🗞️ Border czar threatens to ‘flood’ Nashville

☀️ Our Favorite June Events & Activities in Nashville

June is here, which means it's pool season! On today’s City Cast Nashville podcast, we’re chatting about our favorite things to do in Nashville in June, from poolside reading to exploring beaches and the best local festivals. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

☔ It’s a Wet One, Y’all

With 31 inches of rain in Nashville this year so far, 2025 has been the rainiest in 25 years. This has caused the ground to become over-saturated, leading to flash flooding and downed trees. [Nashville Banner]

• What’s our rainiest month? Take this quiz to find out! [Hey Nashville]

🏙️ Nashville’s Booming Tourism

Despite a nationwide decline, Nashville’s tourism industry is booming, and we’re on the way to having more visitors in 2025 than in 2024. Local hotel tax revenue has hit a record-breaking $95 million so far this year. However, due to tariffs, international travel has slowed by 15%, which could affect tourism numbers for the rest of the year. [The Tennessean]

• The top four most in-demand hotels for events in the nation are in downtown Nashville. [WPLN]
• Our interview with the Night Mayor about downtown’s tourism [🎧 City Cast Nashville]

🗞️ Border Czar Threatens To “Flood” Nashville

Tom Homan, the White House’s “border czar,” claims Mayor O’Connell’s executive order requiring city departments to report communications with federal immigration agencies within 24 hours impedes ICE efforts. In response to Rep. Andy Ogles’ calls for O’Connell to be investigated, Homan is threatening to “flood” Nashville with additional immigration enforcement. [The Tennessean]

• Councilmember David Benton appeared with Ogles at a recent event, drawing condemnation from the Metro Council’s Immigrant Caucus. [Instagram]

It’s June, which means it’s getting hot in here! Nashville is packed with fun activities in June, from two of our biggest music festivals to summer reading prizes and outdoor movies galore. Here’s your guide to having the best June in Nashville.

📖 Read & Earn Prizes

Start your summer with a book and win prizes and coupons for local businesses! The Nashville Public Library’s yearly summer reading challenge starts June 1, and it’s for everyone, no matter your age. In the past, I’ve won tickets to the Frist Art Museum, Wave Country, the Parthenon, and free ice cream at Jeni’s.

🎉 I Want To Go to the Festival

• Cheekwood’s inaugural Community Celebration runs June 3-7, and includes discounted tickets, themed days, live performances, and plenty of food trucks.
• CMA Fest runs June 5-8. While it’s a great way to listen to free concerts (some venues charge), you’ll want to avoid downtown that weekend if you’re not planning on attending.
• Bonnaroo in Manchester is June 12-15. Headliners include Avril Lavigne, Luke Combs, and Olivia Rodrigo.
• For Juneteenth, check out Black on Buchanan (June 14), Music City Freedom Festival (June 14-15), and Juneteenth615 (June 19).
• I’ll have a big list of Pride Month happenings in the newsletter soon, but make sure to attend the free Nashville Pride Parade on June 28. Bring water!

🧑🏼‍🍼 Celebrate Dad

Father’s Day is Sunday, June 15. If you have a dad to celebrate, here are some ideas!

• Take him out to eat.
• Go to a state park, or on a trek to a nearby waterfall.
• Treat him to live music and food trucks at Jazz on the Cumberland, which is free!
• If he loves cars, bring him to Cheekwood’s fancy car show.
• Maybe he’d enjoy a camping trip.

🍿 Let’s Go to the Movies, Outside

• Head to Elmington Park on Thursdays for Nashville’s longest-running outdoor movie series. This year’s films include “The Sandlot” and “The Goonies.”
• Watch “The Princess Bride” at Cheekwood on June 6.
• W Nashville has several free “Screenings on the Steps” throughout the month. Movies include “Grease” and “Wicked.”