roze. The menu includes artfully crafted cocktails with aromatic mists, non-alcoholic options, and shareable snacks.

This pizza and wine bar is on the patio of the Grand Hyatt’s rooftop bar, lou/na. Feast on artisanal pizzas like the Soppressata + Hot Honey while enjoying the view. No need to make a reservation; it’s walk-up only.

Sylvan Park’s new wine bar and market in a 1930s house offers a selection of curated wines and wine cocktails, shareable plates including charcuterie boards and marinated lamb chops, and a backyard where kids and dogs are welcome. Founder and West Nashville resident Lauren Maranto hopes it 

After closing during the COVID-19 pandemic, Calypso Cafe’s Charlotte Avenue location has reopened for dine-in service. You’ll find all the classic Calypso menu favorites — like its fruit tea and black bean nachos — plus updated interiors. The Caribbean-inspired restaurant first opened in 1989, and is now run by the founder’s cousin.

Cheekwood’s Café 29 has closed and been replaced by Perenn, a bakery that got its start in Reno, NV, but made its Tennessee debut last year in Franklin. Perenn will serve its popular bakery items alongside sandwiches, salads, and a coffee and tea menu.

East Nashville’s newest ice cream shop in the Eastwood Village shops offers “

,” with an array of toppings from Lucky Charms marshmallows to black raspberry caps. The menu also includes milkshakes and sundaes.

This popular national bubble tea chain has landed in Brentwood. But you’ll find more than just bubble tea here: You can order ramen, sushi, and rice boxes, too.

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.

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

Check Out These New Nashville Restaurants and Bars in June 2026

Nashville's Best New Restaurants and Bars

Whether it’s your own dad or some other father figure, there’s probably someone in your life who would like to hear, “Thanks for your help.” You can do that any time, of course, but Sunday is a sanctioned holiday for it. Below are some ideas for local gifts and things to do together.

Musician and perfumer Steve Soderholm launched Ranger Station in Nashville more than a decade ago, after he made a candle in a reusable whiskey glass. Now the company is known for its fragrances and its celeb collabs. There’s even car cologne — and if your dad’s car smells like mine (a combination of dog fur, wet paddleboard gear, and leftovers), that would be a welcome gift; choose from 

Stick Season Car Freshener (feat. Noah Kahan)

, which they say smells like “2:00 tee time, classic cologne, tucked-in polo, Jaguar XJ interior.”

I love to be outside, and when it’s hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk, I need to be on the water. I no longer own Nashville Paddle Co., but I did for more than a decade, so I can tell you with confidence that taking dad for a 

 is a masterclass in family bonding, with the added bonus of great photos.

Think you can’t afford to take Dad out for Father’s Day? Great news: Leiper’s Fork Distillery is offering “penny pours” — yes, 

 of Tennessee whiskey for just $0.01 all day this Sunday. While there, you can take a tour of the distilling process and splurge on 

Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint turns 20 this year. All summer, they’ll be selling limited-edition versions of some of their past t-shirts. Start the series off by buying Dad the 

 shirt (seems like a good message these days). You can grab 

From cologne to experiences, here are some great ideas for Father's Day gifts in Nashville.

Where To Go for Father’s Day Gifts in Nashville

Father’s Day Finds in Nashville

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How Well Do You Know Nashville?: Streets Edition

Whitney Pastorek

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