City Cast Nashville
❌ Data centers get councilmember pushback
June 11, 2026 · 💌 Margaret Kingsbury
Happy Thursday! This morning I’ve been listening to “I Hate Nashville” by Ashley Monroe. I can’t say I exactly agree, but I get what she’s saying. What do you think? What other Nashville-themed songs do you love?
And hey, if you enjoy this newsletter, share it with your friends, and tell them to sign up! The more the merrier, right? (Unless we’re talking about pedal taverns.)
What's CITY Talking About
👩🏻🎨 Is This Nashville’s Best Craft Market?
Nashville’s Porter Flea Summer Market returns this weekend. On today’s podcast, we’re chatting with Porter Flea founder Katie Vance and local ceramic artist Emilee Martin of Mineral Haus about where to get crafty in town, why people are leaving fast fashion behind, and what makes our vibrant local artisan community special. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]
- Porter Flea’s preview night is on Friday, and the main market is on Saturday. [Porter Flea]
❌ Metro Council Considers Data Center Ban
Metro Council is considering a bill proposed by Councilmembers Courtney Johnston and Russ Bradford that would place a temporary ban on new data center developments. The bill passed on first reading, but needs two additional Council readings to pass. If successful, the bill could impact the construction of data centers by the Nashville Zoo and on Fisk University’s campus. [WSMV]
- The Metro Planning Commission is holding a public hearing about the proposed data center by the zoo at 4 p.m. today, June 11. [WKRN]
🎵 Music City Center Seeks Expansion
The Music City Center owner has purchased a former 1.3-acre parking garage lot adjacent to the center for $52.03 million. The Convention Center Authority plans to use the property to expand its footprint. A 2025 study reported the convention center was losing business due to a lack of space. [WSMV]
- Here’s a map of the new property. [Music City Center]
🚶 TN Gets More Dangerous for Pedestrians
According to a new report that measures pedestrian fatalities in 101 of the U.S.’s largest metro areas, Tennessee is only getting more dangerous for pedestrians. Memphis topped the list, and Nashville came in at 36, with 246 pedestrian deaths between 2018 and 2022, almost doubling since the previous report. [WPLN]
- Check out the rankings here. [Smart Growth America]
- And listen to our conversation with Charlie Weingartner, chair of the Vision Zero Advisory Committee, about why pedestrian deaths keep rising in Nashville. [🎧 City Cast Nashville]
What To Do
Thursday, June 11
- ⚽ World Cup 2026 Kickoff Party | Plaza Mariachi | 1:30 p.m.-Midnight
- 🎵 Bonnaroo (through June 14) | Manchester, TN | 4 p.m.-Midnight
- 🧘 Happy Hour Pilates | Riverfront Park | 5-7 p.m.
- 🎶 Music in the Café: PT Gazell & The Side Effects | The Frist’s Café Cheeserie | 6-7:30
- 📽️ Dare to Fail | Third Coast Comedy Club | 7 p.m.
- 🎼 America the Beautiful with JoAnn Falletta | Schermerhorn Symphony Center | 7:30 p.m.
- 🎥 Movies in the Park: Hannah Montana | Elmington Park | 8 p.m.
- 🤠 Carín León | Bridgestone Arena | 8 p.m.
- 😆 Over Easy Comedy Talkshow | The 5 Spot | 9 p.m.
Friday, June 12
- 🚒 Fun Friday: Touch a Truck | Moss-Wright Park | 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
- 🎸 Musicians Corner | Centennial Park | 5-9 p.m.
- 🎪 State Fair (through June 28) | The Keeton | 5:45 p.m.
- 🛍️ Porter Flea Summer Preview Market | The Fairgrounds Nashville | 6-9 p.m.
- 🎶 Live on the Terrace | Southall Farm | 6:30 p.m.
- 😆 John Mulaney | Ryman Auditorium | 7:30 p.m.
- 🍻 Brew at the Zoo | Nashville Zoo | 7:30-10:30 p.m.
- ⚽ Soccer Celebrations - USA vs. Paraguay Watch Party | GEODIS Park | 7 p.m.
- 🐴 Freak Stallion | Third Coast Comedy Club | 9 p.m.
😞 Our hearts go out to the family and friends of longtime radio host and Grand Ole Opry announcer Bill Cody, who died Tuesday.
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