🌃 The local guide to Downtown nightlife

📽️ A Preview of the Nashville Film Festival

The Nashville Film Festival started yesterday and runs through next Wednesday. On the City Cast Nashville podcast, Producer Marie Cecile Anderson previews the festival, which includes several films about Nashville's music scene and Tennessee state politics. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

🎶 Sierra Ferrell Wins Big at the Americana Awards

The 23rd annual Americana Honors & Awards show was on Wednesday night at the Ryman. Nashville resident Sierra Ferrell won Artist of the Year, and her album “Trail of Flowers” won Album of the Year. [Nashville Scene]

• The AmericanaFest ends tomorrow. Here’s our guide. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

💩 Nashville’s Sewage Woes

Tennessee’s sewage systems are failing, and need more than $3 billion in repairs by 2027. Nashville is one of three municipal systems with Clean Water Act violations, and has a court-ordered agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to make nearly half a million dollars in repairs. [Tennessee Lookout]

🧑‍🎓 Vandy Graduate Students Consider Unionizing

Graduate students at Vanderbilt University are close to having enough signatures to vote to unionize and certify their union with the National Labor Relations Board. The students, who work as teaching and research assistants, want better wages and healthcare plans. Vanderbilt claims that since their work is integral to their education, they don’t qualify as workers. [WPLN]

Can I tell you a secret? I loooooove Downtown Nashville. I know that as a Nashville native, I’m supposed to loathe drunk tourists, bachelorettes, pedal taverns, and Kid Rock — but if you know the right places to avoid all those things, you can have an unforgettable night on Broadway!

Robert’s Western World

Robert’s Western World is one of Nashville’s most beloved honky-tonks. But can I let you in on another little secret? (And please keep this one close to the vest — don’t you dare tell the tourists.) If you enter through the back alley door, you can skip the long line on Broadway and hang out on the upstairs balcony. It’s usually much less crowded, offers a great view of the stage, and makes ordering that fried bologna sandwich easier. But don’t forget the number one rule at Robert’s: Make sure you tip the band!

Ryman Auditorium

Ryman Auditorium holds a special place in my heart — cue “I Will Always Love You,” because that’s exactly how I feel about the Mother Church. But weekend parking can be a bit of a hassle when going to see a show, so I often opt for an Uber or Lyft these days. If I’m driving, though, I’ll park at the library for $20 and just enjoy the short walk over.

Acme Feed and Seed

Acme Feed and Seed has the best Cumberland River view of all the downtown bars. Their slogan is “Where the locals go,” and I believe it, because that’s where you’ll find me, sipping a frosé on their perfect rooftop, listening to whatever local band or DJ is playing. A high school friend of mine, a musician who performs there weekly, told me that due to the construction on 2nd Avenue, they’ve seen a dip in clientele. Make it your next Downtown destination and support this local treasure!