RecFest 2026

Find Us at RecFest USA 2026

RecFest USA lands at The Fairgrounds Nashville on September 23 and 24. IQTalent is at stand 32 both days, and we are bringing the same team that recruits for talent acquisition leaders across the US, UK, and beyond.

Come say hello. Ask us where to eat. We have opinions.
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What to Expect at RecFest
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Dates

September 23 and 24, 2026

OUR BOOTH

Stand 32

LOCATION

The Fairgrounds Nashville

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Chris Murdock's session

Burn the Boats: Why TA Change Fails When the Old Way Still Exists

IQTalent co-founder Chris Murdock takes the stage to make an argument most talent acquisition leaders already suspect and few act on. New hiring processes do not fail because they are badly designed. They fail because the old process is still sitting there, available, and easier on a busy Tuesday.

Chris has spent his career inside that gap, helping teams commit to a change rather than run two systems in parallel and wonder why neither works. If your team has rolled out something new this year that nobody uses, this session is for you.

Catch it at 11:15am on day two, then find us at stand 32 to keep the conversation going.

chris-murdock-headshot

Chris Murdock

Co-Founder and Chief Sourcing Officer

20+ years in recruiting

What to wear and what to bring

A Local's Take on What to Pack

RecFest is outdoors, in Nashville, in late September. Here is what that means for your packing list, from the locals who have done a Tennessee September more than once.

Expect high 70s to mid 80s during the day and a real drop after sunset. Bring a layer for the evening even if the forecast looks warm.

And if you have room, pack for one night out. Broadway does not care that you have a 9am session.

Wear shoes

Wear shoes you can stand in for eight hours on grass. This is a festival, not a conference center. Every year someone shows up in dress shoes and regrets it by ten in the morning.

Business casual

September is still humid enough that you will notice it. Business casual works, but pick the breathable version of it.

Sunscreen and refillable water bottle

Sunscreen and a refillable water bottle earn their space in your bag. Shade at the Fairgrounds is limited.

Portable charger

You will be on your phone more than you plan to be, and there is no good place to sit and charge.

We Are Easy to Find at Stand 32

If this guide made your trip better, come tell us in person. Stand 32, both days.

We work with talent acquisition teams that need real recruiting capacity without the commission structure and long contracts that come with traditional agency models. Embedded recruiters, sourcing support, and recruiting operations that flex with your hiring plan across the US, UK, and globally.

Not going to RecFest? The guide still works. So does the conversation.

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Google Map with all our recommendations

RecFest Playlist

From hot chicken that’ll set your taste buds on fire to hidden gems that’ll make your Instagram followers green with envy, we’ve got the inside scoop on everything that makes Nashville tick. Whether you’re a country music die-hard, a foodie on a mission, or just looking to soak up some Southern charm, this guide’s got you covered. Let’s turn your RecFest trip into a Nashville adventure you’ll be bragging about for years to come.

Restaurant & Siteseeing

Downtown Delights: The Heart of Nashville

Places to Visit

Our Culinary Scene

Traditional Nashville Eats

Germantown

  • City House
  • Henrietta Red Seafood and oyster bar.
  • Kyuramen: Modern Japanese ramen spot famous for slow-cooked broths, signature honeycomb booths, and the popular yin-yang ramen bowl.
  • 5th & Taylor American cuisine in an artsy space.
  • Geist: Charming bar and restaurant set in a 19th-century blacksmith shop. Internationally-influenced cuisine, classic cocktails, and a year-round Champagne Garden in the courtyard.
  • Butchertown Hall
  • O-Ku
  • Pelato: Brooklyn-Italian tapas concept where every dinner feels like Sunday gravy night. Order too many plates, share generously, and don’t skip the radiatori vodka.
  • Rolf and Daughters Rustic Mediterranean in a historic factory space.
  • The Optimist

East Nashville

  • Audrey: Sean Brock’s innovative, highly acclaimed tasting menu restaurant.
  • Folk: Seasonal, locally-sourced New American cuisine in East Nashville.
  • Kisser: Intimate Japanese-inspired restaurant with creative small plates.
  • Lou Nashville: Neighborhood wine bar with seasonal, shareable dishes.
  • Noko: Modern Korean-inspired restaurant with innovative culinary approach.
  • Butcher & Bee: Mediterranean-inspired dishes with local ingredients.
  • Hawkers: Pan-Asian street food with vibrant, shareable small plates.
  • Lockeland Table: Community-focused eatery with great pizzas.
  • Mas Tacos Por Favor: Some of the best tacos in town.
  • Margot Cafe & Bar: Farm-to-table in a cozy setting.
  • Once Upon a Time in France: Authentic French bistro with classic Parisian cuisine.
  • Pelican & Pig: Farm-to-table restaurant showcasing seasonal, wood-fired cooking.
  • Red Headed Stranger: Casual taco spot with creative Mexican-inspired dishes.
  • Soy Cubano: Authentic Cuban cuisine bringing island flavors to Nashville.
  • Two Ten Jack: Japanese-inspired izakaya with ramen and craft cocktails.

The Gulch

  • Adele’s: Jonathan Waxman’s casual, farm-to-table California-inspired eatery.
  • Bar Mar: José Andrés’ coastal Spanish concept inside W Nashville. Seafood-driven menu with ceviches, octopus, and premium meats, all set under a striking octopus chandelier.
  • Chauhan Ale and Masala House: Indian fusion cuisine from a celebrity chef.
  • Kayne Prime: High-end steakhouse.
  • 404 Kitchen: Intimate, award-winning restaurant with innovative small plates.
  • Biscuit Love: Breakfast and brunch hot spot.
  • Carne Mare: Upscale Italian steakhouse with coastal seafood influences.
  • Electric Blue: Trendy cocktail bar with creative drink offerings.
  • Luogo: Modern Italian restaurant with sophisticated dining experience.
  • Mockingbird: Playful, eclectic restaurant with globally-inspired comfort food. 
  • Otaku: Ramen and Japanese street food destination.
  • Party Fowl: Nashville hot chicken and Southern-inspired pub fare.
  • Superica: Tex-Mex restaurant bringing bold, authentic Southwestern flavors.
  • Virago: Trendy sushi and pan-Asian restaurant with vibrant atmosphere.
  • Zaytinya: José Andrés’ Eastern Mediterranean mezze concept (first Southern location). Shareable small plates inspired by Turkey, Greece, and Lebanon, served at W Nashville.

Super Fancy (May require advance reservations)

  • Bad Idea: Wine bar and restaurant set inside a converted East Nashville church. James Beard semifinalist with a Lao-French menu and a Michelin Sommelier Award–winning wine program.
  • Bastion: Inventive cocktails and a hidden restaurant.
  • The Catbird Seat: Intimate chef’s tasting menu experience.
  • June: Seasonal, farm-driven tasting menu restaurant.
  • Locust: Modern, intimate dining with innovative small plates.
  • Present Tense: Craft cocktail bar with creative culinary offerings.
  • Tailor Nashville: Experimental restaurant blending global flavors and techniques.
  • Yolan: Upscale Italian cuisine.

Nashville: Taylor’s Version

  • Bluebird Cafe: Where Taylor Swift was discovered. Catch a songwriter’s night here for a true Nashville experience.
  • Music Row: Drive down 16th Avenue South, where Taylor’s music career began at Big Machine Records.
  • Centennial Park: Featured in Taylor’s “Mine” music video. Also home to our full-scale Parthenon replica. Bonus: this park is also mentioned in her Folklorian song “Invisible String.”
  • Hillsboro Village: Grab a coffee at Fido, one of Taylor’s favorite local spots during her early Nashville days.
  • Cheekwood Estate & Gardens: Taylor shot her “Love Story” video here. It’s a beautiful botanical garden and museum.

Nashville's Spirited Side

BBQ Joints

Downtown/WeHo

  • 888: Innovative Japanese restaurant and vinyl record listening lounge inside the JW Marriott. Look for the red light, settle in for sushi, and get lost in the curated soundtrack.
  • Bourbon Steak: Fine dining with a view at the top of the JW Marriott (also in SF).
  • Etch: Eclectic cuisine in the heart of downtown.
  • Pinewood Social: Trendy Nashville spot blending dining, bowling, and cocktails.
  • Husk: Modern approach to classic Southern ingredients.
  • Black Rabbit: Stylish East Nashville bar and restaurant with eclectic vibes.
  • Boqueria: Vibrant Spanish tapas restaurant bringing Barcelona-style dining to Nashville.
  • Cledis Burgers and Beer Garden: Casual Southern eatery with homestyle comfort food.
  • Deacon’s New South: Southern-inspired cuisine with modern culinary twists.
  • Degthai: Thai flavors in a contemporary Nashville setting.
  • Dicey’s Pizza: Casual, creative pizza spot with local charm.
  • Drusie and Darr: Elegant farm-to-table dining at The Joseph hotel. 
  • Earnest: Neighborhood restaurant serving innovative, seasonal American fare.
  • Gannon’s: Neighborhood pub offering classic American comfort food.
  • Puckett’s: Southern comfort food with live music atmosphere.
  • Riddim n Spice: Jamaican-inspired cuisine bringing Caribbean flavors to Nashville.
  • Sinatra’s: Classic Italian restaurant with old-school Vegas vibes.
  • Skull’s Rainbow Room: Historic Printer’s Alley bar with live entertainment.
  • The Diner: Multi-level downtown eatery serving round-the-clock comfort food.
  • The Southern: Upscale Southern restaurant with craft cocktails and cuisine.

5th and Broad

12 South

  • Butter Milk Ranch: (Breakfast/Brunch)
  • Fryce Cream: (Fun experience)
  • Urban Grub: Southern-inspired seafood and charcuterie restaurant.
  • Epice: Intimate Lebanese restaurant with authentic Middle Eastern flavors.
  • Five Daughter’s: Artisan bakery famous for unique, indulgent doughnuts.
  • Fonda: Elevated modern Mexican from acclaimed Chef Roberto Santibañez. Shareable plates, creative cocktails, and validated parking (a 12 South rarity).
  • Frothy Monkey: Cozy coffee shop serving breakfast, lunch, and drinks.
  • Josephine: Upscale American restaurant with seasonal, locally-sourced menu.
  • Sushi-san: Lettuce Entertain You’s first location outside Chicago. Ultra-fresh fish, Japanese whisky, hip-hop soundtrack, and a walk-up soft-serve window.
  • The Henry: Sam Fox’s all-day neighborhood spot serving breakfast, lunch, brunch, dinner, and cocktails. The molten butter cake with tableside caramel is worth the trip.

The Nations/Sylvan Park/Midtown

Cocktails