Nashville Church Offers Free Parking To All (Even Tourists), & Nashvillians Are Hoping That Other Churches Do The Same

Now here’s a movement I could get behind.

If you’ve visited Nashville recently, or you are one of the 700,000 people that live here, you know that basically all parking comes at a price. Like most other metropolitan areas, the days of free parking – or even cheap parking – are gone. The good ol’ day where musicians and artists could park near Broadway and walk down to make a buck are over, and though there are still free (and cheaper) parking options out there in Music City… they are clinging to life.

Back in June, one of the cheapest places to park in Downtown Nashville unfortunately caught on fire. Locals and tourists alike used to flock to the Nashville Public Library parking garage to take advantage of its low prices (it was just a few blocks away from Broadway). But it’s still out of commission, and there’s not much word on when it’s supposed to reopen… if it ever even does.

Then over near Music Row, a decision by Nashville’s Parking and Traffic Commission turned over 200 free parking spots into paid ones back in November of 2025. Musicians and songwriters did what they could do protest the decision, but the controversial decision still went through. They didn’t even allow for any exemptions for residents or business owners in the area.

All that to say that parking in Nashville, and the cost of it all, is a growing issue… and one church in the East Nashville area is doing their part to buck against the trend.

Hope Church has planted a “Free Parking For All” sign in their parking lot. Seeing that churches are often utilized only once or twice a week, they decided to allow for anyone that needs to park in their lot to do so. The only limitation that they’ve set is that no one is allowed to park overnight.

It’s a great way for the church to show that they are for the community. Though a small act, it’s one that can really go a long way for both residents and tourists looking for a place to park (and save a few bucks). And when you consider the mission of the church, helping others and expecting nothing in return is one of the most Christ-like things you can do.

Will other churches in the Nashville area follow in the footsteps of Hope Church? That’s still to be seen. WKRN spoke to Pastor Frank Stevenson of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church in Nashville, and he applauded Hope Church for their decision, but cited some insurance limitations could keep other churches from joining in:

“I don’t think churches should feel pressured to say, ‘Hey, we’re going to give our parking lot to any- and everybody free,’ but I think when it makes sense — in particular, some of the churches in those high traffic areas — and underutilization, I think it makes sense for them to partner and do that.”

Free parking at churches across Music City would definitely turn some people into believers. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve praised the Lord just because I found a decent parking spot while out and about in Nashville.

Nashvillians in the comments of the WKRN Facebook post about Hope Church’s decision to open up their parking lot to all – free of charge – hope that other churches in the area do the same… and worry that some bad apples could ruin the free parking for everyone:

“Great idea, as long as people respect the kindness.”

“Being good neighbors in the community is a wonderful thing.”

“This is a kind gesture.”

“Why not allow public parking for a nominal fee or for free? The space is there whether it’s used or it sits empty.” 

“It’s a great idea for churches to be good stewards of their property. I just hope it doesn’t cause problems for them.”

The post Nashville Church Offers Free Parking To All (Even Tourists), & Nashvillians Are Hoping That Other Churches Do The Same first appeared on Whiskey Riff.