Happy Tuesday, Nashville. In today’s edition: State pension gains momentum, lighting of the green, Trisha Yearwood and the Nashville Symphony, and more.

Let’s get to it — Cait Baker

📰 In the news

Southern culinary spotlight: Michelin’s inaugural American South guide has awarded one star to three Nashville restaurants, including Bastion, Locust and The Catbird Seat. This marks the city’s first stars, with eleven more recommended — see Nashville’s Michelin picks.

State pension gains momentum: TCRS reported a 10.2% FY25 return, lifting the portfolio to $74.9 billion as of June 30, 2025, and was ranked the nation’s second best-funded public pension, exceeding 100% funded — read the full story.

Prestigious museum honor renewed: The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has earned AAM accreditation, its fourth since 1987. Only about 500 museums have achieved four accreditations, while 3 percent are accredited nationwide — see what accreditation involves.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175 per month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Scams are rampant: My step-dad recently got a call from someone pretending to be his grandson, all beat up and asking for bail money. They knew his grandson’s name, how old he is, and what city he lives in. How? Data brokers. They sell your info to anyone willing to pay for it (yup… anyone). Incogni removes your info from all of those sites so scammers can’t use it against you. Cyber Monday discounts are available all week — check ’em out here.

Highlights this week

• Shop handmade gifts at The Clay Lady’s
• Merry Queermas benefits Nashville Launch Pad
• Run to keep Nashville families warm
• Strengthen Tennessee’s local food network
• Shop student-run holiday market, give back
• Need new windows? Check out RBA’s latest deals

🫶 We got your back

From garage to stage: Franklin’s own The Band Light will bring their biggest headlining show yet to the Franklin Theatre on January 10, 2026, for the fourth annual Lightyear 26. Expect new songs, expanded visuals, and surprise guests previewing their next project. After a breakout 2025 with “Turning Red,” tickets are on sale now. Get all the details.

A new pour with purpose: Pinewood Social’s team just launched Pinewood Coffee, a Franklin-based roasting brand operating out of Monarch Showroom. Led by veteran roaster Robbie Melton, early offerings include Costa Rica’s Hacienda La Minita, noted for its strong social programs. No Franklin café yet, but you can order bags now, with more news to come. Learn more and order bags.

Serious burrito satisfaction: Craving rice, beans, salsa, and extra guac? Baja Burrito serves hefty, fresh-made burritos, bright salsas, and a friendly, locally owned Berry Hill vibe. Fast, helpful, consistently tasty… the kind of spot that upgrades any lunch break instantly.

An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.

Wellness on easy mode: Most probiotics don’t work because they dissolve too early. Seed’s double capsule design means all the right stuff gets delivered to all the right places… at the right time. After decades of gut issues, it’s one of the few things that’s actually helped. Their Daily Essentials Duo covers nutrient gaps and supports everyday health + it’s 40% off right now so it’s a great time to give it a try.

📆 Around town this week

All events are subject to change without notice. This is entirely outside our control. Please check official event pages and social media for the most up to date information.

This week

🎄 21st Annual Lighting of the Green @ Lipscomb University | Tuesday (12/2) at 4:00pm – Nothing says Nashville holiday kickoff like Lipscomb’s Lighting of the Green, only it’s indoors this year, because lawns need spa days too. Ellie Holcomb hosts with choirs, surprise guests, and a free concert. Shop the Merry Marketplace, snag free Santa photos, and call it festive.

🎤 Trisha Yearwood & Nashville Symphony @ Schermerhorn Symphony Center | Tuesday (12/2) at 7:30pm – Take a break from gift wrap and group chats, and let Trisha Yearwood and the Nashville Symphony do the festive heavy lifting. Expect lush strings, familiar carols, and goosebumps, then reward yourself with valet, a sitter, and a civilized nightcap.

🎄 A Carpenters Christmas @ Beam Gallery | Tuesday (12/2) at 7:00pm – This cozy kickoff to the season pairs Carpenters-style holiday tunes with local art, the kind that warms you up faster than mulled wine. Think plush harmonies, twinkly vibes, and pieces you might actually hang, not stash in the closet. Low drama, high cheer.

🌽 Tennessee Local Food Summit @ Trevecca Community Church | Friday (12/5) at 8:00am – Whether you grow it, cook it, or just eat with gusto, the 15th Annual Tennessee Local Food Summit gathers farmers, ranchers, and food folks in Hillsboro for workshops, a seed swap, farm-fresh meals, and the Phila Awards. Less farm-to-Instagram, more handshakes, soil, and real networking.

🎨 Cafe Christmas & Art Show @ Westminster Presbyterian Church | Friday (12/5) at 6:00pm – If your holiday spirit runs on espresso and local talent, swing by this cozy cafe Christmas and art show. Think a spiced latte in your mug, handmade pieces on the walls, and zero mall chaos. Cross off gifts, catch up with friends, support the neighborhood.

This weekend

🍪 Carols, Cookies and Crafts @ Tennessee State Museum | Saturday (12/6) at 10:00am – Nothing says holiday spirit like free cookies, kid-approved crafts, and local choirs caroling through the Tennessee State Museum. Throw on your most outrageous sweater, let the museum handle the glitter and the nostalgia, and enjoy a genuinely wholesome reset that costs zero dollars, all day.

🛍️ Nashville Holiday Market @ Walk of Fame Park | Saturday (12/6) at 11:00am – Skip the mall and wander a free holiday market with a holiday cocktail in hand, browsing local makers, a community tree lighting, and live music by the campfire. It’s cozy, festive, and painless, even for the gift-averse. Bring friends, patience, and your best group-photo face.

🖼️ Block Party @ Hatch Show Print | Saturday (12/6) at 3:00pm – Trade screen time for ink-stained bragging rights at Hatch’s block party, where you’ll hand-print with the same iconic imagery that’s plastered half this town. Adults only, no experience necessary, all materials included. Bring a tee, channel 1879, leave with art, and a grin.

🎀 AKA HoliDAY Party – I’m Dreaming of a Pink Christmas! @ Holiday Inn Nashville Downtown – Stadium by IHG | Saturday (12/6) at 3:00pm – Ready to trade the usual tinsel for a Pink Christmas party that actually does some good? Sip, mingle, and help raise funds for UPO’s Community Programs and Scholarships, because giving back pairs nicely with a festive cocktail, lights, and the warm glow of earned cheer.

🎻 Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder Christmas @ The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts | Sunday (12/7) at 7:00pm – Holiday season calls for Ricky Skaggs, Kentucky Thunder, and nostalgia. Expect acoustic bluegrass on Silent Night, Deck the Halls, and more, plus sing-alongs, top-shelf pickin’, and harmony that makes you believe in peace on earth, or at least in not arguing over the lights.

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🎶 Live music & entertainment

• 12/2 Brinley Addington @ 14Tenn – 6 pm
• 12/2 Wyatt Flores @ Grand Ole Opry House – 7 pm
• 12/2 Micky Dolenz @ City Winery – 7:30 pm
• 12/3 Boo Ray @ Chief’s on Broadway – 2:30 pm
• 12/3 Found Footage Fest: Vol 11 @ City Winery – 7 pm
• 12/3 Little Big Town @ Ryman Auditorium – 7:30 pm
• 12/3 Ridge Banks @ Jackalope Brewing Co. – 8 pm
• 12/3 Regi Wooten @ Rudy’s Jazz Room – 9 pm
• 12/4 Abby Holliday and more @ House Show – 7 pm
• 12/4 Andy Buckner @ The Station Inn – 7 pm