On the Circuit: The District's 40th Annual Progressive Party

As downtown Nashville started emerging from its seedier days, businesses returned to shuttered storefronts, and urban pioneers staked claims to buildings and residences coming to life on the streets north of Broadway. It would take decades before Nashville earned the moniker “It City,” drawing thousands to downtown living.

In those early days, the few residents and business leaders in the urban core embraced a more bohemian view of downtown life. They formed a neighborhood with a colorful cast of characters, each contributing to the betterment and growth of the area. During this era, residents and merchants formed The District, a nonprofit committed to the economic and community revitalization of three historic downtown Nashville neighborhoods: Broadway, Second Avenue/Riverfront and Printer’s Alley.

For 40 years, The District has hosted its Progressive Party to encourage downtown residents and suburbanites alike to gather and experience the area’s rich diversity. The traveling event highlights a variety of unique venues throughout downtown. Revelers begin at a designated location before moving to two more spots, often closing down already late-night bars and venues.

This year, The District celebrated with a mix of classic and new locations, showcasing the evolution of downtown. At the first stop, classic honky-tonk The Stage, Mayor Freddie O’Connell addressed the crowd.

“The District, as an organization, has been down here celebrating the history, the culture, the merchants and everything that makes this incredible place the heart of what has put Nashville on the world stage,” he said.

Next, The District honored Michelle Scopel with the 2026 Judy Steele Bayer Award for her tireless work rebuilding and revitalizing Second Avenue after the Dec. 25, 2020, bombing destroyed major buildings in the historic district.

After the speeches, guests moved to the second location, Jelly Roll’s Goodnight Nashville, where they enjoyed snacks and cocktails. The party ended at bachelorette hot spot The Hampton Social, where, true to form, friends lingered over glasses of wine and talked late into the evening.