Remember when Nate Bargatze broke Bridgestone Arena’s attendance record during the 2023 Nashville Comedy Festival? | Photo courtesy of Studio Moderne via Bridgestone Arena
Nashville’s own Jelly Roll kicked off the 50th season of “Saturday Night Live” as the musical guest this past weekend, and Music City will remain in the SNL spotlight for a while longer with comedian Nate Bargatze hosting on Saturday, Oct. 5.
The first time Bargatze took over hosting duties last October, he made several mentions of Nashville and notably closed out the show in a “37138” sweatshirt — a nod to Old Hickory. Let’s look back at his opening monologue and a couple of sketches.
Monologue | Bargatze reflects on his experiences at the Wilson County Fair in the ‘80s.
Washington’s Dream | The skit, called an “instant classic” by some viewers, also featured SNL cast member and fellow Nashville native James Austin Johnson.
Hallmark Horror | This sketch parodies Hallmark movies with Bargatze in the role of a hometown figure with a dark side.
Nashvillians through the years
Let’s look back at a few celebs with Nashville ties who have hosted SNL.
Oprah Winfrey | April 12, 1986 | About a decade or so after attending Tennessee State University and anchoring at Nashville’s WLAC-TV (now WTVF), Winfrey took the stage to recap her time at the Academy Awards.
Dolly Parton | April 15, 1989 | “I’ve done a lot of TV in Nashville, but I have to say, things are a lot different here in New York; everything is just so artistic,” Parton said in her monologue while cracking a joke about camera angles.
Garth Brooks | Feb. 28, 1998 and Nov. 13, 1999 | The country artist was joined by his alter ego, Chris Gaines, as the musical guest in 1999.
Reese Witherspoon | Sept. 29, 2001 and May 9, 2015 | The Nashville-raised actor and producer celebrated Mother’s Day by sharing a story from her high school days, alongside her mom, Betty.
International Black Film Festival | Wednesday, Oct. 2-Sunday, Oct. 6 | Locations vary | $12+ | This year’s festival will screen 40+ documentaries, shorts, and narrative features.
Charli XCX and Troye Sivan | Wednesday, Oct. 2 | 7:30 p.m. | Bridgestone Arena | $95+ | The co-headlining tour features special guest Shygirl.
Nashville SC vs. DC United | Wednesday, Oct. 2 | 7:30 p.m. | GEODIS Park | $27+ | Cheer on the Boys in Gold at this season’s last home match.
Thursday, Oct. 3
Wags & Walks 5-Year Benefit Concert | Thursday, Oct. 3 | 6 p.m. | Skydeck on Broadway | $100+ | Dan + Shay will perform alongside Sasha Alex Sloan, MacKenzie Porter, Dylan Marlowe, and surprise guests to raise money for the local animal shelter.
Friday, Oct. 4
WWE Friday Night SmackDown | Friday, Oct. 4 | 6:45 p.m. | Bridgestone Arena | $37+ | Watch your favorite WWE Superstars battle it out in the ring.
Saturday, Oct. 5
Blood Assurance Blood Drive | Saturday, Oct. 5 | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | Nashville Zoo | Free | The Blood Mobile will be set up in the parking lot with all donors receiving a ticket to the zoo while supplies last.
Bluey’s Big Play | Saturday, Oct. 5-Sunday, Oct. 6 | Times vary | TPAC’s Jackson Hall | $41+ | Cheer on Bluey and company at this theatrical adaptation of the beloved children’s TV series.
Sunday, Oct. 6
Maneet Chauhan + Stranahan’s Whiskey Brunch| Sunday, Oct. 6 | 11 a.m. | Chauhan Ale & Masala House | $150 | Join the local chef and Food Network personality for a multi-course brunch with Stranahan’s Whiskey.
Who says Halloween is just for kids? | Photos provided by Nashville Zoo
Think of it like Boo at the Zoo, adult-style.
Grab a costume and let your inner child loose — while enjoying unlimited boozy sips — at Nashville Zoo’s BOOze at the Zoo, happening next Thursday, Oct. 10 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Nashvillians 21+ can look forward to:
Unlimited beer, wine + cocktail sips from some of Nashville’s top bev purveyors
A Trick-or-Treat Trail with treats, scenes, and a sassy-talking pumpkin
Pumpkin decorating + free rides on the Scary-Go-Round
Vietnamese restaurant Pho Ann relocated from Belle Meade Plaza to a new spot in Bellevue — 7073 Hwy. 70 S. The restaurant is hosting a grand opening event on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with special discounts and giveaways.
Civic
Nashville Department of Transportation’s new traffic management center is officially in operation. Located in downtown’s Howard Office Building, it will monitor real-time traffic flow, offer updates to reduce congestion, and serve as a hub for traffic and crash data. (WSMV)
Traffic
Following last night’s closure for striping, the ramp from I-40 westbound to I-65 southbound on the downtown loop (Exit 210B to Huntsville) will be reduced to one lane through Nov. 15.
Gallery
The Nashville Zoo announced last week’s hatching of two Komodo dragons, which weigh “about the same as a stick of butter.” Although they’re being raised behind the scenes, you can catch a glimpse of them in these photos.
Holiday
Sundown tonight marks the beginning of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Communities who observe this holiday typically enjoy apples and honey in hopes of having a sweet new year. The celebration runs until sundown on Friday, Oct. 4.
Concert
Earlier this year, we shared that Cyndi Lauper’s “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun” tour is coming to Bridgestone Arena, and we now know the special guest. Elle King will open the show on Friday, Nov. 1.
Health
Stop missing out on the conversations that matter — try these stealthy, barely noticeable next-gen hearing aids. No wonder 400,000+ customers love them.*
Wellness
Upgrade your morning cup of joe when you switch to VitaCup’s Genius Coffee. It’s infused with vitamins and minerals that support all-day energy + focus. Try it in coffee pods.*
If the project advances, the hotel will be located across from the Nashville Department of Transportation. | Rendering by ODA, Dream Capital via Metro Planning
A dual-branded Marriott hotel could rise in East Nashville, not far from Nissan Stadium, according to new plans and renderings submitted to Metro.
The latest update for the property at 751 S. 5th St. calls for an eight-story, 265-room hotel with 7,000 sqft of ground-level retail. Other features include a third floor pool deck and courtyard + a rooftop bar. Atlanta-based Dream Capital is leading the proposed development with assistance from Kimley-Horn and Associates and ODA Architecture.
The project is set to be reviewed by the Metro Planning Commission for rezoning approval on Thursday, Oct. 24.
Pantene’s Keratin Leave-In Conditioner — it can repair split ends + protect against future damage, helping you achieve strong, silky-smooth hair. Psst, it’s less than $20.
The Pinnacle, Nashville Yards’ concert venue set to open next spring, is adding more shows to its lineup — Coin (March 6) and Gavin Adcock (May 16). Tickets for both concerts go on sale Friday, Oct. 4.
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