Board approves All Nashville Roadshow, Playhouse gala and annual event alcohol exemptions

At the Jan. 26 meeting the Matthews Board of Commissioners approved several event‑related exemptions and permits.

All Nashville Roadshow: The board approved a request to host a ticketed country‑music fundraising event in Stumptown Park on Feb. 22, 2026. Tour manager Allie Massey said the show expects about 400 attendees, is turnkey and self‑contained, and does not require town electrical or water support. The board first approved an exemption to allow ticketed fundraising on town property and then approved a related exemption to permit sale and consumption of beer/wine on town property. Staff discussed perimeter control, wristbands and partnerships with local breweries/cideries; the approvals passed unanimously.

Matthews Playhouse gala: The Playhouse requested an exemption to permit beer and wine at its 30th‑anniversary gala on June 13 at the community center. Playhouse representatives described service controls (bartender training, insurance, a two‑drink maximum per ticketed attendee) and the board approved the exemption unanimously.

Town event exemptions: The board also approved a standing set of alcohol exemptions for town‑sponsored events (Summerfest, Beats & Bites, Comic Con, Independence Day and others). Staff described procedures used in prior years — perimeter signage, vendor IDs and wristbands, and use of trusted vendors such as Seaboard Brewing — and commissioners emphasized careful perimeter and vendor monitoring.

All event approvals were unanimous; staff will continue coordinating policing, perimeter plans and vendor permits.