Kick your feet up and enjoy the skyline views at downtown’s Ascend Amphitheater. | Photo by @happylilheather
One of the best things about warmer weather is that it brings some of the best opportunities to enjoy outdoor concerts. Luckily for us, we have several great options for open-air venues.
Ascend Amphitheater, 310 1st Ave. S.
Situated on the bank of the Cumberland River, this downtown venue offers reserved seating and a lawn area. Upcoming shows: Halsey, Star Wars Under the Stars, and Kesha
Skydeck on Broadway, 5055 Broadway
Skydeck doesn’t offer food, but you are allowed to bring in bites from one of the 30+ eateries inside Assembly Food Hall. Upcoming shows: Toadies and Country Kickoff Concert (Justin Moore, Brothers Osborne, and Dasha)
FirstBank Amphitheater, 4525 Graystone Quarry Ln., Franklin
Situated on the back end of 140 acres, this venue features a natural landscape in a reclaimed rock quarry. Upcoming shows: Cody Jinks, Riley Green, and the Outlaw Music Festival (Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, and more)
Centennial Park, 2500 West End Ave.
In addition to Musicians Corner, the park hosts Fever Candlelight Concerts inside The Parthenon and Big Band Dances on Saturdays from June to early August. Upcoming shows: Jonny Fritz, Brittney Spencer, and Sixpence None the Richer
NASCAR Meet-and-Greet | 11:30 a.m. | The Gibson Garage | Free | Hear announcements from NASCAR reps + meet drivers Ross Chastain, Nick Sanchez, and Dawson Sutton.
Nashville Sounds vs. Norfolk Tides | Thursday, May 8-Sunday, May 11 | Times vary | First Horizon Park | $10+ | The first 1,000 fans at tonight’s game will receive a Sounds hoodie.
Thursday, May 8
Battle of the Burger | 6-8 p.m. | The Yard at oneC1TY | $48 | Sample burgers from Tavern, Slide Hustle, and other competitors before voting for the best one.
Friday, May 9
Amy Grant | Friday, May 9-Saturday, May 10 | 8 p.m. | Ryman Auditorium | $50+ | Grant will be joined by special guest Lori McKenna for two special “Mother’s Day at the Mother Church” shows.
Saturday, May 10
Iroquois Steeplechase | 8 a.m.-5 p.m. | Percy Warner Park | $78+ | Join thousands of Nashvillians for a day of horse racing, style contests, and tailgating.
“Brenda Lee: Rockin’ Around | 2:30-4:15 p.m. | Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum | Cost of admission | Watch a documentary on Lee, then stay for a discussion with the film’s director and her biographer.
Sunday, May 11
HWEN Garden Tour | 1-4 p.m. | Hillsboro-West End Neighborhood | $10 | Stroll through residential gardens and the new Hillsboro-West End Arboretum — a hop-on/hop-off trolley will also be available.
All’Antico Vinaio — all the way from Florence, Italy — opens two Nashville locations on Thursday, May 22: one at Paseo South Gulch and the other in Midtown. The chain operates in just three other states, and we hear the first 100 people in line on opening day will receive a free sandwich. (Nashville Business Journal)
Drink
TailGate Brewery launched Coolship Coffee, a new concept born from 10 years of coffee beers and local roaster collaborations. Try the full menu at the Headquarters location, including specialty sips such as the Cinny Toast Brunch Latte, and select cold brew bevs at the taprooms.
Outdoors
Speaking of outdoor concerts, Cheekwood announced its summer music programming. Highlights include the annual Thursday Night Out series, Songwriters Under the Stars, and a new Grimey’s in the Garden partnership featuring local bands curated by the record store. View the lineups.
Art
Thirty-five years after unveiling the 42-ft Athena statue, Alan LeQuire returns to the Parthenon with two exhibits: one exploring Athena’s creation and the other featuring 24 new sculptures honoring contemporary figures such as Diane Nash, Joan Baez, and Simone Biles. Both open on Friday, June 13.
Biz
You know that moment when a company goes from “never heard of” to “suddenly everywhere?”That’s RAD Intel — and you can still invest. Join their supporters like Adobe and Fidelity by May 8.†‡*
Pets
Pumpkin, blueberries, quinoa, USDA-grade meat — those are the air-dried ingredients in Sundays For Dogs, a shelf-stable fresh dog food. Save 50% on your pup’s first order.*
Answered
Small Business Week
Small biz spotlight: Nashville Artist Collective
Visit NAC’s new gallery space in the Nations at 1410 51st Ave. N. | Photo via Nashville Artist Collective
We’re passing the mic to Nashville’s small businesses this week by sharing local deals, highlighting must-try experiences, and asking what makes this city’s small business scene so special. Today, we’re hearing from Carrie Anderson, director of the Nashville Artist Collective.
How would you describe your business in two sentences?
The Nashville Artist Collective is an art gallery that provides a platform for local artists to grow their potential and to provide collectors, young or experienced, access to affordable original art.
What other small business should everyone know about?
Woven Goods Co., Framed, and Baked & Free
When someone visits your small business for the first time, the one thing they have to do, see, or try is...
Take art out on approval and see it in their own home.
The Buy
Support small businesses and artisans across the country when you shop Amazon Handmade. We love these aromatherapy shower steamers that are USA-made with plant-powered scents like peppermint, eucalyptus, lavender, rosemary, and lemon.
Nashville Ballet just announced its 2025-2026 season (its 40th, by the way), and we can all look forward to “Swan Lake,” “Sherlock,” and a couple more selections. Season tickets are on sale now.
‡This offering is made pursuant to Regulation A Round and involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. The Company valuation is set by RAD Intel. Please review all offering materials before making an investment decision.
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