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City Cast Nashville

Margaret Kingsbury

How well do you know Nashville’s street names? Take this mini crossword to see. And 

Margaret Littman

If you’ve got the sewing bug, several Middle Tennessee fabric stores can help you quilt, make kids’ clothes, or maybe whip up a Halloween costume (I always vow to start that in advance, but it rarely happens).

This Berry Hill shop is the go-to for people sewing clothes for kids. They stock fabric and patterns, offer 

. Of course, you don't need to be a child or sewing for a child to enjoy many of their fabrics: They carry 

, and I have been known to haul Liberty fabric across the ocean for myself.

Sewing Parts Online has saved me a few times when I needed an obscure tool or machine part. I’ve always ordered online, because of the name. But they have a store open to the public in Dickson, and offer in-person 

), so a Dickson road trip is in my future.

The name says it all. This shop sells quilting fabrics, notions, and other supplies. (Yes, you can use quilting cotton to make clothes, but it doesn’t drape the same way. It might work for something structured, but less so for something flowy.) You can also peruse the website’s class 

Botani is stocked with colorful Kurdish and Middle Eastern fabrics that are flowy and perfect for draping (the opposite of more structured quilting cottons). And, 

If you love to sew clothes, quilts, or even homemade Halloween costumes, these Middle Tennessee area shops should be on your list.

Do You Love To Sew? Check Out These Nashville Shops

Places To Play with Needle and Thread

Keep It Local

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For a minute, it sounded like the death knell had rung for Nashville fabric stores, particularly for people who make clothes. Textile Fabrics, a beloved independent fabric store, closed in 2025. When JoAnn Fabrics went bankrupt that same year, the selection shrank even further. We already lost 

 — R.I.P. — in 2022. Then, Brentwood’s Stitchers Garden closed early this year.

But the local fashion design scene is growing, as I highlighted a few weeks ago (

). And with the resurgence of so-called “

,” sewing is having a revival. Need evidence? This week, we got not one but two brand-new independent fabric stores.

As loyal readers know, I have a stash of deadstock and second-hand fabric from 

. I don’t need more fabric. But I have had this week circled on the calendar.

 is opening on Harding Pike. It's near the terrific 

 (if you’ve not been, get there ASAP). Sylvia and Battle Kenney founded a 1,800-square-foot shop focusing on fabrics that are hard to find in person in Nashville, mainly adult apparel fabrics such as denim, Oxford cloth, seersucker, and other shirting-weight cottons, silks, wool, and more.

“One of my philosophies is, if you could buy it online and you would be just as happy with it, then we don’t need to prioritize carrying it,” Sylvia says. “But if you would want to match colors or if you would want to feel the texture? Then we want to have it in-store.” That means zippers, thread, and buttons, as well as fabric.

Just 1.9 miles away on White Bridge Pike, across from 

, opening today (there’s even a 10% discount if you can make it over this afternoon). Don Moore has worked as a software engineer and owned a cannabis dispensary in Franklin. When he knew the Tennessee ban on THCA was coming, Moore pivoted again. He loves to sew menswear, and thought about opening a fabric shop; when Vickie Long, who managed Textile Fabrics for years, agreed to partner with him, he jumped in. They rented the old Lumen Lights building and started converting 4,578-square-foot into a fabric store with ample classroom space. 

In addition to high-end apparel fabrics, notions, and other things that are hard to find locally, The Sewist will have a large-format plotter, which will be a complete game-changer for those of us (okay, me!) who buy digital sewing patterns and want to print them out in one piece.

After many of Nashville's favorite fabric shops closed, these new stores are opening to fill the gap.

New Places To Buy Fabric in Nashville

Nashville's Newest Fabric Stores

 will strap on their skates for a Halloween-themed scrimmage-a-thon — 

 — at The Fairgrounds. Skaters are dressing up as Mothman, Bigfoot, and other cryptids for this longstanding derby tradition making its Nashville debut. Ahead of the game, I spoke with two skaters to learn more about the Nashville Roller Derby.

How did you get started in the Nashville Roller Derby, and what do you love most about it?

Elita One: “I found roller derby in 2015 and was hooked right away. What started as a fun way to stay active turned into a community I can't imagine my life without. Derby brings together people from every walk of life, and we all show up for each other because we love the sport. When I moved to Nashville, finding the local league was one of the first things I did. It's the best way I know to make friends fast and feel at home in a new city.”

Brannan #24: “I started skating roller derby in Nashville when I was 11 years old with the 

 team, back when I was spending most of my weekends at the 

. Lots of my teammates were daughters of Nashville's adult team skaters, and so many of them volunteered their time to coach us and share their expertise. The roller derby community raised me to feel empowered, like I could accomplish anything with hard work and dedication. Maybe that's corny and simplistic, but as a young lady in the South, I was often discouraged from certain activities, interests, styles, attitudes, and spaces. Roller derby gave me courage, and I now bring that to all facets of my life.”

Is there anything that makes this league particularly Nashville?

Elita One: “Southern hospitality, for sure! When we travel, other teams tell us how welcoming and kind our skaters are, and they love having us because we're good sports, win or lose. Our roster is also a great snapshot of Nashville itself: longtime locals, people who've moved here from all over the country, and students who came to town for school.”

Brannan #24: “Our longstanding history! Established in 2006, we're one of the oldest recognized flat track roller derby teams in the country and have never disbanded. We're also lucky enough to have the largest, bestest, and most knowledgeable skate shop in the country, 

, one of our longstanding sponsors. They've kept us ready and rolling for decades and are an unrivaled institution in the skating community. Nashville Roller Derby has evolved alongside the sport and seen many eras of rule changes, leadership turnovers, and venue losses, but our foundations remain unshaken! I assure you, we're entering our best era yet!”

How can people get involved in roller derby?

Elita One: “There's a spot for everyone, whether you want to skate, officiate, volunteer, or just cheer from the sidelines. No experience is needed to start. Reach out at 

, or find us on social media @nashvillerollerderby. And coming out to 

 on Oct. 3 is a great way to see what it's all about!”

🛼 Learn more about the team

 Ahead of their Halloween scrimmage, we interview two skaters from the Nashville Roller Derby.

 3 Questions With the Nashville Roller Derby

The Nashville Roller Derby Celebrates Halloween

What Nashville celebrities, public figures and key citizens have to say about living here.

3 Questions With Nashville Public Figures

3 Questions With

  Rachel Iacovone

Marie Cecile Anderson

Whitney Pastorek

, our brutal summer heat has now cooled down, and Halloween season is upon us. Here are the City Cast Nashville team’s picks for the 

Nashville loves scary movies, or at least we do this month! Catch a free movie and popcorn at 

 on the patio at Honeytree Meadery, or head to Franklin for 

, running all month featuring movies like “The Shining,” “Misery,” “Psycho,” and more. The Belcourt’s 

 brings horror classics back to the big screen, while 

 hosts outdoor movie nights for ages 21 and up Oct. 22-24, featuring “Obsession,” “Hocus Pocus,” and “Scream.” Catch the free 

 on Oct. 3-4 at Regal in Green Hills. Creative producer Marie Cecile Anderson’s short film “Manifested” screens in block 3 on Oct. 3 at 6 p.m.!

🧶 Get Hooked on the Tennessee Craft Fair

Or maybe crafting is more your scene. The 

 runs Oct. 9 through 11 at Centennial Park. It’s a great place to support local artists, get a head start on holiday shopping, and stock up on all your crafting needs. It’s considered one of the best craft fairs in the nation. There will be around 200 vendors, lots of food trucks, and a children’s crafting tent. It also has free admission!

. If you’ve never been to Bridgestone Arena for a Preds game, we promise it’s worth the trip — even if you know nothing about hockey. Grab a sweater and give it a try! And 

 continues its record-breaking season with a playoff spot already clinched. They’ve got two home games this month, and remember: 

Chow down at cultural food fests like the 

 at Bearded Iris a couple weeks later. We’re also excited to check out 

 in Wedgewood-Houston. (Check out our recent 

 not too far from there in Berry Hill, but this will be more of a market for picking up dry goods in addition to baked treats.

👻 More October Activities

October is here, which means it's time for fall fests, scary movies, and festivals. Here's our Nashville October guide.

The Best Things To Do in Nashville in October 2026

Your Guide to Nashville in October 2026

Find the best of everything that Nashville has to offer.

Nashville’s Best

Nashville's Best

 building can still be found in Wedgewood-Houston, it feels like every time I blink there’s a new hot spot opening. Here’s your guide to spending a day in Wedgewood-Houston. (And listen, respectfully, I refuse to call it WeHo.)

, where the breakfast burrito will easily give you enough fuel to last you until lunch. Or head over to 

 for a Palestinian-inspired menu with lattes, matchas, and sweet and savory bites, like sabah toast and a Dubai chocolate croissant.

Now that you’re sufficiently caffeinated, it’s time to shop ‘til you drop. 

 is one of Nashville’s newest independent bookstores, and has a wonderful selection of recent hits and classics, with a staff more than willing to chat about their favorites. 

 is a recently opened grab-and-go market, where you can stock up on snacks, produce, and other goodies. Their patio is a great place to hang out (and maybe read a book from Bell Bird).

Grab a portable meal for your journey at 

. Their Italian deli sandwiches get bonus points for having so many veg-friendly and gluten-free options. Or, if you’ve got some time, sit down and split a pie at 

. The patio is especially nice this time of year.

After lunch, take yourself on a neighborhood art tour. While you’ll see plenty of murals and art installations (like The Finery’s 

) walking around, Wedgewood-Houston has perhaps the highest concentration of galleries in Nashville, like the 

. Make sure to check hours before stopping by. On the first Saturday of every month, there’s a 

The ultimate Wedgewood-Houston dinner is at 

, but if you forgot to make that reservation several weeks in advance, 

 serves the restaurant’s fan-favorite (and surprisingly filling) nachos — offered with smoked pork or vegetarian chorizo. If you want a sit-down meal at a locally owned joint, try 

After relocating in 2025, 20-year-old gay bar 

 now calls the neighborhood home, and it’s always packed at night. If you’d prefer a calmer way to end the night, coffeeshop-by-day 

 will serve you a coffee cocktail on a velvet couch. Or support one of Nashville’s last-standing craft breweries, 

, across the street. (In the fall, keep an eye out for a chai version of their beloved Bear Walker maple brown ale!)

A local’s guide to 12 South

Wedgewood-Houston is one of Nashville's fastest-changing and hippest neighborhoods. Here's your guide.

Your Neighborhood Guide to Wedgewood-Houston

How To Spend a Day in Wedgewood-Houston

Everything to know about Nashville neighborhoods: Where to go, eat, shop, drink, and more.

Nashville Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

Fall is here, which means it’s pumpkin patch time! My family and I go to a different one every year. Some are pretty basic, while others are like Halloween-themed amusement parks. Here are my picks for the best pumpkin patches and fall festivals in the Nashville area.

 This fall festival has a ton of activities, especially for kids: playgrounds, a corn maze, wagon ride tours, tire swings, farm animals, and more. Don’t miss the delicious pumpkin bread. If you only want pumpkins, no need to buy a ticket. The corn maze can get dusty, so avoid wearing open-toed shoes or really nice clothes. This is the best bang-for-your-buck fall festival, since most activities are included in the ticket price.

 With 40+ activities for kids, Lucky Ladd Farms is the amusement park of pumpkin patches. Visit zoo animals, ride a pony, milk cows, go down a giant slide, and mine gems. They have activities all year round, so if you live close enough, it’s probably worth springing for a season pass. It can get crowded, and some activities cost extra.

 If you only want a pumpkin (or three), mums, and a fall-themed selfie, this farm stand is the place for you. It’s right across from the White Bridge Road Target. I purchase my pumpkins here every year. They also have a few games for kids (pumpkin bowling, anyone?), but it’s mostly just a quick stop.

This fall festival has all the classic activities like corn mazes, tractor rides, and kid activities, but unlike other festivals, it also has live music, a sunflower field, and for extra cost, hot-air balloon and pony rides (not at the same time). It’s a lovely location, right on the Harpeth River and surrounded by forest.

 With fair swings, a carousel, and a bungee trampoline, this pumpkin patch also has an amusement park feel. It’s a bit quirkier than the other fall festivals, with singing chickens, pumpkin cannons, pig races, and mechanical bulls. Plus, they have fireworks some nights! Kids will have a blast, but it does get loud, as a warning. A lot of activities cost extra.

🎃 Best Neighborhoods for Trick-or-Treating

From corn mazes to sunflower fields and hot-air balloon rides, here are the best pumpkin patches and fall festivals in Nashville. 

5 of the Best Pumpkin Patches & Fall Festivals Near Nashville

The Best Pumpkin Patches & Fall Festivals in Nashville

 (because who can resist a crossianwich?), and we started talking about 

, the quirky collective in Germantown. I eyed it with interest when the building was closed last year for some Codes repairs. It’s now reopened, and with easy access, lots of light, and clear signage, it feels like a place you want to explore.

And you should! It’s chockful of beautiful, interesting, and weird galleries, boutiques, and tattoo parlors. Every shop has its own hours, so they may not all be open when you’re there, but some have art out front and a Venmo honor system when they’re closed. That’s the case with 

 that look like they’re frying on the sidewalk — exactly how I felt during the “heat dome.” (R.I.P. heat dome, don’t hurry back.)

Crystal Shade runs this gallery and is the director of the 100 Taylor space, so obviously, this is the place to pop in for any and all intel. In addition to selling works like 

 (I need one of my dog Raja, right?), Shade teaches classes and workshops where you can get your hands dirty. Coming soon: 

Speaking of Raja, she thinks lots of stuff in this store made just for her is adorable, like the stuffed 

. They also carry cat treats and toys, plus some 

There were so many little bookends, vases, and 

 in this micro store, I had to put on my reading glasses to make sure I wasn't missing anything.

Donated musician instrument strings are turned into jewelry — and hope — through this innovative program. Strings of Hope teaches survivors of abuse and exploitation to make jewelry from the strings, either as a path to long-term employment or as an interim step to a new career.

From egg sculptures to dog toys, the artisan shops inside Nashville's 100 Taylor Arts Collective have inspiration for all.

Your Guide to Nashville's 100 Taylor Arts

Exploring the 100 Taylor Arts Collective

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know that Friday, a.k.a. tomorrow, is 

 (Sept. 25 = 9/25 = workin’ 9 to 5). There are a bunch of events going on way longer than just 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but my job here at Keep It Local is to share local shopping finds. A few favorites:

, Nashville’s leading independent yarn store, will match it dollar for dollar (up to $1,000 total). The White Bridge store will also send you a free digital version of their 

. It’s the cutest, but I don’t knit, so I’ll need to find someone to whip that up for me.

. On Friday, they’re discounting a one-hour lane rental to $9.25 and promising to play some of Dolly’s hits while you shoot. They give great instruction for newbies.

, you can grab free (yes, free!) Dolly Day buttons, stickers, and bookmarks from

, which carries lots of locally made goodies. Or, nab 25% off all pink products at 

, the Broadway bar owned by local Strategic Hospitality alongside Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, 

of its sales on Friday will go to the Imagination Library and the 

. Other watering holes, including José Andrés’ 

 in the Gulch (Dolly loved butterflies), 

 downtown, all have drink deals with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Imagination Library.

, a bar named after a Dolly song with a giant pink sculpture of Dolly on the roof, has it going on: In addition to a sweet tea drink, the proceeds from which will go to Imagination Library, they’ll have a Dolly Parton impersonator on stage, and pop-ups from 

 City Cast Nashville has all sorts of other Dolly intel for you, including where to 

While you're celebrating Dolly Day this 9/25, check out these local options for great deals on everything from gifts to Dolly-inspired cocktails.

Local Deals on Dolly Day in Nashville

The Best Dolly Day Deals in Nashville

How well do you know Nashville’s street names? Take this mini crossword to see.

Can You Complete This Nashville-Themed Crossword Puzzle?

City Cast Nashville Mini Crossword

Explainers

What Nashvillians have been wondering. We break down why things in Nashville are the way they are and how they work.

Nashville, Explained

We’re all devastated by Dolly Parton’s death. Dolly left behind such a beautiful legacy that goes far beyond her work as a musician. Over the years, Nashville artists have commemorated Dolly with murals around town. Here are 10 such murals. If you know of more, 

 in 2020, this Dolly Parton mural on the side of indie music venue The 5 Spot in East Nashville is perhaps the most popular. The mural includes a Black Lives Matter quote from Dolly.

Kim Radford was also commissioned by Dolly’s niece, Rebecca Seaver, to paint 

 of Dolly reading to her as a child. It’s my personal favorite Dolly mural, celebrating her early childhood literacy work through the Imagination Library.

Okay, one last mural from Kim Radford! She painted 

 on the side of Velvet Taco’s East Nashville location, right by the pickup window.

Head to one of our favorite Lower Broadway honky-tonks for 

 that says “If you want the rainbow, you've got to put up with the rain” in a ribbon around the musician’s portrait. Artist 

While you’re on Lower Broadway, stop at this mural on the side of the Legends Corner honky-tonk. 

 painted the mural, and it features many country music legends, including Dolly.

l on the side of Urban Cookhouse says “I Will Always Love You, Nashville,” with Dolly’s silhouette playing guitar in the “I.”

Turn off Bransford Avenue onto East Iris Drive in Berry Hill to find this mural of famous musicians, including Dolly, painted on the side of fences, right by Columbine Park. Nashville artist 

This series also includes multiple portraits of 

, such as Dolly, on the side of a supplier’s warehouse.

Hop up to the second floor of the Grand Ole Opry for 

While you’re in the area, head to The Nashville Palace for the “

💖 Remembering Dolly

Over the years, Nashville artists have commemorated Dolly with murals around town. Here are 10 such murals.

Check Out These 10 Dolly Parton Murals in Nashville

Where To Find Dolly Parton Murals in Nashville

We asked you for your memories of Dolly Parton, and your emails keep pouring in. Dolly was such a shining light in this world. Here are some of your Dolly memories.

Dolly Parton is one of Tennessee's greatest contributions to the world. Nashville locals share their memories of the late music icon.

Nashville, Explained

City Cast Nashville Mini Crossword

Margaret Kingsbury

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