Contemporary arts center OZ Arts Nashville will hold its popular fall fundraiser, Beyond Bourbon: A Benefit Bash for OZ Arts, on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at the organization’s stylish creative warehouse in West Nashville. The annual event raises funds for the coming year of dynamic artistic and educational programming, including the organization’s forthcoming season of season of boundary-pushing performances from around the world.
The grounds of OZ’s gorgeous and dynamic campus transform into a party palace for patrons of the arts, offering an astounding variety of tastings from premium beverage brands, plus special, exclusive tasting events before the big public bash, all to support the cutting-edge contemporary arts programming and artist development opportunities that OZ Arts brings to the Nashville community.
Since its inception, Beyond Bourbon has honored the legacy of the Ozgener family’s cigar brands as well as the vibrant future of the groundbreaking contemporary arts center now housed in the former cigar warehouse. Party-goers will enjoy a multitude of irresistible indulgences, including more than 25 different high-end spirits, cocktails, wines and beers alongside an assortment of eats from Nashville favorite Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint. Guests may also sample products by Ozgener Family Cigars and Crowned Heads in the venue’s beautiful gardens.
Beyond Bourbon proudly features honorary co-chairs Milton Johnson, former Chairman & CEO of HCA Healthcare / Tri-Star Health, and Denice Johnson. The event is also co-chaired by a diverse group of local leaders who have made extraordinary impacts on the Nashville community, including Jenn & Rob Adams, Dr. Robert C. Sherrill, and Nicole & C.R. Smith.
“We always look forward to raising a glass with many of our most valued supporters who understand the importance of contemporary art and culture to our thriving city,” said Tim Ozgener, Co-Founder and President of OZ Arts Nashville. “Beyond Bourbon is a chance to welcome friends, supporters, and local artists to OZ’s creative warehouse for a celebratory evening with irresistible spirits, delicious bites, and perhaps a cigar or two, making it one of the most memorable nights of the year.”
Among the ticketing options guests can choose from for the evening will be multiple VIP Patron tastings that feature rare wines, bourbons, specialty liquors, and more. For additional details and tickets, please visit: www.ozartsnashville.org/beyond-bourbon-2026/
By sponsoring Beyond Bourbon, local businesses and organizations can gain visibility at one of Nashville’s most dynamic and celebrated philanthropic events of the year while reaching a diverse audience and supporting the city’s thriving local arts scene. To inquire about opportunities, please contact Nicholas Gulick, director of development, at nick@ozartsnashville.org or 615-350-7200.
ABC Periscope Pitch returns to OZ Arts, September 9
PERISCOPE is an intensive, annual business development accelerator program hosted by the Arts & Business Council of Greater Nashville (ABC). It is specifically designed to empower working local artists, makers, and creators by teaching them how to view their creative practices through an entrepreneurial lens and build sustainable. Selected artists complete a 9-week business training curriculum led by top entrepreneurial and arts professionals. Following the classes, each participant is paired one-on-one with a high-caliber business mentor for 6 months.
The program culminates each year in a signature public event. The upcoming 2026 Periscope Pitch + Artist Entrepreneur Showcase is scheduled for Wednesday, September 9, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at OZ Arts Nashville. During this event, attendees can browse artist booths, and eight selected finalists will pitch their business plans live on stage to win cash and prizes. Learn more, and RSVP to attend this inspiring annual free event and support the artists at: https://abcnashville.org/periscope/
