Look up to see how many geometric steel sculptures you can spot by artist Matt Hill. | Photo via Nashville Zoo
Want to hear something wild? After years of planning, Leopard Forest opens Friday, June 20. The Nashville Zoo is calling it its “most immersive exhibit yet” with elevated walkways, an overhead leopard bridge, towering trees, and steel sculptures.
You’ll spot more than just Amur leopards — colobus monkeys, De Brazza’s monkeys, and klipspringers are moving in, too. Make plans to catch the ribbon cutting at 9:30 a.m. + check the schedule for other opening day highlights.
Bonus: The Masai giraffes are back in public view as part of the exhibit opening, and they even have a celebration of their own on Saturday.
Asked
Asked
Critter Encounters opened in 2000 as the zoo’s first interactive exhibit. Which animal is not part of it?
A. Goats B. Alpacas C. Galapagos tortoises D. Kangaroos
Nashville Sounds vs. Iowa Cubs | Wednesday, June 18-Sunday, June 22 | Times vary | First Horizon Park | $10+ | Be one of the first 1,000 fans in the gate tonight for a free Rick Sweet Bobble’stache.
Thursday, June 19
Cocktails of Humble Baron | 6 p.m. | Liquor Lab | $65 | Make three signature cocktails from Humble Baron’s cocktail menu while listening to the story of whiskey distiller Nathan “Nearest” Green.
Line Dancing with RaeLynn | 7:30 p.m. | The Nashville Palace | Free | Two-step the night away with country star RaeLynn + learn the dance to her new song, “Heaven Is a Honky Tonk.”
Friday, June 20
Summer Solstice and Lightning Bug Watch | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Beaman Park Nature Center | Free | Celebrate the longest day of the year with a guided firefly walk and marshmallow roasting.
Saturday, June 21
“The Princess Bride” in Concert | Saturday, June 21-Sunday, June 22 | Times vary | Schermerhorn Symphony Center | $42+ | Catch the film on the big screen with a live symphony score, plus snack on themed eats like Fezzik’s Stew and Miracle Max’s M.L.T.
Summer Solstice Rooftop Dinner Party | 7 p.m. | JW Marriott Nashville | $125 | Savor gazpacho verde, pintxos, paella, and churros with wine pairings at this four-course sunset dinner.
A wellness-focused residential community called The Lanes is coming to North Nashville. The 12-acre project will offer 154 homes starting in the high $600,000s, plus saunas, a pool, and green spaces. The first homes are expected to be ready this September.
Announced
Lainey Wilson will soon have her own exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “Tough as Nails” opens Friday, July 18 and runs through June 2026 with childhood keepsakes, stage outfits, and her first saddle on display. Preview the items.
Concert
Pop artist Addison Rae is bringing her first major tour to Nashville. She’ll play The Pinnacle on Saturday, Sept. 27 in support of her debut album, “Addison.” Tickets go on sale Friday, June 20.
Drink
Something is brewing in the Gulch. Kettner Coffee makes its return this summer with a residency inside Jade & Clover. The opening date hasn’t been shared, but keep an eye on Instagram for when you can sip espresso, tea, and matcha + snack on local pastries.
Eat
After four years as executive chef at Husk, Ben Norton is headed to Los Angeles for new ventures. Longtime colleague Bryan O’Kelly — who’s worked alongside Norton in Charleston and Nashville — has already stepped in to lead the kitchen. (Nashville Scene)
Plan Ahead
Does your business have an upcoming event? Promote it in NASHtoday. Head to our self-service ad portal to find an option that works for your budget — from eye-catching banner ads to engaging social posts.
Job
Hey Nashville, ready to turn your sales game up to 11? 6AM City is looking for a rockstar Sales Executive to grow our ad partnerships in Music City. This gig comes with $70K+ OTE, uncapped commission, premium benefits, and fully remote flexibility. If you know the scene, love the hustle, and can pitch like a pro — let’s make some noise. Apply today.
Home
Still climbing ladders to clean your gutters? HomeBuddy installs premium gutter guards in just a few hours — and it’s 100% no-clog guaranteed. See your local offer.*
Post of the Day
Nashville’s food scene has another reason to raise a glass: Chef Jake Howell of Peninsula just won Best Chef: Southeast at the 2025 James Beard Awards (aka the culinary Oscars). He’s the first Nashville chef to take home this honor in nearly a decade.
Peninsula opened in 2017 and serves Spanish and Portuguese dishes with a French touch. If you weren’t one of the 270+ diners who snagged a reservation after Howell’s win, here’s your sign to book a table.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
10 years already? Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit will mark a decade of their annual Ryman Auditorium residency with a six-night run this October. The shows will also highlight student music programs from across the Southeast, including Nashville School of the Arts. Tickets go on sale Friday, June 20 at 10 a.m.
}})
