
City Cast Nashville
❓ How did Nashville fare during the shutdown?
November 14, 2025 · 💌 Margaret Kingsbury
Happy Friday! Looking for someplace to eat this weekend? Check out The Tennessean’s picks for the top 25 restaurants of 2025 🍽️ There are some surprises!

What's CITY Talking About

🏛️ How Did Nashville Fare During the Shutdown?
The longest federal shutdown in U.S. history is over. How did Nashvillians take care of each other along the way? On today’s City Cast Nashville podcast, we’re talking about it. Plus, did you see the northern lights? [🎧 City Cast Nashville]
- There’s still uncertainty surrounding when full SNAP benefits will be released in Tennessee. [NewsChannel 5]
- If you’re able, a new food pantry in WeHo opens this Saturday and is in need of donations. [WSMV]
🗳️ National Democrats Focus on TN
After a series of wins for Democrats in red states last Tuesday, the Democratic National Committee is focusing on state Representative Aftyn Behn’s campaign for District 7’s congressional seat. “I think Aftyn’s got an excellent shot at overperforming here,” explained DNC Chair Ken Martin. [Nashville Banner]
- Check out The Tennessean’s profiles on Behn and Republican candidate Matt Van Epps. [🔐 The Tennessean]
- Early voting has begun! Here’s our guide to the election. [📰 Hey Nashville]
🛒 North Nashville Kroger Reopens
After six months of renovations, the Germantown Kroger on Rosa Parks Boulevard and Monroe Street is reopening, a relief to many North Nashville residents. “Us older folks, we don’t have a way of getting around or transportation to go to other stores, so we always depended on this Kroger,” said local Charlie Jones. [NewsChannel 5]
- North Nashville is considered a food desert, and the Kroger closure exacerbated the neighborhood’s food crisis. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]
⚽ Nashville SC Loses Its Captain
After leading Nashville SC to its first-ever U.S. Open Cup trophy, captain Walker Zimmerman is leaving the club. He’s considered one of the best defenders in Major League Soccer history. [SixOneFive Soccer]
- Nashville’s rich soccer history. [📰 Hey Nashville]

Test Yourself on Nashville Trivia

The beautiful aurora borealis, or northern lights, could be seen in Nashville this week. And right after host Marie Cecile Anderson traveled to Iceland to see them! But do you know why? Test yourself to find out!
Why can we sometimes see the northern lights in Nashville?

Furball Friday

This kitty needs a home! Philomenia is very loving, and isn’t a picky eater at all. In fact, she likes her humans to watch her eat! Philomenia is searching for a home where she can be the only cat. She wants to be queen of her domain, which isn’t quite working out at her foster family’s home! Can you adopt her?
My Furball Friday coffers are running a bit low. Do you have a pet pic to share? Maybe a holiday-themed picture? Email me!

What To Do
Friday, Nov. 14
- 🥫 Grocery Volunteer | The Store | 8:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m.
- 🥁 Muscle Shoals: Low Rhythm Rising opens (through March 31) | Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum | 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
- 🎄 Christmas Village | Nashville Fairgrounds | 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
- 📚 Book Swap | Goodlettsville Library Branch | 10:30 a.m. | Free
- 🔥 Campfire Cooking | Bells Bend Park | 5-7 p.m. | Free
- 🍽️ A Supper That Sustains Us | 1 Kitchen | 5-10 p.m.
- 🎵 Dying Wish | East Side Bowl | 6:30 p.m.
- 🎶 Opry 100 | Opry House | 7 p.m.
- 🎨 Frist Fridays: Celebrating Paul McCartney Photographs | Frist Art Museum | 7-10 p.m.
- 📺 Off Broadway: As Seen On TV | Hutton Hotel | 7 p.m.
- 🔥 Hot In Herre: 2000s Dance Party | The Basement East | 8 p.m.
- 🎸 49 Winchester | Ryman Auditorium | 8 p.m.
- 😆 Roast Battle League: Nashville | The Lab at Zanies | 9:15 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 15
- 🎄 Christmas Village | Nashville Fairgrounds | 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
- 🍁 Fall Color Hikes | Owl’s Hill Nature Sanctuary | 9:30 a.m.
- 🧑🎄 Santa Express Excursion Train! (through Dec. 20) | Tennessee Central Railway Museum | 10 a.m.
- 📕 Literary Award Public Lecture Featuring Amor Towles | Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet High School | 10-11 a.m. | Free
- 🎉 Fall Festival | Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Free
- 🛍️ Franklin Makers Market | The Lake at Westhaven | 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
- 🧽 Spongebob Squarepants Drag Brunch | The Lab at Zanies | Noon
- 🚲 Pedals & Petals | Cornelia Fort Airpark | Noon-3 p.m. | Free
- 🍺 6th Annual Real Ale Round Up | Nashville Farmers’ Market | Noon-4 p.m.
- 🎨 Teen Fest | Frist Art Museum | 2-5 p.m. | Free
- 🎭 The Color Purple | TPAC | 7:30 p.m.
- 🎵 Randy Travis | Schermerhorn Symphony Center | 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 16
- 🧑🎄 A Country Christmas (through Jan. 3) | Gaylord Opryland
- 🛍️ Flea Market | Plaza Mariachi | 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
- 🧑🌾 Seasonal Garden Prep | BELL Garden | 9 a.m.-Noon | Volunteer
- 🏈 Houston Texans at Tennessee Titans | Nissan Stadium | Noon
- 🎄 Christmas Village | Nashville Fairgrounds | Noon.-6 p.m.
- 🎭 Disney's Beauty and the Beast closes | TPAC | 1 & 6:30 p.m.
- 🦃 ThanksKilling: The Musical (through Nov. 22) | Street Theatre Company | 2 p.m.
- ♠️ Cards for Adults: Spades | Madison Library Branch | 2:30-4:30 p.m. | Free
- 🐉 Zoolumination (through Feb. 8) | Nashville Zoo | 5-9 p.m.
- 🎶 Pickin' & Sippin' Songwriters Night | Cross-Eyed Critters | 7 p.m.
- 🎵 I’m With Her | Ryman Auditorium | 7:30 p.m.
Parents, I’ve got a perfect weekend activity for your kids. Have them come up with a unique Christmas cookie idea and enter it into Christie Cookie Nashville's 12th Annual Santa's Favorite Cookie Contest! The contest closes Saturday 🍪
Free · Daily