Purple martins have slightly forked tails and are known to feast on insects up to 500 ft off the ground. | Photo by Anthony T. Nigrelli
Over 100,000 purple martins are expected to roost in Nashville this summer, but where exactly? That’s still a mystery.
If you’re new to Music City or have missed this stunning sky show before, purple martins stop here each summer as part of their migration to South America. Nashville Urban Bird City recently spotted 10,000 at Fort Nashborough, so the full flock isn’t far behind.
How to help now
Nashvillians are encouraged to report sightings via this survey to support research, education, and protection efforts. You can drop a map pin, estimate flock size, and upload photos — just be sure you’re spotting purple martins, not European starlings.
Metro Parks is seeking volunteers through mid-August to help monitor them and engage with the public. Volunteers receive training on the birds, their roosting history, and how to answer questions from curious onlookers.
Once the main roost is confirmed, we’ll share when and where to see the spectacle for yourself. Last year, they used trees near Nissan Stadium as their roosting spot.
Full Moon Party | 7 p.m. | Rare Bird | Cost of purchase | Celebrate the Buck Moon with skyline views, a themed beverage, and an intention card station.
Friday, July 11
Tipsy Teachings | 7 p.m. | The Blue Room at Third Man Records | $20 | This new series kicks off with psychological astrologer Danielle Beinstein exploring the cosmos over cocktails.
Summerween Moth Party | 7:30-8:30 p.m. | Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park | Free | Spot nocturnal insects up close during this moth sheeting program along the Walkway of Counties.
Saturday, July 12
Community Day | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Glen Leven Farm | Free | Pack a picnic and enjoy free Maypop and Walker Brothers while exploring the farm’s trails, fields, and forests.
Summer Fest | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Nashville Farmers Market | Free+ | Head to the inaugural fest for cooking demos, dance performances, and plenty of local vendors.
Sunday, July 13
Nashville Guitar & Gear Swap Meet | 12-6 p.m. | Eastside Bowl | $8+ | Buy, sell, and trade instruments, records, and all things music.
🎒 Enter to win our Back-to-School Shopping Spree Giveaway
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A seven-story apartment building is planned for the former Stein Mart site next to West Nashville’s Trader Joe’s. Novel Richland Creek would include 277 units and 6,000 sqft of retail space. The proposal goes before Metro Planning on Aug. 14. (Nashville Business Journal)
Biz
Love Train is rolling into the Neuhoff District this September. The Atlanta-based antiques and home furnishings store is set to offer vintage wares from France, Belgium, and beyond + host regular trunk shows and pop-up events.
Health
Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital West unveiled its newly expanded emergency department this week. The $10 million project added critical care and fast-track rooms, along with advanced imaging upgrades designed to accelerate how quickly doctors can identify strokes and heart attacks. (The Tennessean)
Coming Soon
Rothy’s plans to open this August at the Mall at Green Hills. The brand known for shoes and handbags made from recycled plastic will be located on the lower level near Nordstrom. (Nashville Post)
Watch
NightLight 615 added two more films to its 2025 season: “The Hangover” on Thursday, Aug. 21 and “The Wolf of Wall Street” on Thursday, Sept. 4. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, July 15.
Outdoors
Snapped a great park photo lately? Metro Parks is hosting a photo contest for Parks and Recreation Month. Submit one photo in the Nature, Recreation, Community, or Youth category for the chance to win prizes and facility passes.
Pro Tip
Got a classic car? Protect it like the treasure it is. Higginbotham offers specialized coverage so you can confidently drive your vintage pride.*
New neon alert. Last summer, we shared that California-based restaurant Mel’s Drive-In had plans to cruise into Nashville. Now we know the classic diner will open sometime this summer in the former B.B. King’s Blues Club space on 2nd Avenue. Stay tuned for the official date, and get your milkshake order ready.
It’s day two of Amazon Prime Day. Shop standout deals that just went live:
⚡ The 40 oz. Stanley Quencher — aka the world’s most popular water bottle — is usually $45, but today you can get it for $27.
⚡ Sony’s $348 noise-cancelling headphones are marked down to $183.
⚡ Make football season bigger and better with 50% off Sony’s 65-inch 4K Ultra HD TV — saving you over $1,800.
⚡ Philips’ espresso machine + milk frother will look cute in your kitchen, make high-quality espresso drinks, and save you $150 with today’s deal.
⚡ Stock up on a good iPhone charger cord while it’s marked down to $9.99, the lowest price of the year.
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.
I know watching thousands of birds fly directly overhead isn’t for everyone (if you’ve seen Hitchcock’s “The Birds,” I don’t blame you), but I like checking out the scene at least once a year. If you want to join a group, the Warner Parks team plans to host purple martin watch parties on July 30 and Aug. 6 at a location to be determined.
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