🤩 The best of Nashville in February

❤️‍ What to Do and See in Nashville This February

From can’t-miss concerts to Black History Month happenings, here’s how to make the most out of February. [City Cast Nashville 🎧]

⚖️ The Latest From the State Legislature

• Gov. Bill Lee's school voucher bill is headed to the House floor today, following contentious debates earlier in the week. [Nashville Scene]
• Legislators voiced concern over a component of Gov. Lee’s immigration enforcement bill that would create a felony for public officials who vote for sanctuary policies and potentially remove them from office. Sanctuary policies are already illegal under state law. [Tennessee Lookout]
• The immigration bill passed the Senate yesterday, despite those concerns. It is expected to be taken up by the House today. [WSMV]
• The City Cast Nashville team recently discussed how felonies for elected officials could specifically target Nashville. [City Cast Nashville 🎧]

🤔 Federal Funding Freeze Worries Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt University researchers voiced concerns about the status of their previously secured grants in light of a federal funding freeze that has since been rescinded by President Trump's budget office. [Nashville Scene]

🤩 Dolly U? Sign Us Up!

To prepare for the July premiere of “Dolly: An Original Musical” at Belmont University, Dolly Parton is partnering with the school to launch Dolly U, an immersive program to engage six students in the show's production. [Nashville Business Journal 🔒]

Our local Redditors may consider February in Nashville to be “a cold bucket of suck,” but we aren’t buying it. There’s plenty to do this month, from taking advantage of amazing Black History Month celebrations to finding something special (or totally ordinary) to do on Valentine’s Day. Plus, Restaurant Week kicks off at the end of the month! Here’s our guide to having the best February possible in Nashville.

✊🏾 Celebrate Black History Month

• The Nashville Black Market kicks off its 2025 season with a Black History Month Expo at the Nashville Fairgrounds, Feb. 8-9. It’s a street fair-meets-family reunion with vendors, DJs, art installations, and more.
• At TPAC, Step Afrika! blends HBCU-style percussion with traditional African dance on Feb. 7. From Feb. 14-23, Nashville Rep presents “The Mountaintop,” a play that imagines the last night of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis.
• The Nashville Public Library is hosting a full month of activities at many branches around town. You can also visit the Civil Rights Room at the Downtown branch to learn more about Nashville’s role in the fight against racial segregation.
• Take a civil rights walking tour from Nashville History on Tour, United Street Tours, or Nashville Sites. The latter is also available virtually.

💘 Love the One You’re With on Valentine’s Day

• If you’re coupled up: Frothy Monkey’s “Frothy Love” Dinners, Feb. 13-15. They’re offering a three-course meal for $65 per couple.
• If you’re coupled up but don’t want to talk to each other: Father John Misty at the Ryman on Feb. 14.
• If you celebrate Galentine’s/Palentine’s Day: On Feb. 4, Amelia’s Flowers is hosting Petals & Prosecco, where you and your pals can sip some bubbly and make bouquets for your own damn selves.
• If you’re looking for love: Pinewood Social brings back Lucky Strike Singles Night on Feb. 14.
• If you’re alone and want to throw things: Toss some darts at a divey tavern like Mickey’s or the Villager. This can be done any time you require.