Annual Progressive Party

The District’s Progressive Party, our yearly fundraiser supporting downtown Nashville’s revitalization and community initiatives, raised an impressive $75,000 in 2025 thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, partners, and attendees. This progressive experience takes guests through three District venues, each offering its own unique flavor of hospitality.

History and Tradition

One of The DISTRICT’s longest-running traditions also began during the formative years of The District.

In 1987, a home tour was held along Second Avenue in conjunction with the Market Street Festival. Downtown residents opened their homes to visitors, offering a glimpse into the emerging residential community taking shape within Nashville’s historic buildings.

Following the tour, Frank May suggested an idea he had experienced in New York: a progressive dinner in which guests moved from one location to another throughout the evening. The gathering was such a success that the concept was brought to the Historic Nashville board as a way to showcase even more of downtown’s historic properties.

The idea evolved into the Market Street Festival Preview Party, with progressive events held in 1988 and 1989. When the Historic Riverfront Association expanded to become The DISTRICT, the party came with it as an important fundraising event.

That early progressive dinner ultimately grew into what is now The DISTRICT’s Progressive Party, an annual celebration that brings people together throughout downtown while raising funds to support the organization’s mission.

Click Here for 2026 Progressive Party Info and Tickets!

Captured: Moments & Legacies of the Progressive Party

Three people sitting on a black leather couch at an event with a large black and white photo of a man on the screen behind them. The woman on the left has long wavy hair, is wearing a dark sleeveless dress, and is smiling. The woman in the middle has

A band performing live on stage with four members; one playing guitar, another singing into a microphone, a third playing drums, and the fourth playing bass guitar. A large screen behind them displays auction items and bidding information.

Two people taking a selfie at a live music venue called Fiddle and Stiffe Guitar Bar, with a stage and other concert attendees in the background.

Group of five people at a social event, standing around a table with drinks and a rose in a vase, smiling and posing for the camera.

Four people standing together smiling in front of a step-and-repeat banner with various logos, including High Rises & Honky Tonks, Nashville Music City, and others, at an event.

Three women standing together at a conference, smiling, wearing conference badges, and dressed in business casual attire.

Group of six people gathered around a table in a restaurant, smiling at the camera. There are three women and one man seated at the table, with two women standing behind them. The table has drinks, a small plate of food, and drinks in wine glasses.

Three women smiling and holding drinks at a professional conference or event, wearing name badges, in a well-lit indoor setting.

Group of people at a social event gathered around a tall round table with food and drinks

Five people at a professional event holding wine glasses, standing indoors with a bar and bookshelves in the background.

People enjoying food and drinks at a buffet or catering event with a chef preparing food in the foreground.

People gathering around a registration table at a professional event or conference, signing in and collecting materials.

A group of people at an event celebrating 'High Rises & Donkey Tunks' gather around an older man with curly gray hair, who is holding a glass of red wine and toasting a woman with long blond hair, while others smile and look on in a bar or restaurant

A woman with blonde hair singing into a microphone while holding a guitar, accompanied by a man with a beard and cap playing an acoustic guitar, performing on stage at a bar or music venue.

A young woman smiling while holding a large heart-shaped frame at a crowded event.

Group of people at a social event, including a woman wearing a straw hat with beads, red glasses, a colorful jacket, and a necklace, and a man wearing a black cowboy hat, a black shirt with a guitar design, and a blue shirt underneath.

An indoor social gathering with people talking, drinking, and engaging in activities. There are artworks on brick walls, and a bar area with musical instrument decorations.

Four women sitting together in a bar or restaurant, smiling and wearing conference badges around their necks, with a television showing a football game in the background.

Display of three autographed acoustic guitars on a table at an auction or event, with posters and informational cards in front of each guitar, against a brick wall background.

A man wearing a white hat, black velvet blazer, white shirt, and glasses standing next to a woman in a black sleeveless dress at an indoor event with other people in the background.

Two smiling people at a social event, the man wearing a fedora and suit jacket, the woman holding a drink and wearing glasses, both with event badges around their necks, standing in front of a bar with other people in the background.

Four women standing together at a social event, holding wine glasses, indoors with warm lighting and a piano in the background.

Two smiling people, a woman and a man, standing close together at an event, with a guitar and an American flag in the background.

Four women smiling and holding glasses of red wine in front of a backdrop with logos for Hard Rock Cafe, The District, and letsBOOTHit at a social event.

Three people smiling and posing for a photo at an indoor event. The man on the left has gray hair and is wearing a black shirt and blazer. The woman in the middle has short blonde hair, wearing a brown top and colorful necklace. The man on the right

Three women smiling and posing for a photo at a social event, wearing name badges and lanyards.

Four smiling adults, two women and two men, standing together at a conference with name badges. They are indoors with a brick wall and staircase in the background.