What We Do…

The DISTRICT is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to the economic and community revitalization of three historic downtown Nashville neighborhoods—Broadway, 2nd Avenue/Riverfront, and Printer’s Alley. Originating in the late 1980s through a collaboration between Historic Nashville Inc. and the Metropolitan Historical Commission, The DISTRICT builds on the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Main Street model. It promotes a vibrant, unified identity by supporting local businesses, preserving historic character, and fostering civic pride. Today, it serves as a collaborative partnership among property owners, businesses, preservationists, nonprofits, and government agencies, working together to create a thriving and growing area where people live, work, shop, dine, play, and visit.

2nd Ave Strong horizontal logo

2ndAveStrong is an initiative spearheaded by The District to support the immediate and long-term restoration and preservation of the Second Avenue North district, which was severely damaged in the Christmas Day bombing. The effort aims to assist building owners, businesses, and city partners in securing and revitalizing this historically significant area of downtown Nashville. The focus area includes Second Avenue between Broadway and Union Street, as well as First Avenue between Broadway and Church Street.

Events and On-going Projects:

Logo for High Notes & Highballs featuring a musical note in a glass, city skyline of Nashville, and text promoting an event on September 17, 2025, with activities like sipping, savoring, and strolling.

Annual Progressive Party

We’re excited to announce The DISTRICT’s annual Progressive Party for 2025, now with a refreshed theme:High Notes & Highballs.

Mark your calendar for Wednesday, September 17, as we sip, savor, and stroll through an all-inclusive evening across three newly opened downtown venues: Blueprint Underground Cocktail Club, Category 10, and Bankers Alley Hotel.

Logo with a vineyard structure at the top, bold text reading "Wine on the River," a wavy banner with "on the," and smaller text below listing "Nashville Wine + Spirits Fest."

Wine on the River

Travel the world without leaving Nashville! Join us on Saturday, September 13, 2025 as we taste from different regions spanning the globe. All beverage samples of wine, beer, and spirits are included in admission. Food is available for purchase.

Take a break from your travels and enjoy the soothing sounds of live music while taking in the beautiful views of the skyline, river and bridges from Riverfront Park. Wine On the River is a rain or shine event and no refunds will be given.

Colorful mural of a piano with a person playing, surrounded by stars, and the quote 'The music is all around you' painted above.

Artists on Boards &
Downtown Murals

The DISTRICT began this project after  many of the Downtown businesses needed to board up their windows either due to damage or as protection.

After the 2020 Bombing, we wanted to brighten up downtown and give some artists some work. Some that you see around are ones we spearheaded and others have been popping up to jump on “Board”!  Ongoing projects include installations on vacant buildings and under construction spaces.

Illustration of a decorated building with a red, white, green, and blue color scheme, featuring Christmas-themed decorations and snowflakes, with the text 'The District Nashville' at the top.

Downtown Holiday Decorations
(Deck The District)

Deck the District… A holiday celebration between November to January 6th, on the streets of Downtown Nashville! Including a large Christmas tree at 1st Avenue and Broadway. Downtown Business and Merchants Sponsor large ornaments surounding the tree

This is a great opportunity to show your Holiday Spirit and Support Downtown Nashville. The Holiday Ornaments are displayed on a Lamppost near or next your Location!!  More info here.