City Cast Nashville
🏗️ Another Tesla tunnel?
December 5, 2025 · 💌 Margaret Kingsbury
Happy Friday! Every day, I scour local news and events to bring you the stories I think y’all should know about, whether it’s local food banks to support or Nashville’s best new restaurants. But this newsletter feels like so much more than research: It’s about building community, and supporting this city I love so much. Nashville is where my grandparents decided to make their home, where my parents met and fell in love, and where I’m raising my family.
Next week, we launch our membership campaign. For $10 a month, members receive a weekly list of events around town, plus ad-free podcast listening and access to members-only events. This month, we’re volunteering together at Radnor Lake. We would love to have you join us as a member!
You’ll hear more about becoming a Neighbor next week, but if you join now, you’ll skip the extra emails and get early access to the City Cast Nashville beanie! 😻
What's CITY Talking About
🗳️ TN-07 Election Highlights
Tuesday night’s election was the story of the week, with all eyes on the race between State Representative Aftyn Behn and Republican winner Matt Van Epps. On today’s City Cast Nashville podcast, we’re talking through the highlights and ramifications of that race. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]
- Stay tuned for a bonus episode with Behn later today! [🎧 City Cast Nashville]
🏆 And the Boner Awards Go To …
Nashville Scene has released its 36th annual Boner Awards, honoring Nashville’s biggest blunders and bloopers. This year’s list includes ineptitude from local leaders, on-stage meltdowns, traffic mayhem, and more. [Nashville Scene]
🏗️ Music City Loop Expansion
The Boring Company’s most recent blog post about the Music City Loop discusses a planned expansion that would run from Lower Broadway along West End Avenue, past Centennial Park and Vanderbilt University, and end near Interstate 440. [WKRN]
- Here’s the map of Boring’s planned tunnel routes through Nashville. [The Boring Company]
- While Boring’s CEO Steve Davis claims the proposed tunnels will have a positive environmental impact on Nashville, concerns remain about our endangered crayfish, and the company’s more than 800 environmental infractions in Las Vegas. [🔐 The Tennessean]
⚡ Local Car Magnate’s TVA Board Bid
During a Senate confirmation hearing for an appointment to the Tennessee Valley Authority board, local car dealership magnate Lee Beaman faced criticism. Senators questioned Beaman’s denial of the 2020 presidential election results, lack of expertise, and his role as a landlord to several major Republican figures, which might compromise his ability to serve on the board. [Tennessee Lookout]
- TVA is the country’s largest public utility, and provides energy for everyone in Nashville. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]
Mini Nashville Crossword Puzzle
How well do you know Nashville’s street names? Take this mini crossword to see. And let me know what you think!
Furball Friday
Need a new pet? Of course you do! From now until Dec. 23, you can adopt a pet at Metro Animal Care and Control for $25. Here are two of my mom’s critter kids she adopted from MACC: Nanook (the white kitty) and Shiloh (the German Shepherd mix). Mom says don’t be fooled by these cute pictures; these two are “the craziest animals I’ve ever had.” I don’t know what she’s talking about; they’re always sweeties when I’m around!
Want your pet featured in a newsletter? Email me!
What To Do
Friday, Dec. 5
- 🥕 TN Local Food Summit begins | Trevecca Community Church | 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
- 🛍️ Mistletoe Merchants | Farm Bureau Expo Center | 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
- 🛻 Stuff the Truck | The Cowan | 5-10 p.m.
- 🍻 Holiday Lights Tour (through Dec. 23) | Donut Distillery | 5:30 p.m.
- 🏀 Kentucky vs. Gonzaga | Bridgestone Arena | 6 p.m.
- 🎄 McCrary Kind of Christmas | Riverside Revival | 7 p.m.
- 🎶 Home Alone in Concert with the Nashville Symphony | Schermerhorn Symphony Center | 7:30 p.m.
- 🎭 It’s A Wonderful Life (through Dec. 21) | TPAC | 7:30 p.m.
- 🩰 Solus & Synergy | OZ Arts | 8 p.m.
- 🎤 The Mavericks present ‘Dance the Night Away’ | Ryman Auditorium | 8 p.m.
- 🎸 Donald Donato Cosmic Country Christmas | Brooklyn Bowl | 8 p.m.
- 🎵 Get Behind the Mule | The 5 Spot | 9 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 6
- 📕 Holiday Storytime | Parnassus Books | 9 a.m.
- 🪀 Metro Nashville Police Department's Annual Toy Drive | Nashville Zoo | 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
- 🌲 Holidays in the Vue Parade | Bellevue Middle School to One Bellevue Place | 10 a.m.
- 🎁 Shop Local Holiday Market with Santa | Nashville Farmers’ Market & Tennessee State Museum | 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
- 🧑🎄 Santa at the Ryman | 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
- 🎄 Nashvillage Holiday Market (through Dec. 7) | Walk of Fame Park | 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
- 🎅🏽 Old Fashioned Christmas (through Dec. 20) | Bell Buckle | 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
- 🛍️ Nashville Punk Rock Flea Market | Eastside Bowl | 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
- 🐶 DateNashville Singles Pints & Paws Mixer | New Heights Brewery | 1-3 p.m.
- 🧸 PJ Party | Warner Park Nature Center | 4:30-6:30 p.m.
- 🏀 Tennessee vs. Illinois | Bridgestone Arena | 7 p.m.
- 🏳️🌈 Merry Queermas — A Benefit for Nashville Launch Pad | The Basement East | 7 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 7
- 😻 Yoga with Cats | Catio Lounge | 10 a.m.
- 🐕 Daytime Dog Visits with Santa | Cheekwood | 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
- 🎶 Music at the Market: Virginia Louise | Nashville Farmers’ Market | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
- 🛍️ 3rd Annual Holiday Market | The Hatchery at Acme Feed & Seed | 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
- 💃 Muppet Christmas Drag Brunch | City Winery | 12:30 p.m.
- 📚 A Very Bookish Holiday Market | Southern Grist Brewing | 1-4 p.m.
- 🖼️ Frist Arts Fest | Frist Art Museum | 1-5:30 p.m.
- 🎄 Holly Jolly Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting | Main Street Hendersonville | 2 p.m.
- 🕎 Hanukkah Fest | Gordon Jewish Community Center | 3-6 p.m.
- 📖 First Sunday Silent Book Club | Hanna Bee Coffee | 6-8 p.m.
- 🎵 Opry Country Christmas With The Ornaments | Opry House | 7 p.m.
- 🎤 The Way To Play Open Mic | Cross-Eyed Critters | 7 p.m.
I’ve got something for you to listen to this weekend: City Cast Nashville producer Daniel Sumstine has released a new single! Check it out on Apple Music and Spotify 🎵
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