Nashville has ~75 boards and commissions. | Photo via Canva
Calling all movers and shakers. Are you ready to become an even more engaged citizen? One way to get involved is by serving on one of the city’s 70+ boards and commissions.
These groups advise Metro leaders on a wide range of issues, from land use and development to parks, greenways, historic preservation, housing, and transportation. Board members review proposals, offer recommendations, and help guide policies that affect day-to-day life across the city.
How to get started
Metro’s boards and commissions portal allows you to explore each group’s focus and responsibilities. Any Nashville resident can apply, though some roles may call for specific experience or expertise. Find application forms on individual pages, or use this form to express interest in up to three boards and commissions.
Not ready to join a board or commission just yet? Bookmark the Metro Council meeting schedule for 2026. There, you can listen in on discussions or participate in public hearings.
Holiday LIGHTS | Friday, Dec. 16-Sunday, Jan. 8 | 5-10 p.m. | Cheekwood, 1200 Forrest Park Dr. | Cost of admission | Enjoy light displays along a one-mile walking path with interactive features, s’mores stations, and a poinsettia tree in the historic mansion.
Friends of Beaman Park Campfire | Friday, Dec. 16 | 3-5 p.m. | Beaman Park Nature Center, 5911 Old Hickory Blvd., Ashland City | Warm up by the fire and learn about what Friends of Beaman Park does and how they will be helping the park in the coming year.
Saturday, Dec. 17
Amy Grant and Vince Gill | Saturday, Dec. 17-Wednesday, Dec. 21 | Times vary | Ryman Auditorium, 116 5th Ave. N. | $40+ | The duo will perform their “Christmas at the Ryman” show.
Wild Pink | Saturday, Dec. 17 | 6:30 p.m. | The Basement, 1604 8th Ave. S. | $15 | The band will be joined by Trace Mountains.
Sunday, Dec. 18
Music of The Beatles for Kids + More | Sunday, Dec. 18 | 12 p.m. | Brooklyn Bowl, 925 3rd Ave. N. | $15 | Jam out with the family to the music of The Beatles.
Monday, Dec. 19
Elf & National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation | Monday, Dec. 19 | 5 p.m. | City Winery, 609 Lafayette St. | Free with RSVP | Join City Winery for a holiday movie double feature.
It’s a Wonderful Life | Tuesday, Dec. 20 | 10 a.m. | The Franklin Theatre, 419 Main St., Franklin | $10.50+ | This classic film follows the life of George Bailey, a small-town family man who falls on hard times.
We have a calendar filled with events and activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
NEWS NOTES
Weather
47º | Sunny | 6% chance of rain
Coming Soon
Earlier this week, we told you that Edley’s Bar-B-Que plans to open a 5,038-sqft restaurant at the Factory at Franklin in 2023. Also joining Edley’s will be The White Alligator — a po’boy eatery — and Structured Hair — a women’s hair salon.
Popular Aussie-inspired restaurant HEARTS is opening a second location in 12 South. The modest eatery has not released an opening date yet, but is currently hiring for servers, bartenders, baristas, chefs, line cooks, prep cooks, and more. Email your resume.
Cause
Keith Urban donated $250,000 to four Nashville charities — $100,000 to Music Health Alliance, $50,000 to Thistle Farms, $50,000 to the Nashville Food Project, and $50,000 to Vanderbilt Breast Cancer Research. He delivered the donations on behalf of Cantor Charity Days, a fundraising effort led by Cantor Fitzgerald. (The Tennessean)
Community
Are you team BoomBoomPlow or Tim McThaw? These are two of the 25 names you can vote for in the TDOT’s snowplow naming contest. The four names that receive the most votes will go to snowplows in Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga, and Knoxville. Vote by Dec. 30. ❄️ (WTVF)
Try This
Get some last-minute gifts and maybe even a tattoo at the Be Good Holiday Bazaar tonight. The market will take place from 5-9 p.m. at White Limozeen, and will feature local vendors, permanent jewelry from Get Lassoed, tarot readings, and flash tattoos from Victory Tattoo. 🛍️
Festival
Mark your calendars. Cornelia Fort Pickin’ Partywill return in 2023 on May 20, June 10, July 22, and August 26. The events will take place at the Cornelia Fort Airpark and proceeds will go towards revitalization projects at the Shelby Park & Bottoms and Cornelia Fort Air Park.
Nashvillian
Nashville entrepreneur and influencer Mary Lawless Lee recently released her book “Happily Grey,” which is described as a “half memoir, half coffee table book.” The book offers vulnerable, real life stories and artistic full-color photos. Buy it now. 📚 (WKRN)
History
Travel back in time. The Tennessean recently shared 32 pictures that highlight events and daily life in Nashville and Middle Tennessee during December 1982. There are shots from the Nashville Christmas parade, a photo of George Jones and Melba Montgomery performing at TPAC, and more. 📸
Shop
It’s ok if you waited until the last minute to shop this season. There’s still time to shop items from our online shop Six & Main. We’re talking cocktail glasses, shirts, candles, mugs, and more. Our gift guides make shopping easy. 🛍️
Travel
Calling all globetrotters. If exploring bucket list destinations while meeting like-minded travelers is one of your 2023 goals, consider booking a small group trip with Encounters Travel. See one of the seven wonders of the world on the Jordan & Egypt Explorer Trip or snorkel among diverse marine life on the Maldives Uncovered Tour.*
Finance
This Princeton grad’s startup raised $161 million to help people plan for retirement — its free tool can match you with up to three vetted financial advisors serving your area who can help you work towards financial freedom. Try it out for yourself.*
Outdoors
Still shopping for the hunter or angler in your life?Sportsman’s Box, the leading gear discovery service for outdoorsmen, is adding a free $100 credit for all new membersthrough Saturday, Dec. 31. Choose from nine leading brands with your first Sportsman’s Box and claim your free gift. 🎣 *
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SHOP
Shop (locally) until you drop 🛍️
Win the holidays with gifts from these local Etsy sellers
These ceramic holders work great in kitchens and bathrooms. | Photo via Etsy
Falling behind on holiday shopping? Don’t let yourself get lost in the gingerbread crumbs. To help you out, we’ve created a handy dandy Etsy gift guide featuring local small businessesandartisans. We even organized our gift recommendations by price point so that you can easily find something that fits your budget.
Editor’s pick: Victory Tattoo’s flash sheet for the Be Good Holiday Bazaar has a pretty cool variety. If you end up going to the event and getting a tattoo, we’d love for you to send us a picture.
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